Bring Your “Perfect Catch” to Ivar’s for Valentine’s Day

February 2, 2012

Ivar's Valentine's DayAs everyone knows, there are many fish in the sea, but Valentine’s Day is the time to celebrate your own special catch, and Ivar’s award-winning restaurants are just the place to do it. Starting on Friday, Feb. 10 through Tuesday, Feb. 14, all Ivar’s full-serve restaurants will feature delicious menus of amorously inspired food and drink offerings, including the aphrodisiac-inspired Oysters Rockefeller or romantic cocktails such as “Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder” pairing the elusive absinthe with sparkling wine.

Each of Ivar’s full-serve restaurants – including Ivar’s Acres of Clams, Ivar’s Salmon House and Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing – will have their own special Valentine’s Day menu items featuring heart-palpitating ingredients like lobster, saffron, hazelnuts, vanilla, dark chocolate, strawberries and thyme to name a few. All restaurants will feature select half-priced Champagnes and sparkling wines for guests who wish to indulge in light, celebratory bubbly or take advantage of more exotic offerings.

Sample menu items and specialty cocktails include:

Maine Lobster Bisque – dates are sure to snuggle up and share a bowl of this starter of rich creamy soup topped off with luxurious caviar crème fraiche.

Wild Alaskan Halibut and Lobster Saffron Risotto – fish is known for its heart protecting qualities and this delicious halibut dish is no exception. Topped with Roma tomato shallot confit and fresh basil-scallion oil, it’s sure to make the heart grow fonder.

Hazelnut French Vanilla Dark Chocolate Fondue – what day of love is complete without a chocolate treat? Warm up with this fondue special, made for couples to dip fresh baked pound cake, juicy strawberries, kiwi and mangoes into a rich chocolate sauce.

Thyme Stands Still Cocktail – make the evening last forever with a twist on a classic martini made with Hendrick’s gin, a dash of dry vermouth and garnished with a cucumber and a sprig of thyme.

Reservations are required, and can be booked online at Valentine’s Reservations, or by calling the individual restaurants: Ivar’s Acres of Clams, located on Pier 54 on the Seattle waterfront, at 206-624-6852; Ivar’s Salmon House which is situated on North Lake Union at 401 NE Northlake Way, at 206-632-0767 or Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing adjacent to the Mukilteo ferry terminal at710 Front St., at 425-742-6180. 

The rest of the romance is up to you!

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“Old Faithful” Geyser Erupts During Severe Weather

January 31, 2012

Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing was closed last week due to high tides, fierce waves and winds. This weather phenomena caused a broken window and water to flow inside the restaurant.

A maintenance worker was at the restaurant around 5 a.m. when he heard the window break and water shoot vertically out of a hatch built in the restaurant’s floor. After figuring out the timing of these evil water spouts, he quickly bolted the hatch, assessed the situation and called for assistance.

Quick-witted teams assembled to repair, aerate and clean the restaurant so it could return normal operations on January 27th at 11 a.m. The Fish Bar at the front of the restaurant remained open throughout the time. Thankfully, no one was injured during the weather system.

Kudos to Ivar’s Mukilteo’s employees for responding so quickly to the situation and amazingly re-opening the restaurant a mere 24 hours later.  The system also caused some damage at the Silver Cloud Inn next door but the specifics of those damages are unknown at this time.

Ivar’s would also like to thank its patrons for their patience during the closure.

Read about this from the Northwest’s meteorology expert Cliff Mass.

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2012 – The Year of Big Brains

January 3, 2012

Study demonstrates high level of vitamins and Omega-3s may keep brain from shrinking

 Whenever we transition to a new calendar year, a series of prominent health studies start popping up in the media. It might not be so much as an FYI, but rather a thoughtful approach to get us thinking about our health and eating habits.  This steers us towards making that News Year’s Resolution to eat right, which includes loading up on Omega-3 fatty acids. 

A new study published December 28 in the Journal of Neurology suggests that seniors with a high level of vitamins B, C, D, E and Omega 3 fatty acids (those commonly found in fish) in their blood tend to have better cognitive brain function and larger brain volume While those with a diet high in trans fatty acids tended to have brain shrinkage with lower levels of executive function. “Executive Function” measure level of thinking involving planning, attention and problem solving.  The research measured nutrient levels in healthy, well-educated seniors with an average age of 87. 

