A Decadent Date Night: Blackfish Grill
It's Date Night! Woo-hoo! Time to get out my tall black heels and my very best mascara and let's go before my hubs changes his mind. We are headed for Blackfish at the Tulalip Casino.
We're not gamblers. For the first ten years of our married life, we lived in Nevada and while that was a blast in our twenties, it also burned us out on the need to spend time at a casino. Just not our personal jam so it is rare you will find us at our fine local gambling establishments. But when we are thinking of somewhere special to go for date night, (or especially at Christmas to see the spectacular tree light display) we head north out of Everett up to Blackfish.
Images by Jingle Jackson.
Blackfish is found toward the back from the main entrance to the Tulalip Casino (where they offer a very nice valet service which is great when you're in your tall date night heels and don't want to walk too far.) It's kind of a word of mouth, or in this case, a word of blog, sort of place. They don't advertise but those who have dined there tend to tell others. That's how we learned about it. And now I'm telling all of you. Because I'm chatty like that.
Images by Jingle Jackson.
We learned two big things the first time we dined at Blackfish: One, they serve yummy oysters on the half shell, so fresh, slurpy and delicious; and, second, always sit in Jill's section. Okay, it turns out Jill actually gets days off and we've had other wonderful servers at Blackfish but part of what we love when we dine there is the great service by Jill and others. Oh, and for pre-dinner cocktails in the Piano Bar, you can't beat service from Lorraine (who, it turns out, happens to be good friends with Jill.)
Images by Jingle Jackson.
While great service always adds to a great meal out, having delicious food is a requirement, and Blackfish delivers. Besides oysters, they have lots of seafood selections and a couple of steaks. This last time I had the seafood bowl which was packed with a variety of seafood in a delectable saffron sauce and my husband ordered the halibut which he declared the best he had ever had. I managed to get a bite and really couldn't disagree. It was moist and flavor-packed which cannot always be said for halibut.
Images by Jingle Jackson.
Something unique about the menu at Blackfish is they offer a lot of signature accompaniments. You can add on French fries, mashed potatoes or roasted red potatoes - kind of standard. But you can also choose from a side order of golden beets, roasted Romanesco or grilled butternut squash - not so common side dishes.
Whatever you select, from the numerous starters to the delicious-sounding desserts, you are sure to find, as we have, that Blackfish is worth the buzz and the short drive from Everett.
Presently, through December, the bar area of the restaurant is being remodeled but that didn't affect our dinner or the atmosphere at all. Maybe it will even be done when I convince my guy to take me back to see the tree lights at Christmas. I'll roll the dice on that fun idea! C'mon lucky sevens!
We live lucky my friends! -- Jingle
Blackfish Grill
10200 Quil Ceda Blvd.
Marysville, WA 98271
Jingle Jackson grew up in Everett, attended WSU (go Cougs!) and worked a great career at Snohomish PUD. Now, she is working on the pursuit of new adventures and fun wherever she can find it.
Guest post by Everett Comedy founder and host Cory Michaelis: how a monthly indie show at the newly renovated New Everett Theater became the only regular stop for nationally touring headliners in Snohomish County.
Guest post by Everett Farmers Market Manager Karen Erickson: September brings a changing harvest to the market — meet the farms behind it, and take home some tomatoes while you’re at it.
Barkside Cafe’s neighborhood happy hour runs every Tuesday in October, 5-7 p.m. - $2 hot dogs with a drink purchase. Free to walk in, no dog required.
Coloring books, colored pencils and free chips with a drink - a low-key creative night at Barkside Cafe every Thursday in October, 5-7 p.m. Free to walk in.
Lights down, music up - Barkside Cafe kicks off the weekend every Friday in October, 5-9 p.m., with $2 hot dogs and a drink purchase. Free to walk in.
Classic films and craft cocktails every Thursday at The Muse Whiskey & Coffee on the Everett waterfront. Movies start at 5 p.m.
Costumed kids follow a trail of balloons through downtown Everett, collecting candy from participating businesses. Free and all ages.
The Everett Philharmonic’s annual family concert, with Music Director Bobby Collins conducting at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thanksgiving weekend.
Guest post by Everett Farmers Market Manager Karen Erickson: Look past the produce tables and you’ll find Chuckanut Beef, Sea to Shore Seafood Co., and Salt Blade salami — three vendors with stories worth bringing home for supper.