I’ve been meaning to get down to Westward on Lake Union since it opened this past Fall, but was final given the excuse when my friend Matt’s bike tire blew out, and we were limited in our evening excursion to walking distance only.
A finer evening for a bike tire blow-out we couldn’t have wished for.
Westward is nestled right on the shore of the lake, with rows of Adirondack chairs facing out, summer resort style, and a large gas-fired stone fire pit to gather around. The view of the lake and the city was serene and rosy, and more or less insisted that we overindulge in the oyster menu.
I’m no oyster connoisseur, but I’m a fan, and I was not disappointed. We started with the Chef’s Choice (half dozen Olympias and half dozen Fishhook Fjord’s): the Olympias were dainty, tasty morsels and the Fjord’s meatier, but light and cheerful. The spicy vinegar sauce complemented the flavors without competing.
It was a puzzle, though, later in the meal, when we went back for more oysters, that the waiters told us that their favorite were the Shigoku’s (which we split a half dozen of): if they’re everybody’s favorite, why doesn’t the chef like them? Whatever, more oysters.
The house was packed on a warm Wednesday night, and the food was all rich and delicious, but it was the real estate that made the experience: location, location, location. Where else can you walk to in Wallingford with such a beautiful view, and enjoy good food and tasty drinks?
It almost felt a bit out of place in Wallingford: as Matt put it, “it’s kind of like that douchey frat guy that you hang out with because he’s actually a good guy.” The clientele seemed to run a bit Bellevue, and the prices on the menu ain’t cheap, but I’ll be back, and soon.
This place is just right for summer.
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I was sitting in an Adirondack chair on Monday, drinking a beer in the afternoon sun and watching the geese float by. Matt’s assessment is spot-on. The setting is rad, but the clientele is a bit too “Eastside Boater” for the neighborhood.
You must have gone when I wasn’t there! Love this place! Being there makes me feel like I am on vacation. 🙂
Hey Wallyhooders, lets open our arms to these “Eastside Boater” types, poor saps have nothing on the Eastside especially on a lake. Another take is that most from the Eastside are probably from somewhere else maybe even Eastcoasties and just ended up there, so they need a good warm ambiance and lake view. Cheers