Local Food & Farms Shine During September Eat Local Month | Sustainable Connections
September is a time of natural bounty and abundance here in the Pacific Northwest. From ripe tomatoes at farmers’ markets to…
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Local Mill Welcomes New Management | Fairhaven Mill
Fairhaven Mill recently welcomed Philip Fraley as the new general manager. The Mill has been an active, organic mill since 1974, serving businesses throughout the Pacific Northwest. Fraley has an extensive background in product management with 23 years of…
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Cider Festival Kicks Off Fall and Funds Outdoor Accessibility for Women | Sippin’ on Cider Festival, Shifting Gears
Expanding community spaces is part of what Shifting Gears does best, so it’s no surprise their Sippin’ on Cider Festival is rolling into its sixth year with plans of being bigger and better than ever. Shifting Gears is a Bellingham-based nonprofit that empowers women of all walks of life to dive into outdoor recreation. “Cost, intimidation, lack of gear, lack of experience, there’re…
Sea to Salt Shaker
Sea salt starts with seawater. When the water evaporates, the salt it contains is left behind in crystal form. Around the world, salt makers use a variety of methods to make that transformation happen, but many small producers rely on slow, careful processes that let the natural minerals and textures develop. Typically, seawater is collected and…
Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake | Chef’s Corner
As summer comes to a close, one of the most readily available fruits is peaches. Trying to utilize this delectable fruit, I made a peach upside-down cake. I incorporated bourbon for a fun twist and a taste of fall. This cake is sweet and warm, with juicy peaches soaked in bourbon and arranged in a beautiful pattern….
Wine Pick of the Month | Airfield Estates Chardonnay
Airfield Estates Chardonnay delivers a smooth, sun-kissed profile that feels both relaxed and refined. Aromas of ripe apple, lemon curd and a touch of pineapple rise gently from the glass, layered with soft hints of toasted oak and warm vanilla. The first sip is round and inviting, with notes of orchard fruit, citrus and a subtle creaminess that adds depth without feeling heavy. A streak of fresh acidity keeps it lively, leading into a clean, balanced finish….
The Mixing Tin | Busker’s Espresso Martini
Sumptuous and invigorating all at once, the Busker’s Espresso Martini from Penny Farthing at Chuckanut Bay Distillery is the perfect end to a delicious meal, and the start of a great night. Served up, cold, and sweet, this cocktail’s built on Chuckanut Bay Distillery’s smooth “grain-to-glass” vodka and their classic Old…
More Than a Taco Truck: Celebrating a New Beginning | Juanita’s Taco Truck
Over in the small town of Everson, amongst some warehouses and a gas station, there lives a well-loved food truck. Specifically, a Mexican taco truck….
Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho | Chef’s Corner
Gazpacho is a chilled savory soup that adds a lot of style and flair to your culinary arsenal, even though it’s ridiculously easy to pull together. This…
Wine Pick of the Month | Hogue Cellars 2024 Sauvignon Blanc
Hogue Cellars Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, lively, and built for easy sipping. At the time of writing, the 2024 vintage is available from this Washington winery. Aromas of grapefruit, lime, and fresh-cut herbs jump from the glass, followed by subtle notes of green apple and a hint of tropical fruit. On the palate, it’s bright and refreshing, with citrus-forward flavors balanced by clean, zesty acidity that keeps each…
New Dining Concept Aims to Fill Big Shoes on Whidbey Island | Passage, The Inn at Langley
The Inn at Langley on Whidbey Island reopened this summer after a thorough renovation. The refresh brought with it a new dining concept, Passage, headed by Executive Chef Johnny Spero. “Shaped by the rhythm of the seasons, Passage is a new culinary experience at…
The Mixing Tin | Rojito Mojito
Fairhaven’s cobblestone roads and brick buildings may be baking in the summer heat, but you don’t have to be! Step into J’s Kitchen to cool off with this vibrant, fruity cocktail. The Rojito Mojito, so called for its…
Crispy Pork Egg Rolls | A Homemade Recipe from Bellingham Alive
Golden, crunchy, and packed with savory pork and tender vegetables, these homemade egg rolls are well worth the extra folding. Let the filling cool completely before wrapping to help the egg rolls stay crisp and prevent the wrappers from tearing. Makes 18–20 egg rolls Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds ground pork…
Wine Pick of the Month | Gulp Hablo Orange
GULP HABLO ORANGE With its offbeat, quirky label, Gulp Hablo Orange is an eye-catching, bold-flavored wine that is sure to stand out on anyone’s wine rack. Crafted…
8 Great Tastes | Summer 2026
1. The Drive-In Style Cheeseburger at Structures Brewing lives up to the hype. Crispy-edged beef, melty American cheese, onion, pickle, and house sauce on a soft bun that is seriously satisfying. 2. A stop at…
Outdoor Dining Recipes from Sam’s Kitchen | Little Ferraro Kitchen
When you’re not headed to one of the many waterfront patios, beer gardens, or other outdoor restaurant options in the North Sound this summer, consider hosting! Samantha Ferraro, beloved home chef of Bellingham-based Little Ferraro Kitchen, has a wonderful outdoor kitchen and loves sharing meals with friends and family under blue skies. She’s shared a few of her favorite al fresco dining recipes with us, perfect for planning the menu of…
The Mixing Tin | Strawberry Cheesecake Martini
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE MARTINI A mix of sweet, creamy, and fruity, this martini is one of the only cocktails that accurately replicates delicious strawberry cheesecake. The vanilla, simple, and cream create a rich base that the spirits, fresh strawberries, and hints of lemon play off of beautifully! Vibrant and decadent, this drink is best enjoyed by…
Feasting During the Fourth of July: Sustainable Edition
The feasting of Fourth of July has become its own beast, known worldwide. The sheer amount of hamburgers, fruit, potato salads, hot dogs, and chocolate chip cookies eaten on this day is practically unimaginable. While this is the day to go ham on all of these foods, it’s important to make sure that you’re eating…
Chocolate Zucchini Cake Recipe
There are many delicious vegetables in season during the warmer months, including carrots, lettuce, cucumber, and zucchini. We recently made a delectable chocolate zucchini cake from my grandma’s recipe that is the perfect summer sweet treat! This cake is moist and oh-so-rich, and pairs well with strawberries and a glass of red wine. It’s time to treat yourself to the produce that…
Italian Pizza, Please | Pendino, Natalino’s Pizza
Bellingham gained a new pizza and craft cocktail bar this May—Pendino, founded by one of Makeworth Coffee’s original co-owners, Corey Silversmith. This spot promises Neapolitan pizza paired…
Clock in at The Office | The Office Tavern
While upscale dining is on the rise, The Office Tavern stands out as a casual gathering place designed for returning visitors rather than turning tables. Just off Burlington’s Fairhaven Avenue, this 21-and-over establishment captures the easygoing vibe of a neighborhood bar with a polished environment. Since becoming the sole owner of The Office in 2023, Tony Pratt has kept the mission simple: to create a welcoming spot where guests can relax, grab a bite, and stay awhile. “We want people…
A Safe Bet | Slo Pitch Casino
Whether you’re looking for a 2 a.m. nightcap or a 10 a.m. cup of joe, Slo Pitch Casino is truly the place to be for food, drinks, and all kinds of…
Wine Pick of the Month | Juggernaut Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
JUGGERNAUT SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY The great white shark on the bottle label represents the resilience of the grapes that go into this wine. According to Juggernaut’s website, growing conditions on the Sonoma Coast frequently feature fog and intense wind, causing the grapes to ripen less sweetly. Their strong acidic structure withstands the winemaking process and prevails in the glass, leading to a well-balanced Chardonnay. Ironically, the result is a mild yet sophisticated…
Take a Seat by the Seashore | Baywood Coffee
Happy Birthday Baywood Coffee! This May, this cozy Birch Bay coffee shop celebrates two years of cultivating a community atmosphere by the beach. Owner Antonie Inthavong opened Baywood Coffee in 2024, taking over the former…
8 Great Tastes | May 2026
1. Golden, crunchy, and downright addictive, Nicki’s Bella Marina’s Deep-Fried Pickles strike the perfect balance between crisp batter and tangy dill bite. 2. The Asian1 Appetizer Combination delivers a satisfying mix of crispy, savory bites just perfect for sharing. It comes with Golden and satay chicken, egg rolls, prawns, and even has some fries! 3. The Enchilada Combo Plate at Señor Lopez…
Spring Cream Pasta with Smoked Sockeye, Seared Scallops & Spring Vegetables Recipe | Chef Matthew’s Corner
April showers bring May flowers, and here in the Pacific Northwest that also means the beginning of our farming season. Local markets fill with bright greens, sweet peas, tender carrots, and the…
The Mixing Tin | Casino
CASINO Jack’s Bar Ingredients: Gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, orange bitters, Luxardo cherry The Casino cocktail is a simple but sophisticated drink that anyone can enjoy, whether you are taking your chances at the roulette wheel, having a night out…
The Smaller The Bite, The Better The Taste
Imagine this: you’re lying outside on a blanket in the sun on bright green grass. The temperature is warm, but not too warm, and the sounds of birdcalls and smells of freshly blooming flowers are…
Glorious Gluten-Free Goodies | Millet Gluten-Free Bakery
Millet Gluten-Free Bakery is Bellingham’s only 100% gluten-free bakery. Open for less than a year, it’s risen in popularity faster than the owners could…
Wine Pick of the Month | Long Shadows Poet’s Leap Riesling
LONG SHADOWS POET’S LEAP RIESLING Poet’s Leap is one of my go-to Rieslings! It’s a burst of freshness in a glass. Think white flowers, zesty lime, and a hint of wet stone on the nose, instantly inviting and impossibly…
The Camel’s Watering Hole: Burlington’s Newest Speakeasy | Speakeasy Saloon
Maybe it’s something about reentering the ‘20s, but speakeasies have seen a definite resurgence over the past five to 10 years. Thankfully, history isn’t repeating itself entirely, so we aren’t flocking to these hidden bars and restaurants out of necessity—we’re doing it because they’re so much dang fun. The Speakeasy Saloon in Burlington opened in April 2025, and is the latest restaurant to come from the creators of Railroad Pub & Pizza and…
Cooking with Cannabis
Cooking with Cannabis offers a gentle and customizable way to support relaxation, ease chronic discomfort, and enhance overall well-being. When infused into everyday foods, it allows for steady, predictable effects without smoking—making it an appealing option for those seeking natural relief. With thoughtful ratios and simple preparation methods, cooking with cannabis can become…
Blackened Halibut with Spring Succotash, Lemon-Herbed Rice, and Lemon Beurre Blanc Recipe | Chef Matthew’s Corner
Early spring is one of my favorite moments in the kitchen. Winter cooking starts to loosen its grip, the markets brighten up, and seafood takes center stage again. This dish brings together a Louisiana-inspired blackening technique with Pacific Northwest halibut and fresh spring vegetables. Finished simply, it’s clean and balanced. With the addition of a light lemon beurre blanc,…
The Mixing Tin | Cassandra’s Rapture
CASSANDRA’S RAPTURE Temple Bar | $14 Ingredients: Mezcal, Genepy, lemon juice, Aperol, Firewater bitters This original cocktail is a perfect spring indulgence! Served up in a coupe glass, Cassandra’s Rapture is a cheerful orange color, delightful, cool, and refreshing….
The Nomadic Kitchen Adventures of a Personal Chef | Nourishing Nomad
Not weighed down by restaurant or retainer—a personal chef plans, arrives, cooks, and leaves. Chef Joshua Gatewood, Founder, Owner, and Chef at Nourishing Nomad, has found that it’s the perfect niche for him….
Sometimes You Want To Go Where Everybody Knows Your Pie Order | Pie Dive Bar
Last September, La Conner was the latest PNW town to welcome family business Pie Dive Bar into the community. This bar and restaurant combines two great American traditions, defined right in the name. What could make a perfectly imperfect, come-as-you-are dive bar better than the addition of delicious, fresh-baked pie? This is the third Pie Dive Bar, with previous locations opening in Snohomish in 2022 and Gold Bar in 2024. It’s also the ninth pie-based business opened by Alyssa Kingsbery,…
8 Great Tastes | March 2026
1. Samosas are fried, savory pastries that are perfect for a light meal or an on-the-go snack. We love Naan & Brew’s delicious Veggie Samosas, served with a flavor-packed chickpea sauce. 2. If you haven’t been to Hey Dumplin’ in Bellingham yet, this is your sign to check it out! Not only do they have options to suit anyone’s dietary needs, but their Potato Vareniki Dumplings with Charred Garlic…
New Executive Chef at Bellingham’s Elegant Waterfront Dining Destination | Keenan’s at the Pier
Last September, Keenan’s at the Pier restaurant at the Chrysalis Inn & Spa in Fairhaven welcomed new Executive Chef Eli Cobb. Cobb was previously at the Majestic Inn & Spa in Anacortes, and comes to Keenan’s with 25 years of experience in the kitchen. “My approach…
Authentic Tacos and More in Fairhaven | Tacos Guadalajara
A new Mexican restaurant has arrived on the scene in Fairhaven, taking over the space previously occupied by Jalapeños. Tacos Guadalajara opened its doors in November 2025 and is owned by Guillermo Rosas, who operates a quick-service taco joint by the same name in Ferndale. Patrons can expect the same authentic flavors at the Fairhaven location, with an expanded menu for the more traditional restaurant setting. Tacos Guadalajara is a family affair. Guillermo’s son, also named Guillermo Rosas, waits…
Wine Pick of the Month | Pepper Bridge Winery Merlot
PEPPER BRIDGE WINERY MERLOT Pepper Bridge Winery Merlot is the kind of wine that feels like a hug in a glass—rich, smooth,…
Corned Beef with Parsley Carrots, Cabbage, and Black-Eyed Peas | Chef Matthew’s Corner
There are few meals more comforting or more closely tied to St. Patrick’s Day than corned beef and cabbage. This version keeps things simple, balanced, and deeply satisfying, with tender brisket,…
The Mixing Tin | Black & Tan
BLACK & TAN The Den | $10 Ingredients: Pale ale, stout Bellingham has a certain affection for beer cocktails—if you’ve ever enjoyed a night at Cap Hansen’s bar,…
Wake Up! Coffee Culture Refresh to Help Welcome in Spring
By March, the rainy skies of winter have long overstayed their welcome and we’re ready to bid the colder months adieu. To combat the gloomy weather,…
The Return of a Fairhaven Favorite | Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse
After two years of closure due to damage from the devastating Terminal Building fire of December 2023, Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse will soon reopen its doors to the public, ushering in a new era for the beloved and historic Fairhaven institution….
