Blackfish: The Fish that Didn't Get Away at Tulalip Casino

When my sister wanted to have an extra special birthday celebration for her forty-seven year old son, (sorry, Steve), she thought of the Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill & Bar at the Tulalip casino.

My sister made reservations for 5:30 for a party of nine. When we arrived, they had reserved a table right next to the exhibition kitchen where we could watch them prepare our meal.

The 'art' of the restaurant

Once seated, I looked around the dining room. A feast for the eyes.

The dining room reflected the tribal influences of James Madison with traditional art forms throughout the restaurant.

Fish sculpture accentuated by red lighting adorned the walls and images of salmon and whales were placed throughout the dining room.

James Madison Native American Artist

Some of the art work was created by James Madison, but you need not to eat in the restaurant to enjoy his artwork.

His 24-foot-tall "story pole" greets you in the casino lobby, and the beautiful
"Eye-Dentity" glass mural is behind the reception desk.

After we were greeted by the waiter, Dave, he explained the different items on the menu, and we placed our order.

To Tempt, we ordered the Walla Walla Onion Rings, and Chef Joanne's Clam Fritters.
(Named after me of course, my name being Joanne.)

After Dave took our drink and hor d'oeuvres order, we had to chose our menu items.

When Dave returned with the appetizers, we placed our dinner orders.

My husband and I decided on the Salmon on the Stick, my sister ordered the Prawns, my brother-in-law the Alaska Halibut, and the others ordered the Apple and Glazed Rotisserie Chicken, and for the 'Birthday Boy' his mother treated him with a Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail . (It's not every day you turn forty-seven, Steve. Thanks, mom.)

As we sipped our drinks, we watched the salmon on a stick being prepared.

The salmon is prepared with official tribal techniques. The salmon on a stick is cooked on ironwood spears over a pit of charcoal and alder.

The alder wood spoke that wafted our way whetted our appetites even more, and I had only to close my eyes to think of the smoked salmon inside the longhouse in Blake Island.

After we had consumed the appetizers (My Chef Joanne's Clam Fritters were delectable, I was glad that they lived up to their name!) our meals arrived.

Our Salmon on the Stick met all my expectations, and everyone said (between bites) that their meal could not have been better.

For dessert, Dave brought the birthday boy over a painted plate with a special treat, and we embarrassed him even more by singing Happy Birthday to him.

Blackfish Salmon Grill & Bar I would return again and again. (And I won't even have to gamble to 'win' at the tables.)

http://www.tulalipresort.com/dining/blackfish.aspx

http://www.indiangaming.com/istore/Aug09_Who'sWho.pdf