The Walrus and The Carpenter Review

Today we are featuring guest blogger Lisa Kothari.  She is a Seattle transplant from the mid-West, and blogs over at The Ray Doc’s Wife about “good food, great travel, and seriously fun living.”  Lisa is a self proclaimed foodie, and from time to time we will be featuring her reviews of nearby eateries.  Today’s review, The Walrus and The Carpenter, a French inspired oyster bar, is a venture of award winning Chef Renee Erickson.  Featured in Bon Appetite, USA Today, and The New York Times, among others, this is a nationally known and highly acclaimed restaurant located in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood.

The Walrus and The Carpenter

Walrus and the carpenter reviewed by Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals

A friend took me out for drinks and dinner to celebrate my birthday last week. Given we are both “foodie” types, we chose The Walrus and the Carpenter in the Seattle neighborhood, Ballard. I knew that they didn’t take reservations and so given it was a Monday, I thought I would arrive around 5:15 or so and get a table easily. I was completely surprised when I arrived at that time and the entire place was completely full and there was a wait! Wow! This place does have a reputation.

Here’s what they write on their website:

The Walrus and the Carpenter blends the elegance of France with the casual comfort of a local fishing pub. “The idea is to serve the highest quality food and drink in a space that is stripped of pretense and feels like home.”

Walrus and the carpenter reviewed by Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals

 

When my friend arrived, they seated us fairly quickly outdoors. Although it was chilly, they had great heaters on the patio and so we decided to take our seats there.

Walrus and the carpenter reviewed by Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals

 

The Walrus and the Carpenter is known for its oysters. Although I am not a fan, my friend ordered several and very much enjoyed them.

Walrus and the carpenter reviewed by Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals

 

I ended up with a glass of champagne…of course.

Walrus and the carpenter reviewed by Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals

 

From there, I enjoyed a mushroom dish – although classified as a salad, it tasted more like a soup. This was truly delicious. (This was my favorite – so, of course, I forgot to snap a picture and just ate it up quick!) Here’s a picture of the bread, though:

Walrus and the carpenter reviewed by Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals

 

My friend then ordered a proscuito platter that we thought would be more interesting that it actually was. It did have an interesting sauce, but the meat was simply piled high on the dish in a boring manner. I wouldn’t recommend this to you.

Walrus and the carpenter reviewed by Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals

 

Finally, for dessert, we ordered a cup of drinking caramel – and it was a liquid caramel spiced with pepper. That was interesting and super, super sweet. It’s not often you can drink caramel like that so it’s worth a try.

Walrus and the carpenter reviewed by Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals

 

I loved the atmosphere and the foodie environment. Of course, when you get together with a girlfriend, the best part is the conversation, right? With a few oysters and champagne thrown in, of course!

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