My Seattle Foodie Podcast co-host Nelson Lau and I are often asked if we’re a couple. We’re not. We’re great friends that enjoy food and food photography. And photobooths. We love photobooths! Nelson and I didn’t plan on spending part of Valentine’s Day together but it just happened that way because of scheduling. I’ll be sharing some exciting options for the month of February and recapping our Valentine’s Day outing.

We visited Miners Landing at Pier 57. Located on the Seattle Waterfront, Miners Landing is home to the Great Wheel, The Crab Pot Restaurant and Bar, The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar, The Salmon Cooker, and the Alaskan Sourdough Bakery. I always enjoy browsing the gift shops while I’m there. I’ve lived in Seattle for a long time and have always been struck by the history of the area. The design reflects that history dating back to the Seattle Gold Rush and featuring native wood carvings.

Chef Nick Novello (previously of Skillet, Toulouse Petite, and Local 360) joined Miners Landing in late 2018. His father ran operations for the company’s California locations so he’s able to draw on his personal connection to move into the future.

Miners Landing unveiled a variety of options at The Fisherman’s Restaurant to celebrate the month of February. All day happy hour, private gondolas on the Great Wheel, and a new Valentine’s Day menu makes this an exciting time in an otherwise dreary, snow riddled month.

“While most of our guests board the Great Wheel for water and mountain views, locals are embracing the final days of the Alaskan Way Viaduct view afforded atop the wheel,” said Chef Nick Novello. “And for those weary downtown workers who just can’t face the commute, we’ve got you with a tasty menu and drinks during all day happy hour for the month of February.”  

Chef Nick Novello

A pre-fixe, three course Valentine’s Day Menu is offered from February 14th-17th for $45 per person. I’ve been to The Fisherman’s Restaurant before. Honestly, I was completely blown away by this menu. Chef Nick talked us through each course. The attention to detail in menu concept, plating, and overall philosophy is striking. I find it hard to believe this is the same restaurant I tried years ago when I moved to Seattle. This is a hidden gem that won’t be a secret for very long so get in on this action! Please be aware that some portions were increased and decreased for tasting and food photography.

• 

• 

Appetizer Choice: Freshly Shucked Local Oysters with Grapefruit Mignonette, or Goat Cheese Beet Tartine with Crispy Pumpernickel Toast, or Housemade Sourdough New England Clam Chowder Bread Bowl. It’s hard to pick a favorite but from this selection, I’d have to say the clam chowder stole the show. I love clam chowder but I rarely order it because I’m often disappointed. The mini-bread bowl was adorable and tasty. Good sourdough bread is hard to find and it’s done well here and makes a perfect vessel for the chowder. The clam chowder is thoughtful and well-executed. No fillers here. The texture is just right and the clams are perfect!

• 

• 

Entrée Choice: Braised Tomato Shrimp Brodo and Ricotta Dumplings, or Pine Nut and Walnut Crusted Pacific Cod, or Classically Grilled Steelhead. Again, it’s a tough choice but my favorite is the shrimp brodo and ricotta dumplings. When I first tasted the broth, I thought it was complex but a little thin. As I ate the dish, I began to understand if the broth were heavier, it would be too filling. The dumplings were soft pillows of dough that soaked in the flavors of the broth. The shrimp were perfectly cooked and I ate almost all of them (I had to let Nelson have one)!

• 

• 

Dessert Choice: Vanilla Braised Pineapple with Red Velvet Ice Cream and Red Velvet Cake, or Purple Carrot Cake with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese, or Chocolate Pot’deCrème. I know I keep saying it but it was really hard to choose a favorite! I’m a chocolate lover so I’ll have to go with the Pot’deCrème. I spent quite a few minutes raving over it and explaining to Nelson how the chocolate was layered and how hard it was to get the proper consistency and flavor. It was excellent! Topped with a bit of salt and strawberries, this was a perfect Valentine’s dessert!

On Valentine’s Day, Miners Landing ran a special – book a private gondola on the Great Wheel and receive two glasses of sparkling wine and a commemorative photo for $59.95. Although that special is over, I’m pointing it out as an example of specials Miners Landing offers. Give them a follow on social media so you’ll always be in the know.

Not to worry, for the month of February, it’s all-day Happy Hour on the weekdays at The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar. There’s specials on crab toast, oysters, and clam chowder. There’s plenty of cocktails like the WSDOT Martini and Seattle Squeeze!

I’m in love with the food at The Fisherman’s Restaurant! Chef Novello has big plans and I’m excited to see what happens in the future. If this menu was any indication, I’ll be visiting often!