Still haven't decided - please persuade
Living on the Kitsap Peninsula, my choice of non-chain, palatable restaurants is less than abundant. I am often in search of a unique, creative dining option where I can enjoy a decent glass/bottle of wine and a tasty, innovative dinner. I first encountered Shell Creek after an intense martial-art workout in Edmonds. My perceptive nose picked up on the aroma wafting from the restaurant as I searched for somewhere to eat other than the familiar “Family Mexican” the ubiquitous “Thai” and the predictable “Teriyaki”. I ventured into Shell Creek despite my recent workout and my very casual attire. I was seated at the bar and promptly greeted and served by a sociable bartender. I treated myself to a colorful margarita and ordered the “Bleu Cheese Steak salad”. Despite a small miscommunication of my order, the result was prompt and flavorsome.
I decided to bring my knowledgeable boyfriend in on our next visit to Edmonds. We decided to try the restaurant for lunch after our workout. As we walked up the hill towards our gym, we verified the Saturday lunch/dinner hours posted on the window. After our workout, we preceded to the restaurant, hungry and anticipatory. What a shock to find the door locked and the place empty. I rechecked the times listed on the window and found no error in our judgment. Disappointed, we tried another restaurant. Next, we tried an early dinner going on the times listed on the window. Again, the doors were locked and no one was in sight. By this time, I was feeling fairly embarrassed as I had glorified my experience to my boyfriend. It should be noted that I did call the restaurant after the second experience. The person with whom I spoke was shocked to learn that their posted hours were incorrect. She promised to apprise the owner of the situation and apologized. Last night, we tried again. It was a Friday night around 7:30 and we surmised that it had to be open. However, we should have taken our earlier attempts as a foreshadowing of our impending experience.
We were seated within ten minutes of leaving our name with the hostess. Our bread and water arrived promptly with a friendly greeting. We had no contact with a server for the next 15-19 minutes. A couple next to us who had been seated after us received their bottle of wine and had their appetizers before we ordered—and we had the same server. Our server did take our order after chatting with the other tables at length. We waited for our wine another 10-15 minutes. Sadly, they did not have our bottle. Happily, the wine expert suggested an amazing replacement at the same price. I must say that this was a wonderful wine and I congratulate the person who selected the Hendry Cabernet. Wow! Our appetizer of “Thai-style meatballs” combined perfectly with the wine. Our dinners arrived within two minutes of our last bites of the meatballs. We savored the salads and their delicious dressings. The meal was progressing quite nicely at that point. Yet, there was to be one last detractor.
Granted, we were seated in the bar. Yes, it was a Friday night. However, the noise level in the bar area was so high that we had to speak very loudly to be heard. Strangely, it was two of the servers who were causing the commotion. The evidently well-known couple who sat behind us received numerous visits from the staff. Each time a staff person was present, the noise level increased two-fold. The female customer had one of those aggravating, annoying laughs that carried throughout the entire restaurant. Despite my pointed looks of, “Please tone it down” this couple and the staff disturbed the last half of our meal. Lastly, our delicious desserts arrived, but we didn’t linger too long over them. We packed up quickly, anxious to leave the maddening noise.
I am not a wealthy person; I teach high school. When I want to really treat myself and my boyfriend to a pricey (for me) dinner, I would like to know that the restaurant will be open as per the posted hours, I would like to receive a drink order within twenty minutes, and I would like to be allowed to converse nicely without shouting. I truly enjoyed the food and wine at Shell Creek. I gave it every chance I could and I am still neutral about my opinion. I am hesitant to try again, but perhaps with proper persuasion, I will be won over by this flavorful, colorful restaurant.    [11 Feb 2006 14:26:56]

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Recommended Dishes: Bleu cheese steak salad, Thai-style meatballs

     ­Catherine   

Navigate to 526 Main St. Edmands WA The BEST Waypoint
SHELL CREEK GRILL has changed dramatically from last year with a quiet pleasant atmosphere. Special delicious food with friendly, sincere service I'll remember till next year. My vacation visit to Edmonds will be for many good reasons but the last night dining out put the icing on the cake. If you're looking for a memorable fine dining experience, input 526 Main St. into your 'pathfinder'.If I lived there I would definitely be a 'regular'.    [31 May 2007 20:10:36]

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Recommended Dishes: Rack of lamb,duck breast or New York steak

     ­Anonymous   

Lackadaisical Service But Good Food
My sister and I recently ate dinner at Shell Creek. Immediately we loved the atmosphere and later, the food. HOWEVER, our waitress was very inattentive and somewhat snotty. A couple sitting at the bar were "making out" and after that disgusting display of affection it became worse when one bent down to put the other's shoes on and ended up kissing her feet for several moments. Not exactly what I would call preferred dinner entertainment. Due to the fact that there are limited dining choices in Edmonds, I would most likely return to Shell Creek for another chance, but warily.....    [21 Jul 2007 13:41:46]

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     ­Lexi, Seattle   

Shell Creek Fails
It seems the Petoletti's could not even give the food away. They promoted pay what you can afford and they still closed their doors.    [04 Jan 2009 15:57:57]

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     ­ChefOne