Ivar's Salmon House Trio

Ivar's Salmon Trio - Tripling the Omega-3s

Therefore, if your 2012 plans include getting healthy, a diet that includes eating at Ivar’s can also be the smart thing. Ivar’s not only offers many Omega-3 rich foods but also uses zero grams trans fat canola oil.  Ivar Haglund was onto something when he sang “Seafood is Brainfood”! 

For more on the study, see this USA Today article

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Salmon-chanted Evening: Your New Year’s Eve Splash at Ivar’s Salmon House

December 19, 2011

All things sparkle on New Year's Eve: be dazzled at Salmon-chanted Evening at Ivar's Salmon House!

Make a splash this New Year’s Eve at Ivar’s Salmon House’s Salmon-chanted Evening! You’ll get sparkling waterfront views, a fabulous dinner that let’s you eat to your heart’s content, and a New Year’s Eve party that ends with soaring fireworks and the pop of bubbly….oh yeah, and it’s all just $50 per person!

The Salmon-chanted Evening New Year’s Eve package includes a delicious, all-you-can eat buffet, two drink tickets, a complimentary Champagne toast, dancing, entertainment, and of course, an unobstructed waterfront view of the sparkling city skyline and midnight fireworks display! If it’s your first time out to Ivar’s Salmon House, you’ll find us on the shores of Seattle’s North Lake Union cooking up one of the best New Year’s Eve experiences around.

The celebration kicks off at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, and advance reservations are required. We’ll be adorning you in festive party favors right when you enter. You’ll enjoy seating in the Salmon House’s main, open dining area; a substantial portion of the restaurant will be dedicated to music and dancing throughout the night.

Our delectable New Year’s Eve buffet was created by Executive Chef Jason Bray, who features an array of alder-grilled seafood and meats, along with artisan cheeses, fresh salads, fruit and hand-made desserts, whose highlights include:

-Alder Grilled Salmon
-Prime Rib
-Fresh Shucked Oysters
-Roasted Vegetables and Assorted Salads
-Flank Steak Crostini
-Fresh Fruit and Hand-made Desserts, Pastries and more!

The evening brings live entertainment from Diana Ruiz, an engaging, high-energy singer and performer who covers all genres. Your tickets also include two drink tickets and a complimentary glass of Champagne for a celebratory toast during the midnight fireworks viewing (which launches from the Space Needle).

To secure your tickets to Ivar’s “Salmon-chanted New Year’s Eve Party,” call 206-632-0767 in advance. Prior to the party, from 4 to 8 p.m., Ivar’s will offer its regular menu in the dining room. Ivar’s Whalemaker Lounge will also be open throughout the evening serving its famous “Happiest Hours” from 3 p.m. - midnight. Throughout the evening all guests can enjoy half-price bottles of Champagne and sparkling wine or partake in creatively-themed cocktails. For full details on all Ivar’s holiday activities, including locations, hours and pricing visit www.ivars.com.

Ivar’s Salmon House is located at 401 NE Northlake Way, in the North Lake Union area of Seattle. Happy New Year!

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All is Clam, All is Bright: Ivar’s Holiday Happenings

December 11, 2011
Clam Lights

Trip the lights clamtastic at Clam Lights in Gene Coulon park, Renton.

All over Puget Sound, Ivar’s is shelling out the holiday spirit just for you! Now is the time to bundle up and head out for a helping of cheer. Here’s what’s going on right now!

Through Jan. 1 – Ivar’s 18th Annual Clam Lights
Trip the lights clamtastic at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park in Renton. Park greenery, holiday scenes and Ivar’s famous Dancing Clams will be covered in thousands of twinkling lights! Lights run nightly 5 – 9 p.m. through Jan. 1. Free and open to the public. For more information on Ivar’s Clam Lights visit this link on our website.

Through Dec. 27 – Ivar’s Nutcracker Deal with Pacific Northwest Ballet:
Enjoy the season’s most-loved ballet, the Nutcracker, at 15 percent off by dining at any of Ivar’s restaurants (excluding stadiums)  throughout Washinton state now through Dec. 27. Stop by Ivar’s Acres of Clams, Ivar’s Salmon House, Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing or Ivar’s Seafood Bars (excluding stadiums) to receive a coupon for select seasonal performances at Seattle’s Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Dec. 17 – Photos with Ivar’s Santa Clam at Acres of Clams – (Pier 54, 1001 Alaskan Way):
It’s okay to tell this Santa all your shellfish wishes! Ivar’s famous oversized Clam dons festive Santa attire for children and families to snap a fishy holiday photo. Santa Clam appears one last Saturday on Dec. 17, from noon to 3 p.m. before heading out with the yule tide.

