Getting Salty in Point Roberts

Tamra Hansen, owner of Saltwater Cafe

Margaret and I were looking for adventure. Something that might get our feet wet or get us lost then found. Something big … or small. Something outside then inside. We were looking to discover something or someplace.

So we went on walkabout … well, driveabout, to be precise. The drive took us across the border to Point Roberts. Always a fun place to go for a quick change in scenery. We started with a drive along Boundary Bay Then on to Lighthouse Marine Park for a walk along the shore, where we watched a purse seining boat put out its net and picked up whelks strewn on the pebble beach. The day was sunny but not overly hot. A cool sea breeze brought in the smell of brine and seaweed. We got peckish pretty fast and retraced our steps to an attractive café with outdoor patio for lunch.

Margaret checks the menu

Saltwater Café has been around for awhile; long enough to have plenty of character both inside and outside. We decided on two platters to share: The Wedge and the Charcuterie Plate. Both were exquisitely presented and thoroughly enjoyed over Moscow Mules (Vodka, spicy ginger beer and lime juice) and lively discussion.

Owner and Chef Tamra Hansen uses local ingredients for the rotating menu based on what’s in season. 

outside the cafe

I know, because when I entered to get two coffees, I overheard her instructing one of the servers to bring in some lavender from their garden (for the lavender mojito—one of their signature drinks). Now, that’s fresh!

The Saltwater website tells it this way:

Charcuterie

Seabright Farm stairs to the sea

“Located on Gulf Road, in Point Roberts, Saltwater Cafe is the establishment we've longed to create. After starting and operating a large number of successful restaurants both locally and nationally, we decided to settle back in Point Roberts and open something close to our hearts. “Our menu is inspired by authentic cooking and the diverse flavors of the Pacific Northwest, made utilizing local ingredients gathered by Chef and owner, Tamra Hansen. We have a huge range of rotating specials depending on the season, featuring BBQ, wood fired pizzas, sandwiches and more! In addition to our specials we have tons of home-baked treats, with delicious cakes, muffins and pastries. Find them all lined up on the bar as you walk in. We also have a 'pick your own' sweet counter, great for kids and big kids alike.”

Here’s what we had from the menu that day:

Moscow Mule

Moscow Mules: vodka, spicy ginger beer, fresh squeezed lime juice and mulled lime.

Charcuterie Plate: assorted gourmet cheeses and meats, served with nuts, figs and other seasonal fruit with a side of freshly baked bread

The Wedge: iceberg lettuce wedge, crispy apple would bacon, grape tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, garlic vinaigrette, blue cheese drizzle and asiago cheese.

Forest at seabright farm

CONTACT

1345 Gulf Road,
Point Roberts, WA, 98281

T: 360-945-7258 (SALT)

E: info@thesaltwatercafe.com

cafe is OPEN:

Tuesday - Sunday | 8am - 4pm

Monday | Closed