If you aren't aware of the Puffin Cafe, it's likely going to fly under your radar unless someone tells you about it, because it's kinda hard to find. This "floating" restaurant on the Columbia is nestled away at the Port of Camas & Washougal, and is surrounded by the marina, port authority, a boat launch, etc. The road that leads to it is more like a driveway for riverside businesses and warehouses, and parking utilizes spaces up the hill from the cafe, past the RV/boat trailer lot.

However, this place is a real gem, and serves up a smorgasbord of spicy seafood with Calypso flair, honoring the cuisines and culture of the Caribbean in a humble riverside shack. We ducked in for a quick Happy Hour on the way home from Skamania Lodge. It was my wife's first visit, but she immediately fell in love with the location, decor and cuisine, so I know we will be back very soon. She remarked that it was "cute" and "romantic", and perfect for a date, either on a sunny afternoon, or on a moonlight night, when the passing riverboats, their lights twinkling like stars reflecting off the inky surface of the water, create a second sky that stretches across the horizon.

As we were just in for a quick snack on the way home, we ordered a cup of the Calaloo Voodoo soup, which comes with a warning that guests should sample it before ordering, as it is quite spicy. Ignoring the warnings, as we often do, we dived right in, and absolutely loved it. Sort of a spicy seafood chowder, although the broth more water-based than cream based which, in our opinion, is a good thing, as this makes the soup light and tasty, not heavy and filling). The Cuban bread that accompanies it adds a little kick itself, but calling it bread is a little disingenuous, as the two pieces we received were more like croutons, but then again, we weren't looking for a fill-up, anyway. Still, that soup is really fantastic. We considered ordering a bowl to take home with us, but instead decided between us to just come back in the near future.

Another place where the Puffin truly shines is in its selection of Caribbean-inspired cocktails...which means rum. A lot of rum. I like rum, so this is a good thing. If you're like-minded, you're gonna enjoy yourself here. I went easy on myself this time with a Cuba Libre (fancy rum and coke), but it's hard to resist the Execution Dock (Habanero + Pina Colada!), a Caribbean Screwdriver, or a nice hot Jamaican Coffee. For those who aren't big on rum, there are plenty of vodka cocktails & margaritas as well, but if you're ordering one of these, you belong on the mainland, landlubber!

I have been to the Puffin before on several occasions, and every time I pass through along Highway 14, I remember how much I like it there, and that revelation usually means I'll be making a detour there again soon. Now that it's left an impression on my wife as well, I imagine this will occur with increased frequency.