The Oyster Bar staff take our work seriously, love what we do and are usually working so hard that we really don’t dwell on the larger picture. But an artfully composed letter that we received last August reminded us of what a privilege it is to serve beautiful cuisine to fabulous people in such a special place. I thought you might enjoy reading it too and so, with Tele and Joel’s permission, here it is.
Dear Guy and Linda and the Oyster Bar Staff,
As fishermen, Joel and I feel very much a part of the food chain and ecosystem pictured on the front of this card. We value the Alaskan waters that the Nerka’s hooks dance through, marvel at our surroundings. I handle each salmon with respect and pride. We love our jobs and are grateful to the restaurants who make such a magical profession possible for us.
It’s not so often, however, that we get to experience an equivalent connection with those customers who are our salmons final destination. Dining with you last night changed that.
Joel and I don’t get many special dinners out. His birthday tends to be our big splurge of the year. This year needed to be extra special since a spring knee injury has kept him beached this season, not fishing for the 1st summer of his 31 years. We chose you as our special treat and I flew south from Alaska for a whirlwind visit.
We couldn’t have had a more perfect evening. From the beautifully presented gravlax to the perfectly prepared king salmon (fresh caught by a friend of ours!) to the best dessert of Joel’s life (the mango coconut cheesecake). We were dazzled through our entire visit. Our waiter, a young man from Utah, took excellent care of us and another man provided a great birthday song. We watched the sun sink over the bay, the kind of glassy calm water that is a gift for fishermen. Most of all, as Joel took each blissful bite, he marveled at the gift of knowing first hand the care and expertise that you Chef devoted to that fish. We spend so much time, on our end, handling the salmon with meticulous care, it was wonderfully rewarding to see that they receive the same attention in your hands.
We’re grateful and delighted. Thank you for a truly special meal and experience.
Tele & Joel
Thank you Tele and Joel, for the beautiful fish you provide, for your warm and thoughtful affirmation and for the most beautiful letter that we’ve ever received.