Out and About: or, The Whale

Back in June, I was lucky enough to catch a media preview of the restaurant in the new Distrikt Hotel, or, The Whale. The “farm and fisher to table” concept and impressive seafood-heavy menu caught my attention in a way that made me eagerly count down the time until I was able to make a dinner reservation.

That time finally came a few weeks ago, and it was totally worth the wait. The restaurant name is a nod to the Herman Melville classic originally titled Moby Dick, or, The Whale, and the connection is pretty clear given the décor. Dramatic reds and blues and a mural depicting the book cover adorn the walls; nautical-inspired ropes hang from the ceilings.

The hospitality we experienced throughout the entire visit was unparalleled, starting with the friendly host at the front door and including the chef who stopped by to see how our meal was. We only had good reviews to share. After two delicious cocktails and perfectly baked house focaccia bread, we shared the mussels, which were the best I’ve ever had, and the appetizer special: grilled halloumi cheese with various sweet and savory toppings. For dinner, we split the Duck, Duck, Goose Burger and the scallops. The burger (pictured left) was actually comically massive; I’m not sure you’d be able to eat it without a fork and a knife or unhinging your jaw. But it was cooked perfectly. And the scallops, served with sunflower shoots and black radish, were incredible.

Overall, the atmosphere, service, and inventive menus make or, The Whale a superb spot for a special meal out. Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to dine; you’ll want to set aside at least two hours to take it all in.

By Delaney Held, PDP Marketing and Communications Coordinator