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The Legend of Julia Child at Ray’s August 11-13

Ray’s has had the opportunity to serve some incredible individuals and organizations throughout the years. One of the most memorable was the larger-than-life Julia Child. Yes, the Julia Child. Back in 1990 Ray’s Boathouse cooked and served dinner to Julia while on a visit to Seattle.

Julia Child + Russ Wohlers

Julia & Russ Wohlers (founding partner) in 1990

Reflecting back on Julia Child’s legacy she was truly one-of-a-kind. She was able to bring the art of fine dining to millions of households across the country. Julia made us laugh and take note of her marvelous culinary masterpieces that she served out of her kitchen with such joy.

August 15 will mark Julia’s 105th birthday. In honor of this remarkable chef, we will be serving two of her most famous seafood dishes from Friday, August 11 to Sunday, August 13 in our downstairs Boathouse.

Executive Chef Paul Duncan has recreated two of Julia’s classic seafood dishes to be prepared and served in exactly the same way as her famous cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, including:

Bouillabaisse: white fish, salmon, shrimp, clams, and mussels simmered in fennel and saffron infused broth, served with grilled baguette and red pepper rouille $35

Fish Quenelles in white wine and garlic cream. Truffle infused white fish dumplings, fresh herbs, garlic and cream $16

Join us as we celebrate Julia’s delicious and profound impact in the culinary world with these delectable dishes. And “bon appetite,” as she would say!

Make your Boathouse reservations today before they go! Call 206.789.3770 or click here.

 

 

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Thank you Phil Mottet & Elizabeth Gingrich!

Phil + Elizabeth
Elizabeth is second in on the left and Phil is to her left.

Throughout our history at Ray’s we have been blessed with an incredible ownership team and a hardworking staff. The servers, bussers, bartenders, hosts, cooks, and dishwashers are the foundation of who we are and make each day at Ray’s possible.

We want to recognize Phil Mottet, a server of 36 years, and thank him for his incredible hard work and dedication to Ray’s. You will be missed by all, Phil! Enjoy retirement!

We honor Elizabeth Gingrich, an owner of Ray’s since 1975, as she retires her role. Elizabeth spent 42 years helping to guide Ray’s and celebrate both the hard working team and the loyal guest with much enthusiasm. She was our book keeper for a few years and still speaks of how much she enjoyed being in touch with the day to day staff. Thank you for your unique vision, hard work and care, Elizabeth!!

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Ray’s Celebrates Alaska Herring Week

Alaska Herring Week Ray's Boathouse 2017

Alaska Herring Week starts today through June 25th!

This week celebrates herring, the most consumed fish in the world, but often overlooked in the U.S. It contains more omega 3s than salmon, a Northwest favorite, and imparts delicious flavor to any number of dishes – not just pickled! It can be poached, smoked, grilled, fried, you name it. That’s why we’re excited to be joining in the effort to raise awareness of our local Alaska herring and all it has to offer.

Executive Chef Paul Duncan has created a beautiful herring dish available today through June 25th in the first floor Boathouse: crispy fried herring fillet, potato blini, pickled radish, and tarragon cream for $26.

Join us and savor this sustainably harvested fish while it lasts! To learn more about Alaska Herring Week, click here.

For Boathouse reservations, call 206.789.3770 or click here.

 

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New Boathouse Summer Menu!

Pratt_Rays_001

Summer is here! And it’s time to shake things up with new dishes and seasonal updates to our Boathouse menu. Tempt your taste buds with crisp, cool summer salads, fresh Alaskan Halibut, crispy smoked Sablefish, and more below! View the full menu here and look out for weekly specials on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

For Boathouse reservations call 206.789.3770 or click here, and join us all summer long at Seattle’s best seafood restaurant!

