(www.ivars.com/locations/acres-of-clams) – Pier 54 on the Seattle Waterfront, Washington

How I heard of this place: It’s been here forever. I’ve seen it numerous times on plenty of walks along the waterfront. It’s been remodeled from top to bottom. And the first time I’ve entered the establishment’s doors was on this dinner with my husband (and son) and his colleague (and husband) from Montana.

Type of cuisine: “To satisfy your craving for Northwest seafood, our chefs have created award-winning preparations to reflect the season’s bounty, yet still showcase Ivar Haglund’s world-famous original recipes. Choose from wild Alaska salmon, deep-water halibut, Alaska King Crab, Dungeness Crab, jumbo prawns, manila clams and weathervane scallops, just to name a few.

Be sure to check out our Pier 54 Fish Bar, which offers take-out service of Ivar’s classics including award-wining fish ‘n chips, chowder and other seafood favorites. As part of the local lore, feel free to feed a few fries to the seagulls. It’s a photo opportunity worth sharing!”

Ambiance: An extensive space, seemingly with room for every tourist in the city,

Ivars’ newly remodeled space is clean,

comfortable,

and complete with expansive views of Elliot Bay.

What I ordered: I was most interested in the Chowder Sampler ($9) for 4-ounces each of the Northwest-style White Clam Chowder, Salmon and Corn Chowder, and NW Seafood Chowder to start,

but was happy to partake of the selection of shellfish from Penn Cove. Our two selections: Coconut Curry Mussels ($16) in a yellow curry coconut sauce with green onions and cilantro

and Classic White Wine Clams ($16) in a garlic broth with shallots, carrots, celery, onions, wine and butter.

In our party of five (four eating adults), we had one order from the Classic Ivar’s menu, Ivar’s World-Famous Fish ‘n Chips ($18 for a three-piece of Alaska True Cod) served with Ivar’s signature tartar sauce, cole slaw and French fries,

one House-Smoked Bacon Wrapped Halibut ($39) in a sherry wine vinaigrette, served with seasonable vegetables, garlic roasted baby Yukon Gold potatoes,

and two of the Grilled Wild King Salmon ($38) with roasted grape tomato and Spanish sherry vinaigrette, arugula and prosciutto salad.

We couldn’t pass up dessert, nor leave the excellent company, so indulged in three selections, including Midnight Chocolate Truffle Cake ($9): a chocolate chiffon cake, chocolate mousse, crème angelus, caramel sauce, and Snoqualmie Irish Cream ice cream (which we had to substitute for French vanilla as they had already run out),

the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie ($9): flaky pie dough filled with a traditional strawberry-rhubarb filling topped with Snoqualmie French Vanilla ice cream (which we substituted for blackberry),

and one order of Snoqualmie Ice Cream in French Vanilla.

On a return visit, Sunday, 10 July 2016: Our friends were visiting from Arlington, Virginia and were in the mood for seafood on the waterfront. We walked to Ivar’s from their hotel and enjoyed a delicious meal! To start, one order (shared) of the Mens Room Red Penn Cove Mussels ($15): Uli’s Mens Room Original Sausage, Silver City Ridgetop Red Ale, charred fennel, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh oregano, garlic butter sauce,

and the Summer Berry Salad ($8.50): vanilla bean vinaigrette, strawberries, blueberries, (only cherries, red and Rainier), mixed baby greens (looked and tasted more like butter lettuce), fennel toasted almonds, French goat cheese.

For our main entrées, two orders of the Simply Grilled Wild Coho Salmon ($27 each) served with butter smashed Yukon gold potatoes and seasonal vegetable.

And for my husband, Ivar’s World Famous Fish ‘n Chips ($21 for four pieces): Alaska True cod, long-line and sustainably caught by Alaskan Leader Seafood, served with coleslaw.

What I loved: The melt-in-your-mouth salmon in its incredible, light and flavorful sauce, the coconut curried mussels (what!?!), and the strawberry-rhubarb pie.

Why I loved it: It’s a beautiful space with gorgeous sunset views, perfect for a casual family or large, business get-together, a date night with your special someone, or a spot to stop and share a meal with a good friend.

Cost: High ($18 – $39 per dinner entrée)

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