Lunch with the Marine View Diner: Tides at Saltwater State Park

by Greg Wright Are you a fish taco aficionado? I am not. In fact, until yesterday I had never eaten a fish taco. In my mind “fish” and “taco” have historically gone together like “steak” and “tartare.” [caption id="attachment_54558" align="alignright" width="200"] Tides’ fish tacos[/caption] Well, that changed last night when my wife, the “Petite Eater,” saw the signs for fish tacos as we approached Tides restaurant at Saltwater State Park. She said she’d like a bite. I said, “I don’t eat fish tacos. I don’t even know if I’d like them.” But I said I’d ask the proprietor for a sample. Owner and chef Keith Lionetti opened Tides in October under a contract with Washington State Parks, replacing the old “Saltwater Cafe.” Lionetti is no stranger to our local parks, having operated Chainbangers Disc Golf at White Center’s Lakewood King County Park for years. So he’s a professional concessionaire. And he’s an experienced chef as well, having worked in the food service industry on and off since he was twelve years old. He opened Tides at Saltwater as a means toward better utilizing the open spaces there. With the encouragement of park Ranger Johnny Johnson, Lionetti also hopes to eventually establish a disc golf course at Saltwater as well. [caption id="attachment_54559" align="alignright" width="200"] The “best pork sandwich around” features roasted pork tenderloin, tomato, onion, pepper jack and avocado with a savory mesquite barbecue sauce on a northwest roll[/caption] In the mean time, Tides is open three days a week–Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with seasonal hours (now noon to 7 PM)–serving a wide range of desserts, espresso drinks, chili, clam chowder, shaved ice, “the best pork sandwiches around,” and Lionetti’s signature fish tacos. But don’t expect a sample! When I inquired about getting a newbie’s taste, Lionetti apologetically explained that the fish tacos are made to order from fresh ingredients–so it’s an all-or-nothing proposition. I chose to go with “all,” and opted for the blackened cod. Lionetti was right. A few minutes after I ordered, his cook served up the blackened cod on a crisp flour tortilla with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and other fresh ingredients. The cod was firm and substantial without being too dry. The Petite Eater had her three bites and loved them. I wouldn’t call myself an “afishionado” just yet, but I can’t imagine a better introduction to fish tacos. I’ll be back to Tides, and I’ll be ordering the tacos again. The next time I visit, though, I’ll probably order the pork tenderloin sandwich, which looks awfully good. [caption id="attachment_54556" align="alignright" width="200"] Chocolate Hazelnut Torte[/caption] The Petite Eater and I also shared a few desserts (with a couple taken home!), including the Chocolate Hazelnut Torte, which was pretty much to die for. Prices are on a par with other local eateries. For a meal and a dessert, you can expect to spend about $12 to $15 per person. You’ll also, of course, have to deal with the Discover Pass issue, as you’ve got to park in the Park to dine at Tides–or walk in, quite a challenge except for the very-most-local folk. Personally, though, I expect to visit Tides pretty frequently, amortizing the $30 fee for the annual Discover Pass over the course of the year. And you know what? If the Discover Pass helps make Tides a well-kept secret, well, I’ll just have to keep Lionetti in business all by myself. [caption id="attachment_54557" align="aligncenter" width="480"] The dessert case at Tides[/caption] [caption id="attachment_54560" align="aligncenter" width="480"] The interior of Tides — clean and cozy[/caption] [caption id="attachment_54561" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Tides’ exterior at Saltwater State Park[/caption]]]>