Duck Soup Inn
At the end of an unassuming gravel road on San Juan Island there exists a place unlike anywhere else. A quiet, unpretentious place which delights your sense, satisfies your belly, sparks your creativity and challenges you to rethink how you present food at your own home. Duck Soup Inn is home to Kyle Nicholson, an amazing chef, who is known throughout the island and beyond as a food pioneer. Before taking the reigns at Duck Soup Inn Kyle has been the Executive Chef at the Friday Harbor House. After meeting Kyle I was impressed by his quiet strength and his calm presence. Throughout the island he is thought of as a creative force and I firmly believe he is on his way to making Duck Soup Inn a destination.
As the sun sunk down low in the sky we made the short drive from Lakedale Resort to begin our food journey at Duck Soup Inn. We started our meal with a bang and began with fried brussel sprouts. They not only awakened our senses, but left us hungry for what lie ahead. Next came the most tender gnocchi I have ever eaten, followed by a locally foraged green salad and the most artful presentation of asparagus I have ever seen. For my entree the halibut did not disappoint neither did the desserts. During our time at Duck Soup Inn Kyle consistently put out the most inventive and delicious foods. Items as simple as an ice cream sundae were made better with thoughtful touches like homemade brittle. Inventive touches like fermented lime powder and edible flowers elevated each dish in the most amazing way.
At the end of the night, I was reminded how simple ingredients can produce the most amazing dishes if given the space to shine. Each dish was a juxtaposition between well thought out and seemingly effortless. I left feeling inspired to be more creative in my own presentation of our nightly meal and more dedicated to making each ingredient count. After meeting Kyle I also felt a renewed desire to encourage my son to follow his own dreams. I am once again reminded how food is not just a meal, but an opportunity to connect with the ones we love and create memories which will last a lifetime.
This post was sponsored by Duck Soup Inn. All opinions stated here are my own and I was under no obligation to write anything other than my personal experience. I will never write about anything I did not enjoy or find to be a valuable experience.