8 Great Tastes | February 2026
1. For a quick and delicious hot lunch, swing by Leaf & Ladle and get yourself a Seasonal Panini. It’s stuffed with thinly sliced apples, a thick layer of ham, and gooey, melted brie cheese. 2. Banh Mi & Bubble Tea might be Bellingham’s favorite food truck, and though the banh mi is delicious, you’ve got to try the Fried BBQ Pork Buns—crispy and fluffy fried buns…
A Taste of the Mediterranean in the Pacific Northwest | Little Ferraro Kitchen
If you came over to my house for dinner, you’d smell the menu before you ever sat down. The sizzle of garlic in olive oil, a handful of freshly chopped herbs, citrus being zested right over the cutting board…These are the flavors I grew up with and the ones I naturally reach for no matter the season. I was born in New York, spent my teenage years in Hawaii, then lived in Southern California before…
Sharing the Tastes of Japan in Bellingham | Iki Izakaya & Bar
A fresh new Japanese dining experience is opening soon in downtown Bellingham courtesy of Bank and Aoi, the husband and wife duo behind the…
Sweetheart Spots | Dining Destinations for Every Kind of Romance
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of discovering and sharing some of the most memorable restaurants across our region—each one with its own flavor, story, and sense of place. This collection celebrates the passion, creativity, and heart that make dining here such a special occasion. Whether it’s your first date, your forever favorite, or just a friendly night out, these local dining gems set the scene for all kinds of connection, comfort, and even a little romance. Cheers,…
Wine Pick of the Month | Rombauer Vineyards 2022 Zinfandel
ROMBAUER VINEYARDS 2022 ZINFANDEL The 2022 Rombauer Zinfandel continues the Napa Valley winery’s tradition of bold, fruit-driven reds with broad appeal. This vintage bursts with ripe blackberry, raspberry, and plum, layered with vanilla, licorice, and sweet spice from 10 months of aging in American and French oak. Lush and full-bodied, the…
Steak Oscar | Pan-Seared Filet with Asparagus, Warm Crab, and Béarnaise Recipe | Chef Matthew’s Corner
February may be the shortest month, but it’s easily the sweetest. With Valentine’s Day at the center and the first hints of winter shifting toward spring, it’s the perfect time for a classic timeless…
A Classy Place to Eat Steak With Grace | Cask and Cleaver Steakhouse
I’ve got great news for local bourbon and steak lovers! There’s a new, delicious steakhouse in Mount Vernon—Cask and Cleaver! Bill Constantine, owner of Cask and Cleaver and Il Granaio Italian Restaurant, opened this bourbon-centered steakhouse on Nov. 1, 2025. Constantine found that he wanted to spice things up and take on a new challenge. At the time, he had already been operating Il…
The Mixing Tin | Love Potion No. 9
LOVE POTION NO. 9 Sip into something seductive this Valentine’s Day with the Love Potion No. 9, a vibrant cocktail blending vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice. Topped with a splash of sparkle and a raspberry garnish, it’s the perfect drink to…
Green Smoothies for Health and Nutrition
Green smoothies are more than just a health trend—they’re a simple, delicious way to boost daily nutrition. Combining leafy greens like spinach or kale with fruits, liquids, and optional superfood boosters, these vibrant drinks provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants in every sip. Ideal for busy mornings or a post-workout pick-me-up,…
Wine Pick of the Month | Thomson & Scott Noughty Blanc
THOMSON & SCOTT NOUGHTY NON-ALCOHOLIC BLANC Thomson & Scott Noughty Blanc is a fresh and easygoing non-alcoholic white that’s perfect for light dinners. Made with organic grapes and crafted to keep its character…
Becoming Our Best Selves, One Organic Veggie at a Time | Cosmic Veggies
These days, I’ve found that hope and community are more important than ever, especially considering the current state of our world. Luckily, we’ve got access to a healthy resource in Skagit County that is more reliable and comprehensible than ever. This is Cosmic Veggies, a vegan and gluten-free eatery in downtown Anacortes founded by charismatic, passionate boss-woman Elizabeth Weaver. Around 13 years ago, Weaver was recovering from alcohol and drug use, and wanted to improve her health. Curiosity…
8 Great Tastes | January 2026
1. It’s not happenstance that Avenue Bread has three separate locations in Bellingham alone. This popular eatery’s Tofu-ggenue breakfast sandwich is a savory tofu, avocado, red pepper, and caramelized onion delight! 2. The Black Cat’s Fried Chicken and Bacon…
Thai Beef Stir Fry | Chef’s Corner
These days, it seems every other news story is talking about the merits (or pitfalls) of the low carb, high fat (LCHF) diet, also commonly referred to as the Keto Diet. So what is it and should you follow it? In a nutshell, the majority of the calories you consume…
Sweet Comforts, Whatever the Weather | Chocolate Necessities
Chocolate Necessities has been handcrafting chocolates and confections for nearly 40 years, but if you haven’t visited their downtown Bellingham location recently, it’s worth a trip! Owners Rose Vogel and Michael Howell purchased the business from Founder Kevin Buck in 2023, and they’ve worked to reinvigorate the cafe while upholding Chocolate Necessities’ long-standing dedication to excellence. Chocolate Necessities started serving authentic Italian gelato when its downtown cafe moved to Commercial Street in 2018. Vogel says she took…
The Mixing Tin | Immune Boost Mule
IMMUNE BOOST MULE Bright, zesty, and brimming with wellness perks, the Immune Boost Mule is a refreshing twist on…
The Local Nonprofit Nourishing our Community | PNW Plateful
PNW Plateful is a Bellingham-based nonprofit that distributes hundreds of handmade, individually-packaged meals to food banks and partner organizations across Whatcom County each week. Over their five-and-a-half years of operation, they’ve distributed more than 124,000 meals. Founder and Executive Director Sarah Chan is also the chef and entrepreneur behind local catering business, Calypso Kitchen. “I always start telling the story of PNW Plateful by starting with Calypso Kitchen, because…
Wine Pick of the Month | Ambassador Wines of Washington 2019 Estate Envoy Red Blend
AMBASSADOR WINES OF WASHINGTON 2019 ESTATE ENVOY RED BLEND Several months ago, I was treated to a wine dinner experience at Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar at Cedarbrook Lodge in SeaTac. The visiting winery was Ambassador Wines of Washington, a Woodinville-based boutique winery proud to be “one of the few 100% estate-grown wineries in the state.” They grow their fruit in Red Mountain AVA, a Washington wine region known for its high-quality red grapes, and which Ambassador lauds for the “richness,…
Meals From the Sea, and the Heart | Tide & Taste
If you walk down cozy Commercial Street in Anacortes, also known as “restaurant row,” you’ll see the happy faces of diners entering and exiting the many cafes and restaurants of the beautiful seaside town. Trees, flowers, and…
The Mixing Tin | Mulled Wine
MULLED WINE ‘Tis the season for steaming drinks in front of a fire with your favorite people with a pot of fragrant, cheerful mulled wine a la Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol!” Originating in ancient cultures, this hot boozy beverage was…
8 Great Tastes | Winter 2025
1. Fuel up for a big day with the Barnyard Benedict at Sweet Bay Cafe. The poached eggs are served with bacon or ham…
Shake Up the Season | Winter Cocktails to Try at Home
Looking for some fun winter cocktails to brighten the season? These recipes are easy to shake up at home with just a few simple ingredients. A quick grocery run covers the basics, while many garnishes can be found right in the pantry—perfect for adding a personal twist. From sweet to tangy to bold and cozy, there’s something here for every mood. CRANBERRY MARGARITA If…
Green Bean Casserole and Bourbon Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie | Chef Matthew’s Corner, Recipe
Nothing says “I love you” during the holidays quite like Green Bean Casserole served alongside a Bourbon Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie. Both dishes…
Little Unexpected Journeys at New Tavern | Elk St. Tavern
Elk St. Tavern is the new kid on the block and sibling restaurant to Bellingham’s beloved Redlight Kitchen & Bar. We talked to Elk St.’s head chef, Karla Burcham, to bring you an inside look at this new eatery. “The food at Elk St. is inspired by tavern classics, but updated,” says Burcham, who worked with Redlight’s former kitchen manager and chef,…
Sweet to Savory
Our home is a bounty of rich, flavorful ingredients. This holiday season, elevate your table with these signature recipes that showcase some of the best locally-sourced ingredients in our region. Whether you enjoy sweet or…
Same Old World, Brand New Ideas | Old World Deli
In May, Bellingham staple Old World Deli re-opened its doors after a month-long renovation. While it may be the same business inside the same building, Owner Chris Adams is determined to bring a new, more refined approach to the shop. After…
Farm-Fresh Classic American Eats! | Acme Diner
Located just south of the Mount Baker Highway in the small town of Acme, the Acme Diner is a true American diner. This must-stop location features a full selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options to satiate your hunger at any time of day. The food is sourced fresh from local farms, giving your tastebuds the full Pacific Northwest…
The Mixing Tin | Dark ‘n Stormy
DARK ‘N STORMY The Dark ‘n Stormy is a classic, and the perfect drink to make at home! With only three steps and ingredients including the garnish, it’s also one of the more accessible cocktails to make on a budget. While the exact origin of this cocktail is unknown, it’s likely that sailors…
Boots, Burgers, and Beers: Bringing Community Back | Conway’s Pub and Eatery
After facing some challenging years, an iconic Skagit County staple is making a comeback as a go-to spot for locals and visitors. Under new ownership, Conway’s Pub and…
15 Years of Bliss | Pure Bliss
Walking into Pure Bliss Desserts, it almost feels like you’ve been transported to another world; elegant and classy interior decor calms the eyes, appearing in various colors of muted and matte pink, white, and black….
8 Great Tastes | October 2025
1. Indulgence is just a sandwich away with Mount Bakery‘s Jambon Buerre! Dijon mustard, cotto ham, smoked prosciutto, triple cream brie, all complemented by a thick layer of Camargue butter—this is a treat and a half. 2. For a…
Seared Pork Chop with Parsnip Purée, Roasted Delicata Squash, Brown Butter Pecan Sage, & Spiced Apple Chutney | Chef Matthew’s Corner, Recipe
October is one of my favorite months in the Pacific Northwest, with its shorter days, crisp air, and sudden abundance of earthy roots, winter squash, and apples. It’s the season when food leans into comfort—warm, golden, and a little indulgent. This dish brings it all together: the sweetness of roasted delicata squash, the silkiness of parsnip purée, the savoriness of a perfectly seared pork chop, and the nutty richness of brown butter pecan sage leaves….
Wine Pick of the Month | Red Schooner Voyage 12
RED SCHOONER VOYAGE 12, Wagner Family of Wine Red Schooner is a distinctive red wine produced by the Wagner family, renowned for their flagship label, Caymus. What sets Red Schooner apart is its…
Solar Power Meets Traditional Ways on Legoe Bay | Reef Netting Salmon with Lummi Island Wild
Legoe Bay sits on the western side of Lummi Island, the long, low strip of land that Bellinghamsters see when they look across the water…
The Best Banh Mi On the Block | Banh Mi & Bubble Tea
For most, a gas station parking lot may not come to mind when looking for a bite to eat. But Vinny and Ruby La, the owners of Banh Mi & Bubble Tea, are trying to challenge that. They’ve operated their food truck out of the parking lot of a 76 since 2022, and they have no plans to move. By word-of-mouth alone, their food has become a…
The Family-Farmed PNW Crop You Don’t Know About | Holmquist Hazelnut Orchards, Washington Hazelnut
We show a lot of appreciation for our agriculture around here, and everyone knows fall means fresh apples and pumpkins. But there’s another fall crop thriving in the PNW that’s delicious, nutritious, and ready for your holiday recipes: hazelnuts! NUTTY NORTHWEST Hazel trees (which are more like shrubs) pollinate in winter, flower and grow throughout spring and summer, and are ready for harvest in September and October, falling right off the bow. Turkey is the biggest producer…
A New Orleans Monday in the Pacific Northwest | Chef Matthew’s Corner
In New Orleans, Mondays have long carried the scent of simmering red beans and woodsmoke—an aroma woven into the rhythm of the week. Red Beans & Rice isn’t just a dish; it’s tradition, brought to Louisiana in the 1700s by French-speaking Haitian immigrants who…
The Mixing Tin | Sazerac
SAZERAC Let’s venture back to the early 1800s in New Orleans, when Antoine Peychaud invented the Sazerac. Peychaud worked in an apothecary where he was known for selling alcohol, bitters, and peppermint. The Sazerac came about in this exact apothecary, where Peychaud served it to his customers after hours. Named after Peychaud’s favored French cognac, Sazerac-de-Forge et fils, the Sazerac rose in popularity when absinthe was…
Wine Pick of the Month | Alveare Bee & Barrel 2022
ALVEARE BEE & BARREL 2022 Alveare is a wonderful winery run by a young couple in Carnation, Washington. This Bordeaux-style red blend pays homage to the pollinators they care for on the property. Consisting of 30% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 25% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a bold red that has had…
A Delicious Meeting of Tradition and Creativity | Hey Dumplin
Is there anything more comforting than a dumpling? They’re literally little pillows of sustenance, bursting with flavor and draped in a blanket of sauce. Or, at least, the ones at Hey Dumplin are. On a recent visit, we were blessed with no fewer than five plates of tender dumplings—a variety of the three options: Classic Pelmeni with beef, pork, and veal; Potato Vareniki; and Chicken Pelmeni—in sauces ranging from traditional butter to sweet chili soy. This…
8 Great Tastes | September 2025
1. Go on, be a little bad! The Sin-namon Roll Blondies from Slice of Heaven Bakery blend cinnamon, frosting, and buttery blondies for a repentance-worthy experience. 2. A homemade feel almost always makes a meal better—hop on over…
Find the Fresh in Your Food | Sustainable Connections’ September Eat Local Month
September marks the return of Sustainable Connections’ September Eat Local Month, where local farmers, chefs, and food enthusiasts get the chance to showcase their talents throughout Whatcom County. To encourage the community to get out and explore, there will be events that shine a light on those who grow, harvest, and prepare food all month long. The fan-favorite Whatcom County Farm Tour will be…
A Beginner’s Guide to Wine: How to get into the world of this historical beverage
Do you prefer a red? Or a white? Perhaps a rosé? Picking out the right wine—even answering that initial question—can seem like quite the chore, but the wine connoisseurs around you are eager to help with any question you could possibly have. Going back centuries, wine has played an integral part in bringing together the community. Back then, the options were limited. Walk into any grocery…
The Mixing Tin | Rum Punch
RUM PUNCH If you’re in the mood for a fruity, refreshing drink, rum punch is the one for you! Punch is widely considered to be the first cocktail, from which all other cocktail variations stem, and this version is perfect for a late summer day or a tropical vacay. The taste of the fruit outweighs the flavor of the rum, so it’s also great for people who don’t like the taste of alcohol, but still…
Shake Up Your Coffee Routine | Ballistic Brew
Ballistic Brew is a travelling coffee trailer with unique drinks, a sense of adventure, and a growing customer base throughout Whatcom County….
BTC’s Culinary Arts Cafe Is Crushing It | Bellingham Technical College’s Café Culinaire
Twice a year, Bellingham Technical College (BTC) presents the community of Whatcom County with the opportunity to enjoy food made by their own culinary students at Café Culinaire. The cafe was started around 20 years ago by…
Wine Pick of the Month | Brian Carter Cellars’ Oriana
Summer is my favorite time of the year for white wine, and my favorite is from Brian Carter Cellars in Woodinville. This Washington winery is known for its exceptional blending of…
Tomahawk Steak with Grilled Corn & Peach Salsa | Chef Matthew’s Corner
Long, golden evenings and backyard gatherings are what summer is all about—especially when there’s a perfectly cooked tomahawk steak from Widnor Farms cooking nearby. One of my favorite ways…
8 Great Tastes | August 2025
1. Red Star Taco Bar’s Philly CheeseSteak and Korean BBQ Beef tacos bring something new to the table! Pair them with a non-alcoholic Afternoon Colada. 2. Recently opened in the old Little Dog Coffee Co. shack, Full Steam Coffee Co.‘s Avo Turkey Bacon sandwich on ciabatta is a power-packed lunch on…
Uniquely Spirited Tasting Room Opens in Ferndale | Doc Swinson’s Barrel Lab
Did you know Ferndale is home to an internationally-acclaimed whiskey brand? If you answered “no” and want to learn more, keep your curiosity about you when you visit Doc Swinson’s new Barrel Lab. Doc Swinson’s was founded in 2017 by four Whatcom County residents, including Master Blender Jesse Parker. After sourcing American whiskies from top producers, Parker finishes and blends the spirits using various techniques and casks…
You Win Some When You Dim Sum | SOHO Bellingham Asian Kitchen & Bar
Dim sum is one of my favorite foods. I grew up spending weekend mornings with my family at noisy, crowded restaurants where middle-aged ladies pushed steaming carts piled high with baskets through impossibly narrow spaces between huge round tables, pausing…
Wine Pick of the Month | Ameztoi’s Rubentis Rosé
So rarely does flavor erupt from a glass as with Ameztoi’s Rubentis rosé, a 50/50 blend of Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza. These Basque varietals are co-fermented and bottled with limited carbon dioxide, lifting aromas of crisp apple, lemon verbena, and green bell pepper. On the palate the acid immediately rises to…
Going to Battle for the Best Cajun Food in the PNW | Battle’s Kitchen
From the outside, Battle’s Kitchen looks different than one may expect. It comprises a pick-up window, with some public seating in the form of picnic tables arranged outside. There isn’t even a sign, although Ernest Battle, the founder and owner of Battle’s Kitchen, plans to get one soon. Despite the apparent…
8 Great Tastes | Summer 2025
1. Looking for something lightly sweet to complement your latte? Caffe Adagio’s famously good coffee pairs perfectly with their Marionberry Scone. 2. With crispy pork belly and pickled chilis, the Sweet and Spicy Pork Flatbread at Ferndale’s The Score Sports Bar & Grill is a slam dunk. 3. Mercato delle Bontà does Italian food right; The Star of the Show sandwich spotlights imported mortadella (complete with pistachio), with a supporting cast of fresh mozzarella and spicy arugula. 4. Bellingham’s…
Seared Sockeye Salmon with Rosemary Fingerlings, Summer Squash & Strawberry-Cucumber Arugula Salad | Chef Matthew’s Corner
June & July in the Pacific Northwest is a time when long days and warm evenings inspire colorful, laid-back meals made from…
Playing Around With Summer’s Favorite Drink | Lemonade Tips & Tricks
Recipe for Simple Perfection Before we talk about anything else, let’s start with the basics: what’s the recipe for lemonade? Start with one part lemon juice, one part sugar, and…
Sweet Relief | Local Ice Cream Spots
As the summer heat kicks in, we all need a little sweet relief. Thankfully for us, the Puget Sound area knows how to do ice cream. From Blaine to La Conner, here are some of…
The Beauty of Pastry Making With Passion | Lamination Station LLC
The art of pastry making is the purest form of self expression for Tobey Layne, owner of Lamination Station LLC. After baking for more than 30 years, he…
The Mixing Tin | Tom Collins
TOM COLLINS Matthew’s Honest Cocktails: $11.50 Ingredients: 2 ounces gin, ¾ ounces lemon juice, ½ ounce simple syrup, and 2 ounces club soda From rickety lemonade stands to hitting the town, some things never change, including our love…
New Bistro Opens in Historic Mount Vernon Building | Union Block Bistro
Upon entering the Union Block Bistro, you’re immediately greeted by a friendly face. The Union Block Bistro is homey. The interior boasts a variety of colors, from lime green to black to ‘80s-disco-teal; the painted-over brick walls reflect the stories and age of the 1906 building. Although the features of the room are hard, the…
A Worry-Free Way to Wet Your Whistle | Beverages by Boel
“I know we give people the gift of time, because we’re experts in putting together the beverage part of people’s special events,” says Boel Laxfoss, owner and operator of Beverages by Boel. Through her beverage catering company, Boel not only provides custom cocktails and mocktails, wine, beer, coffee, hydration stations, all the accouterments like ice, cups, napkins, and portable bars—she bartends, too! Beverages by Boel began in 2008 when Boel gifted…
Wine Pick of the Month | Niccolo Coturri’s High Diving Sparkling 2023
PRODUCER: Niccolo Coturri WINE: High Diving Sparkling 2023 GRAPES: Madeleine Angevine and Siegerrbe from Lopez Island Vineyards We love this wine from our friends at Piquenique and Niccolo Coturri Wines—they’re some of the only natural wines being made in Washington state. Nic and Tess farm this organic vineyard themselves on Lopez Island, using no preservatives or chemicals in the winery and doing everything as sustainably and regeneratively as possible. This…
Mixing Family and Business for Delicious Results | Hedlin’s Family Farm
Farming, specifically on the La Conner land his family has owned for four generations, has always been in Kai Ottesen’s blood….
