Duke’s Chowder House on South Lake Union has generated so much excitement from Seattle diners and their out of town guests that the City of Seattle recently unveiled a new commuter Streetcar to shuttle the throngs of Chowder lovers from points throughout the city.
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Mayor Nickels greets Duke at the Seattle Streetcar unveiling. |
“We've installed a valet service, multi-level parking, even moorage for boats at the South Lake Union location ,” said Duke as the media began to converge on he and Mayor Nickels at the Streetcar unveiling. “When the Mayor announced that Seattle would be providing a Streetcar to shuttle people to our doorstep I was, of course, totally behind the project.”
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Seattle Media was on hand to cover the historic announcement. |
At first, Duke’s involvement was about as informal as he could get. “It made perfect sense to me. It's good for the environment, eliminates parking problems, and serves the need of everybody who loves Chowder. ” Seattle television, radio, and print publication captured the event for those individuals who have yet to join Duke's Email Club, now one of the largest restaurant Email Clubs in the entire nation.
"The only thing that surprised me was the actual color of the Streetcar." said Duke. "I truly thought that a blue & white checkered theme would be stunning. But when I saw the red, I instantly thought of our Wild Alaska Salmon and leaned over to the Mayor and whispered "Wise Choice...Salmon."
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Seattle's "Wild Alaska Salmon" Streetcar unveiled! |
"There were so many media around us, I believe I heard the Mayor proclaim, 'Spawn Salmon Spawn!', but again it was hard to hear the exact phrasing with the din of the cameras whirling in the background." chuckled Duke. "It was a pretty exciting afternoon."
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Duke and the Mayor share a rare private moment discussing which Chowder is the Mayor's favorite. Admitting it depends on the weather, "Chowder On" was the Mayor's official comment. |
Because of the immense interest in the Seattle Streetcar announcement, and it's resulting route directly to Duke's Chowder House South Lake Union location, the City of Seattle has developed a website specifically to handle the traffic. You can access the website by here.
The Duke’s Chowder Houses have a casual, unpretentious atmosphere where comfort, cold beer, tasty cocktails and scrumptious food all come together. Duke’s famous Clam Chowder recipe originated with Duke’s grandfather in New England and has won countless awards including the Seattle Chowder Cook Off three years in a row. Seven other chowders have now been introduced and other “soups” and Chowders will continually be developed. Duke’s has also won, for two years running, the “Gills and Grills” (best seafood barbecue) contest with the Indian Salmon Bake recipe.
As for the future of Duke’s Chowder House? With many plans for continued growth, Duke’s Chowder House is committed to continuing their reputation as being the classy place that guests choose where they can enjoy tasty food and drink and genuinely friendly service, “ just the way you like it.”
