By Lisa Shell
Christina Wentworth Kost’s first job was in the kitchen at the YMCA of Grays Harbor’s Camp Bishop. When reflecting on her first job, Kost explained that it was simply cooking, cleaning and doing dishes, while preparing meals. “I was 13 and my mom was the camp director. We learned how to time food. We were cooking for up to 200 people per meal and the cook taught us to prepare it so everything came out at the same time,” she added. Her next two jobs, at Rocky’s Ubake Pizza and Orange Julius, helped to build a foundation for what would become a successful career in the restaurant industry.
You may recognize Christina. On August 4, 1997 she was hired on as hostess at the now-closed, Bridges Restaurant. Eight months later, she was offered a management position and continued to take on additional responsibility for the next 14 years.
I met Christina and her twin sister, Jennifer Montour, years ago at Bridges. They were both friendly, courteous servers and we formed a kinship talking about how we have worked in the industry for most our lives. We enjoy swapping stories and laughs about the day’s activities inside a restaurant. Christina and Jennifer both attended Aberdeen schools, graduating from Aberdeen High School before studying at Grays Harbor College.
Today, you can find Christina working as the managing partner of Breakwater Seafood and Chowder House. Breakwater serves a fabulous hot, golden, flaky, panko style fish and chips and Christina is often behind the counter ready to help. As one of the new owners of the well-established business, Christina is joined by partners Roberta Timmons, Gary Running and restaurateur Sonny Bridges, Sr.
The restaurant and seafood market is located on the banks of the Wishkah River in Aberdeen. As you enter Aberdeen, cross the Wishkah River bridge and take a quick left on South “F” Street to reach the restaurant. When the tide is high, the building often looks like it’s floating. The deck is built on pilings so the river view from outside is outstanding. It’s an ideal place enjoy lunch outside on a sunny day.
A large selection of seafood is the hallmark of the business. They offer cooked whole crab, crab meat, crab legs, bay shrimp, prawns, scallops, salmon, lingcod, halibut, petrale sole, smoked salmon, steamer clams and fresh oysters in the shell. The restaurant menu includes a few of my favorites like fish and chips, clam chowder and several seafood salads to choose from. Select your favorite, pick a table on the deck, order a beer on tap and enjoy the best fish and chips in town. Seating is always available inside and there is fresh new paint and nautical art on the walls.
I asked Christina what she liked most about being an owner. “I love my job because of the freedom,” said the working mom balancing family life and a business.
She genuinely is concerned about her neighbors and often donates to many local charities, including the nearby Union Gospel Mission.
Meet Christina and the rest of the Breakwater Seafood and Chowder House staff.
Breakwater Seafood and Chowder House
306 South F Street
Aberdeen, WA 98520
360-532-5693
