The Barking Frog

Last night Joe and I had dinner at the Barking Frog in Woodinville. I've wanted to try this restaurant for years, but not made the effort to go. I'm so glad we did for our wedding anniversary last night because what a treasure find! Executive Chef Bobby Moore is amazing!

The restaurant is a part of Willows Lodge which is surrounded by gorgeous Woodinville Wine Country. The grounds are beautiful with serene gardens, water features, path to walk around the lodge and a gazebo. In fact, six years ago my husband and I went on our first date there and then three years later he proposed to me in the garden. Obviously this place has a special meaning to us and it was nice to walk in the garden again last night. I definitely recommend arriving early to dinner or taking a stroll afterward in the beautiful gardens. Oh, and don’t forget to say hi to Borage and Basil. The two pigs they have near the gardens. (No joke!)

The Barking Frog is a smaller restaurant which allows an intimate dinning experience. The lighting was perfect and we chose a table in the middle of the restaurant. We don't prefer to sit along the wall where they put tables for two right next to each other. If you have a group they are able to accommodate about 14-16, but what I really liked was they have a round table around a fire pit if you wish to sit there or reserve it for a group. I'm thinking that is where I want to celebrate my next birthday with friends.

They have a very small bar you can sit in, but don't let that make you think they have a small wine/drink selection. The Barking Frog is known for their phenomenal wine list, featuring rare wines. I had a lovely rose wine that I did not write down the name of, but it was one of Barking Frog's featured wines for this summer. I believe it was a rose wine from France. It was light and fruity, but not too sweet. It was the perfect summer wine that went beautifully with my Grand Marnier Prawns. Chef Bobby Moore lightly fries the prawns and then tosses them in a Grand Marnier mayonnaise that has a hint of orange. You can actually find the recipe at http://www.dinearoundseattle.org/recipes_archive.php?rdx=33.

Joe was more adventurous than me and had Seared Hudson Foie Gras as his appetizer. It was actually very good and he loved it immensely. If you don't know what Foie Gras is, it's duck liver.

The restaurant gives you plenty of time to eat and you do not feel rushed. Joe and I actually took two and a half hours for dinner and that seemed perfectly fine with them. Most all the tables seem to take their time and enjoy the food and their company.

For dinner I had their seasonal fish because it was something I've never had before. It was called Kajiki. It is similar to Ahi only it's white, but they prepare it the same way as Ahi. It was prepared in a delicious miso sauce and was served with bok choy (one of my new favorites!) and fingerling potatoes. My mouth is watering just thinking about it again. Joe chose their Rack of Lamb with pearl couscous and a fig demi glaze. For dessert we shared their Chocolate Ganache Bar which had a crispy praline, salted caramel mousse, peanut butter powder and candied peanuts. My black coffee went perfectly with the sweetness of it.

It was definitely one of my top picks and I'm excited for our next visit. Joe said it was one of the best meals he's ever had. Be prepared to spend some money there, but it's definitely worth it.

Thank you Chef for a wonderful meal!