Spring Spot Prawn & Asparagus Risotto | Chef Matthew’s Corner
May in the Pacific Northwest is a time of abundance—farmers markets overflow with vibrant produce, and the Salish Sea offers some of the freshest seafood imaginable. One of the reasons I fell in love with this region is the unparalleled access to high-quality local ingredients—some of the best I’ve ever cooked with. Whether meeting farmers in the field or picking up seafood straight from the docks, sourcing ingredients is as much a passion as cooking itself….
8 Great Tastes | May 2025
The Black Cat is known for its vintage, classy atmosphere and it’s delicious Mexican Street Corn Dip. From red brick walls to stained-glass Tiffany lamps, this is the perfect restaurant for fancy dining in historic Fairhaven. Who knows, maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of the ghost who reportedly roams the halls of the building! Get the night started right with JUXT Taphouse’s Cocktail Flight! Pick any four of their pre-mixed house cocktails, like…
Small But Mighty: Local Seafood Truck on Lummi Island | Legoe Bay Reefnetter
Legoe Bay Reefnetter has been operating for around two years and is a one-man operation run by Kevin Castellanos. Though the menu is short, it will not fall short of your expectations. Coming from Guayaquil, Ecuador, where the salmon had to…
The Mixing Tin | Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita
BLACKBERRY JALAPEÑO MARGARITA Red Star Taco Bar: $12 Ingredients: Jalapeño-infused blanco tequila, blackberry jam, lime, and a salt and Tajín-rimmed glass A cold winter’s night, a warm summer’s day, tequila and blackberry have come to say hey. The Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita from Red Star Taco Bar is clean, refreshing, and…
The Salmon Is Just So Good | Lummi Island Wild
Confession time: I didn’t always like fish. Being born in cattle country, I didn’t consider fish to be much worth eating and couldn’t understand the residents of the PNW’s…
8 Great Tastes | April 2025
We love Fairhaven’s Skylark’s Cafe for brunch, but this dinner item blew us away: Flat Iron Certified Angus Steak, marinated and sliced to order, with Yukon Gold garlic mashed potatoes, whiskey cream sauce,…
Tequila and Tacos | Red Star Taco Bar
Padraic Markle, co-owner of Sweet Bay Cafe and Red Star Taco Bar, is serious about tequila. Behind the bar sits a selection of over 50 tequilas, all made with three essential ingredients: water, yeast, and matured agave. They also have a wide selection of mezcal and agave spirits available. “Six to eight years of Mexican sunshine in a glass,” Markle says, describing the time it takes for agave to mature. The…
Wine Pick of the Month | Abeja “Beekeeper’s Blend”
ABEJA “BEEKEEPER’S BLEND” | COLUMBIA VALLEY, WASHINGTON Drinking this wine in April makes perfect sense—spring is in full bloom. A perfect day for me is bringing this wine out to the Semiahmoo Spit right before sunset. The breeze and the colors of the sky complement the wine’s fruitiness and smooth structure. This is the perfect wine for any occasion;…
Portuguese Orange Carrot Cake | Recipe
Two and a half years ago in June, I had my first surf camp experience in Sagres, Portugal, a petite surf town that comes to life in the summer months. I spent the week learning how to surf from incredible instructors at beaches I never would have found on my own. This was the first travel experience I’ve had where food was provided,…
Breakfast of Champions | Sweet Bay Cafe
“I’m not gonna try to revolutionize breakfast,” begins Troy Krajewski, full-time chef and co-owner of Sweet Bay Cafe. “I don’t know that you truly can.” Krajewski wrote the menu for Sweet Bay Cafe with simplicity and quality in mind. Everything on the menu is made from scratch apart from the bread, which is brought in from local Bellingham bakery Avenue Bread. Krajewski explains that when people go out to breakfast, they kind of already know what they…
Water You Waiting For? | Waterfront restaurants you’ll want to dive into!
The Pacific Northwest has some of the best restaurants that serve up some of the most breathtaking views of the Salish Sea. Each city and town has its own story of the waterfront, but the one thing they all…
The Mixing Tin | Penicillin Cocktail
THE PENICILLIN COCKTAIL Though getting the sniffles often results in forcing down cherry cough syrup, other natural ingredients are known to have healing properties—such as honey, lemon, and ginger. Enter: the Penicillin Cocktail, a sweet, sour, and smoky alcoholic…
Take a Gamble, Just For the Halibut | Tunnies Fish & Chips
Tunnies Fish & Chips is a great stop for all seafood lovers! Located at the entrance to downtown La Conner, this restaurant offers crispy and…
Led by Love | Storia Cucina Chef de Cuisine Helen Lofton + Recipe
Storia Cucina has been serving downtown Bellingham with delicious Italian staples since opening in 2020. The restaurant is known for many things, including its house-made pasta and bread, locally sourced ingredients, and the open-kitchen design that invites customers to witness the hard work behind every dish. If you time your…
The Mixing Tin | Irish Coffee
THE IRISH COFFEE In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, try an Irish coffee (at Uisce, if you’re in Bellingham)! This warm, comforting drink pays homage to its namesake through its rich flavor and Irish whiskey. Irish coffee has…
8 Great Tastes | March 2025
Greene’s Corner is a great spot to grab some food and enjoy local events, from live music to open mics—whatever the entertainment, the Korean Fried Chicken Slider is one thing you don’t want to miss out on! The Shrimp Shack has been serving up seafood in Anacortes next to Deception Pass State Park since 1973. You can’t go wrong with the classic Popcorn Shrimp Basket, served with crispy fries and tartar or cocktail…
A Scrappy Small Business Becomes a Bellingham Institution | Saltadena Bakery
Whatcom residents have been calling on Nancy Stuart for creative celebration cakes and delicious piles of scraps and frosting—the beloved Lil’ Scrappies—since December 2016, when she started Saltadena Bakery as a cottage food business out of her home kitchen. “I started with mostly weddings,” Stuart says, adding that the Scrappies were a way to use up the scraps from large wedding cakes. “Instagram was my best friend…I would give people…
Wine Pick of the Month | Kevin White 2023 “Blue Label”
KEVIN WHITE 2023 “BLUE LABEL” YAKIMA RED, $20.99 Big Blue is back and we’re so happy! We have been enamored with this Woodinville producer since its inception. Kevin brings the true sense of Rhone Valley-style wines to Washington. This is an annual spring release and we sign on for as much as we can fit into this tiny shop because it sells out from both the winery and our supplier in…
Colombian Coffee, Homemade at Bellis Fair | Tinto Coffee
The Spanish word tinto can mean a deep red color, and is often used in reference to red wine (vino tinto). But in Colombia, everyone knows that tinto means piping hot, inky black coffee. Tinto is made from affordable beans and sipped at cafes with friends or in the kitchen with…
“Real Spices. Global Flavors. Endless Possibilities.” | Mr. Frank’s Kitchen at Cayman Cookout
CEO & founder of Mr. Frank’s Kitchen Lisa Postl Russell has always known the value of her products. She’s proud of the legacy she’s built and the six seasoning blends that have sprung from her recreation…
8 Great Tastes | February 2025
We all know Redlight for their friendly bartenders and great cocktails, but the food is also excellent. Whether you’re in the mood for slippery, spicy wontons or a crunchy Fried Chicken Bao, they’ve got what you’re craving. While Burgermaster in Mount Vernon is known for, well, their burgers, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t get a…
“Bringing Joyful Bites to Lynden” | Graze and Gather Charcuterie and Bistro
Among the new businesses Lynden Commons has brought to town is Graze and Gather Charcuterie and Bistro, run by local mother-daughter team Lydia Faber and Kristina Wendt. Faber always enjoyed cooking, especially gravitating toward ‘graze tables’—essentially a giant charcuterie board—which she made for friends…
The Mixing Tin | Pomegranate Mimosa
POMEGRANATE MIMOSA (Based on recipes by Sonja Overhiser and The Chunky Chef.) Mimosas originated as Buck’s Fizz, a 50/50 combination of champagne and…
A Foodie’s Guide | 2025
It’s here! Check out our February 2025 feature: A Foodie’s Guide.
Cottage Bakeries Throughout the North Sound
Did you know that you could have a bakery right down the street from you and not even know it? Nestled in neighborhoods across Whatcom and Skagit Counties are some unique culinary gems known as cottage bakeries. Cottage bakeries are run by people who follow the specific guidelines to acquire a Washington State Cottage Food Permit. Currently administered by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, the permit allows residents to sell a select range of goods to folks right…
Wine Pick of the Month | Comeluna Rosso
COMELUNA ROSSO New all-time favorite! Deep cherry notes come through on the nose, joined by notes of dried bark, earth and hints of cinnamon and licorice. Intense cherry notes on the palate that are balanced by nicely integrated acidity. Earth and dried bark notes sneak out on the mid palate into the complex and long finish of…
Creative Seafood Spot Has its Hooks in Bellingham | Roe
Owner-operator Izzi Rehbein and Chef-Owner Dan Rehbein opened Roe last November with their own capital and concept, hoping to give Bellingham the answer to the question, “Where do you…
Super Bowl Snacks, With a Twist!
Take your game global this Super Bowl Sunday with a line-up filled with crowd pleasers. These Italian-rooted, Asian inspired, and Hawaiian-style appetizers are sure to score major points with your fans! Add even more international flare by pairing it with some authentic Mexican guacamole and…
Behind the Scenes at Water Tank Bakery
Flour poofs into the air, rich with the smell of baking bread. Three people stand around a table of thick wooden butcher block, quickly shaping dough into loaves of bread. Behind them, amassive oven radiates heat into the 80-degree room. Every surface is covered in a thin layer of flour. Next to the oven sit racks and racks of loaves, which are in the…
Fairhaven’s New Bloom | Bloomhaven Bottle Shop Opens in Fairhaven
Colorful bottles, locally grown plants, and beautiful artwork line the walls of a welcoming new shop in Fairhaven. It might look like any of the bottle…
New Leadership at Semiahmoo Resort | Packer’s Kitchen & Bar and Great Blue Heron Grill
For many Whatcom residents and visitors, the restaurants at Semiahmoo have been longtime favorites. Now the resort is building on that strong foundation with the addition of three new team members. On a recent visit to Packer’s Kitchen & Bar, we sat down with Executive Chef Debbie Vance, General Manager Andrew…
The Mixing Tin | The Classic Manhattan
THE CLASSIC MANHATTAN The Manhattan dates back to the latter half of the 1800’s, first making an appearance at the Manhattan Club in New York City, although many have claimed that this recipe has been around much longer. The first written mention of the Manhattan…
Winter Harvest Healthy Meals
Weather you’re harvesting from your own garden or buying at the store, winter-time produce makes for delicious dishes! And there are more options…
8 Great Tastes | January 2025
The perfect breakfast to accompany a morning meet-up with a friend? The Soft Boiled Egg on Toast and a Cardamom Latte at Cafe Blue! It’s just filling and indulgent enough without being too heavy and distracting you from the conversation. For Peruvian-cuisine enthusiasts, Cafe Rumba is the restaurant…
Wine Pick of the Month | Sonder x Sage Rat Carbonic Nebbiolo
SONDER X SAGE RAT CARBONIC NEBBIOLO Keep the winter celebrations going with this rose-colored stunner! Winemakers Sonder and Sage Rat made their Carbonic Nebbiolo in collaboration here in Washington State, from 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown right here in Washington—which is somewhat rare because Nebbiolo is…
Going for Gold on a New Stage | Chef Doug Elliott
From step stools at the kitchen counter with his mom to a resume full of Executive Chef positions, Doug Elliott has made a name for himself up and down the Pacific Northwest. This two-time Best of the Northwest Gold Winner brings his passion for food to a new setting, the Peace Arch City Café & Bar in Blaine. Originally…
Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Electric Slow Cookers
About the appliance Before you start cooking, make sure you get comfortable with your specific model of electric slow cooker or Crock-Pot. The three main components of these appliances are the lid, the inner container (or the crock), and the base. The base produces heat that travels through the crock, trapping steam, which allows for…
From Rustic Diners to Italian Cuisine and Everything in Between | Great Eats Along Mt. Baker Highway
It’s no secret that Mt. Baker has something to offer to everyone no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you do. Skiing, snowboarding, hiking trips, and stunning, scenic views of snowy mountaintops are what Kulshan…
Mixing Tin
Peppermint Mocha Martini Ingredients: Vodka, cooled Espresso, Baileys Chocolate, Kahlua, Peppermint Extract, Chocolate Syrup, and crushed peppermint Ingredients: 2 ounce Vodka 2 ounce…
Wine Pick Of The Month
November Van Vino Vineyards 2021 GRENACHE As a writer who represents the wine industry in our region, I must crumple…
Your New Favorite Evening Hangout | Starla’s
Jordan Koplowitz and Christy Wyble found success in the Seattle food scene with Blotto, a popular pizza joint named by the New York Times as one of Seattle’s 25 best restaurants. But when the landlord told them the building was going to be sold, Koplowitz and Wyble decided to act on an idea they’d long been considering to move out of the…
8 Great Tastes
We recently picked up a box of treats from New Whatcom Pastries for the office – we had the Almond Bear Claw, Raspberry Diamond, Butter Braid, Cherry Turnover, Rhubarb Boat, and Chocolate Streusel, and they…
Raise a Glass to Excellence at Bayernmoor Cellars | Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Nestled amidst the vibrant wine country of Woodinville, Washington, Bayernmoor Cellars Tasting Room offers a unique and immersive experience for those seeking a taste of excellence. This charming establishment, founded by passionate husband-and-wife duo Kim and Larry Harris, is dedicated to crafting exceptional wines that reflect the rich heritage in the tradition of Burgundy. Kim and Larry’s journey into winemaking began with weekend trips to Napa and Sonoma, where they were captivated by the beauty…
Cider Donuts | The Revolution Will Be Well Fed: Recipes for Creating Community
From Skagit-based publisher Raspberry Bow Press, The Revolution Will Be Well Fed features baking recipes for breakfast, snacks, and desserts, as well as…
Wine-Tasting Within an Hour’s Drive
A Day Trip to Langley, B.C. Our little corner of the world seems to have everything: mountains, lakes, and coastline; a fabulous arts scene and unparalleled outdoor activities; great seafood and stellar grass-fed beef, plus some of the best vegan food around! But did you know that we’re also within range of some of North America’s best wineries? You’re probably aware of the Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley regions, but there’s another wine country just…
A Feathered Nest for Wine Lovers | Blackbird Wine Bar and Charcuterie
Blackbird Wine Bar and Charcuterie in Anacortes is a haven for wine and cheese lovers seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. The bar invites patrons to unwind and savor the moment with its warm lighting, tasteful decor, and cozy interior. Owner Bryan Holmes has infused the space with a personal touch, drawing inspiration from his years of…
Mongolian Beef with Oostema Farmstead Wagyu
Tender, sweet, and spicy, this recipe stars Oostema Farmstead ground Wagyu beef, from cows that are born and raised right here in beautiful Whatcom County! Celebrate the local ingredients that we have access to here…
Screamin’ for Fruit Ice Cream | Scream
Give a shout for Bellingham’s only New Zealand-style ice cream spot! Scream, nestled near the waterfront, offers a taste of the Oceania Islands to the Pacific Northwest, showcasing a dessert bursting with fresh ingredients and fruity flavors. New Zealand-style ice cream, also known as real fruit…
A Deliciously Creative Pairing | Sweet Art
Down on Railroad Avenue in Bellingham, there’s an unassuming little shop—so little you might miss it if you blink while driving by. But Sweet Art, a chocolate shop and art gallery owned by Vivian and Jerry Hruska, doesn’t rely on high visibility. “We have a good customer [base],” Vivian says. “We don’t advertise—[it’s] all word of mouth.” The power of that word-of-mouth reputation, combined with the quality and creativity of their…
Prost! Oktoberfest is here! | Yes, it starts in September
Picture it: you’re on a game show and made it to the last round. The final question asks you when Oktoberfest, the German folk festival, is celebrated. Your hands start to sweat. You have no more lifelines. You slam your buzzer and answer: “October!” It’s time to dust off that good sport smile because you have unfortunately lost out on about $1 million. Truthfully, you should’ve walked away with at least a little bit of cash— Oktoberfest is…
Ragù Napoletano al Forno
As Summer fades and the evenings turn chilly, fall is a great time to get back to cooking recipes that take time, encouraging us to slow down, and produce rich, indulgent, comforting results. This recipe for Ragù Napoletano from Packer’s Kitchen + Bar is just that: a slow-simmered sauce that’s imbued with a ton of flavor, draped over al dente pasta and oven-baked until the whole thing bubbles and your mouth is…
A Place for Everybody | Gruff Brewing
Gruff Brewing opened in 2016 to the delight of beer enthusiasts all over Whatcom County. The lively taproom and straightforward space have won the hearts of many since then, their focus on brewing a wide variety of brews and beers, while food flowed on the side via local food trucks & eateries. Now, though, Gruff has expanded their craft to the kitchen. With the…
Imperial Swine
Jeremiah Leighton grew up in Friday Harbor. He has always been motivated to cook, even from his earliest days getting his first easy bake oven for Christmas when he was three. Outdoor…
Sunny Day Dining | Alfresco Restaurants
When grabbing a bite to eat, sometimes all you’re really craving is a place where you can sit outside to enjoy the midsummer heat and smell the faint sea…
A Community Cornerstone | ROAM Coffee + Beer
Jutting out at an acute angle on the corner of Broadway and Elm Street, where Bellingham’s Columbia, Lettered Streets, and Cornwall Park neighborhoods meet, is a charming, pitch-roofed black and white building. It’s an oasis in both the geographic and figurative senses: ROAM Coffee + Beer offers all…
Radicchio Caesar Salad | Leah Brooks from “Genuine Skagit Cooking,” Published by Raspberry Bow Press
Leah Brooks is a cooking enthusiast, cookbook author, and former director of a children’s cooking school in San Francisco. By making cooking fun, approachable, and healthy, Leah is changing the way kids (and adults!) see food by weaving seasonal ingredients into flavorful, memorable meals. Leah looks forward to helping the community create delicious meals from the bounty of Skagit Valley farm stands. Radicchio Caesar…
Staff Picks: Summer Salads
Invited to a picnic or potluck and unsure what to make? Our team put together some of our top picks for crunchy, refreshing, and shareable salads that’ll win over any group of friends! Thai Chicken Salad JENN MIRANDA, OFFICE MANAGER Jenn loves showing off her cooking chops with this show-stopping main course salad! It brings…
Burgers and Brews
Shepherd’s Pie
SHEPHERD’S PIE IS a classic comfort dish, perfect for exploring new combinations of traditional and modern flavors. Made with your choice of lamb, steak, pork, or turkey (if you are looking…
Exciting New Spaces Opening at Chuckanut Bay Distillery
The Chuckanut Bay Distillery has become a Bellingham institution, a great place to go for a tasting, a tour, or a fantastic meal at their restaurant, Penny Farthing. But it’s about to become even more of a destination, with three…
Mexican Cuisine Galore | Find your new favorite margarita, taco, and birria places
Whatcom and Skagit counties are known for their abundance of delicious Mexican food restaurants. So much so that even our…
A Playful Revolution Rooted in Time, Place, and Memory | Matia Kitchen
Matia Kitchen, reopened in March 2023 after the sudden closure of its previous location that January, is the latest evolution of a culinary project that Co-Owners Chef Avery Adams and Operating Manager Drew Downing have been working on together since 2016. Now in a new location with an…
Hot Ones is Getting Funky(‘s)!
