Locals can unpack nostalgic memories, and everyone can create new ones at the recently opened Westwater Kitchen & Lounge. The landmark restaurant, an Olympia icon, has been reopened by Jennifer and Chris Murphy. The atmosphere is a blend of copper, velvet and firelight surrounded by enormous windows that overlook Capitol Lake, abundant greenery and blue sky. It’s casual yet refined. The thoughtful menu has plates to share and many you will want all for yourself.

“We wanted the kitchen,” explains Jennifer. The commercial-sized facility was the initial attraction for the Murphy’s, who own other food businesses. Everything could be under one hood (so to say.)

Meetings began with the building owner, Sage Investment Group. Sage brings together talents and skills to transform hotels into apartments. Westwater Village, formerly a hotel property, is well along the way in its conversion. The restaurant was envisioned as an asset to the residents and a great place for the public to enjoy, too.

Getting the kitchen meant opening the restaurant. The Murphy’s considered this big endeavor. Chris certainly brought extensive experience. “He’s a restaurant guy, through and through,” says Jennifer. The evolving plan included Dustin Hinkle-Anderson, a chef, who worked with Chris opening the Hearthfire. Hinkle-Anderson had plans of his own at the time, but after touring the facility and imagining the possibilities, he joined the team. They moved ahead with Dustin in full charge of the menu.

Diners will appreciate the from-scratch focaccia bread. Dishes put attention on deep flavors and seasonal offering. Look for a Fresh Sheet of changing specials for your dining pleasure. The daily Happy Hour is already becoming poplar. With special prices on an assortment of sharable international-flavored plates, beer, wine and certain cocktails, it’s a pleasure to hang out with friends.

In addition to Marv’s Marvlus Pit BBQ, known for catering events that feature creative, tasty BBQ spreads, the Murphy’s are distributors for R.L. Schreiber’s, a family-owned business that manufactures spices and seasoning for commercial use. Clearly, the Murphy’s have their plates full, yet both are available to warmly welcome guests. “We are so happy to be here,” says Jennifer.

https://thewestwater.com/