As Ryan and I slurped up some tofu pho the other night, we both agreed that our $12 dinner was hitting the spot. But now and then, it's fun to step it up a bit, and when we are in the mood for a splurgy meal with over-the-top amazing service, we often opt for Barking Frog.
Located in a shared parking lot with parent company, Willow's Lodge, Barking Frog is an upscale restaurant with an intimate lodgy feel. The lighting is soft, augmented by the warm glow of the fireside table, creating a sort of hearth feel at the heart of the restaurant. Executive Chef Bobby Moore and his team draw on locally sourced ingredients from Woodinville and the larger region of Washington State to ensure that each dish is a fresh and in-season as possible.
Whether you're there for a decadent weekend brunch or a romantic dinner, you are certain to have a wonderful experience.
On a recent visit, we enjoyed the smoked carrots and the beet salad as our appetizers, swapping bites of these lovely, light starters. The smoked carrots were delightful with that woodsy smoky flavor I so love, especially in the fall. They were soft enough to cut with a fork, but not so soft they lost their texture. The black garlic really added depth to the roasted carrots. The salad was perfectly balanced as the sweetness of the beets were offset by aromatic fennel and the tangy pistachio citrus honey vinaigrette. Ryan opted for the house pasta, a pork rigatoni that he said was like fall in a bowl, while I selected the harissa spiced cauliflower steak. Not only was I impressed that Barking Frog offered several menu items that were vegan as is--no modifications needed--but the flavor of the cauliflower steak was quite possibly the best I've ever had. Served on a bed of black chickpea hummus and topped with pickled turmeric onions and extra harissa, this was a dish that I will not soon forget, and possibly one of those meals that will go down as one of my all-time faves.
Barking Frog is a busy place, so we suggest you make a reservation well in advance. Cheers!