Dec. 23 – Christmas Ships Grande Finale at Ivar’s Salmon House (401 NE Northlake Way, N. Lake Union).
One of the best spots for viewing Argosy Cruise’s Christmas Ship Festival is found at Ivar’s Salmon House, where dining guests can watch the boats float by in spectacular fashion. The Parade Finale on Dec. 23 will bring views of the twinkling flotilla approximately 9:45 – 10:05 p.m. 

We’ve planned some great New Year’s activities at Ivar’s Salmon House, too, including Salmon-chanted Evening New Year’s Party dinner and celebration ($75) on Dec. 31, and the New Year’s Day Brunch to start off the year deliciously (for just $29!). We’ll spill all the details in a few days, but you can hook in now by calling (206-632-0767).

See you soon at Ivar’s!

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Hook into October, National Seafood Month

October 13, 2011

Seafood and "Our Flounder" Ivar Haglund: made for each other!

If you’ve been to our restaurants this month, you may have noticed October is National Seafood Month, a time to highlight smart seafood choices and the health benefits of eating a diet rich in seafood. At Ivar’s we live this every day!

On our Facebook page we’re posting tips for choosing and preparing fin and shellfish at home with the help of our talented chefs! In our restaurants, the time to dive into something you might never have tried otherwise is now.

The Food and Drug Administration suggests that people eat 2 six-ounce servings (a portion that would basically cover the palm of your hand) of seafood each week. At Ivar’s, however, there’s no limit to where your appetite will take you! How does one pick a favorite? The fruits de mer that grace our menus are like our children – each is special and brings us delight: clams, oysters, mussels, crab, salmon, sole, lingcod, halibut, prawns, and oceans more. We frequently change up the preparations to make enjoying seafood a perennial culinary treat, so if you don’t dare try it at home, we have you covered!

While we’re celebrating, let’s cast out some facts provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

  1. Fishing (all forms) is a $72 billion per year business in the United States, which sustains the economies and identities of our coastal communities. At the same time, U.S. fishermen and local economies are struggling in large part as result of years of decline in fishing.
  2. U.S. fisheries and aquaculture industries create almost 2 million jobs, from boats in the fleet, to shellfish farms, to processing facilities.
  3. More than 84 percent of the seafood consumed in the United States is imported (Ivar’s talking here: With numbers like these you’ll appreciate how much of our seafood is Northwest-sourced!).
  4. In 2010 U.S. commercial fishermen landed 200 million more pounds of product, the value of which increased when compared to 2009.
  5. Fisheries are moving in a sustainable direction: The Fish Stock Sustainability improved by 63 percent from 2000-2010 for the 230 most economically significant stocks.

Catch us during National Seafood Month at Ivar’s. Do it for your health; do it for your country!

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Tailgating with Ivar’s on New Day Northwest

September 22, 2011

There’s a lot of local football action this weekend with home games for the both the Dawgs and Hawks. If you’re going to the game or even enjoying at home, Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing Executive Chef Steve Anderson has a great tailgating recipe you should try. Check this out from today’s KING 5 TV New Day Northwest show. Enjoy!


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Easy to swallow: dining out just got more affordable

September 12, 2011

Recently the National Restaurant Association published an article citing grocery inflation rates have outpaced restaurant menu inflation, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data measured over the last 18 months. What this means to you is the cost of dining out – preferably at Ivar’s – just shrank in comparison to the cost of buying your own ingredients at the supermarket.

Grocery store prices shot up 5.4 percent in the last year, whereas menu prices are up not even half that rate, based on BLS data. Hold that thought.

Now consider the process involved in enjoying a seafood meal at home versus enjoying one at an Ivar’s full-serve restaurant. It can be an act of combat to grocery shop at dinner hour, head home, pull out your needed herbs and spices from the pantry, prep the entree and sides, cook to completion and serve. How long does it take? What is your energy level about 6 p.m. each evening? What is your time worth (okay, not the time spent eating but the time spent shopping, prepping and cleaning up)? This is when the value equation of dining out really starts to shine.

And not to boast, but few home cooks can best the techniques of our chefs when it comes grilling, baking, poaching, searing, roasting and loving up fin fish and shellfish.

Then there’s the whole incredible waterfront view thing from Ivar’s Salmon House, Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing, and Ivar’s Acres of Clams; it’s hardly fair to compare our aquatic scenery to one’s home view because few are blessed enough to have it.  As often as you like, our views are yours and our teams are here to provision, prepare great food and perform expressly for you.