If you’re a fan of the sauces coming out of Bellingham business Funky’s Hot Sauce Factory, you might want to stock up now, because their sales are about to heat up! Extremely popular YouTube show “Hot Ones” is including Funky’s “Stellar Fuzz” hot sauce as number three (medium-hot) in their lineup of sauces for…
Chef’s Corner with Chef Kelly Stanley | The Great Blue Heron Bar & Grill
Kelly Stanley, Chef de Cuisine at The Great Blue Heron Bar & Grill at Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club, blends…
The Skagit Valley Dumpling Queen
ACROSS CULTURES, BORDERS, languages, and histories, there are certain food traditions that seem universal. One such tradition—broadly that of a cooked dough wrapped around a filling—can be found everywhere from…
Set Sail for a Fresh Experience
OVERLOOKING BELLINGHAM BAY inside Hotel Bellwether, Lighthouse Pub delivers an elevated pub experience in an approachable environment. With its casual vibe and friendly staff, the pub provides a cozy space to enjoy happy hour with an excellent view. Lighthouse…
Irish Pubs of the PNW
GETTING READY TO don your brightest green and honor Irish culture? Join the merriment this St. Patrick’s Day by trying out one of the region’s favored local pubs to get a taste of what a true Irish celebration feels like! Whether you’re looking for a good drink, mouthwatering dishes, or a little something extra to go along with them, these picks feature everything you could ever want in your festivities this year. Going…
Bayernmoor Cellars Blanc de Pinot Noir Estate Sparkling Wine | 2020 Puget Sound AVA, WA
Stanwood, a burgeoning town west of Interstate 5 and south of Bellingham, is home to the picturesque estate vineyards of Bayernmoor Cellars, an up-and-coming Puget Sound winery….
The Foodie Language of Love | Bry’s Filipino Cuisine & It’s The Sweet Things
Neither Jennifer Worthley nor Bryan Matamorosa set out to be a chef; it just sort of happened. Coming from different corners of the world—Worthley from Maine and Matamorosa from the Philippines—they both ended up at Bellingham Technical College in 2017 and 2018. Matamorosa was pursuing an associate degree in the culinary program while Worthley was enrolled in the pastry arts program. The rest, as they say, is history. …
THE MIXING TIN | REVIVAL LOUNGE
On a chilly winter night, what better way to spend the evening getting cozy than with a drink? Revival Lounge serves up a Lion’s Tail that is the perfect concoction of bourbon, refreshing citrus, and smooth spice, and will have you savoring every sip. The bourbon in this aromatic drink is full, but not too overpowering. As you ruminate in the taste, you feel the lull of well-loved oldies softly playing in the background. Make yourself…
White Miso and Sake Salmon Cakes: Chef Leon Scott of Northwater
Meet the Chef With a background in a variety of cuisines under his belt, as well as experience with hotel banquets, Banquet…
Restaurants that Go Above and Beyond
I think we can all agree that going out for coffee or food is already a treat, especially in these times of ever-increasing inflation. But sometimes, we need a little…
Coffee, Donuts, and Vibes: Maple.Bar
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into Maple. Bar, in Bellingham’s Cordata neighborhood, is the color palette. It’s decidedly groovy, with muted taupes and browns swirling around mellow yellows and pinks, offering a notably different feel from the usual PNW coffee shop. Owner Adam Foy says that’s intentional. “I wanted…
Keenans at the Pier: Bananagram
Ingredients: Novo Fogo Silver Cachaca, creme de banane, fresh lime, pineapple Price: $13 In the deep winter months, everyone reaches for warming spices and…
A New Chapter in Culinary Arts: Rifugio’s Country Italian Cuisine
When Rifugio’s first opened, it was a reflection of a traditional Italian cafe and only served one family-style meal a day. Along with their Sunday brunch, Rifugio’s now offers more of a unique fine dining experience for…
Hot Sauces and Heritage Journeys with Buu Chan
Beyond the grocery store aisles, discerning shoppers can find a rotating selection of fresh kimchi (a popular traditional Korean side dish made with salted and fermented vegetables) from Buu Chan— a local food business that specializes in authentic and fusion Asian sauces, seasonings, and side dishes— produced and sold right here in Bellingham. Rika Wong, owner and operator of Buu Chan, LLC, has been…
Wine Pick of the Month: Shepherds Mark by Alexandria Nicole Cellars
France’s Rhone Valley produces some of the most highly coveted (and consequently expensive) wines in the world, so it’s no wonder Washington winemakers have looked…
How a Dry January Will Set You Up for Success in 2024
The New Year is all about rebirth, fresh starts, and setting attainable goals. The key word there is “attainable.” Vision-boarding is all well and good, but every successful plan has a first step and a finish line….
Sexy Pad Thai | Wanida Thai
Since opening its doors in 2015, Wanida Thai has quickly become a go-to bastion of faraway flavor, gaining a loyal customer base and making a name for itself in the local restaurant scene. To feed the cravings of its foodie fandom…
Baer Winery | ‘Star’ 2015 Merlot Columbia Valley
Baer Winery was founded in 2000 by father-son team Lance and Les Baer with the intention of producing exceptional quality Bordeaux-style wines. The veteran owned family operation remains true to just that, generating consistently excellent vintages with the assistance of winemaking consultant Erica Orr, who has also consulted for Mark Ryan Winery (November’s…
The Story Behind the North Sound’s Finest Confections | Forté Chocolate
Experiencing gourmet chocolate can be a life changing experience. Just ask Karen Neugebauer, the founder and master chocolatier behind Forté Chocolate. When she first enrolled in a culinary arts program, she was just out to prove that she could learn to cook– but she found a new passion in the least expected area. “I didn’t even like chocolate going in… but I had never had real chocolate,” Neugebauer reminisces. “We made a ganache, and there was something so magical about…
Review: The Bistro at Shuksan
I am not a golfer. It’s not that golf doesn’t appeal to me; I just could never quite summon the gumption to take a “swing” at it. Therefore, the Bistro at Shuksan might never have appeared on my radar, if it weren’t for writing this review. Now, I believe it should be on everybody’s. The entrance at Bistro at Shuksan boasts high ceilings and classic white tablecloth settings. Beyond the doorway lies a spacious deck…
Blending American Tradition with Old World Technique: Doc Swinson’s
It’s no secret that whiskey holds an iconic place in the heart of American libations culture. But have you ever wondered what actually goes into the process of creating that silky smooth, perfectly balanced sip? According to the team behind Ferndale-based craft whiskey label Doc Swinson’s, it’s (almost) all in the blend— and in the barrel. “People in the United States rarely focus…
Valuing People Always: Hilda’s Farm
One of the first things people often ask Hilda Sandoval when they find out that she is a farmer is why she, as a woman with a college degree, would choose to do such a difficult and physically demanding job. Her answer is always the same: “Because I like it.” Of course, like the roots of her…
Dynasty Cellars 2022 Sauvignon Blanc | Walla Walla Valley
Sometimes we forget about our very own backyard, living in Washington with such abundant, delicious, vibrant, and varied wine options. But, lest you forget! I am here to…
Wholesome Meals from the Heart of the Valley | The Skagit Table
We all want to eat food that makes us feel our best— but finding the time to prepare nutritious meals is easier said than done. Luckily folks in Mount Vernon can rely on the Skagit Table for fresh, seasonal cooking, whether it be for a catered event or a simple yet nourishing weeknight dinner. “We…
A Vegan Family Kitchen Keeping Inclusive Food in Downtown Bham | The Fat Beet
When Talia Sorinsin-Allen and her eldest daughter, Melissa Sorinsin, were looking for a place to have lunch in Bellingham, they faced a familiar problem. “It’s really, really hard for our family to be able to go to restaurants,” Sorinsin-Allen says, explaining that her family has dietary restrictions, especially pertaining to dairy. “[Allergens are] in the sauces, in the breads, and those things are not always labeled.” While driving by the now-closed vegan restaurant, Quantum Leaf,…
Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Home-Cooked Halloween
Iconic Candy You Can Make Together Halloween doesn’t have to start and end with trick-or-treating. It can be a time for family bonding just as much as the other year-end holidays! Making your own candy corn at home is a great way to get even the little ones interested in helping in the kitchen. Sugar syrup, dried milk, powdered…
Meet the Winemakers of Walla Walla’s Airport Incubators
Kelsey Albro Itämeri of itä wines itawinery.com What are your main goals when it comes to itä, and how would you describe the style of wine you make? At itä wines, I focus entirely on grapes from the eastern side of the Walla Walla Valley, up in the foothills of the Blue Mountains—…
There’s No Home Cooking Like Yun’s Home Cooking
Tucked away in a cozy nook in the middle of downtown, Bellingham’s only Korean family restaurant offers something that you would otherwise have to head down to Seattle or up to Vancouver to find authentic home-style Korean cooking. Although most popularly associated with tabletop barbecue grilling, Korean cuisine is hugely varied…
Wine Pick of the Month: Van Vino Vineyards 2021 Cabernet Franc
I had the tremendous honor of judging Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation’s 8th Annual Pacific Northwest Wine Competition (formerly Bellingham Northwest Wine Competition) this past July in its new location: Walla Walla. The weather was warm and welcoming as I arrived to judge an…
Honey Gels: Chef Kenny Florczak of The Vault Wine Bar
Among Blaine’s intimate community of distinct businesses and restaurants, The Vault Wine Bar is a stand-out for their focus on charcuterie, locally sourced fine dining, and wine. Their wine list has been described…
Games and Good Company at Fairhaven’s Newest Taproom: Corner Taphouse
Whether you’re catching the big game or catching up with friends, you’ll feel right at home at Corner Taphouse. Open since March 2023, its laid-back, friendly atmosphere has made it a quick favorite among folks looking to spend a casual evening on the town in Fairhaven. The taproom is a passion project brought to life…
Meet Your Mushrooms!
We get it– mushrooms aren’t the easiest niche to break into. There’s no fungi food group in that familiar pyramid, and no, they shouldn’t be lumped in with the veggies! When you look into it, the world of mushrooms is expansive, and the range of flavors, sizes, textures, and uses can seem daunting. But don’t be intimidated by species names in Latin or misleading…
A New Slice of the Sweet Life: Sugar Mama Cafe
Sugar Mama Cafe might be brand new to Downtown Anacortes, but Owners Natalie and Wendy Clark are aiming to create a welcoming atmosphere that feels like coming home. I sat down with Natalie at Sugar Mama to chat about her hopes for the cafe and try selections from their multifaceted menu. Wendy was in the kitchen that day, and the…
Seared Sea Scallops with Snap Pea Risotto and Infused Olive Oil: Chef Eduardo Diego of Infusion Cuisine
For nearly a decade, Infusion Cuisine has brought deliciously classic dishes from Asian, Italian, and Mexican cuisine to Lynden. It’s a family-run restaurant with high-end experience behind it, which shines through in Chef Eduardo Diego’s dedication to finely crafting authentic recipes from…
A Taste of Japan in Downtown Bellingham: Ramen + Bowl
Tucked into a cozy downtown storefront, red paper lanterns line the windows to greet customers at the recently opened Ramen & Bowl. The small space utilizes a mix of single and shared seating, echoing the ramen shops of Japan that inspired it. Likewise, the menu is streamlined, offering tempting variations on two staple dishes:…
A Bubbly Beverage for an Outdoor Lifestyle: Bellingham Seltzer Company
It’s no secret that when summer finally arrives in the Pacific Northwest, Bellingham locals hit the outdoors. It’s what we do. Whether it’s…
Get Fired Up for Summer Cookouts
SUMMERTIME IS HERE—don’t miss it, break out the brisket! Jokes aside, there’s no denying that summer is prime time for BBQ chefs and appreciators alike. While you can grab delicious barbecue from restaurants all around the North Sound, these warmer months are the best opportunity for home cooks to get out in the yard and try their hand at using fire and smoke to sizzle up…
Meet the Family Behind Whatcom’s Most Exciting New Winery
PERCHED ON A steep, four-acre hillside just south of Canada is a vineyard that’s both family-owned and community-minded. The Delooff and Van Wingerden families transformed what was once a dairy farm into a full-fledged winery, even renovating an old milking parlor into a tasting…
A Culinary Paradise on Lopez Island: Haven Kitchen and Bar
THE WORD “HAVEN” brings about feelings of safety, comfort, and respite—and it’s an apt descriptor for Lopez Island’s Haven Kitchen & Bar. This tranquil, nautical-themed restaurant specializes in cuisine both…
High-Quality Ice Cream All Rolled Up
“WHATEVER YOU ARE thinking about right now, just do it,” was the text Izaiah Ellis got as he sat on his couch contemplating his plan to start a business. After getting laid off from his job in 2020, Ellis was wondering what…
Manila Clams Simmered in White Wine and Harissa
NOTHING SAYS SUMMER quite like fresh seafood, and if you’re craving the flavors of Orcas Island, give this recipe from New Leaf Cafe a go. Chef Andrew Martin’s spin on Manila clams utilizes many of the usual suspects in Italian cooking—white wine, garlic, butter, bread—but the addition of harissa paste makes this dish one-of-a-kind. Harissa is a hot North African…
8 GREAT TASTES
The Chicken Ramen at Setsunai Noodle Bar on Lopez Island is some of the North Sound’s best food. Featuring local ingredients, house-made noodles, and a deeply flavorful broth, this is a meal you won’t want to miss. 2. The Vegan Crunchwrap at L&L Libations is late-night food done right….
