An international-class chef, a dedicated body of workers, and clean neighborhood seafood were the keys to success for the Blackfish Café, which has led to twenty years of enterprise. On July 4, 1999, Rob and Mary Pounding opened the Blackfish Café at 2733 NW Hwy one zero one, Lincoln City. Rob had been the Executive Chef of Salishan Lodge from 1985 to 1999. In the course of his time in Gleneden Beach, the Lodge earned the AAA four Diamond and the Mobil four Star Awards (the highest restaurant in Oregon to do so), in addition to the Diana Award. Needless to mention, the Blackfish becomes destined for fulfillment.
Since then, Rob and Mary have spent the final two decades developing operating relationships with numerous marketplace gardeners, farmers, and fishermen on the Oregon Coast and have been lively supporters of sustainable agriculture and organic farming for industrial programs in Oregon. Rob’s ardor for exceptional elements has played a prime function in the fulfillment of the café, in step with Mary.
“We have a spread of menu items; however, it’s mainly seafood, and we most effectively buy sparkling and neighborhood seafood,” Mary said. “We have an abundance of fresh fish here in town from nearby vendors, and we strive to take advantage of that.”
Ingredients apart, to achieve success within the eating place business, you want to recognize the way to prepare first-class dishes; that’s precisely what Rob turned into born to do. Rob was selected as one of the pinnacle ten chefs in the Pacific Northwest by NW magazine. He was chosen as the Captain of the first NW Culinary group to compete in the IKA HOGA in Germany, referred to as the Culinary Olympics. His group received a total of 15 medals, with a personal Gold, Silver, and Bronze for warm and cold meals education, utilizing meals endemic handiest to the Pacific Northwest. He has been offered medals in competitions in Canada, Asia, Europe, and at some point in the US. And Mary stated he has been vital to the Blackfish Café’s achievement.
“I got here into this without a revel in inside the restaurant enterprise, so having him and his resume has made all the difference in the world,” Mary stated. “He’s the primary staple of this eating place. His ability as a chef and his control of personnel are very good.”
In a small coastal town, it is in many instances hard to recruit and retain first-rate personnel. However, the Blackfish proprietors have determined that their personnel have embraced their ideals of their own family and running collectively, which has translated into longevity among the staff. “Our kitchen workforce is, in reality, fantastic and they do a first-rate job,” Mary stated. “We offer family surroundings, consciousness on teamwork, and everybody works well together. And the meals are usually always proper.”
A Celebration
To have fun for two decades, the Blackfish Café can be hosting a special event on the Fourth of July that capabilities a set three-course meal with liquids and a signature Salmon entrée. The event is set at $forty in keeping with the character. “We’re most effective going to be open for approximately two and a half hours that day, but it’s going to be a unique meal,” Mary said. You can reserve your meal ticket by calling 541-996-1007.
The Future
The Blackfish has evolved periodically by upgrading its interior or changing its menu seasonally, but it has caught to its unique requirements for the maximum part. And that’s exactly how the locals find it irresistible.
“We have a truely correct ordinary purchaser that keeps us alive inside the iciness months,” Mary stated. “We are continuously making small adjustments and evolving. However, we will hold to offer a terrific location for people to paintings and fresh and neighborhood food.”
