Se parece a Vigo...

During the trip to Seattle, I was struck with a sudden thought for Spain. Emotions and other effects of the mind evocated so many pleasant memories of Iberia. I guess Spain is part of me whereever I go.

Seattle

I visited The Walrus & the Carpenter (an oyster bar) with a friend. While we had to wait a bit to get a seat at the counter, the quality and excellence of the food made up for the time spent. Located in Ballard, one needs a car or taxi (about 30 minutes from the Convention Center and the Pike St. Market). Only complaint is the wait, but it is worth the time.

There is no bar area to sip a drink while you wait, but the hostess suggested we go to Portalis, three blocks down the street, where we found an awesome selection of wines and light appetizers. Worth the short walk. The neighbor was more European than United States.

Portalis offered a superb carte of wines with a simple, yet elegant appetizer menu. We tasted the Technicolor Bat, and it was superb. The wait staff gave wonderful recommendations and was knowledgeably informed. For food, we had a Charcuterie Plate that was stunning.

The decor of Portalis was equally impressive, comfortable, and inviting. Definitely a place to return to during the next visit to Seattle.When it will be, who knows. After the brief moments at Portalis, we returned our original destination.

The Walrus and the Carpenter is small, compact and intimate with no nonsense decoration. The food prepared fresh and served impeccably is amazing.  The view of the preparation area affords insights into the restaurant's philosophy and modus operandi.

We ate incredible fresh oysters with horseradish grated before our eyes.  Unbelievable! I was taken back to my times in Galicia with friends, partaking of the sea´s bounty. My thoughts jump to la Noruega, whose bright eyes and cheer made my days so happy.

In addition, we ordered several other items: lovely crusty bread with butter, some pickled beets, jambon de Paris with trumpet mushrooms, and chevre with pickled prune.

The wine from Spain, a Godello, Casal Novo, Valdeorras (2010). Superb Galician wine produced by Adega O Casal (Rubiá in Ourense) from Valdeorras, whose name means “Valley of Gold”. This region is the most important grape growing and wine producing area in Galicia. Valdeorras lies near the banks of the river Sil in the south of the province of Ourense. Godello is a white variety of wine grape grown in northwestern Spain, in particular in Galicia. I have been through that area in the quest to understand the Galician soul.

And for dessert, twisted toffee cake which I share with KN. The picture is enough to cause a sugar high. It was delightful. Filling.

Everything was impressive, sabrosísimo, and excellent. The cost was surprisingly low given other  experience with similar venues on the East Coast and Europe.

Awesome space for tasting fresh oysters and impeccable dishes served and prepared by culinary masters.

I am already devising a return trip to Seattle, a city that reminds of Vigo on account of its delightful hills and waterfront.