Elliot's Oyster House - Originally Published 2009

There is a law of the universe that I unlocked a few years ago.  It goes like this, “The closer a seafood restaurant is to the ocean, the worse it is.”  Apparently, this universal law only holds true in Southern California because Elliot’s Oyster House is the latest Pacific Northwest restaurant that is right on the water and serves amazing food.

The draw here is obviously the oysters.  When it comes to oysters, I love them but know nothing about them.  Thankfully, the staff is knowledgeable and our waiter put together a great little collection for us to sample.

Elliot’s would be what I consider one of the more perfect dinners I have ever had.  This is an amazing place to come and unwind after a day of exploring Seattle.  We had an unbelievable dinner and some commanding views of Puget Sound.

Pike Place Market - Originally Published 2009

If I were told that I could only visit one place in Seattle, it would be Pike Place Market.  The market is a sprawling collection of stores and vendors selling everything that makes life more enjoyable.  Walk a few feet through the market and you will understand the term “sensory overload”.

Sights, sounds, colors and even flying fish are just some of the reason why this is Seattle’s must-do location.

Fisherman's Wharf - Originally Published

I have some advice for you if you choose to eat at the seafood places down at Fisherman’s Wharf.  Don’t go through the breezeway.  You see, I have a distinct memory that on the other side of the breezeway, there is a park bench with a lovely view of a yacht club.

But there is no park bench and no view of a yacht club, just squalor and aggressive pigeons.  I went there with Mai and Marc on a recent visit and I treated them to a view of a homeless man eating out of a trashcan.  This makes wonderful dinner theater when you’re trying to enjoy your bread bowl full of clam chowder.

Corbett Fish House - Originally Published 2008

Corbett Fish House was a lucky find.  It just happened to be a neighborhood spot in the neighborhood we were staying in.  This is a place that does one thing and does it right.

Their specialty is fried lake fish.  It has to be the only place I am aware of on the West Coast that serves walleye.  I would recommend that if you happen to be in Portland, go out of your way to get here.  A nice plate of fish, a few oyster shooters, and a cold draft beer is a perfect way to end a Pacific Northwest evening.

The Fish House - Originally Published 2009

The odds were stacked against the Fish House in Stanley Park.  It’s a seafood restaurant near a body of water.  It’s an elegant looking place in the middle of a busy park.  I was thinking that it might be like Tavern on the Green in Manhattan, an elegant place that specializes in fleecing the tourists.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.  After wandering around the park, the Fish House offered up a mellow place to site back and watch people on the putting green.  The food was elegant, but it wasn’t stuffy or pretentious.  The wait staff was friendly and had plenty of information for us tourist.  It’s worth a stop, especially with the early bird special.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.  THE FISH HOUSE - WE SPEAK YOUR NAME.