Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1399
F / the tasting panel / july 2009 W I N E R Y Waterbrook 2007 Columbia Valley Pinot Gris is in the portfolio's value tier, yet has received much acclaim from wine critics. SRP $13. R E S T A U R A N T Salty's Chef Jeremy McLachlan and Beverage Director Tim O'Brien. From Salty's on Alki, there's a perfect bird's eye view of Seattle's Skyline. W a t e r b r o o k S a l t y ' s From the man who brought us Red Robin, Salty's on Alki has a concept—there's no doubt of that. Situ- ated in West Seattle, it's an homage to the Seattle skyline, divided by Elliott Bay, which becomes a stage set of boats, birds and barges for diners who come just for the show. One of the most popular dining desti- nations in the Northwest, Salty's boasts a $12 million yearly volume in food and wine sales. "That size of a machine sometimes presents operational chal- lenges," says Beverage Director Tim O'Brien, "but we're prepared." Although there are three locations, Salty's should not be looked at as a chain—especially not from Jeremy McLachlan's perspective. The talented young chef goes beyond shellfi sh and prepares his own salts, sauces and seasonings. The team is well instructed; GM and Managing Partner Bonnie David sees to that. "We have the knowledgeable Tim O'Brien on the beverage side and the talented Jeremy McLachlan as our chef. My job is to make sure there are fantas- tic people working here—and everyone has to be nice in order to keep his or her job." D Sushi grade ahi with passion fruit haba- ñeros vinaigrette. Waterbrook 2005 Mer- itage is a super-premium Bordeaux-style red blend (all fi ve grapes) that exudes a lush ripeness with dusty tannins. Its concentrated charac- ter unites a blackberry bramble structure with very soft curves. SRP $50. Walla Walla has a new tasting room and winery facility. Comprising over 50,000 square feet, the winemaking facility from Precept Brands' award-winning value and quality stunner, Waterbrook, is an enologist's dream. Lucky John Freeman, who left Napa Valley to create the past six vintages for this label! The tasting room and visitors' center, a fraction the size of the winery, is patterned after Walla Walla's natural landscape, utilizing contempo- rary Pacifi c NW–inspired design, from its lovely and tranquil outdoor patio to its indoor wine bar and retail store. Waterbrook is the fourth established winery in Walla Walla and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. D