It was starting to rain quite heavily when I got off the M18 bus to the south end of Ballard Ave. I decided to not even bother bringing an umbrella to Seattle when I left NYC because all you need is a trusty hoodie.
Seattle, known for it's gloomy weather and grunge music, apparently is also popular with oyster loving eaters. I remember when my friends and I were planning our first visit to Seattle we also did research on oyster farms. We were hoping to be able to just walk down the beach, shuck some oysters and eat them. We quickly gave up that idea once we found out we needed a car to get there. So now after 4 years I was back, this time by myself. Walking around an unfamiliar neighborhood looking for an oyster bar, The Walrus and the Carpenter.
The Walrus and the Carpenter, named after the poem by Lewis Carroll, was just 5 months old and had already garnered many praises from the community. Situated at the rear of the newly renovated Kolstrand building, it took me a bit of time to find it. Lucky for me, as I walked in the rain started to pour and it didn't slow down until I left the restaurant around 6pm.
Once I walked I was quickly greeted by Jeremy Price, 1 of the owners of The Walrus. He introduced me to the crew and vice versa. The space was not huge which added a lot to the character of the restaurant. It was cozy and welcoming. I stayed for dinner afterwards and even though the place was packed I never once felt it was loud or crowded. I especially like the mixed color stools and the worn out wooden floor boards. Like I was walking on a boardwalk on the beach.
When I got there everyone was busy chopping, baking and cooking. I was impressed to see only 3 people in the kitchen. Each of them with that day's menu next to them, some of the items were already crossed out. Parsley was being chopped, aioli was being made, desserts were being prepared and at the same time everyone was chatting about their Christmas vacation. Later I found out that they had a moustache contest and who ever shaved it off first had to shaved their legs. That's the sort of place I like to hang out at. When it got closer to opening time, they double checked on their alcohol and drinks. The baskets that were going to hold the oysters were being filled with ice. Just 15mins before opening the oysters were brought out. Everyone was ready for their 1st day back from the holidays and a crowd of people were already waiting outside. Then right at 4pm the restaurant was opened.
I would like to thank Molly Wizenberg of Orangette and Delancey for suggesting The Walrus and the Carpenter for me to shoot for this photo project. Also a huge thank you to the crew at The Walrus and the Carpenter. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was great. Everyone should pay a visit if they ever find themselves in Seattle.
Check out the slideshow for the rest of the photos I took. Thank you!