Perhaps most visible to walkers on Taylor Dock and boaters on Bellingham Bay, the gorgeous restaurant location at The Chrysalis Inn & Spa overlooking the water and the boardwalk in Bellingham has new owners, a new name and a new menu.  It is now “Keenan’s at the Pier.” Floor to ceiling windows throughout the space allow incredible views from every table. An outdoor patio is also open in the summer months.

Executive chef Rob Holmes has reshaped the menu with a stronger emphasis on local ingredients and a more casual feel, featuring soups, salads, sandwiches and lighter fare for lunch. Dinner entrees range from “A Really Good Burger,” to Seafood Cioppino, Lamb Rack and Filet Mignon. The menu is designed to change seasonally in response to local harvests.

Also on the lunch menu, I particularly enjoyed the Rice Bowl. A bed of jasmine rice, ponzu sauce and chicken were creatively encircled by a salad of baby field greens, cabbage, pickled daikon & carrot with orange ginger dressing. The result was delicious and fresh. I couldn’t put my fork down, even to speak with the chef!

A fun new feature of the restaurant’s bar is a pass-through window into the hotel’s comfy living room area. This is a great spot for casual drinks with friends, before or after dinner beverages, or even a place to unwind before or after a treatment at the adjoining spa!

I’m adding it to my favorites list.