Friday, April 8, 2011
My wife Karen and I went to Salty’s on Alki last night for dinner. We arrived at dusk and the ambience was outstanding. Across the bay, the city lights were just turning on.
For parking, they have valet parking available, however, we opted to use the ample street parking on Harbor Avenue.
On our walk from the car to the front door we clearly heard sea lions yelping in the distance. They sounded like a pack of barking dogs.
We had made our reservation online, a great system, and they were ready for us when we arrived. We sat in the bar until our table was ready.
The bar features window-side table seating as well as high-back chairs to take full advantage of the great view which is truly spectacular. Really, I believe the view of Seattle from across the bay is unmatched by any other restaurant. The bar area is full of cool stuff hanging from the ceiling like a child’s fire engine can you read and a nostalgic old bicycle, a tricycle, a very lengthy wooden fishing rod among other items.
The selection of specialty drinks in the bar was exquisite as was the wine selection. We each chose a glass of red wine. She had the Malbec and I had the 14 Hands Merlot. Both were excellent although we liked the 14 Hands slightly better.
When we were seated at our table, we were pleasantly surprised that even though it wasn’t a window seat, it was elevated so we could take full advantage of the view. Across the bay you could see the Space Needle, Key Arena, all of downtown Seattle, Safeco Field, Seahawks Stadium, as well as the shipping cranes lining the waterways of the Port of Seattle. Coincidentally, it was opening night for the Mariners and they had the game turned on the bar, with the sound turned down.
The menu, under the heading of Small Plates, listed crabcakes, coconut crusted prawns, handmade sushi, grilled oysters, pork sliders and clams, to name a few. They also had Salty’s world-famous seafood chowder which includes organic potatoes, apple-wood bacon, colossal clams, Oregon Bay shrimp and baby scallops.
They also had hearts of romaine Caesar salad and Northwest Seafood Cioppino. Their “Light Entrées” included Dungeness crab mac & cheese, Bering Sea crab legs, and peppered Angus reserve flatiron.
I opted for the Alaskan ling cod fish and chips and a side of jumbo asparagus. The asparagus was topped with a lemon sauce and was simply outstanding.
From the Entrées menu my wife chose Kodiak Island True Cod Oscar. They also offered Westport Dungeness Crab Stuffed Salmon, and a surf and turf plate of prime filet mignon and lobster tail.
I must say, their wait staff was also excellent. They offered the proper combination of service and information without being intrusive.
After the main course, I declined the dessert feeling overstuffed at the time, however my wife wisely chose the cream Brulé. I found I had ample room left to help her with that.
To sum up the experience, Salty’s combines nostalgic ambiance with a world-class view and cuisine, making this restaurant a must visit whether you live locally or are just in town for a few days.
