Given a basket of fresh, flavorful ingredients, a talented chef will transform them into something special, innovating as needed with the tools at hand.
That same creativity has inspired the team behind one of Grayland’s newest restaurants!
Purchasing the former restaurant last August, six months of renovations led to the grand opening of the Wheelhouse Restaurant Feb. 2. Fast-forward six weeks and the restaurant, with others in the state, was forced to either close completely or pivot to a take-out model.
The Wheelhouse team pivoted.
“When we opened, we opened with the locals in mind – we wanted to get to know our neighbors, and let them get to know us,” say owners Lloyd and Anna Fry.
Staying open for take-out during such a challenging time not only helped keep some of the Wheelhouse team working, it helped forge those local connections.
“We want to be that destination that creates lasting memories,” Anna says.
Creating “Gourmet to Go,” the Wheelhouse chefs, led by Anna’s younger brother and chef Ted Gunsch, shared their inspired menu handcrafted from the freshest local ingredients that the West Coast has to offer.
No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find more than a few dishes to satisfy, served by a wonderful, friendly and attentive wait staff!
“We let them be creative,” Anna says of the talented kitchen team, whose collective experience she estimates at close to 150 years – experience that diners are definitely appreciating, as their Google reviews attest.
Must-try Wheelhouse favorites
On June 15, the restaurant re-opened the dining room following the state’s safety protocols, but take-out remains a significant part of the picture.
If you’re visiting for the first time, here’s a look at some of the favorites you won’t want to miss:
Signature dishes are rooted in home cooking, infused with some of the West Coast’s finest flavors.
The star of the show is definitely the seafood fettuccini – sautéed scallops, tiger prawns and bay shrimp tossed with noodles in a rich and cream house-made Alfredo sauce. This is the indulgence you’ve been craving!
Sample classic American dinners, like meatloaf and chicken-fried chicken, or tuck into your half-pound burger of certified Angus beef, grilled to perfection and finished with an array of fresh toppings.
The Prime Rib Dip is hearty comfort food at its best, with succulent, thin-shaved prime rib topped with Swiss cheese and served on toasted sourdough.
Prefer something a little lighter? Choose from an array of fresh salads, from a classic Caesar to Crab Louie – fresh Dungeness crab served on a bed of romaine or mixed greens, with hard-boiled egg, pickled asparagus, cucumber and onion – or browse the eclectic seafood plates, including scallops, prawns and oysters … and hand-breaded fish and chips, of course!
You’ll also find a few “early bird” breakfast items on the menu, and the clam chowder? “We’ve been told it’s the best around,” Anna says.
Expect more innovations from the Wheelhouse team as the year unfolds. Check out their new website, graylandwheelhouse.com for the opportunity to order online for pick-up at 1800 State Route 105 in Grayland. For more details, call 360-268-7154!
