We’re in the middle of the season of Lent, which means, that as Catholics, Nick and I forgo meat on Fridays until Easter. Ever since I was a kid, I associated fish and chips with Lent, mainly because it’s an easy go-to for Friday night dinners. When we lived in Chicago, good fish and chips (this includes fresh tartar sauce) was hard to find and limited to Irish pubs. Imagine my elation when we returned to the West Coast and discovered Seattle Fish Company, a fish market that offered fresh fish and varied and affordable seafood less than a mile from our home.

Seattle Fish Company

When I want to try a new seafood recipe, like Thai crab salad, clam linguini, or cioppino, or if it’s summer and we simply want to find a salmon or halibut fillet to grill, I drive the small distance and peruse the counter to see what is in season and what the knowledgeable fish mongers recommend. (We also came here to find out what the fuss was about of the infamous Copper River Salmon, what everyone in the Pacific Northwest goes gaga over each May when they are in season. After tasting the buttery fish, we have to agree, it really is kind of fantastic and worth the hype.)

Inside

Goodies

Assorted condiments

And wine!

I mentioned fish and chips. Seattle Fish Company, formerly just a fish market, recently opened up a small restaurant grill in their retail space. You order your meal at the counter, just as if you were ordering a fish fillet or a pound of dungeness crab to go, and they bring the food to you. Ever since it opened last year, it has become a favorite local spot in West Seattle. Their menu offers fairly straightforward and simple dishes, such as fish and chips, chowders, grilled fish, and steamers, but everything is delicious. Tonight was a Lent Friday, and therefore a great excuse to go for a casual dinner at Seattle Fish. We ordered their cod fish and chips (they also offer halibut) and fish tacos and ate at the counter, perfect for sidewalk people-watching.

Counter

Just another typical Seattle evening!