A21 Flatbread | Chef Rey Galang of Amendment 21
Not sure what to serve at happy hour? Take a cue from the folks at Amendment 21, one of our favorite Bellingham cocktail bars, and give this Italian-inspired flatbread a try. It’s refined enough to impress dinner party guests, yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. The dish is also versatile: Toppings…
Logan Cider
The Beer Drinker’s Cider Debuts in Bellingham Written and photographed by Cocoa Laney If you’re a beer aficionado, you might think you don’t like cider– but chances are high that Dry Humor will change your mind. This crisp, approachable brew is the flagship flavor from Logan Cider, and it’s already causing a buzz in the Bellingham brewing scene. Logan Cider is…
Living the Dream: Tamales, Brews, and Community | Frelard Tamales and El Sueñito Brewing Company
Frelard Tamales began in 2015 at pop-ups and markets, then opened a walk-up window in 2018, sharing authentic Mexican meals with hungry Seattle crowds. Now, Owners Osbaldo Hernandez and Dennis Ramey are continuing their journey in Bellingham. Their new place in Sunnyland is the first sit-down location of Frelard Tamales, as well as the taproom and brewery for their…
That Coffee Guy | Alexarc Mastema of Maniac Coffee Roasting
When I asked Alexarc Mastema to describe himself he simply said, “I’m just that coffee guy around town,” as if he’d never owned two businesses or been a United States Barista Championship judge infamously known as “Bend Over Intensity” for putting his face right down on the counter next to the cup while judging. When I met him, though, he’d yet to become any of those things and was working as a parking lot security guard…
Mexican Tortilla Soup | Chef Azizi Tookas of Brandywine Kitchen
Not sure what to make for dinner this spring? We suggest whipping up this Mexican tortilla soup, courtesy of Chef Azizi Tookas of Brandywine Kitchen in Bellingham. It’s comforting enough to warm you up on chilly April evenings, but its bright flavors and spicy kick prevent it from becoming too heavy. Best of all, the options for toppings are practically limitless: You can keep things simple with…
A Fresh Philosophy on Farm-to-Table | Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar
Sitting on the Swinomish Channel, Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar is a must-visit in La Conner. This cozy, sophisticated eatery is co-owned by General Manager Albie Bjornberg and Chef James Donohue, who both have an undeniable passion for locally-sourced, artisan crafted, and supremely fresh ingredients. Photo by Cocoa Laney “Everything just has…
A Sea-to-Plate Love Story | Nerka Sea-Frozen Salmon
Salmon – and the ocean that they make their home in—run deep in Tele Aadsen’s blood. Aadsen and her partner, Joel BradyPower, own and operate Nerka SeaFrozen Salmon as fisherfolks who sustainably catch, process, market, and sell wild salmon. Named after their boat Nerka, which was passed down to them from Brady-Power’s parents, Aadsen and Brady-Power have run their business as second-generation trolling fisherfolks since 2006….
Food, Family, and Fresh Tortillas | Mariposa Taqueria
The small elbow that makes up Bow-Edison can seem ethereal to the uninitiated. This rural community contains a bevy of artisanal…
Hot Pot is Good for the Soul | Soy House
You’d be forgiven for walking into the main entrance of Soy House—a Vietnamese restaurant that’s been a staple in town for almost a decade— instead of the side entrance specifically reserved for…
The Mixing Tin | Jack’s Morning Don
Jack’s Morning Don Ingredients: Mezcal, Génépi liqueur, pear brandy, St-Germaine $12 Photo by Cocoa Laney With its delicate color and crisp finish, the Morning Don is a springtime spin on the classic Negroni. Sweet pear notes combine with a smoky undertone from…
The Return of Gourmet Pizza That Outshines the Herd | Goat Mountain Pizza
After several years of hiatus, a community favorite for upscale pizza has returned to Holly Street in Downtown Bellingham. Goat Mountain Pizza, which previously closed in 2019 to make room for the then-expanding Black Sheep, has opened again in the space left behind by Bar 542. Photo by Jessica Bylin This smaller location is exactly what they needed to reopen Goat Mountain, according to General Manager Chris Rapp. “This space lends…
Not Just IPAs: Bellingham’s New Home for Farmhouse Style Brews | Darach Brewing Company
If you stop into State Street’s newest brewery expecting West Coast classics, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for—but IPAs are just the tip of the iceberg at Darach Brewing Company. Their diverse beers will please most palates, with offerings including dark beers and even several guest taps. However, the heart and soul of Darach are their farmhouse ales and wild…
The North Sound’s Most Iconic Eats
Breakfast What: Biscuits and Gravy Where: Old Town Cafe Why: As far as cafes go, Old Town Cafe is basically a church—and breakfast is their religion. Any of…
Steaks, Sips, and Seafood: Friday Harbor House
Friday Harbor House restaurant spotlight.
Storybook Tea Parties and a Real Life Wonderland
White Branches
Elevate Your Charcuterie by Serving It with the Proper Wine
WHAT’S NOT TO like about a selection of meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables on a charcuterie tray? It’s easy to prepare, offers great variety, looks beautiful, and is meant to be shared in the company of others. With so many wonderful foods to…
Mixing Tin: B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar
B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar
Inside the Weekly Wine Tastings at Semiahmoo Resort
Semiahmoo Sips
STEAKS, SEAFOOD, AND SIPS
When selected with care, drink pairings have the potential to exchange and extend the flavors of an already-delicious meal.
Embracing the Everyday Magic of Chocolate
Charmed Chocolat
Italy in Five Courses
Leader Block Trattoria & Bar
Craft Beer and Community at Ferndale’s Newest Brewery
District Brewing Comes to Whatcom County
Fermented Food with a Focus
Junebug Ferments
Mixing Tin: Lorikeet
Lorikeet Bar
Recipes for a Balanced Breakfast
Three recipes for healthy breakfasts!
The Flavors of Peru
Cafe Rumba
Classic Christmas: Recipes
Recipes for holiday gatherings.
Classic Christmas: Farm-to-Table Holiday Feasts
Local farms, producers, and merchants that have everything you need for a locally sourced feast.
Mixing Tin: Red Velvet Margarita
The Black Cat
Beet Wellington
Chef Cinnamon Berg of Cosmos Bistro
Chewy Treats Made with Love
Anytime Toffee
Shareable Bites and House-Made Spirits in Downtown Bellingham
The Penny Farthing Bar & Restaurant
Your Holiday Bird How-To
Q&A with Anna Martin of Osprey Hill Farm
Skagitonian Sourdough from PNW-Grown Grains
Water Tank Bakery
Cozy Winter Restaurants: A Regional Round-Up
When it comes to staving off the PNW winter blues, good food is a great antidote– especially when it’s enjoyed somewhere warm, welcoming,…
Take a Step into Thailand
Maikham Lao and Thai
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Storia Cucina
Meet the Queen of Cakes and King of Cookies
Slice of Heaven Cafe & Bakery
Elegance, Innovation, and Honesty: A Visit to Bellingham’s Newest Bar
Matthew’s Honest Cocktails
I Don’t Like It, I Love It!
That’s What I Like! Island Grill
Wild Mushroom Ragout
Chef Kristopher Arndt of Snowy River Cocktail Co.
Lovely Liqueurs
If liquors are the backbone of the cocktail world, then liqueurs could be thought of as their sweeter, more playful sibling. Unlike standard liquor, these spirits are high in sugar and often (but not always!) lower in alcohol content as a result. Better yet, the options for flavorings and infusions are practically unlimited– you’ll find liqueurs made with everything from fruit to herbs, nuts, spices, flowers, and even flakes of gold. While today’s…
Learning the Power of Food Preservation with Chef Ona Lee
Clara’s Canning Co.
Sampling the Seasons on San Juan Island
Duck Soup
European-Style Sips on San Juan Island
Madrone Cellars
Lonestar Queso
Chef Stew Navarre of Jack’s BBQ
The Mixing Tin: Kiwi Bloom Cooler
Mixing Tin
Bridging the Gap Between the Farm and Your Food
Widnor Farms
The Cheekiest Happy Hour in Town
Banter After Hours
A Culinary Oasis in Edison
Slough Food
Backdoor Bellingham
Mixing Tin
Blackened Halibut Cheeks
Chef Marcello Mazzoleni of Lighthouse Bar & Grill
8 Great Tastes: June/July 2022
June/July 8 Great Tastes 2022
Exploring the World, One Glass at a Time
Nomad Charcuterie and Wine
The Scoop on Bellingham’s Waterfront Ice Creamery
The Selkie Scoop
Cheese, Please!
A Guide to the Local Cheese Scene
A Tradesman’s Tavern
Time & Materials Taphouse
Plants and Paninis
Purple Flamingo Cafe
8 Great Tastes
8 Great Tastes May 2022
Home Grown
May 2022 Feature
Spice It Up: Six International Blends To Try
Spice Blends
Renovations and Distillations
Chuckanut Bay Distillery Expansion
A Family-Run Dairy Farmstead in Bow
Golden Glen Creamery
The Mixing Tin: The Blue Moon Paloma
The Mixing Tin May 2022
Generous in Portions and Spirit
Magdalena’s Bistro and Creperie
Skagit Valley Chopped Salad
Mark Schultz of Chuckanut Manor Seafood and Grill
The Mixing Tin: Captain’s Grog
Mixing Tin April 2022
Flavors So Bold, It’s Criminal
Accomplice Burgers
8 Great Tastes
8 Great Tastes
At Lake Chelan’s Succession Wines
Your Tasting Experience Means Everything
Asian Fusion with Family-Owned Spirit
Oishii Teriyaki & Rolls
A Taste of Colombian Coffee Culture
COF&
Southwest Flavors, Made with Love
New Mexico Tamale Company
Bringing Gourmet Doughnuts to Bellingham
Jo Joe’s Doughnuts
8 Great Tastes: March 2022
8 Great Tastes
Downtown Bellingham’s Ode to the Outdoors
Bar 542
The Mixing Tin: Apple Cider Vinegar Margarita
The Mixing Tin March 2022
Sourdough Starter
Recipe
Making a Difference Through Wine
Eagle Haven Winery
A New Chapter for the Fairhaven Village Bus
Fairhaven Village Tacos
Your Guide to Fine Dining
In honor of our annual restaurant issue, we’ve put together a guide to some of the region’s best fine dining establishments. Their offerings may be diverse, but local ingredients and seasonality are common themes across the board. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just hoping to sample something new, we encourage you to pay each one a visit. Bon appetit!
The Mixing Tin: Speedy Gonzales
The Mixing Tin
8 Great Tastes
8 Great Tastes February 2022
A Once-In-A-Lifetime Dinner in Woodinville
The Herbfarm
15 Winning Appetizers for Game Day
From updated classics to gluten-free goodies, all of these Super bowl snacks are a touchdown!
A Welcome Addition to Bellingham’s Laid-Back Wine Scene
Welcome Road Winery
Multicultural Recipes
I created my recipe blog, The Little Ferraro Kitchen, nearly 10 years ago to share my love for world cuisine and to share my diverse cultural background. All of the places I’ve lived constantly inspire me in the kitchen and I like to showcase that with the foods I cook and the recipes I create. Growing up in a Jewish family in Brooklyn,…
The Art and Science of Gourmet Mushrooms
Skagit Gourmet Mushrooms
8 Great Tastes
8 Great Tastes January 2022
Gluten-Free + Vegan Sweet Potato Waffles
Recipe
Meals That Honor Togetherness and Tradition
Ambo Ethiopian Cuisine
The Mixing Tin: Jade Maiden
If you need an antidote to the winter blues, the Jade Maiden is just what the doctor ordered.
Bringing Turkish Coffee and Goods to Bellingham
Ashuri Baklava and Cafe
The Power of Plant-Based Foods
Plants 2 Plates
8 Great Tastes: November/December 2021
8 Great Tastes
Chickens Raised With Knowledge, Care, and Fresh Air
Spring Creek Heritage Farms
Wines to Make Your Holiday Season Even More Memorable
The holiday season means it’s time for special gatherings with family and friends, so why not celebrate with an extra-special bottle (or two) of wine? Variety is the key, and Washington and Oregon wineries have you covered with an incredible range of reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines that are perfect for the holidays.
Pumpkin Tea Cake
Try this seasonal and elegant treat
Art You Can Eat
Yeah Baby Boards
12 Turkey Leftovers
If turkey is on the menu this holiday season, you might find yourself saddled with more leftovers than you know what to do with. In fact, I’m convinced it’s impossible not to end up with (at least) a day’s worth of extra meat. So what’s the best way to use up your bird in the days following Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Food and Wine from the Land and Sea
Located at the crossroads of Chuckanut Drive and Bow Hill Road stands Cob + Cork, a quaint, small-town restaurant “inspired by the harvest of local soil and water.” After opening its doors in August of this year, Cob + Cork has quickly become a community gem thanks to the work of owners Lisa and Terry Thomson.
The Gift of Good Spirits
Infused spirits are the best kind of holiday gift: Simple, homemade, and delicious. You can whip them up in batches for everyone on your Christmas list, but we wouldn’t blame you if you kept a jar (or two) as a present to yourself as well. Best of all, they couldn’t be easier to put together. All you need are Mason jars, ingredients of choice, and a little bit of patience.
Bringing the Farmers Market to Your Doorstep
With our lives becoming busier every day, the relentless question of “what’s for dinner” is, for many of us, a headache. If you’re like me, that question is answered by a trip to the grocery…
Holiday Cocktails
When I think of holiday punches, there is a lot to choose from. Traditional Moscow mules are simple and fun, while fruit-based rum and gin punches are also popular. Other options for Thanksgiving and the holiday season…
Baking Your Dreams Come True
If you have ever visited downtown Anacortes, you may have sampled one of the 50+ delicious varieties of Fidalgo Fudge Co. From creamy classics like the choco-late walnut to unique creations such as the dark chocolate ginger or habanero, there’s something for every sweet tooth.
The Perfect Martini Bar
He was a real estate agent and she was an accountant. Neither had any intentions to buy a martini bar, but a decade ago, Becky and JD Merris did exactly that.
A One-Stop Vegan Shop
If you’re a vegan or an avid food truck lover in Bellingham, you’re bound to have sampled food from Sage Against the Machine. This beloved food truck features diverse menu items, all of which are two important things: Vegan and delicious.
Bellingham’s Judged Wine Competition Gives Northwest Wineries Reason To Celebrate
The 2021 Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival Judged Competition was one for the record books. It featured a record number of entries, participating wineries, and Gold and Double Gold medalists. It was also capped with a pleasant surprise: the Best in Show award for…
A Delicious Dream Seven Years in the Making
Sweet As Waffles officially opened to the public at Stemma Brewing Company in June of 2021. For the owners, Nate Brown and Graham Berkwitt, the grand opening was the culmination of a vision several years in the making.
Italian, and Mexican, and Chinese, Oh My!
Having worked in the restaurant industry for years, Diego noticed that the three most popular types of cuisine were Italian, Chinese, and Mexican. All the dishes on Infusion Cuisine’s menu fit into one of these categories.
Mixing Tin: Butterbeer
Even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, this rich and boozy take on Hogsmeade’s brew of choice is a must-try for Halloween.
Maui Mule
The Maui Mule is a fun, tropical version of the Moscow Mule with a bright and slightly spicy taste thanks to our Ginger and Hawaiian Chili Shrub. The shrub’s flavor is enhanced by adding sparkling water and fresh lime juice, and the raw apple cider vinegar and ginger offer additional health benefits.
When in Downtown Bellingham, Do as the Italians Do
When considering how best to use an empty space in the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher building, restaurateur Jonathan Cicotti took inspiration from the bars he visits with his family in Cento, Italy.
A Year in Cocktails
A Year in Cocktails
8 Great Tastes: September 2021
8 Great Tastes
How Garden Path Fermentation’s Unique Process Exceeds Expectations
Created and operated by Amber Watts and Ron Extract, Garden Path Fermentation (GPF) is located in Burlington near the Skagit Regional Airport.
