“Keep Vashon Weird” 

Considering Vashon is a small island in the Puget Sound south of Seattle and considering this was the bumper sticker attached to a beat to crap Subaru I saw on the Washington State Ferry, I thought, “That’s pretty funny.” But if really friendly people and over the top service is weird, I’m all for it.

My daughter and I were up visiting family and friends in the Seattle area and decided a day trip to this little Island would be cool. 

Okay, lane jump. I love it when I kind of think I know where I’m going, end up someplace completely unexpected, and have an outstanding experience. After driving aimlessly for several hours, we were famished. We stumbled upon the coolest little restaurant and one of the best Reuben’s ever. That’s saying a lot, considering that just happens to be my favorite sandwich!

 “The Hardware Store Restaurant” was enough of a curiosity for my growling gut to convince me to pull over. As it turns out, the place is housed in the oldest commercial building on the Island – 121 years old to be exact. They were still hoppin’ at 1:30pm on a Wednesday, and there weren’t any tables available, so the hostess asked if we would we sit at the counter. Generally, I only like counters with full bars behind them, but this was the fishbowl cook-in where the Chef took center stage, so we bellied up and watched the action. 

Bill, the Chef, was jammin’ behind the line. Grill, flat top, Hobart, fryers and sauté. He executed with flare shouting “gotta’ love that.”  One cup of killa’ clam chowda to share, an Iconic Island Burger, and that Reuben I mentioned; and we were well satiated.

I threw him a thumbs up, and he sauntered over. We talked about food, into the Soup and the radio show.  He offered to buy us dinner, but alas, we had to head back.  What a nice guy!

Before we left the counter, a friend of the restaurant came by to say hello and welcome us.  I asked if there was a nice beach near there and he said, “Meet me at the gas station about a mile up the road and I’ll show you in person.” 

This is a friendly place, so we followed his directions. He took us to a little known spot where a 1930’s red ranger bicycle sat about 7 feet up in a tree.  He took a picture for us and then led us to a beautiful beach just minutes from our ferry. 

His name is Dick and he gave us a hug before he left and promised to keep in touch.  I hope he’s reading this now.

Thank you to Bill & Dick for your kindness and if people like the folks at The Hardware Store Restaurant are what “Keeps Vashon Weird,” I’m gonna’ buy myself a bumper sticker!