Anderson Island’s pristine Lake Josephine is in her full glory with the return of spring. On the lake you’ll likely catch some enticing aromas wafting across the water as new restaurant manager, Troy McCulloch and staff, cook up a storm for their new menu.

Troy joined the Riviera Community Club this March. This capable chef has a reputation for excellence and creativity from his eight years as restaurant manager at Little Creek Casino near Shelton, and with other premiere destinations from Seattle to the Olympic Peninsula to Northern California.

We visited with Troy recently to see what’s new at the Lakeshore Restaurant. Troy was glad to talk up some of their new culinary delights –small plate appetizers, fresh and seasonal entrées more fish and appealing deserts. Not content with mere talking Troy and his assistant Carolyn brought ought some new creations we found decidedly tasty as well as appealing to the eye… pork sliders, tender steak with roasted garlic, fresh salmon and a gourmet pizza. At 11:00 am, my brain had told me I wasn’t hungry, but my stomach soon convinced the brain otherwise.

Upon taking the helm at the Lakeshore Restaurant this March, Troy immediately set upon implementing his vision: equipping his staff to create an enhanced the guest experience, from point of sale, to servers and back kitchen; introducing healthy choice—tasty pestos and sauces that emphasize flavor over heavy creams, and more seafood, less fried food. Consistency in preparation is a priority as well.

So make it a great day at the Riviera at Anderson Island. Your sunny, waterside morning begins on the deck with fresh coffee and eggs benedict, home-made cinnamon rolls, scones, fruit-yogurt parfait or a traditional breakfast.  Later in the day explore the new lunch and dinner choices.  Enhance your meal with our updated selection of quality Northwest and Washington wines, or interesting local micro-brews on tap. The Lakeshore Restaurant now also offers wine by the bottle–to go, and your favorite beers in growlers! Numerous fun events are also in store. Come be our guest and enjoy yourself.

ORCAS SPOTTED CIRCLING ANDERSON

Northwest photographer Stu Davidson was cruising south Puget in his boat recently when we encountered this pair of Orcas just east of Anderson Island. Passengers on the Steilacoom to Anderson Island Ferry, be alert!

“I believe at this point I must have been at the south end of Andersen looking more south easterly across the mainland and obviously towards Mt Rainier. The day we found the Orcas in the South Sound we followed them heading south on the East side of Anderson and as they went all the the way around and back North on the West side of Anderson!”  What an exciting experience it is to see these highly intelligent whales in Puget Sound. Orca sightings are up substantially this year according to the Seattle Post Intelligencer. Thank you Stu for sharing your photo! Check out more of Mr. Davidson’s amazing photography at  www.studavidsonphotography.com.