New Reception Site: Utina Wardroom

Ideas & Inspiration

Utina Wardroom: A foodie haven in South Lake Union

New Reception Site: Utina Wardroom

City Catering owner Lendy Hensley was on the lookout for a bigger kitchen for her burgeoning catering business; she got it, plus the ownership of a new venue to boot. In January, City Catering opened charming jewel-box venue Utina Wardroom in the built-out front end of their new digs in South Lake Union.

With exposed piping and rolling garage doors that open to the street, the industrial-chic space (named after a historic regional naval warship) holds an intimate 70 to 125 guests, depending on furniture arrangement. The clean lines and minimal décor make Utina a versatile space for rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions or day-after brunches, plus it’s a foodie bride’s dream.

Guests are a sliding metal door away from City’s expansive new kitchen, which continues to serve fresh, inventive Northwest fare with a modern touch, such as watermelon and tobiko atop seared scallops or wild mushroom strudel with goat cheese and black truffle oil.

Event rentals available in seven-hour blocks, $900 Sunday–Thursday, $1,100 Friday–Saturday; fall and winter dates available; Utina Wardroom, South Lake Union, 509 Dexter Ave. N; 206.721.0334; utinawardroom.com. —K.C.