showcase magazine | spring/summer 08
dining guide | showcase picks Woody’s on the Water 1715 Dock Street E, Tacoma 253.272.1433 www.woodystacoma.com
Woody’s on the Water occupies the former Blue Olive space on Tacoma’s Thea Foss Waterway, as romantic a spot as any you will find along Commencement Bay. The great glass “icicle bar” that once graced the Blue Olive may be gone, but Woody’s has quickly gained popularity for its well-executed menu of classic dishes and seafood specialties. As the sun set over the marina one Friday night, my husband and I enjoyed a meal of pecan-crusted oysters, Asian pear and goat cheese salad, steak, and cognac chicken. After a basket of fresh sourdough, our salad arrived. This small dish was definitely the highlight of the meal. Baby spinach came coated in a delicately sweet dressing, accompanied by finely chopped, perfectly crunchy pear, and crumbles of mild chevre. A subtle caramellike sauce accompanied the Asian
pear, which complimented the saltiness of the oysters beautifully. We were a bit skeptical of this dish when it arrived, but quickly found ourselves negotiating the honor of the last bite. Woody’s offers main dish versions of many of their imaginative and popular starters. Because their prime rib was not available medium rare that evening, we opted for a rib eye steak, and cognac chicken in mushroom cream sauce. Both were moist, tender, and well- executed. The cognac chicken was served atop a garlic chive mashed potato which was truly outstanding, and asparagus which was slightly bitter. The steak arrived alongside blue cheese potatoes and an assortment of vegetables. Although we enjoyed these, on future visits we might try the “tipsy steamers” or opt for a larger version of the oysters.
After the meal, we found room for Woody’s simple, delicious desserts. A sized-to-share crème brulee and individually-made brownie with vanilla ice cream seemed to vanish before our eyes. The restaurant’s location offers plenty of opportunity to walk off some of these extra dessert calories, with a stroll along the waterfront, or up the neighboring Museum of Glass “grand” staircase and across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. A Northwest restaurant, Woody’s eschews pretense. Patrons will find themselves right at home in casual attire, yet will still be impressed by the food and setting. The management takes care to visit every table and personally ensure that each party is pleased with their meal, a care that shows in every facet of this waterfront jewel.
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cuisine
story jennifer boutell