The Walrus and the Carpenter speaking to the Oysters, as portrayed by illustrator John Tenniel,1871. Public Domain Seattle is widely known for its thriving restaurant culture and award-winning dining experiences. Restaurateur Renee Erickson has garnered her fair share of acclaim, but unionized workers at one of her restaurants, The Walrus and the Carpenter, went on strike this week. That led management to close the location temporarily.