Garlic Shrimp with Paprika and Lemon
Inspired by the popular Spanish tapa called Gambas al Ajillo, this recipe is a breeze to put together and perfect to pair with cocktails.
Whatcom Wines
A Look at 5 Whatcom Wineries
The Mixing Tin: The Black Mirror
The Black Mirror is a combination of spicy and sweet, an uncommon flavor profile for cocktails, and schezuan ghost pepper simple syrup makes the drink really stand out.
Sandwiches Savory and Sweet
The Fairhaven
Black Fern
There’s a new coffee shop/wine bar in town. Black Fern is located in the Granary Building, in easy reach of downtown, Waypoint Park, and the new Wednesday Bellingham Farmers Market.
Pizza is Back on the Menu
Westside Pizza
SERVING WINES AT YOUR NEXT BARBEQUE IS AS SIMPLE AS RED, WHITE, AND ROSÉ
Find your perfect wine pairing for an end of summer BBQ
8 Great Tastes: August 2021
8 Great Tastes
Vegan Scone Shop Comes to the Granary Building
SconeGrown
Dukkah: A Versatile Taste of Egypt
Recipe
The Mixing Tin: Concrete Jungle
Locus Concrete Jungle Ingredients: Stout, Irish cream, cold brew, heavy cream $11 In honor of National Coffee Month — I know, there’s a month for everything, but everyone loves coffee so why not embrace it? — we’re highlighting this creamy coffee concoction from Locus in downtown Bellingham. Locus is known for their creative drinks (Wine latte? Check. Grapefruit, rosemary, and pomegranate White Claw spritzer? Check.) This multilayered beverage hits all…
Zeeks Pizza Comes to the Fountain District
Zeeks Pizza
Meet Your New Favorite Restaurant: Salted Grape Bistro
Salted Grape Bistro
The Mixing Tin: When Doves Cry
Temple Bar
Eight Great Tastes: July/August 2021
8 Great Tastes
Outstanding Wines Earn Mellisoni Vineyards Winery of the Year Honors
Mellisoni Vineyards Winery
Easy Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Recipe
Brave New Burgers
Two Local Restaurants Launch Burger Offshoots
Cocktails That Glitter and Shine
Snowy River Cocktail Co.
Spice Things Up with Mr. Frank’s Kitchen
Love, legacy, and integrity. These three ingredients may not show up on the nutrition label on Mr. Frank’s Kitchen spices, but they are at the heart of each and every product. For Lisa Campbell, opening Mr. Frank’s Kitchen in 2016 was all about carrying on her father’s legacy. Mr. Frank…
At Wit Cellars, “We’re In It Together” Carries a Special Meaning
Wit Cellars’ award-winning wines are flavorful, thoughtfully crafted, and deserve to be on your ‘must-try’ list.
Grilled Cheese, Skagit Valley Style
The herbed vache and the brined sweetness of the pickled blueberries come together in a grilled cheese that is light, fresh, and delicious.
The Mixing Tin : Portofino
According to Storia Cucina’s beverage director, Matthew Boudousquie, this drink is like if a gin and tonic got a PhD.
Let’s Taco Bout It
There are few foods more versatile and satisfying than the taco. Corn tortillas make for a great gluten-free entrée, veggie-based fillings mean delicious vegetarian options abound, and toppings create the potential for infinite flavor combinations. Here in the North Sound, we may be far from the southern border, but we’re lucky to have plenty of delicious taco options within easy reach. Check our list of…
The Rustic Fork
The Rustic Fork is an ideal location for comfortable outdoor dining, with a back patio that seats up to 38 people.
Charred Salmon with Lemon Herb Israeli Couscous and Fava Beans
This healthy, flavor-packed meal features charred wild salmon served over Israeli couscous with fava beans and sweet corn, all tossed with a bright lemon vinaigrette.
The Mixing Tin: Lavender Fields Forever
Galloway’s Cocktail Bar Lavender Fields Forever Ingredients Empress gin Giffard creme de mure house-made lavender syrup organic lemon egg white butterfly pea blossom garnish $13 With spring on the horizon, Galloway’s cocktail menu offers a fresh array of seasonal delights. The warm, floral notes of this gin cocktail are perfect for a late winter night or early spring evening. Beautifully topped with a single butterfly pea blossom, the main…
Buck Bay Shellfish Farm
Since the early 1940s, Buck Bay Shellfish Farm has been the go-to spot for shellfish on Orcas Island.
7 Spice Café
Mediterranean cafe delivers big flavor at affordable prices
Temperate Habits Brewing
Mount Vernon Gets a New Brewery
Living Pantry Refillery Marketplace
Living Sustainably
Cafe Crawl
According to Encyclopædia Britannica, the first cafe opened in Constantinople in the year 1550. The rise of coffee drinking meant caffeine-lovers needed a place where they could gather in public and enjoy the new buzzy beverage. Over the next decades, cafes spread throughout Europe, becoming nexuses for political discourse, culture, and art. Fast forward a few hundred years, and not much has changed. Cafes still serve as gathering points where people can exchange ideas, meet friends, and display art. They’re…
The Perfect Winter Salad
This winter salad is full of bright colors to cheer you up on a gloomy day.
The Mixing Tin: The Bishop
Storia Cucina Bishop Ingredients: mastika mezcal creme de cassis green chartreuse $11 This drink may look fruity, but don’t let the rosy color fool you. The mezcal creates a smoke-forward elixir layered with complex flavors….
Monolo Eats Food Truck
Good food makes good people
Milano’s Comes to Fairhaven
The beloved Italian restaurant now has a new location in downtown Fairhaven, just a few doors down from Village Books, making it Bellingham’s newest destination for fine Italian dining and seafood.
A Tropical Escape on Holly Street
Lorikeet
Massaged Kale Salad with Roasted Maple Almonds
This massaged kale salad is a great way to get in your daily serving of cruciferous greens without the usual digestive side effects.
The Reach of Red Mountain Extends Well Beyond Its Vineyards
Tucked away on a hillside about 15 miles west of the Tri-Cities, the Red Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA) is one of Washington’s most prominent wine grape growing regions.
New Brewpub Offers a Cozy, European-Inspired Escape
Otherlands Beer
The Mixing Tin: Hot Buttered Rum
The holidays may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate the season with a warm winter cocktail.
Not Juxt Another Taphouse
JUXT Taphouse serves up cocktail flights, crowlers, and more
B.Y.O.B (Bring Your Own Blanket)
A Guide to Heated, Outdoor Dining in Bellingham
Holiday Stuffing
Roasted Chestnuts & Delicata Squash
Don’t Put a Cork In It
Wine preservers keep your wine fresher, longer; decanters aerate it for better taste
Mixing Tin
This issue’s Mixing Tin is the Bosco Fresco from Storia Cucina. With hints of rosemary, honey, and cranberry, this cocktail is like Thanksgiving in a glass! Keep the holidays with you all year long with this drink.
Artivem Mead Co.
Artivem Mead Co., located in the Granary Building on Bellingham’s waterfront, is the newest addition to the North Sound’s beverage scene.
Carnal
New York chefs bring big flavor to downtown Bellingham
In a Year Many of Us Would Like to Forget, Washington Wines Were Truly Memorable
Take your taste buds on a tour of the state with these select Washington wines.
Confection Perfection
This issue’s feature is “Confection Perfection,” a delectable look at some of the tasty creations from local bakeries and restaurants. Find your favorite and make it at home!
Serving Wine with Dessert? Keep It Sweet and Simple.
Find the perfect pairing without sacrificing sweetness.
Not Your Run-of-the-Mill Flour Mill
Fairhaven Mill
Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Porridge with Fall Fruit
This oatmeal recipe combines cacao powder, cacao nibs, and hazelnuts with delicious fall fruit.
Locus Brings Unique Drinks, Urban Vibe to Downtown Bellingham
Find classic and curious offerings of coffee, wine, beer, and food at Bellingham’s Locus.
Blaine’s Finest Beans and Brews
Barnyard Coffee Roasters
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Homemade Pretzels
Homemade pretzels entered my life when my in-laws gifted me a class at the King Arthur Baking School, at the Bread Lab in Skagit Valley. When it was time…
The In-Cider’s Guide
A closer look at Bellingham’s budding cider scene
Steamed Clams with Corn and Tomatoes
These sautéed clams with corn and tomatoes are the perfect end-of-summer recipe.
The Mixing Tin: A Stone in the Woods
This month’s Mixing Tin is A Stone in the Woods from Galloway’s Cocktail Bar.
Revival Cocktail Lounge
Mount Vernon’s Newest, Oldest-Feeling Bar
Storia Cucina
Bellingham’s newest Italian restaurant weaves European, Lopez Island, and Bay Area connections
Guud Bowls Delivers Guud Eats
Guud Bowls serves up fresh, hand-made, hand-delivered meals.
SAUK FARM BUCKWHEAT APPLE PANCAKES
Hands down, these are the best gluten-free pancakes around.
Refresh your taste buds, go Nude
Looking to drink healthier? Go Nude with Nude Beverages.
The Mixing Tin: Katie’s Killer Mimosa
Skylark’s Hidden Cafe Katie’s Killer Mimosa Ingredients: Fresh muddled orange orange vodka peach schnapps pineapple juice orange juice champagne $9 This delightful cocktail, named after a former employee, is the perfect addition to a Sunday brunch. While it may just taste like…
122 West Brewing Co. on the Rise
122 West Brewing Co. brings good food and solid brews to the Bellingham Craft Beer scene.
New Location, Same Great Smoothies
Electric Beet Juice Co. settles into a new location.
A Day in the Life of a Farmstead Cheesemaker
Think there’s nothing betta than feta? Nothing more good than gouda? If you’ve ever wondered about the people behind the cheese, here’s a look at the day-in-the-life of a Farmstead Cheesemaker.
Blueberry Cantaloupe Panzanella
Put your stale bread to good use with this sweet and savory Italian bread salad recipe.
Bellingham’s Tesoro Escondido
From butcher and grocer to beloved Bellingham restaurant — Mi Rancho Meat Market brings delicious tacos and more to the Birchwood neighborhood.
The Mixing Tin: Aviation
This edition’s Mixing Tin is the Aviation from L&L Libations, an elegant classic cocktail with a floral twist.
Your Health in the Time of COVID-19
Improve your metabolic health during quarantine with this Cajun shrimp recipe and list of helpful tips.
The Mixing Tin: L’italienne
April’s Mixing Tin is the L’italienne from Gainsbarre, a classy wine-and-champagne-based cocktail that’s both simple and sophisticated.
Preserving Blue-Throated Macaws is the Goal at Dynasty Cellars
What do malbec, merlot, and macaws have in common? They’re all likely to come up in a conversation with Peter and Olga Osvaldik, husband-and-wife owners/winemakers at Bellingham’s Dynasty Cellars.
Galos Flame Grilled Chicken
Galos Flame Grilled Chicken offers Portuguese Dining at its finest.
A Spring Weekend Cleanse
Start your weekend cleanse with these nutritious and delicious recipes.
Local Focused
Chef Christy & Shannon Fox use local ingredients, art to make Evolve Chocolate + Cafe truly unique.
Terramar Brewing Takes Locally Sourced to a Tasty New Level
Terramar Brewing, which opened in Edison this past summer, is the area’s newest brewery, pizzeria, and soon-to-be distillery.
Hanger Steak with Sorrel Chimichurri and Red Potato Smashers
The Skagit Challenge – how many Skagit Valley growers and producers are making up your meal? This recipe counts three farmers, one rancher, and one brewer.
Gluten, a Real Gut-Buster
This delectable gluten-free cereal is a treat for your tongue and your gut.
The Mixing Tin: Southside Bar
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Irish Coffee from Southside Bar — a delicious take on a classic beverage, perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
International Eats
February’s feature is International Eats! We’ve provided a list of our favorite international cuisine from Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties. Discover your favorites now.
Pacific Rim Winery: Dedicated to Riesling 365 Days a Year
Bring on the Riesling! Pacific Rim Winery offers a variety of choices to meet every taste preference and budget, no matter the wine or the season.
Where Everybody’s Welcome
CrossRoads Brings BBQ and fun to Barkley Neighborhood. Check out some of their delicious dishes.
Have a Happy Gut with Apple Cider Vinegar
As winter winds down and spring approaches, it’s time to seek out energizing food and drink options. That’s where this elixir comes in. Raw apple cider vinegar is a golden gift to the digestive system.
The Mixing Tin: Jack’s
This month’s Mixing Tin is The Cablegram from Jack’s. This classic cocktail offers doesn’t pull its punches (flavor or alcohol), and is sure to leave you wanting more.
In a Galaxy Not So Far Away
Bellingham Cocktail Week Introduces a new way to Happy Hour — Read more about the competition and which bars to hit.
Freshly Tapped
Thousand Acre Cider House expands Bellingham’s cider scene. Read more about its owners as well as more about what makes this cider so awesome.
More Than Just Poke
This new poke restaurant downtown appeals to the masses, with colorful bowls and delicious treats.
Balance & Bowls
This Deconstructed Spring Roll Bowl is nourishing, full of nutrients and flavor, and is ready in less than 30 minutes.
Western Professor Pens Book on Wise Eating
Western Professor’s book offers recipes and guidance on how to select wholesome, nutritious foods, but it is NOT a traditional dieting book.
The Mixing Tin: Galloway’s Cocktail Bar
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Winter Cardinal from Galloway’s Cocktail Bar—a fruity and smokey winter twist on a classic summer drink.
Chuckanut Manor: A Historic Culinary Roadhouse Tradition
Originally built as a residence, Chuckanut Manor has welcomed diners for more than 50 years. Visitors savor Pacific Northwest fare as well as views from one of the most scenic drives in Western Washington.
For Some Wineries, the Freshest New Releases Are in the Can
CAN you handle this new drink trend? Many of the season’s winning wines are coming in a can! Find your local favorites and see how these beverages stack up.
Bellingham Burger Roundup
Craving a burger? We’ve got you covered. This roundup features six Bellingham burgers that’ll definitely leave you wanting more than a bite.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Run Run Rudolph from Swim Club Wet Bar—a warm winter cocktail that will give you all the holiday feels.
Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar Comes to Bellingham Waterfront
Lombardi’s founder Diane Symms brings more than 30 years of delicious, authentic Italian cuisine to Bellingham.
Calypso Kitchen Brings Caribbean Flavors to Bellingham
Chef Sarah Chan uses her love of cooking to teach others and spread awareness about human trafficking, domestic violence, and food insecurity.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Perfect Pear Martini from Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse—a fall cocktail reminiscent of the most perfectly ripe Bartlett Pear.
Ancore, Per Favore
Chef Giovanni “Gianni” Saffioti and partner Devon Drake opened Scampi Osteria—an Italian restaurant in Birch Bay—in July 2019.
Giving Thanks More Thought
Nutrition blogger, Cassie Elliott, invites readers to try this easy-to-prepare Pumpkin Custard, which is grain free, dairy-free, and free of refined sugar.
Holiday Travel Beer Guide
Nationally-ranked beer judge, Neal Tognazzini, is here to help you prep your holiday wish list—for beer that is—with his guide to the best beers in the U.S.
Bellingham Rock Star Opens Herb’s Cider
How Bellingham rock star, Tim “Herb” Alexander—the celebrated drummer for the alt-rock band Primus—came to co-own Herb’s Cider with his wife, Shama.
From Ice Cream to Fried Chicken
After years of toying with the idea of starting another local business, Ben Scholtz—owner of Bellingham’s beloved Mallard Ice Cream—opened Bantam 46 in May.
Wine Judging Requires Sniffing, Swirling, and Tasting Your Way Through a Lot of Wine
Wine enthusiast Dan Radil shares the importance of tasting, not drinking, when wine judging—sniffing, swirling, and sipping your way to the best wine.
The Mixing Tin
For this month’s Mixing Tin we indulged in the Hogwarts House Cocktails offered at Rook & Rogue Board Game Pub—Which house are you?
The Bounty and Culture of the San Juan Islands
Savor the San Juans—a seven-week event featuring farm tours, wine tastings, wine dinners, a beer festival, and two film festivals.
Autumn’s Comforting Bounty
Nutrition blogger and food photographer, Cassie Elliott, utilizes the fresh foods of the season to create this flavorful, gluten-free dish.
Stemma Brewing Co. Joins Our Beer Family
Stemma Brewing Company, owned by Jason and Kim Harper, has officially joined the Bellingham brewery scene—opening a taproom at 2039 Moore Street in June.
Miracles on the 11th Hour
At 11th Hour Tea & Coffee Bar, owned by Bridget Gallaghur, customers come to relax and enjoy a variety of teas, golden milks, lattes, and espresso items.
No Reservations
Mark Seymour, owner of the booming Drayton Harbor Oyster Company in Blaine, recently re-opened his oyster bar in a bigger space, just next-door.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Bramble from Swim Club Wet Bar—a rich, spiced cocktail to defend against the early fall chill.
Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris
Wine enthusiast Dan Radil talks tasty white wines for the warmer summer months, with a wide range of flavors, styles, and sweetness levels.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Summertime Blue from Fireside Martini & Wine Bar—a refresher that changes from sapphire blue to fuchsia in seconds.
Ten Years of Delicious Eats
Bob’s Chowder Bar & BBQ Salmon in Anacortes—treasured for its fresh and local seafood—is approaching it’s 10-year anniversary, with some changes in store.
I Scream, You Scream
We take a look at three of Fairhaven’s top-notch options for ice cream: Edaleen Dairy, Acme Ice Cream, and Sirena Gelato.
Something Delicious
This month’s online exclusive covers one more traveling eatery—not a food truck, but a mobile food tent serving up some cheesy goodness.
Five Faves
This month’s Five Faves is all about some of the tastiest local hot dogs—from gourmet to classic, summer wouldn’t be complete without them.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Salish Sea Daiquiri from Saltine—a fruity twist on the original Cuban cocktail recipe.
Grain to Glass in Skagit County
Farmstrong Brewing Co. in Mount Vernon is making use of local grain—All of their beers contain some percentage of barley that was grown and malted locally.
New Spot in Fairhaven
John Enright is the chef and owner of the new Cobalt Grill and Lounge in Fairhaven—serving traditional American fare with an emphasis on local seafood, natural products, and abundant bar selections.
Summertime Seating
Discover new summertime spots near you with our list of the area’s most outdoor-friendly restaurants.
Straightforward, Delicious, Fast Food
Step into this Orcas Island restaurant for breakfast or lunch—fit with homestyle cooking, large portions, bottomless coffee, and a friendly atmosphere.
Polarizing and Popular
Wine enthusiast Dan Radil gives readers the inside scoop on Pinot Noir: common perceptions, best practices, and some budget-friendly recommendations.
The Almighty Breakfast Salad
Sara Southerland invites readers to try out a nutritional breakfast that’s versatile, full of greens, and topped off with a delicious lemon garlic aioli.
A Place for All Seasons
For those craving some artisan pizza and local beer, drop by Railroad Pub & Pizza—a cozy and cabin-like restaurant in downtown Burlington.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin is Strawberry Fizz from Valley Shine Distillery. The perfect cocktail to leave winter behind and get in that summertime mood.
Lime Time
This month’s online exclusive is a sneak peek at our summer barbecue feature — a grilled margarita shrimp recipe that is sure to wow your guests.
Historic Icon, Classic Diner
When Tom and Barb Kilpatrick moved to Bellingham in 2001, a historic café became a classic Bellingham diner. Hilltop Restaurant brings more than just great atmosphere with its longtime Chef, Steven Herzog.
Smoothie, To Go
Arlené Mantha, professional chef from Los Angeles, shares her favorite green smoothie so you can take a nutritional breakfast on the go.
In Spring, Get Radishes for Pickling
With the coming of Spring, you’ll want to try this recipe for pickling watermelon radishes. They are nutritious and can be preserved for months.
What the Heck is a Drink Called Shrub?
Josh and Tomo Kramer are the founders of Cascade Shrub Farm, bringing you a healthy, refreshing, locally infused cocktail and soda mix.
IPAS, Hazy and Otherwise
Why are IPAS so popular? Nationally-ranked beer judge, Neal Tognazzini, tells all about the history and variety behind brewing IPAS.
Cinco de Mayo Hot Spots
Celebrate the Mexican army’s win over France at the Battle of Pueblo with the best Mexican dishes around the North Sound this Cinco de Mayo.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin is El Beso de Virginia from Northwater. This tequila-based drink is not a margarita, but a delicious way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Woodinville Wine Country Matures
Woodinville Wine Country is being put on the map as a true destination location. Wine lovers will find a large selection of wineries and restaurants to try.
Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin features The Temple Vesper from The Temple Bar in Bellingham. Try pairing this cocktail with the “Everything Plate.”
Seasoned Generously with Love
Cassie Elliot remembers cooking with her grandmother, Ella Gutknecht and shares a recipe for Cauliflower and Bacon Chowder, part of her 20-Day Sugar Detox.
Changing the World Through Food
Sage Against the Machine is a vegan food truck run by Tara and Nate Johnson in Bellingham. The menu has homemade items and locally sourced ingredients.
Easter Eats
We’ve found the best places if you’re planning to take your family out this Easter. Enjoy a brunch, buffet, or dinner menu at these local spots.
Fork, Yeah!
The Fork at Agate Bay restaurant is under new ownership. David Kas and Paul Lawrence run the restaurant, while Chef Nora Kas oversees the menu.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin is a Lemon-Rosemary Champagne Cocktail brought to you by Brandywine Kitchen in downtown Bellingham.
Why the Emerald Isle Makes Black Beer
Neal Tognazzini shares his insights on black beer. Looking for a traditional way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish beer? Try Meance Brewing.
‘Water of Life’
In Ireland, whiskey is known as the ‘water of life.’ Here is a list of a few local spots to find a good Irish whiskey and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day right.
Sips of the Season
Galloway’s Cocktail Bar hosted our Sips of the Season event. Manager Alli Sutherland and talented mixologists taught guests how to make winter cocktails.
Historic, Destination Dining on Whidbey Island
Captain Whidbey Inn on Whidbey Island is under new ownership and is expected to open in April, with Jeff Towery as general manager and Chef Eric Truglas.
Spectacular Seafood
Salmon and shrimp and crab, oh my! February features some of the restaurants and eateries in Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan where you can find the best fresh, local seafood.
For Valentine’s Day, Try Something Crisp, Pink or Bubbly
Dan Radil brings you a guide to non-traditional drinks to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day. Try something bubbly, pink, or cool and crisp for a change.
Catch Plenty of Omega 3 With Your Salmon
Barlean’s Fishery Inc. in Ferndale provides fresh seafood for healthy eating. The company also manufactures and distributes Omega 3 supplements.
Skewered Salmon & Calamari
Here’s a recipe from Chef Willie McWatters of Guemes Island for his Skewered Salmon & Calamari, which he makes using locally sourced ingredients.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin features True Love by Pink, an exotic cocktail using lychee made by Studio B. The perfect romantic drink for Valentine’s Day.
A Toast to Ferndale’s Past
Robert Pinkley, Brett Wiltse, and Amberleigh Brownson of Leader Block Wine Co. and Eatery brings Ferndale wines and an Italian menu with PNW influence.
Coffee, Healthy Food, and A Comfy Place to Wait for the Ferry
Andrea Hampton is the owner of Salty Fox Coffee – a Friday Harbor cafe with baked goods, Twisp coffee, art, and a comfy place to wait for the ferry.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin features the G, a cocktail created by managing mixologist Dakota Etley at Miller’s Back Door, next to Rumors Cabaret.
Get Fueled with Fresh Flavor
Big Love Juice has two Bellingham locations, offering cold press juices made from local ingredients in addition to healthy, fresh snacks.
Fit Plan for Life
Jenn Bachtel shares a few favorite recipes, like cold Asian salad and protein bread, as well as substitutions to keep your meals varied and nutritious.
Winter Comfort
Cassie Elliot shares her recipe for a delicious butternut squash soup with toasted pumpkin seeds. It is low carb and fits within her 20 day Sugar Detox.
Dark Beers for Dark Days
Neal Tognazzini reminds us not to forget about dark beers during these long, dark winter months. Selections from Wander Brewing Co. are among the favorites.
The Mixing Tin
December’s Mixing Tin brings you the toasted bourban mocha from the 13moons restaurant at the Swinomish Casino in Anacortes.
Big Views, Bigger Portions
Head down to Squalicum Harbor for some classic fish and chips or a burger and fries from Nicki’s Bella Marina, which overlooks Bellingham Bay.
A Feast for the Senses, Seaside
For a seaside retreat and an exceptional dining experience, try the Whidbey Island Inn at Langley with executive chef Matt Costello and chef Emily Bell.
At Home on Whidbey Island
These two wine bars on Whidbey Island are ideal for tasting: The Terrace Wine Bar and Bistro in Oak Harbor and Vail Wine Shop & Tasting Room in Coupeville.
Get Out for Thanksgiving Dinner
If you’re looking for a night out for Thanksgiving dinner, we have a list of local restaurants open next Thursday in Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties!
Brussels Sprout Salad
This Brussels sprout salad from Samantha Ferraro of The Little Ferraro Kitchen will add Thanksgiving Flair if you’re looking for unconventional recipes.
Lau Lau
The Lau Lau is a Hawaiian BBQ dish that may be an unconventional Thanksgiving recipe for many, but it could be the start of a new tradition!
Ginataang Kalabasa
A Filipino cuisine, Ginataang kalabasa is a squash and coconut milk is an unconventional Thanksgiving recipe that will add a splash of color to your table.
Duck!
Instead of turkey, try duck this Thanksgiving! Peter McWilliams of Doe Bay Cafe shares his unconventional Thanksgiving recipe for duck.
The Great Turkey Debate
There’s always debate over how to cook a turkey. Whether it’s injecting vs. bringing, frozen vs. fresh, or roasted vs. fried, we have the pros and cons to help you make a great Thanksgiving meal.
Thanksgiving Flair
Our Thanksgiving Flair Feature this month can help you deign a fall tablescape and decorate your home with pumpkins and more from Pier 1 Imports.
Risk and Reward
Richard Kauffman of Riverhaven Farm is raising high-quality, free-range Thanksgiving turkeys. These small-farm birds are expensive, but certainly worth it.
For Thanksgiving, ‘Tis the Saison
How are you going to wash your traditional starch-and-fat lover’s delight of a meal down this Thanksgiving? The answer: Saison.
Fuel for Winter’s Fun
Here is a list of the best dishes on the Mount Baker Highway in Glacier and Deming. Stop in for a bite after a day of fun on Mount Baker this winter!
The Mixing Tin
Cocktail consultant Mike Rothmeyer has developed three versions of the classic Mai Tai for The Union Tavern in Anacortes.
Getting on Island Time
San Juan Island Brewing Co., run by brothers Tim and Sean Alyward and stepfather Verne Howard, offers tasty brews and wood stone pizzas on Friday Harbor.
Looking to Bounce Back
Dan Radil gives an inside look into the current downturn of Whatcom County Wineries and which wineries were distinguished at the Northwest Wine Festival.
Sense of Place, With Plates
Off Chuckanut Drive in Bow lies The Rhododendron Café, run by Lisa Cooney and Jim Kowalski, who use fresh, local Washington ingredients.
The Mixing Tin
The Mixing Tin this month is showcasing a drink called Charlie, created by Karly Steffen, bar manager at Fairhaven’s Övn.
A Daily Dose of Trendy Tacos in Bellingham
Goat Mountain Pizza owners opened a new restaurant last fall, this time a bar with tacos called Black Sheep. You can find them in downtown Bellingham.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin showcases a cocktail called The Bullfighter, which can be found at The 202 in Downtown Bellingham.
Swinomish Casino Scores
The Sports Bar & Grill at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge has upgraded their menu. Chef O’Neil is responsible for the new delicious additions.
In Wine Versus Beer Debate, Wine Has Summertime Edge
Both beer and wine have a wide variety of flavors perfect for the season. Summer is the ideal time for a cold beer, flavorful white, or bold red.
Baking School and Bread Lab Rise Together in Burlington
The Skagit Bread Lab is offering classes in their new King Arthur Flour Baking School to educate locals and give back to the community.
Comfort Food Warming Up Downtown Bellingham
Saltine is the newest addition to Bellingham’s food scene. Located downtown in the arts district, Saltine is providing locals with warm comfort foods.
Finding Sunshine in a (Beer) Can | Sip
Only the most radical (and misguided) beer snob would insist on a glass for every beer-drinking occasion. Smart drinking requires an appreciation of context.
A Love for Food
Seeds honors the area’s culinary traditions not just by curating from local farmers and producers, but by preparing the ingredients in a manner that showcases their flavors.
Mixing Tin
Maple and brown sugar? These flavors were made for each other, we all know that. But if you thought they existed only in your morning oatmeal, think again.
Oooh-La-La: Swimming in Cocktails
The Swim Club cocktail bar in Fairhaven transports customers into a different world and a different time with their unique and authentic atmosphere.
Looking Back: Seafood Story Earns Award
Magazine Won 2016 ‘Maggie’ for ‘Best Editorial Layout’ It’s always great to hear when our readers in the North Sound like what we’re doing here at Bellingham Alive, and other publications like Couture Weddings and NSL Guestbook. It’s also nice to get a pat on the back from people…
More Than Great Beer
In downtown Anacortes, the 105-year old building at 902 Commercial Ave. has been home to a flooring company, an antique store, a hair salon, and, since January 2016, it’s housed The Union Tavern, the town’s beer-centric bar. Owner Joseph Lopez intended to establish a…
Passion Plates
Thanks to renowned chef Sabrina Tinsley, cuisine from the Emilia-Romagna region of northeastern Italy can be found right in Seattle. Tinsley and her husband, Pietro Borghesi, co-founded their restaurant, Osteria la Spiga, in 1998. Due to their hardworking staff and supportive customers, Osteria la Spiga is known for authentic…
Chef With Sense of Place
Chef Jason Wilson is renowned in the Seattle area. His three local restaurants, Miller’s Guild, The Lakehouse, and Civility & Unrest, keep the locals satisfied and the tourists coming back for more. He will soon be adding another restaurant to his ever- expanding Seattle presence with a Pike Place Market addition, with a menu inspired by the market itself. Wilson took some time out of his hectic…
A Taste of the Mediterranean
From her stove in Bellingham, Samantha Ferraro has cooked up a gourmet selection of Mediterranean dishes highlighting world cuisine and cultural favors. Her recipes have found…
Tri-Cities and Prosser Areas: A Haven for Washington Wine Lovers
Western Washington wine lovers in search of a wine-related getaway should look no further than the eastern side of the state. The Tri-Cities and Prosser areas boast plentiful sunshine, a dry climate year-round, and scores of wineries that feature some of the best food and wine the state has to offer. THE TRI-CITIES According to…
Red Rum Tiki Bar | Mixing Tin
Heeeere’s Johnny! (With Your Cocktail) Are you ready to be transported to an island oasis? Take one step into Red Rum, the new tiki bar in downtown Bellingham, and you’re greeted with bamboo huts, tiki torches, and no visible windows hinting at what the outside world holds. You can’t tell day from night, only that this may be paradise. Red…
Bellingham’s Drinking Scene Grows Up
Most of the watering holes in Bellingham glow with youthful exuberance and do-it-yourself charm. This is one of the things I love about the breweries in town: their unpretentiousness and aura of simple fun….
More Than Just Coffee
At any given time, Mount Vernon’s Ristretto Coffee Lounge & Wine Bar is abuzz with activity. An entrepreneur works intently on her laptop, two students discuss a project, old friends catch up on the cafe’s plush leather couch. A patron spends a few minutes chatting with owner Jenny Daley before rushing out the door, steaming cup of coffee…
The Mixing Tin – The Five Joaquins
This drink was named after the tale of the Five Joaquins. The Five Joaquins were, well, five guys named Joaquin. Between 1850 and 1853 it was reported that the Five Joaquins and a man they called “Three-Fingered Jack” were responsible for a majority of the robberies, murders, and cattle thefts in the Sierra Nevada. Joaquin Murrieta, the leader, was supposedly killed by the newly formed California…
Hidden Gem
Bellingham Cider Company Bellingham Cider Company’s head chef Dirul Shamsid-Deen has been a chef for more than 17 years, cooking in culinary meccas like New York, L.A., and Chicago. Far from the bustle…
Fried and Unapologetic Fat Shack
Between the name and the marketing slogan: “Fat Shack—Late Night Done Right” there’s little question to whom this new restaurant, open as late as 3 a.m., is targeted. Popular items are burgers, wings, and…
French Fundamentals in an English-Style Pub
Off La Conner’s main drag and up a hill sits The Oyster & Thistle Restaurant & Pub. Originally a hotel and restaurant (and for a year a barbershop), it…
Vinostrology Shines As Downtown Bellingham Wine Bar And Lounge
Wine Bar Extraordinaire Bellingham native Katie Bechkowiak had plenty of experience in the restaurant and wine industries when she began toying with the idea of opening up her own wine bar. Then, while wrapping up a visit to the city’s Bloedel Donovan Park, she hopped in her car and turned on…
The Mixing Tin – The Brandied Cherry Collins
When you walk into The Blue Abode Bar in Barkley Village, it feels like you are home —even though it’s new to the neighborhood. A cozy spot for cocktails, it has a wood bar, tables are accented with blue paint, and chairs and blue lights line the walls. On each table, empty spirit bottles with twinkle lights on the inside provide a DIY home decor feel. The Brandied Cherry Collins is exciting to the…
Meet the Chef
Chef Todd Alan Martin of Hundred North hosted his German-inspired dinner on Thursday, February 22 at Judd & Black Appliance in Mount Vernon. The four-course meal was…
Marking the End of the (Traditional) Brewing Season
From Spring, Lager Awaits Its Day The older I get, the more I appreciate the seasons. Our lives are always emerging from somewhere, always headed somewhere. We always have something to remember and something to anticipate. And it all goes in a circle, so that we can say farewell to one season in the confidence that it will always come back around in about nine months. Modern technology can make…
8 Great Tastes
If you’re looking to spice up your life a bit, look no further than On Rice Thai Cuisine. Their green curry is a creamy concoction of coconut, green curry paste, and basil. Who doesn’t wish they were on a tropical beach eating some fresh pork tacos? Aslan Brewing Co. offers vibrant and delectable Hawaiian pork tacos that will make you feel like you’re digging your toes into the warm sand. If you are…
Redefine Health Food
Shambala Bakery and Bistro If someone offered you a slice of non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan bread, what would you expect it to taste like? You might guess flavorless cardboard. If you’re eating bread from Shambala Bakery and Bistro in Mount Vernon, you’d be absolutely wrong….
