Cape Cleare Fishery
The CAPE CLEARE Salmon Wagon
It all started at the Puyallup Fair in the ‘90s when Rick Oltman came upon a set of steel spoke wheels from a late Model A car.
The wheels would be perfect for a portable grill Rick was building - a rig he could use to serve salmon at the farmer’s market and other public gatherings. This would be no ordinary food truck, but a mobile kitchen as appealing as the premium Alaska seafood it would feature.
Drawing inspiration from the elegance of vintage cars from the 1920s and 1930s and the vibrant atmosphere of old-time carnivals, the Cape Cleare Salmon Wagon came into being.
With its old-word craftsmanship, stunning artwork and delicious, artisanal food, the Wagon is a visual, moveable feast, designed to delight body and soul.
Complete with stainless work surfaces, pressurized hot and cold water, broilers, flat top grills, double burners, and tanks for grey and fresh water, the Salmon Wagon also meets the highest standards of health and safety.
It operates silently through the use of electric batteries, which power the pumps and lights. The Wagon’s ability to operate quietly and efficiently without detracting from the ambiance of events, makes it a favorite among event organizers and attendees alike.
Events & Appearances
A local legend at the Port Townsend Farmers Market for over thirteen years, the Wagon was expertly operated by Beth Johnson of In-Season Catering, and Lela Hilton. Today it appears at public events in Port Townsend including the Wooden Boat Festival, the Rhody Festival, and the Race to Alaska.
The Cape Cleare Salmon Wagon is also available for private caterings and special events. Contact Rick@capecleare.com for more information. We encourage booking in advance. (From August to mid-September, when Cape Cleare is “Gone Fishing” in Alaska, the Wagon is not available.)
Sample Menus - featuring wild wish and local, organic ingredients
Menu options include sandwiches and dinner plates of grilled salmon or black cod served with fresh, local salad greens.
Salmon sandwiches are accompanied by vibrant seasonal greens drizzled with a special sauce on freshly made panini bread from Pane d’Amore, brushed with garlic butter and lightly grilled. The Best Ever Salmon Sandwich, a favorite among locals, includes a fresh, fried egg on top.
Our newest addition, the Black Cod Sandwich, features a marinated, grilled, black cod filet. It is served with a fresh slaw seasoned with toasted sesame oil and seeds, rice wine vinegar and radishes.
During cooler months, salmon chowder is available featuring wild salmon, smoked salmon and fresh, local ingredients.
