‘Tis the season for travelling and if you’re lucky the Woodmark Hotel is part of your itinerary. Because whether you find yourself in the air or on the road, it’s always a good idea to land in a place you can consider your  home away from home.

Woodmark Hotel in the Pacific Northwest

The Woodmark has an eye toward Northwest flavors and the region’s freshest ingredients. Therefore, it’s no wonder its signature restaurant, bin on the lake, is filled with as many locals as with guests.

It would be tempting to focus just on the incredible view that you have while dining at bin on the lake. A panoramic view of a glistening Lake Washington with the Seattle skyline in the distance is certainly noteworthy. But Chef Dylan Giordan creates a dining experience that refuses to be overshadowed by the dramatic surroundings. 

This holiday season, bin on the lake will be offering up a couple of Christmas and New Year’s dining choices. These holiday menus highlight all of the flavors this season has to offer.

Dinner and drinks at the Woodmark

When I visited the Woodmark earlier this year, Chef Dylan was taking full advantage of the summer’s bounty. A juicy globe peach, wrapped in pancetta and drizzled with a 30-year old balsamic vinegar started the meal off. Next to find its way to my table was a light, yet decadent tempura squash blossom stuffed in goat cheese.

The main attraction of the evening – locally sourced grilled lamb chops from Anderson Ranch treated with Alvarez Farm’s peperonata. Crispy fingerling potatoes and black olive vinaigrette made perfect companions to the dish.

Of course, the night would not be complete without dessert. Let me just say – ricotta doughnut holes with huckleberry sauce.

It’s just not the food that is thoughtfully sourced from local purveyors when available. Woodmark offers up more than 100 vintages of wine – many that hail from the world-class wineries just miles away.

If you’re new to Washington wines, you should definitely give them a go. But if you’re looking for something say, a little more European, you’ll find plenty available from the powerhouse regions of Piedmonte, Bordeaux, Burgundy and the like.

The wine list is tempting, but I started my evening with a pre-dinner cocktail – the Chef’s Manhattan. This tasty elixir featured Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Chef Dylan added just the right splash of his housemade vermouth for the slightest hint of cinnamon.

Dream the night away

To extend your holiday cheer after dinner you won’t have to go much further than your hotel room. You enter through a hallway that opens up to an expansive view of Lake Washington. There you’ll find all of the provisions needed to continue the festivities with the make-your-own Martini Bar.

Dramatic lake views aside, the rooms at the Woodmark pamper the weariest of guests. Relax in the deep soaking tub or take comfort in the cashmere throws that hug the feather bed.

If you’re like me and tend to get a case of the late night munchies, The Woodmark has you covered. Midnight snacks are just a short walk down to the hotel lobby.  Being a night owl at the Woodmark does have its privileges as guest are welcome to “Raid the Pantry.” Satisfy those late night cravings with a large assortment of sandwiches, chips, soups and sweet tooth diversions.

Worth a visit anytime of the year, the Woodmark is running seasonal packages now through the first of the year. For additional information on these offers and other packages (from spa to recreation) visit: http://www.thewoodmark.com/seattle-hotel-packages.php

When checking in you may be greeted by the companionable canine Woody Meg. Officially known as the hotel’s “Director of Barketing,” Meg is a welcoming four-legged presence in this dog friendly hotel. If you happen to be in the area during the summer months you won’t want to miss out on their Yappier Hour. Treated to bites and beverages on the hotel’s waterfront lawn, it’s a popular hang with guests and their pooches.

The Woodmark Hotels and Spa is located 15 minutes east of Seattle in Kirkland WA.