The next time you come to Ivar’s, eat with the satisfaction of knowing dining out just became relatively less expensive. Nice news to swallow!

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Anglers: You can hook on chinook again starting Labor Day!

September 3, 2011

Chinook salmon. Photo credit: Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Whether it lands on your plate at Ivar’s or at the end of your fishing line, we can all appreciate freshly caught, local salmon! A recent announcement from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife comes just in time for Labor Day: you’ll be able to hook up on one chinook (king)  salmon per day off the Washington coast as part of your daily catch limit (and just when you thought it was time to put the gear away!).

Sometimes navigating Washington State fishing guidelines is a delicate dance, especially when it comes to catching salmon (as in when, where, what type, how big and how many). State fishery managers made the recent change to allow more chinooking, ironically, just a week after announcing a requirement for fishers to release any chinook caught in Washington coastal waters. The reason for the change? Ocean catches slowed sharply in late August, which kept up supply — allowing fishing for chinook to start up Sept. 5 until the season ends. Daily through Sept. 18, you can hook up on chinook in marine areas 2 (Westport), 3 (LaPush) and 4 (Neah Bay), and through Sept. 30 in marine area 1 (Ilwaco).

Fresh, ocean-caught chinook are bright silver and delicious, easily among the most craved of all salmon. They’re loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, easy to cook or perfect for sushi (or sashimi!). With the great summer weather continuing, consider grilling it or slowly barbecuing it with little more than a brush of olive oil and simple seasonings of salt and pepper. When served at Ivar’s Salmon House, we alder-grill chinook to give it an unforgettable flavor.

Ready to land your own chinook? Get all the details on the marine areas, identification information, and size minimums from WDFW’s Fishing in Washington downloadable pamphlet at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations. We look forward to hearing your fishing tales!

 

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Kick off Husky season right with Ivar’s Salmon House!

August 30, 2011

Our Flounder and Husky Brunch booster, Ivar Haglund.

Ivar’s Salmon House on the shores of Lake Union boasts a long-running tradition: a Husky brunch at the restaurant and boat cruise to University of Washington football games at Husky Stadium. We go the distance and make it easy for you to feast at one of Seattle’s best brunches and get to and from the game! Avoid traffic and crowd hassles, and enjoy free parking at Ivar’s Salmon House.

Started in the mid 80s by our flounder Ivar Haglund not long before his passing, Ivar’s Salmon House already boasted a popular brunch. Our chefs simply whipped up more of its beloved brunch for football-sized appetites. With easy, convenient access to Husky Stadium, people near and far made the cruise part of their game-day tradition, and the rest is history.

Out-of-state teams also bring their spirit to the Husky Brunch!

We’re also a frequent and favorite destination for UW head football coach Steve “Sark” Sarkisian to visit for a great meal. Even out-of-state boosters and team rivals arrive for pre-game brunching and cruising (making for friendly on-board rivalry), and KING 5 TV’s Evening Magazine viewers voted Ivar’s Salmon House a Best of Western Washington Top Five Brunch.

 

Fresh waffles at Ivar's Salmon House.

Ivar’s Salmon House Buffet Features:

  • Fresh crab, prawns & oysters
  • Alder-barbecued salmon
  • Freshly carved ham & prime rib
  • French toast, waffles and fresh baked pastries
  • Omelet and crepe station
  • Delectable dessert bar, fresh fruits & salads
    * Some items subject to change

Book your limited seating now at 206-632-0767. Pricing:

Adult Brunch & Cruise:  $55
Children 6-12 yrs Brunch & Cruise:  $40
Kids 5 and under eat free! Cruise:  $25
Cruise only, all guests (when available):  $25
Adult Brunch only:  $30
Children 6-12, Brunch only:  $15

Game Schedule:
Sept. 3 vs. Eastern Washington (4 p.m. game, 10:30 a.m. brunch)
Sept. 10 vs. Hawaii (12:30 p.m. game, 9 a.m. brunch)
Sept. 24 vs. California (Game/brunch time TBA)
Oct. 15 vs. Colorado (Game/brunch time TBA)
Oct. 29 vs. Arizona (Game/brunch time TBA)
Nov. 5 vs. Oregon (Game/brunch time TBA)

Times and schedules are subject to change. Boarding time at Ivar’s Salmon House restaurant is one hour before game time. Boat departs stadium a half hour after game. Note:  Regular menu offered for games that start after 5 p.m. Get in the huddle and enjoy this fabulous past time. Don’t forget to wear your purple and gold!

Coach Sark at Ivar's Salmon House.

!

 

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