Ama Ama

No matter what your mood, West Seattle has a number of yummy spots to satisfy your craving for both food and atmosphere. Of course it's when the food and ambience come together in a harmonious balance, make for the perfect experience. And of course, this doesn't always work out perfectly.

There has been a place in our neck of the woods that has been catching my eye for quite some time, both in reviews and "curb appeal." Ama Ama Oyster Bar & Grille. Being a HUGE fan of raw oysters on the half shell, Ama Ama was a must. Pour me a Bombay Blue Saffire Martini and I'm there. Only this particulat night I opted for Bombay Blue Gin & Tonic, but I'm getting off subject a bit....

So, after doing a bit of Internet research and finding nothing but positive reviews on the food, we decided to try it out. According to the Ama Ama Web site, the word ama literally means “sea women” in Japanese. Ama were free divers that for over two thousand years provided their families and villages with fresh seafood. Wearing only a loincloth and mask, the ama braved the cold waters of the Pacific Rim to collect shellfish, octopus, sea urchin, and other delicacies from the depths. Apparently, even today, the few surviving ama dive without scuba gear or air tanks. Upon entering this very '60's vibe restaurant, and seeing James Bond "To Russian with Love" playing in the artwork installation behind the bar, did it all seem very a prospro. We were sat quickly, ordered our drinks and of course the oysters. The oysters were fantastic! A sampling of various types of raw oysters, they were placed on the traditional silver tray resting in a bed of crushed ice and served with cocktail sauce, lemon and horseradish. All were incredibly fresh and delicious, another round was a must. Everyone in our party wished that the menu offered a bit more from the raw bar, but what they did have on the menu was quite good. We stuck with oysters, Ahi Tuna, sliders and the Penn Cove Mussels and Frites. All of which were tasty. The oysters were definitely the star of the table. The only two elements lacking: the drinks and the service. Yummy beverages that they were, they were not generous. Go to Ama Ama for the food and a festive fun atmosphere, but don't set your expectations on being taken care of or getting drinks of the same caliber as the oysters.