Bramble House was opened with the premise that delicious food in a simple, sophisticated environment is the key to a happy life.
We are centered on seasonally-inspired dishes from local growers, producers, farmers whenever possible, beverages that compliment the meal and friendly, yet efficient service. There are a couple of other things you should know...
CLASSY PLATES
In the creation of Bramble House, we wanted to source plates that reflected who we are and completed the look of the restaurant. In searching for one-of-a-kind dishes, a treasure hunt for old proper china that has fallen out of favor due to it's delicate nature was born. Our unique china pieces are a compliment and canvas for our food, as well as giving new life to what was likely treasured on someone else's table. One favorite shopping spot was Vashon Island mainstay, Granny's Attic.
Granny's Attic, a local thrift store, is a charitable organization that's been running since 1973. The amazing circle of benefits starts when Islanders drop off excess items, which are priced and sold to neighbors in need. All of the money raised is donated to health-related Vashon programs. And most phenomonally, the magic is created and run by wholly by volunteers - true Vashon Island grannies.
Follow our lead - not only to support a great institution, but also to find awesome stuff. Stop by Granny's Attic for your own treasure hunt.
OLD SCHOOL METHODS
Washington is definitely the most beautiful state, but western Washington gets a bad rap for being a little rainy and gray. All that rain is totally worth it, because from that, amazing fruit and vegetables grow here. Vashon has an abundance of produce, however it is highly seasonal.
Fortunately, people here make jams, pickles, jellies and preserves. In fact, growing up, our chef got to see how it's done: to commit a full day to tomatoes, green beans, or an alarming pile of absolutely ripe pears. It's a battle to get all the food put up before it gets too ripe or big, but some mad canning skills were learned from her mother, a Vashon Island Green Market Grand Jampion (pun intended).
The classic preserving approach is at work at Bramble House, and is a bit easier in a professional kitchen! You'll find quick and traditional pickles as well as ferments on the dinner menuand preserves and marmalade for dessert all made with love.
LOCAL PARTNERS
Seattle and the area have a long established food scene, but what's happening on Vashon is amazing. There is a burgeoning network of producers, growers, foragers, farmers and cultivators and we are proud to have their products on our plates and in our glasses. Some of our local partners are listed here and the Bramble House menu will always aim to heavily feature local foods.
Andrew Will Winery
Burton Hill Farm
Dragon's Head Cider
Forest Garden Farm
Herban Bloom
Matsuda Farm
Namaste Farm
Nashi Orchards
Pacific Crest Farm
Pink Tractor Farm
Provo Farm
Sun Island Farm
Vashon Winery
FOOD : DRINKS : HOME
Bramble House represents a homecoming for our chef, founder and prodigal child, Lia (Bardeen) Lira. Lia cooked her way through kitchens in Manhattan and then opened restaurants around the world and across the states. Thus, when it was time to open her own restaurant, why not return to Vashon, a small, interesting, perfect island near Seattle, Washington?
The name Bramble House references the summers of berry picking and bounty of Vashon that Lia grew up with and are reflected in our menus, influenced by her travels and experiences.