Bennett's

Come on down to Grayland, Washington; a sleepy little town of locals with one huge attraction - the Pacific Ocean beach!  Yep, it's Washington's 'Famous Drive On Beaches' with miles and miles of beach combing, clamming, surf-fishing, wave-jumping and relaxing opportunities.  It's rustic and wild, for sure, but absolutely beautiful.  It's the definition of beach for me.

I spent a majority of my growing up years camping in this little town - a true beach native.  There was a little drive-in where you could stop and get ice cream cones after you were worn slap out from your beach time called the Sea Star.  Good memories.

The Sea Star after much expansion... 

Over the years, my family ate at the Sea Star, first as a hamburger drive-in, and as it expanded into a quaint little sit-down restaurant featuring family dining cuisine.  As I grew into an adult, I eventually took my kids there, as well, enjoying chicken nuggets, hamburgers & fries, and their 'best in the world' potato salad.  Unfortunately, several years ago, one of the owners passed away suddenly and Greg, the surviving owner, was left to grieve his immense loss of not only his best friend, but his business partner.  He closed the Sea Star.  I can't tell you how that made this little community and all that were connected with it sad with their own grief.  Where do we eat now, without the Sea Star?  Believe me when I say that there wasn't ANYwhere else to eat in Grayland, except the Sea Star.

Then opened Bennett's.  I was skeptical, to be sure.  It was my understanding that it was owned by new owners, and for me, that just wasn't right.  The Sea Star was owned by Greg, and anyone else running a restaurant there just wouldn't do.  What I didn't know is that Greg's last name is Bennett.  Aha!

For Father's Day this year, Lisa and I shared a meal with my beloved Dad, our friend Connie, and my brother Dan & his son Matthias at Bennett's - my first time.  Greg, the owner, was the most gracious host; he most certainly recognized my family - it was great!  I indulged in a glass of wine, then ordered the creamy asparagus soup, thick like their delicious clam chowder, but this soup had a wonderful subtle flavor of asparagus.  For my meal, I chose the Cranberry Coast Cashew Chicken Salad which featured feta cheese, sesame chicken cooked to perfection, dried cranberries and loads of cashews on a bed of fresh greens tossed with a fresh, light oriental dressing.  I highly recommend it!  (I was so hungry, I forgot to snap a pic...too bad, it was beautiful!)

from Working Girl vineyards,
a nice blend of Chardonney and Reisling

Bennett's is best known for it's seafood...all kinds, but utilizing the local catch of dungeness crab and razor clams.  My dad enjoyed a seafood platter, Connie got a trio of the salad I enjoyed, a crab sandwich and a cup of their chowder.  My brother really liked his fish and chips as well.  Good food!

We splurged at the end of our meal with this fantastic Creme Brulee - perfect in every way, let me tell you!

Just go there.  Visit the beach, get sandy, and then when the sun goes down, hit Bennett's.  The prices are moderate, the service is absolutely fantastic, and the food is prepared on site.

Tell Greg that Dan Jones sent you.  He'll smile.