Tulalip Bay Restaurant at Tulalip Resort and Casino

A few years ago, after a mind-melting culinary experience, John and I began to keep an unwritten list of some of our favourite and most memorable dining adventures. Unfortunately he’s never joined me at Tulalip Bay Restaurant but it quickly snuck its way onto my list.

Tucked away at inside the resort casino off the I-5 in Washington State, I have been fortunate enough to enjoy multi-course meals in the private dining room of Tulalip Bay under an impressive Dale Chijuly chandelier. Along with other media, my most recent meal at Tulalip Bay was back in April and it was paired specifically with Pacific Northwest wines thanks to Sommelier and Wine Buyer Tommy Thompson.

Appetizer:
Volcano seared Ahi Tuna with tempura vegetables, wasabi cilantro fusion
Wine pairing: 2010 Long Shadows Poets Leap Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington

Salad:
Dungeness crab and avocado with fresh mango, Asian wasabi horseradish vinaigrette
Wine pairing: 2008 Tranche Cellars Roussanne-Viognier, Columbia Valley, Washington

I have learned that when you’re on the coast in Washington State and you’re offered crab, you take it — and you won’t be disappointed.

Entree:
Crab crusted Alaskan Halibut with wok vegetables, wasabi mash, Sriracha chili butter sauce
Wine pairing: 2008 Tenor Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington

Dessert:
White chocolate buttermilk shortcake with lime macerated strawberries and sweet cream
Wine pairing: 2005 Chateau St Michel Late Harvest White Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington

Our feast was indulgent and loaded with fresh local ingredients, the catch of the day, and wines from the region. In both of my experiences at Tulalip Bay there has been an emphasis on celebrating Washington, the coast, its wineries, and providing a spin on everyday classics.

Tulalip Bay is located within the impressive Tulalip Resort and Casino — beautifully decorated, loaded with comforts and technology, and filled with artwork and tributes to the heritage and culture of the Tulalip Tribe.

You don’t need to be a hotel guest (although I would recommend them as an overnight stop any day) or a casino player to enjoy the restaurant. You can stop in on your way to and from the premium outlets which are just next door, while you’re at Tulalip for a show, or on your way to Seattle. They also have a “dinner and a show” package available if you’re heading down for acts like Kenny Rogers, Patton Oswalt, or Smokey Robinson.

Tulalip Bay is the fine dining option at Tulalip Resort and Casino but it’s definitely worth treating yourself (and your date) to its opulent flavours and abundant regional wine selection. Take Exit 202 from the I-5 and look for the resort on the West side of the highway. It’s right between Wal-Mart and the Premium Outlets. Follow @TulalipResort on Twitter for more information.