Tu Tu'Tun Lodge

What follows is the email I sent the resort upon my return home. I never received a response. We are excited about the changes underway. I’m sure the new owners are looking forward to the future of the lodge. In light of the new ownership and our recent stay - we would like to offer some feedback. Knowing change is hard, especially for a lodge steeped in a rustic style and easy going manner. No one person could say with any degree of certainty what changes will be good and successful- and those that won’t. So, we will simply remark on the changes we did encounter. Our main feedback deals with the meals. Over the years the food moved between incredible and fair. Chefs come and go. At their base the meals were always coherent. Protein, green vegetables and some starch. The presentation may vary from an elevated expression to a simple, straightforward meat and vegetables. I this most recent visit the food we were served was fine- in fact, based on sheer quality - the dishes we were served were as good, or as close to as good, as we’ve had. On the first night- we were served scallops on cold cauliflower with potatoes. All white. The scallops were delicious, but that was it. Occasionally, the meal just didn’t make sense. On the last night (Sunday) we were served street tacos. The meal began with chips with guacamole and salsa, then a salad, then bread, and lastly street tacos - with ears of corn topped with an aioli. It felt very disjointed and/or incongruent. In all of our visits - I’ve never asked nor looked to see what I paid for a meal. However, at the conclusion of dinner I inquired as to what we were paying ($95); we were surprised. It”s just not what we’ve come to expect. The best dish we had was the smoked chicken and it was delicious. However- we were not served enough for the table. We only had six people - none took more than 2 pieces, yet I had to share with my wife (one thigh and one leg for both to share). When we were served beef on another night it was fine- but nothing like the chicken. On that night - it was the protein (beef), a salad (going from memory) and a potato salad - that looked unappetizing and only one person tried. Also, as dinner service goes- the removal of the happy hour and passed hors d’oeuvres was missed. Most nights - the returning guests made our way down to the bar and enjoyed a glass with new friends. Breakfast- the same choices every morning. No opportunity for fruit- or oatmeal- a muffin- just Turkish eggs, salmon eggs Benedict, and two eggs with bacon and garnish salad. That is not good enough. When we would talk with returning guests - we all agreed changes were needed. We also agreed that there will be successes and missteps. That is to be expected. The challenge will be to do so without losing what has made the lodge special and an important part of our travel. The staff was great. All seemed very hopeful that the lodge could get make a new future. With no delays it is about 12 hours

Every thing about lodge could be first class. We travelled from Seattle to experience all that was confirmed to us prior to arrival. Day one was excellent. Midday of day two gormet dinner cancelled and wine tasting cancelled. Both cancellations planned ahead of our arrival and not disclosed. Bar prices were not advertised but charged $25 plus 18% gratuity for simple martini. Most expensive for service not provided but expected. We will not return and could not recommend.

Great hospitality and even better food and service. I don’t think it could have possibly been a better weekend. My friends and I celebrated multiple birthdays and enjoyed every second of our stay. On another note, the food was absolutely phenomenal. Must try dishes and cocktails.