I was as helpless as a moth drawn to the flame. The savory smoke of the pit wafted across the road as I was burning up the miles on this first really great day of spring. My heart had been set all day on making it to Artic and a burger at Clark's Tavern. So far my only stop other than to fuel up was a rest stop, where I had some travelers coffee. I never intended to let the BBQhunter out to play today. My plans were set and I was determined to make it the last 20 or so miles before sitting down in front of something off the menu at Clark's. I caught the first whiff of something grand as I entered South Bend. On the right hand side of the road was a pit in operation. I even made it about a hundred yards past the joint before my unconscious bidding had me turned around and facing back whence I had just traveled. I pulled into a spot in front of the River View Dining. Small and kinda dingy at first impression, but the sight of the pit belching smoke overcame any objections that I might have had. After being seated inside, I perused the menu and decided to take a wee bit of a step outside of the comfort zone that I have known up to now as the BBQhunter. Instead of the usual BBQ fare that I normally order, I decided on a dozen fire grilled oysters. Now, I have sat down and consumed many hundreds, if not thousands, of oysters fresh off the grill and somehow that choice seemed right on this fine day. After all, South Bend sits on the banks of the Willapa River and they are pretty well known for the succulent variety of bivalves that come out of the local water. What the heck, lets give it a try.
Taste: Sitting inside the restaurant, enjoying an ice cold tea, I watched the pit master lay out the oysters onto a grill over a smokey hot fire made of alder wood. As the minutes ticked by I watched him turning the shells over until they finally popped open. Then he pried apart the oysters, shucked the meat and placed each morsel back into 1/2 of the shell. Butter was carefully brushed on and seasoning and spices were applied. At the last moment a sauce was poured over the oysters and they were whisked back inside and in front of me. I was told to dip my garlic bread into the sauce for a tasty treat. Good grief! What ever oysters I have had up to this point in time where nothing compared to these. Hints of garlic, onions, lime, cilantro and what I believe to be some sweet chilies accompanied the buttery morsels of goodness. In between bits of seafood I was dredging my bread through the sauce, just as suggested. Fantastic. 9 stars.
Value: Well, just north of Shelton I can get a whole bunch of oysters for the grill at a very reasonable cost. Enough to keep my brother and I eating for most of the afternoon. My bill for this fare came to just under 18 dollars. I'm really not sure what kind of bargain this was because I normally don't eat seafood in restaurants. It was sized well for a snack. I felt like I could have eaten another 12 and not been stuffed. The side of garlic bread was pretty big and the plentiful tea was ice cold. I think because I was so overwhelmed with the excellent taste I'll give you guys a 7 in this category.
Staff: Very friendly and welcoming. I was not kept waiting in any aspect. I even enjoyed a little chat with the pit master before leaving. I confess that I told him that he was a genius on the grill. 9 very deserved stars.
Ambiance: Well, this place certainly was about the pit. I could have had any of the normal BBQ choices instead of the oysters. The place was cozy (there is that code word again) and had seating for about 25 or so at a choice of a mish mash of assorted tables and chairs. Other than the pit and the menu I did not get a feel for this place other than a sightly worn out road side diner. But here, your pit saves the day. 7 stars.
Friends: I would definitively recommend your establishment to my buddies and to others. I'm pretty sure that you will see me again. 8 stars.
Overall I award the River View Dining 8 stars out of 10. I suppose I shouldn't gripe about the cost, but if I had to find one flaw in this place that that would be it. Not the strict definition of a BBQ joint as defined by me, but certainly not a bad stop to make. I will try to duplicate your oysters the next time I find myself with a few dozen on the grill (for well under 2o bucks) and hopefully I come close.
Later...
Taste: Sitting inside the restaurant, enjoying an ice cold tea, I watched the pit master lay out the oysters onto a grill over a smokey hot fire made of alder wood. As the minutes ticked by I watched him turning the shells over until they finally popped open. Then he pried apart the oysters, shucked the meat and placed each morsel back into 1/2 of the shell. Butter was carefully brushed on and seasoning and spices were applied. At the last moment a sauce was poured over the oysters and they were whisked back inside and in front of me. I was told to dip my garlic bread into the sauce for a tasty treat. Good grief! What ever oysters I have had up to this point in time where nothing compared to these. Hints of garlic, onions, lime, cilantro and what I believe to be some sweet chilies accompanied the buttery morsels of goodness. In between bits of seafood I was dredging my bread through the sauce, just as suggested. Fantastic. 9 stars.
Value: Well, just north of Shelton I can get a whole bunch of oysters for the grill at a very reasonable cost. Enough to keep my brother and I eating for most of the afternoon. My bill for this fare came to just under 18 dollars. I'm really not sure what kind of bargain this was because I normally don't eat seafood in restaurants. It was sized well for a snack. I felt like I could have eaten another 12 and not been stuffed. The side of garlic bread was pretty big and the plentiful tea was ice cold. I think because I was so overwhelmed with the excellent taste I'll give you guys a 7 in this category.
Staff: Very friendly and welcoming. I was not kept waiting in any aspect. I even enjoyed a little chat with the pit master before leaving. I confess that I told him that he was a genius on the grill. 9 very deserved stars.
Ambiance: Well, this place certainly was about the pit. I could have had any of the normal BBQ choices instead of the oysters. The place was cozy (there is that code word again) and had seating for about 25 or so at a choice of a mish mash of assorted tables and chairs. Other than the pit and the menu I did not get a feel for this place other than a sightly worn out road side diner. But here, your pit saves the day. 7 stars.
Friends: I would definitively recommend your establishment to my buddies and to others. I'm pretty sure that you will see me again. 8 stars.
Overall I award the River View Dining 8 stars out of 10. I suppose I shouldn't gripe about the cost, but if I had to find one flaw in this place that that would be it. Not the strict definition of a BBQ joint as defined by me, but certainly not a bad stop to make. I will try to duplicate your oysters the next time I find myself with a few dozen on the grill (for well under 2o bucks) and hopefully I come close.
Later...
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