Starters:

Deviled Eggs
Ikura and whitefish roe, mixed greens, carrot, and lemon vinaigrette. $14

Ahi Poke
Yellowfin tuna, ginger-soy marinade, scallion, compressed watermelon, wasabi aioli, and wontons. $15

Butter Lettuce Salad
Avocado, grilled red onion, snap peas, radish, sunflower seeds, and green goddess dressing. $14

Dungeness Crab Louie
Avocado, boiled egg, heirloom tomato, and traditional dressing. $17

Green Salad
Garlic marinated cherry tomatoes, Washington asparagus, pine nuts, and sherry vinaigrette. $10

Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata
Fresh heirloom tomatoes, burrata cheese, saba, micro basil, and extra virgin olive oil. $14

Dungeness Crab Salad
Granny Smith apples, watercress, endive, house-smoked bacon, and cider vinaigrette. $19

Entrées:

Pork Belly & Crispy Sablefish
Garlic braised pork belly, crispy smoked sablefish, sautéed summer greens, garden vegetables, and miso glaze. $37

Fresh Alaskan Halibut
Pan seared, carrot puree, fiddlehead ferns, king oyster mushrooms, toasted pistachios, and crispy Yukon Gold potatoes. $46

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Fresh Fish Series: Black Cod!

Ray's Kasu Sablefish 2

Hello again my fresh fish friends! Today’s chapter in our series is all about Black Cod. Or is it called Sablefish, or Butterfish or Candlefish or… ? The list of names for this flaky deliciousness goes on.

At Ray’s you’ll hear it referred to as Sablefish or Black Cod. The versatility of this fish is endless, just like its names. For that reason we have several preparations for you to choose from including House Smoked, Grilled Sake Kasu and Roasted Sake Kasu. Like Salmon, it’s loaded with omega 3s, plus our wild caught black cod is highly sustainable.

During the stormy winters while the fishermen are keeping warm on land, chefs work hard to source quality frozen options that parallel the flavors of fresh. But alas the sun is coming out, and so are the fishing boats who have off-loaded and delivered fresh Black Cod to our kitchens… now ready for you to enjoy in the Boathouse or Cafe!

There’s much more to share on our Fresh Fish Series coming up this summer, stay tuned!

See you soon,

Steve Hauch, Executive Sous Chef

 

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Father’s Day Brunch at Ray’s June 17 & 18

brunchBurger

Father’s Day is this weekend! What better way to show dad how much he means to you and the whole family than with a delicious brunch, thirst-quenching Bloody Mary’s, and a gorgeous view?

Treat dad to an amazing brunch in our first floor Boathouse, Saturday, June 17th or Sunday, June 18th from 10am – 2:30pm.

Just this weekend in celebration of dads everywhere, we’re featuring Double R Ranch Steak and Eggs, applewood-grilled sirloin, two scrambled eggs, arugula, sweet peppers, balsamic syrup, and Old Bay breakfast potatoes for $35.

Or try our regular brunch menu items, including:

Eggs Benedict $24
Buttermilk biscuit, hollandaise, spinach, tomato, poached eggs, asparagus, Old Bay breakfast potatoes.

Challah Bread French Toast $26
Vanilla custard-dipped challah bread, house-smoked bacon, scrambled eggs, and Old Bay breakfast potatoes.

House-Made Beignets $12
Served with hazelnut mascarpone and Marionberry jam.

Applewood-Grilled Double R Ranch Beef Burger $18
Aged white cheddar, brioche bun, and house-cut fries.

View our full menu here and reserve in the Boathouse today by calling us at 206.789.3770 or click here to reserve online.

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Photo Gallery: View our Northwest Room Refresh!

Have you seen our newly renovated Northwest Room yet?! Feast your eyes on this photo gallery then contact Amanda and Paula on our events team to book your wedding, anniversary, birthday party, corporate event, holiday party, life celebration and more! rayscatering@rays.com or 206.789.6309.

The Northwest Room, our private events space, is located just steps from the Boathouse restaurant and atop the Puget Sound! The beautiful renovation includes:

  • stunning floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors to showcase our sweeping views
  • brand new deck where the indoors flow seamlessly to the outdoors
  • new flooring
  • a built-in dance floor
  • fresh new color palate 

We also have many layout options to customize the Northwest Room and private deck to your preference. Plus our tented deck area can become fully enclosed and heated to enjoy the gorgeous, sweeping views year-round. Set up a tour today to experience it in person!

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Special Ray’s Menu Benefits FareStart thru June 4

FareStart Dinner May 21

This past weekend we had the pleasure of hosting the winners of our FareStart live auction item! They were treated to a custom Copper River King Salmon menu from Executive Chef Paul Duncan, with wine pairings by our Wine Director Chip Croteau. They enjoyed a sunny dinner on the deck of our first floor Boathouse during the opening weekend of Copper River!

