The wining-and-dining experience at Tulalip Resort Casino is an explosion of aromas and tastes. There is something for everybody, whether you visit the sumptuous, award-winning Tulalip Bay, the mouth-watering Journeys East, or the more casual Canoes Carvery and The Draft Sports Bar. There are even more options: Blackfish, Cedars Cafe, Eagles Buffet and Blazing Paddles.
On our recent 24-hour visit to Tulalip Resort, we had the fortune of experiencing four restaurants and Oktoberfest. On all stops, the staff couldn’t do enough to make our time there memorable. Customer service is an art form at Tulalip Resort.
Our group started the evening with fabulous wines paired with delectable bites at Destination Lounge, located in the hotel lobby. Two magnificent bottles were opened — Fratelli Lunelli Ferrari ‘Giulio Ferrari’ Riserva del Fondatore, which some call the best Italian sparkling wine in the world, and the impressive Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape from France. As long-time fans of Tulalip Sommelier Tom Thompson, we were not surprised that these beauties grace his cellar.
The wine was paired with mouth-watering appetizers — Savory Cheesecake with four cheeses, vegetables and grilled baguettes; Trio of Tapanades, a gorgonzola spread, olive tapanade and sun-dried tomato tapanade; and Mahi-Mahi Tostadas.
Our next stop was a special Oktoberfest event on the Grill Patio at The Draft. Thompson and Executive Chef Perry Mascitti showcased authentic German dishes and imported, local, and domestic Oktoberfest-inspired beer. We were particularly fond of Uli’s brats, a savory Bavarian pretzel bread pudding, and an amazing dessert that was indescribably delicious.
Our favorite beer was Ridge Run Stout, a dark, rich, chocolate stout from Backwoods Brewing. From the tasting notes: “An American stout made with chocolate malt and lots of roasted barley. This stout gives off a lighter chocolate taste on the front, and finishes with subtle espresso notes. Medium-bodied, well-balanced and roasty throughout.”
Other tasty brews came from Deschutes, Dru Bru, Georgetown Brewing, Leinenkugel’s, Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, Hofbräu, Paulaner, and the Hacker-Pschorr. Of note, Oktoberfest beer and dishes are available throughout October at six restaurants at Tulalip Resort.
The evening’s food extravaganza wrapped up at Journeys East, an Asian fusion restaurant that features flavors from Japan, Thailand, China, Korea and Vietnam. But first came the amazing Hou Hou Shu sparkling sake and two other chilled sakes on our table. Wow. What a taste sensation!
Our group was served a variety of delicious dishes: Potstickers (pan-fried pork dumplings); Tempura Shrimp; Steamed Halibut (with ginger, scallions, and cilantro); Xia Wan (fried shrimp balls served with a honey-wasabi dipping sauce); and Bo Luc Lac (garlic beef and shallot tossed in an oyster sauce).
Margot’s favorite was lobster sushi rolls (left), with lobster salad, asparagus, cucumber, avocado, mango, strawberry and wasabi sauce — one of 18 options of sushi rolls on the menu and simply spectacular. Dave preferred the heavenly honey walnut shrimp plate (right), tossed in a creamy sauce with candied walnuts.
The next morning, we were treated to a wonderful breakfast at Cedars Cafe. Our group placed orders ranging from hearty bacon and eggs to a special treat, crunchy French Toast — two slices of house-baked, thick-cut cinnamon brioche bread crusted with Frosted Flakes and served with cranberry cream cheese.
You do not have to be a hotel guest to enjoy any of these fantastic restaurants. If you’re a breakfast lover and driving anywhere between Vancouver and Portland, stop in! Or if you’re looking for a romantic dinner at an excellent restaurant just north of Seattle, think about making reservations at Tulalip Resort.
By the way, our 24-hour visit also introduced us to the newly remodeled rooms at the hotel. For details, see our post, Tulalip Resort – A Taste of Luxury.
We highly recommend Tulalip Resort and all of its restaurants!
Cheers,
Margot and Dave