The Tides Wharf, Bodega Bay

An afternoon hiking and exploring the Sonoma Coast brought me to Bodega Bay and The Inn at the Tides. The same hotel in Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. Tippy Hedren still signs autographs here, for a small fee of course. I think she shows up on major holiday weekends if anyone is interested. 

I was more interested in a clam chowder, a half-dozen Tomales Bay oysters, and a Damnation Ale. For all know, it may cost less than an autograph from Tippy. As is my normal custom, I sat at the bar. As a note, the bar has a limited menu which includes chowder.

I started with the fresh oysters. A food that, in my opinion, needs no garnish, no condiment, no cooking, no nothing except freshness. These oysters were slightly briny, cold, and delicious. Some of the simplest and most delicious foods on Planet Earth. All that other stuff on the plate is nonsense. A wonderful half-dozen.

Next up, a steaming bowl of clam chowder. I realize it's not winter (although it feels like it this summer in Sonoma County), but sometimes a warm, mouthfilling bowl of chowder can warm the soul. No silly 'bread bowl' either, just hot soup in a hot bowl. And no, I don't crumble all those crackers in there. A good soup doesn't need water crackers even if they are shaped like little goldfish. The soup was creamy, thick, and well filled with clams and other white fish. I could still taste little pieces of celery as well. I drank a Damnation Ale with my late afternoon meal, of course, a local brew. All quite satisfying.

I'm pleased with my first trip to Bodega Bay and The Tides Wharf. If you're looking for a bowl of chowder and a beer, it's worth a stop. Nothing fancy and there are plenty of people buzzing around. It terms of clientele, lots of families and seniors tend to dominate the area. Sorry, I can't speak to the rest of the food, but at places like this, I tend to keep it simple.