Now all of our guests can enjoy this menu and help support FareStart! Today through June 4, 2017 order our 3-Course Copper River menu for $85 in the first floor Boathouse, and Ray’s will donate proceeds to FareStart to help fund its vital job training programs.

3-Course Copper River Menu $85

First
Ahi Poke, fresh Yellowfin tuna, ginger-soy marinade, compressed watermelon, wasabi aïoli, wontons

Second
Copper River King Salmon, asparagus-fennel salad, basil pesto, roasted spring onion, hollandaise, pumpernickel bread crumbs

Third
Chocolate Decadence, vanilla whipped cream, brandy snap

Please note the menu content and price may change based on availability.

Reserve your table in the Boathouse online or call 206.789.3770 today!

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Ray’s ’30th Fire Anniversary’ May 26-28!

Ray's Fire Photo 1987

30 years ago this May 26, Ray’s Boathouse burned to the ground leaving little left but a few tables, chairs and our iconic Ray’s sign. We rebuilt and came back stronger than ever. Now 30 years later we are commemorating this defining day in our history with a Fire Celebration at Ray’s! 

Bring the whole family to join us Friday, May 26 to Sunday, May 28 in the upstairs Cafe!

Enjoy our ‘smoked & blackened’ Cafe menu items, commemorative fire photos, and take in the gorgeous views that were shrouded in smoke 30 years ago.

Includes:
Smoky Habañero Lime Rita
Blackened Wild Keta Salmon Sandwich
Smoked Scallop Salad
Smoked Wild Salmon Niçoise Salad
S’Mores Panna Cotta

Click here to reserve online or call 206.782.0094 today!

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Fresh Fish Series: Copper River Salmon Is Here!

The Mighty Copper River
The Mighty Copper River

Copper River Salmon is here!

Not so fast. We’ll be waiting on edge all day today to find out if the salmon are out there. Yesterday, the fishing fleets headed a couple of hours away from Cordova, AK to the mouth of the Copper River delta.  Most scouted the area yesterday looking for the best spots to set nets. Then, 7am this morning, Alaska Fish and Game gave the call. Fishing is on!

They’ll have 12 hours to fish. Some will offload fish at nearby tender boats, but most will race back to Cordava to offload their catch where they’ll receive more money for the catch.

Variables to make a successful fishing trip are countless. Ocean swells, tides, air temperatures, water temperatures, wind, rain, river flow, sediment, delta sandbars, (they change all of the time), number of boats fishing. It keeps going. Not an easy way of life.

How about some bullet points?

  • The Copper River is 290 miles long. It’s the tenth largest in the United States.
  • The ruggedness of the river, with its vast gorges and steep falling grade, make it necessary for the salmon to become fat and strong in order to swim upstream and spawn. Hence why they are so delicious.
  • It’s known for its miles of sprawling deltas.
  • On the sandbars, you’ll see massive groups of bald eagles, sea lions and the occasional bear waking up from the winter hibernation.
  • 1983 Ray’s partnered with Jon Rowley and became the first restaurant in the Pacific NW to serve Copper River Salmon. We’ve served Copper River salmon ever since. (I was 2 years old then).

Ray’s has again partnered with Ocean Beauty Seafoods for Copper River season. They’ll make sure we have a few king salmon to prepare your dinner Friday evening. We have to be patient though… It’s a tight timeline for a long journey.  Fish is caught, sent to processing, trucked to the small Cordava airport, loaded on to an Alaska Airlines plane to Anchorage then down to SeaTac. From there they go to Ocean Beauty’s facility in Seattle, and finally to Ray’s Boathouse. All in a matter of about 30 hours!

Along with Ocean Beauty, we have a new partner this year, Michael and Nelly Hand. Drifters Fish is their company name. They will be fishing and giving us updates direct from the boat! Hopefully we’ll be able to serve king salmon caught by them Saturday evening. So for that, we wish the Hand’s a safe and prosperous day on the ocean.

I’m really excited this year to share as much info as I can with you. Keep checking in with social media. And make your reservations. This fish goes fast!

Stephen Hauch, Executive Sous Chef