The grand opening of sámn at ilani on Thursday, Oct 1, marked another step in the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s ongoing development of its Ridgefield destination, with tribal leaders emphasizing heritage, self-determination and the importance of food in bringing people together.
The seafood-forward restaurant, whose name comes from the Cowlitz term for fish, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and news conference Oct. 1 before serving its first dinner to the public. The new restaurant replaces Line & Lure, which served its final meal in September.
Bill Iyall, chairman of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, said sámn reflects the tribe’s connection to its land, waterways and traditional food systems.
The restaurant is designed around Pacific Northwest ingredients and foodways while incorporating culinary influences from beyond the region. Its menu features seafood, deep-water favorites, gumbos and stews, artisan pastas and a new oyster bar. Cajun, French and South American flavors are incorporated throughout the menu, alongside steaks, chicken and other Pacific Northwest-inspired dishes.
Chris Rippy, ilani’s vice president of food and beverage, said the restaurant is focused on showcasing the resources of the region.
“At sámn, we are committed to showcasing the best of the Pacific Northwest,” Rippy said. “We proudly partner with local vendors whenever possible, particularly for our seafood and our fresh vegetables, allowing us to highlight the incredible rich resources in our region.”
The restaurant’s beverage offerings include regional wines, craft cocktails and nonalcoholic cocktails.
The opening ceremony also highlighted the Cowlitz people’s long-standing relationship with food, hospitality and trade. Cowlitz Elder and Spiritual Leader Tanna Engdahl spoke about historic Cowlitz villages along the Columbia River and Lewis River, where food and hospitality were central to welcoming visitors.
“We can bring the most amazing dishes, surrounded by a timeless protocol, which is the understanding that food is more than nourishment. It brings us together,” Engdahl said.
That connection between food and community is central to the new restaurant, according to Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority Chairwoman Karissa Lowe.
Lowe said sámn represents another milestone in the tribe’s continued development and brings another venue under direct tribal management and ownership. She said the model allows the tribe to ensure economic returns from the operation support the tribe’s long-term goals.
“Taking full ownership and operational responsibilities for these dining experiences means that we are allowed to embody our core values, and we are able to ensure that the economic returns from these operations directly fuel the self-sufficiency and sovereignty of our people,” Lowe said.
The restaurant’s opening also comes as ilani continues to reshape its dining options. ilani General Manager Alan Trantina, who began his role in September, said sámn gives guests another way to experience the Cowlitz heritage represented throughout the property.
“This Pacific Northwest seafood concept provides guests with the unique opportunity of a dining experience that is connected to the region and to the Cowlitz people,” Trantina said.
sámn will be open for lunch and dinner most days, with a Sunday brunch buffet. The restaurant is closed Mondays. sámn is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Food is more than nourishment. It brings us together,” Engdahl said.
