Blackfish is one of the 8 eateries at Tulalip Resort Casino with a seafood centric menu. The restaurant is known for paying tribute to regional ingredients and Tulalip tradition on the dishes, from local oysters shucked to order, fresh caught fish and shellfish boards, to grilled steaks and chicken.
The centre piece of the dining room is the salmon being grilled on ironwood sticks over an open fire pit of alder wood coals behind the glass. Everyone easily becomes fixated on this amazing traditional tribal culinary technique. This adds to Blackfish’s relaxed vibes, reminiscent of a Tulalip Longhouse, and providing the perfect ambience for casual, intimate dining.
Besides crated cocktails and local microbrews, the Wine Spectator award-winning wine program is indeed spectacular. We were offered the Blackfish ‘s “Top 100’s” Tasting Flight, a marvellous journey to some of the best wines in the world. The wines are:
- Leeuwin Estate “Art Series” Chardonnay, Margret River, Australia 2012
#76 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2015 - Beaux Freres Pinot Noir “The Beaux Freres Vineyard”, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2014
#3 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2016 - Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf Du Pape, Rhone Valley, France 2010
#8 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2013 - Antinoro “Tginanello”, Tuscany, Italy 2015
# 24 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2018 - Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington 2012
#2 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2015
My favourite was the Beaux Freres Pinot Noir 2014 from Oregon, a medium bodied red with light-sweet tannins, ideal pairing with the Heritage Sockeye Salmon grilled on the open fire. The light red fruits and earthy, savoury nature of a Pinot are a perfect match to the rich and savory meat of the salmon. The medium acidity in the wine helps to cut through and balance the fish’s oily lusciousness. The Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 was very good with red meats, which I found out later when the Double R Ranch 14 oz Center Cut Steak was served.
The rest of the dishes were just as impressive. The Petite “House” Lobster Bisque was smooth and rich. The Petite Northwest Berry Salad showcased the recent harvest of local berries and fresh mixed greens. The highlight of the evening was the Grilled Halibut & Cherry Salsa, featuring fresh Pacific Halibut grilled and topped with vibrant cherry salsa, not just showcasing the seafood but also representing the “Taste of Tulalip” featuring Washington cherries (June 1 – July 31). For the entire August, Blackfish will be featuring Blackberry, along with 7 other restaurants at Tulalip Resort Casino.
Grilled Halibut & Cherry Salsa
Final thoughts
Blackfish’s seafood-centric menu, casual and vibrant setting and award-winning wine program are among the main attractions of the restaurants. However, the most impressive feature has to be the Heritage Grilled Salmon. The salmon is prepared using traditional tribal techniques over an open fire pit -the craftsmanship, along with the stories and the culture, all together it makes up the incredible dining experience.
For more about my weekend getaway to Tulalip Resort:
https://www.pickydiners.com/www/tag/tulalip-resort-casino/
$$ – $$$
rating: 4/5
Blackfish Wild Salmo Grill
Tulalip Resort Casino
10200 Quil Ceda Blvd, Marysville, WA 98271
1-360-716-1100 or tulalipresortcasino.com/Dining/Blackfish
* All food and beverages tasted in this post were complimentary. Opinions are on the reviewer’s own.
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