Earlier this week I had the privilege of joining a few friends and fellow food enthusiasts on a day trip to Orcas Island for lunch at Allium prepared by Lisa Nakamura.

The idea for this trip started (like all great ideas do) on twitter. Karen (@karenrosenzweig on twitter) tweeted something like “A day trip to Allium on Orcas would be fun” and before you know it 13 of us where on our way.

The original plan was a three-course meal (with wine pairings) but the night before we were to go, a six-course menu had been posted. Yay.

 

Jones Family Farm Spot Prawns with Washington Asparagus
Sauce Bernaise Mousseline

I think we all knew that we were in for a treat when this first course arrived. I seriously wanted to lick the mousseline off the plate.

 

True Cod Clamwich
Maple Rock Farms Kale Tips a la Kim Chee

Of all the courses this was my least favorite. I loved the cod, and especially the kale tips, but I founds the clams a bit on the salty side.

 

Truffle Gnocchi
Pommes et Pommes de Terre

This, however, was my favorite course. I seriously wanted three more plates of these. The gnocchi were so light and fluffy. The apples so sweet and totally unexpected. And the sauce? Well let’s just say I wanted to lick the plate again.

 

Mad Hatcher Squab
Polenta, Five Spice Cherry Demi

Another winner. I’m considering stealing the flavor profile of the sauce and squab for this month’s Charcutepalooza challenge (which is sausage links containing poultry and fruit)

 

Lopez Island Creamery Guava Sorbet
Muscat Beaume De Venise

Lisa has this flavor of sorbet made especially for her restaurant. It totally reminded me of being in Hawaii. She poured the muscat right over the top of the sorbet which was a lovely combination.

 

Mint Chocolate Pot De Creme

Rhubarb Cake with Lavender Caramel

We didn’t all get both desserts, but since I had made friends with the person sitting next to me I was able to try both. The Pot de Creme was wonderful. Like a Girl Scout thin mint, but creamy. My favorite of the two was the rhubarb cake. Sweet and tart and delicious. My neighbor and I felt like failures because we couldn’t finish both desserts, but we were full to capacity.

After lunch we all lingered a while. Enjoying the deck overlooking the bay and taking in the sun while it was out (I imagine the deck is awesome for dining when it is warmer). Finally it was time to go so we headed towards the ferry for home.

While it may seem a little excessive to drive four hours and spend two hours on a ferry just for lunch, I can say without a doubt it was completely worth it. I’m definitely going to try to get up there again. But maybe I’ll try to spend the night.