The Mixing Tin: Pina Mas Macho
Redlight- Pina Mas Macho If you’re looking for a tropical treat to steal you away from the cold Bellingham weather, look no…
Muto Ramen and Izakaya
Ramen, Revisited With the closing of the Japanese restaurant, Wasabee Sushi, last spring, it felt as though downtown Bellingham had been hit with a huge loss. Thankfully, Muto Ramen and Izakaya moved into Wasabee’s previous location on East Chestnut Street not long after it closed. The authentic Japanese restaurant caters to many of the same tastes as Wasabee, but with a stronger…
Vagabond Station
Different and Delicious Imagine a crispy fried-chicken breast atop a fluffy biscuit, covered with melted cheddar cheese, and smothered with gravy. The Yard Bird sandwich is everything you didn’t know you were missing and it’s available at Vagabond Station in Anacortes. Until recently, Vagabond Station was a food truck specializing in Southern-style food: chicken and waffles, fried pork ribs, and Hoppin’ John (Southern peas and…
Mixing Tin
EAT Restaurant and Bar The Mon Dieu (My god) Ingredients: Captain Morgan’s rum, maple, lime, topped with BelleWood Acres Cider, $11 Tucked on the corner of East Chestnut and Cornwall in downtown Bellingham, EAT Restaurant and…
Five Faves
Cinnamon Rolls MOUNT BAKERY CAFÉ & BAKERY Definitely a mountaintop experience. Revel in this devilishly sticky unraveling of a treat nicknamed “cinnamon snail” in Danish pastry. Mount Bakery’s spiral-layered roll recipe…
Best Breakfasts
All of us do it. Some before dawn cracks a new day, while others prefer to wait until mid-morning. There are even those who do it almost at lunchtime. Doesn’t matter what time you do it, breakfast is traditionally the first meal of the day. Croissants in France, Poha in Southern India, Ngwaci in Kenya, Shashukah in Saudi Arabia, Bangers and Mash in England, Medialunas in Argentina, or oatmeal in America: it’s all breakfast…
Walla Walla Wines Become a Growth Industry
The explosion of wineries in the Walla Walla Valley mirrors the impressive growth of wineries in Washington state. How impressive? Consider this: According to the Washington Wine Commission, there were 163 wineries statewide in the year 2000. Today the state boasts over 900 total wineries… and nearly 125 of those are located in the Walla Walla Valley. The Walla Walla Valley has a rich agricultural history, but today’s wine grape industry didn’t really begin taking shape…
BeachCastle Sweets
Something Sweet for Your Sweet Rule number one when making chocolate treats is to use good quality chocolate. “You can really tell the difference in taste” explained Linda Lewis, owner of BeachCastle Sweets in Anacortes. Lewis…
Butcher Shop Bringing the Craft Back to Bellingham
Four years ago, Shaun Almassy wasn’t sure that he even wanted to become a butcher. After some convincing from a friend, he decided to try his hand at butchery. Almassy now finds himself up, at times as early as 6 a.m., prepping for the day ahead.
Lynden Dutch Bakery
Beyond inviting visitors in for an afternoon treat or as a stop on their morning commute, Lynden Dutch Bakery caters for events, weddings, and company parties at a reasonable cost.
A’Town Bistro…Your New Go-To Restaurant
A’Town Bistro Owner of A’Town Bistro in Anacortes, Timothy Moffitt, spent most of his life working in restaurants so he knew what he’d do differently when he got the…
This Year, Resolve to Drink Smarter
Several years ago, shortly after the onset of my craft beer fanaticism, I made a New Year’s resolution: this year, I vowed, I would drink more beer. That resolution is one of a very small handful of resolutions that I have actually kept. Of course, I can’t pat myself…
The Mixing Tin: Uisce Irish Pub
The Sidecar INGREDIENTS Christian Brothers Brandy, Orange Cointreau, house made sours mix, lemon twist, sugar on the rim, $10 Walking in, first impressions bring me back to an Ireland trip in the 1990s. Bartenders in smart ties, watching over a wall of near-perfect selections of gins, whiskeys, and scotch. Uisce (pronounced Ish-Kah, meaning “water” in Gaelic) has been a Bellingham favorite now…
The Vault Wine Bar
Bank on Blaine’s Rich New Wine Bar The Vault Wine Bar, in Blaine, is a restaurant in a unique venue: a former bank building. Teller cages and desks have been replaced with a sleek marble bar top and custom made tables. One wouldn’t exaggerate to say that no expense was spared to create this chic urban bistro. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow ample natural light and an enclosed deck invites diners…
The Mixing Tin: The Cabin Tavern
The Classic INGREDIENTS: Brandy, triple sec, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, Luxardo cherry, $8 Being new to Bellingham, I’ve been looking for places that speak to me. The Cabin Tavern is one such place. Walking in, music plays at a perfect level. Old antlers adorn the walls and set the tone. I ask about a drink unique to this joint. Owner Christian Danielson tells me of the night researching cocktails with friends. They…
Meticulously Made Food in a Casual Eatery
Dad’s Diner a-Go-Go Dad’s Diner A-Go-Go in Anacortes is the epitome of creative selecting and layering of flavors and textures on a plate. Add in the superior customer service in a comfortable, casual atmosphere, and it’s no wonder so many…
A Hip Dining Experience
There is something about a busy coffee shop that feels welcoming. Voices struggle to be heard over the sound of the espresso machine pushing hot water through fresh ground coffee. Cups clink when they are…
The Mixing Tin: 5th Street Bistro
The Naughty Schoolgirl INGREDIENTS Pama, 360 Raspberry Vodka, lemon juice and splash of Sprite, $7.50 Although the name may make you blush, the Naughty Schoolgirl from Anacortes’s 5th…
Modern Cabin Atmosphere Meets Country Cuisine
The Birch Door Cafe The Birch Door Cafe does not fall short on charm, variety, or serving size. Once you open the massive birch door and enter the spacious lobby, you’ll immediately be greeted by friendly service and enchanting smells. Opened in June 2017, the restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Brunch enthusiasts will be delighted by the…
The Original Farm-to-Table
Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar La Conner’s Nell Thorn has been serving locally sourced food before it was trendy. It is one of the original farm-to-table restaurants in the area, thanks to forward-thinking owners, Casey and Susan Schanen. The husband-wife team are natives of Skagit Valley and have extensive food and wine backgrounds….
The Mixing Tin: Bayou on Bay
The Refresher INGREDIENTS Choice of housemade infusion, muddled citrus, Sierra Mist and club soda, $9 The bar at Bayou on Bay has the comforting feel of a neighborhood tavern, but one located in a bustling intersection of downtown Bellingham. Step inside and…
A Scratch Kitchen Playing With Flavors
Third Street Cafe Earlier this summer, chef Maryna Frederiksen took over the kitchen at Mount Vernon’s Third Street Cafe. The Skagit Co-op off-shoot eatery has flourished under Frederiksen’s leadership and…
Husband and Wife Team Up at Winery
Structure Cellars Owning and operating your own winery might seem like a pretty cool occupation, but behind-the-scenes challenges requiring time, money, and sweat equity can make getting there a daunting task. The husband-and-wife team of Brian Grasso and Brandee Slosar know that firsthand. They’ve poured countless hours into building Structure Cellars, and the results have been nothing short of amazing. It started with a boutique winery that originated in their Ballard home and has since evolved…
Sedro-Woolley Eatery’s Hefty Sandwiches a Meal
The Bullpen Sports Bar & Grill Sedro-Woolley, located just 74 miles north of Seattle, has become a bedroom-community of commuters who travel the I-5 corridor to careers in larger cities. Sedro- Woolley’s rather isolated rural setting and evolving demographics have kept home prices affordable while, around the region, they increased….
Salt & Vine
A Charcuterie Lover’s Paradise When a new artisan cheese, wine and charcuterie shop opens in your neighborhood, you say “Yes!” and go there immediately. Located on 6th Street in Anacortes just off Commercial, Salt & Vine is a prime location for a midday snack, or a stop after an evening stroll on the docks….
The Mixing Tin: The Black Cat
Sangria in the Rain INGREDIENTS Clear Creek Pear Brandy, Rene Barbier Catalunya Red Blend, lime, orange, pineapple, Sierra Mist, $8 Perhaps the most appealing part of choosing The Black Cat (or Le Chat Noir if you’re feeling French) for an after work drink or two is the view from upstairs. Set of the second floor of the historic Sycamore Square building in Fairhaven, The Black Car provides a romantic atmosphere coupled with Bellingham funkiness. The large interior…
Looking Beyond Just Flavor: Farm to Table in Fairhaven
Lovitt Restaurant The atmosphere of the Lovitt restaurant welcomes you with dim lighting, large farm style furniture, and the smells of fresh sourdough, herbs and spices. Kristen and Norman Six opened the restaurant in March with a commitment to bringing farm-to-table eats to Fairhaven. “We feel like there has been a farm-to-table movement but it hasn’t been accessible. It is good for people and American farms. We are trying…
Bellingham Gets Hip with Beer
Melvin Brewpub Melvin Brewpub opened June 3 with an estimated 300 people lined up outside the door. Even with an abundance of microbreweries already in Bellingham, the community could barely contain its excitement for the native Wyoming brewery with a cult following. Melvin picked Bellingham over other, more populous cities (sorry-not-sorry, Seattle) because of our beer-friendly attitude and co-founder Jeremy Tofte’s, Mount Vernon roots. “There…
Brews and Bicycles Bring Community
Cafe Velo In January, Kim Strang and husband Andrew Francis opened Cafe Velo, a European-inspired cafe with a twist — in addition to serving fresh espresso, the cafe houses a bike shop. While Strang serves up beer, wine, espresso,…
The Mixing Tin: Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill
The Waterside Citrus INGREDIENTS Hedge Trimmer gin, fresh lime, fresh grapefruit, a sprig of mint, with soda water, over ice, $8.75 With the summer finally settling in here in the Pacific Northwest, Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill serves up a drink that is sure to bring down your core temperature. When I stopped in,…
West Coast Dominates Domestic Scene
What would happen to the wine industry in the United States if, by some crazy chance, Washington, Oregon, and California were hit by a devastating plague that wiped out every vineyard in the three-state area? Would it be the “end of the world,” so to speak, for domestic wine drinkers? Without a doubt, the answer to that highly unlikely…
Tank to Table
Goat Mountain Pizza Goat Mountain Pizza just might be the first living restaurant in Bellingham. To sustain local produce year-round, Goat Mountain has installed an aquaponics system. The in-house garden…
The Mixing Tin
Mambo Italiano Mambo Rosemary Margarita Mambo Italiano’s bar sits above the regular dining seating in the front of the café. Up the stairs and to the left you find the quaint bar. A small yet cozy atmosphere — not the place to bring a large group, but the intimate setting promotes friendly conversation amid close friends. The bartender, Breanna…
Beer in One Hand, A Ball in the Other
Paws for a Beer If there are two things the people of Bellingham adore, it’s their beer and their dogs, not necessarily in that order. That was what Rylan Schoen was counting on when he opened his one-of-a-kind beer garden last November. Paws for a Beer is the only off-leash dog park and beer garden in Bellingham. The tagline: “A subdued dog bar.” In the small space that the bar occupies there are…
Reds for BBQ
Have you been ignoring red wines altogether during the summer months? Then it’s time to reconsider. Yes, a chilled white wine or rosé makes a great warm-weather adult beverage, but red wines deserve a little summertime love as well. Red wines pair nicely with a variety of foods prepared outdoors on the grill and they’ll stand up to charbroiling and barbeque sauces much better than practically anything along the…
Bright New Light on Seafood
B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar at Four Points by Sheraton is an inspiration of architecture, interior design, and culinary imagination. Early this year, the hotel closed its previous restaurant, Poppe’s 360, and set about construction of this bright new and more contemporary…
The Mixing Tin: The Temple Bar
The Illuminati INGREDIENTS: Jameson, Elderflower liqueur, Drambuie, Genepy des Alpes, Angostura bitters, orange flower water, lemon peel garnish. Served on ice. $11 This month’s cocktail will have you raving like Alex Jones. With the number of sweet cocktails out there today, it can be easy to overlook a drink like the Illuminati, which…
Once Maligned, Rosés Are Here to Stay
As little as 20 years ago, rosé wines from Washington wineries were, more often than not, likely to be a novelty instead of a tasting room standard. But since that time, rosés have really caught on, almost to…
Polish Food, PNW Style
Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage If you’re looking for a cozy restaurant with live music serving up European food with a Pacific Northwest flair, look no further than Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage in La Conner. Jennifer Ferry grew up in Pittsburgh cooking alongside her Polish grandmother, Anelia. Babcia Anelia taught Ferry how to prepare traditional Polish dishes from scratch….
A Tasty Part of the Territory
Northwater Comfortable soft blue leather chairs, Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie” playing in the background, a classy atmosphere, light entrees, and vast choices of cocktails and mocktails—that’s what’s to be expected at Northwater. Northwater, a modern restaurant and bar which opened in late March, is part of the Holiday Inn and Suites hotel, across from the Bellingham airport. From I-5, take the Bakerview Road and Bellingham International…
8 Great Tastes | June
Redlight Bar: Vanilla Bean Whiskey and MexiCoke
It is almost a cliché to describe whiskey as having a “smoky” flavor. But with the advent of infusion drinks, many different spirits seem to be getting new twists, and whiskey is no exception. Witness the concoction of vanilla bean-infused whiskey and Mexican…
Top-Tier Winery
Goose Ridge Vineyard Since opening in 1999, Richland-based Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery has quietly and steadily become a major…
Soy House
When Soy House opened a few years ago, you could count the number of Vietnamese restaurants in the area on one hand. Since it opened, it has amassed a reputation for being a solid low-to-mid-price Vietnamese restaurant. Perhaps Vietnamese-fusion would be more accurate. Of…
The Bastion of Brewing
Tucked behind a Shell gas station, right before Highway 20 splits south towards Whidbey Island, is Bastion Brewing Company. Weekday lunchtimes draw the local working crowds. Visit in the evening and you’ll find the barstools filled with patrons sipping well-deserved beers after long days or refilling their growler jugs to take home. The weekends can be a bit louder with bands performing, casual parties thrown by military members, and groups gathered around Bastion’s TV screens cheering on…
8 Great Mother’s Day Brunches
Spring Bouquet
Celebrate fickle season with a versatile wine menu There’s an old saying around the Pacific Northwest this time of year: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute.” April is one of those crazy, capricious months where the calendar says spring, but the weather doesn’t always agree. Hail, windstorms, the possibility of frost, and of course, plenty of rain can overrun any chance…
Sips of the Season
Cosmos Bistro and Portteus Winery On March 4, a sold-out crowd at Cosmos Bistro experienced a range of wines from Portteus Winery, paired with out-of-this-world…
A Prime Dining Experience
Max Dale’s Steak & Chop House In 1951 Max and Pauline Dale wanted to open a burger place within a sophisticated setting. Max Dale’s Steak & Chop House began serving exceptional burgers in a dining room of white-clothed tables and chandeliers overhead. In 1976 the restaurant experienced a severe fire. The…
Hearty Pasty Fills the Soul
Good to Go Meat Pies At Good to Go Meat Pies in Everson, you get some history baked in with the shop’s hearty pasties. Owner and founder Holly Bevan-Bumford hung up a picture of her great-grandfather’s confection shop in the dining area. Bevan-Bumford’s grandmother, Audrey, was just a little girl when her father owned the confection shop, called Cook’s Candy Shop, located in downtown Detroit….
8 Great Tastes | April
Wine Festivals Set for State, Vancouver
One of the many great things about living in Bellingham and the Whatcom County area is the “small-town feel” the region carries despite…
Aged Filet Mignon with Rogue River Blue and Bordeaux Demi-Glace – 13moons
INGREDIENTS: • 7 oz filet mignon (USDA prime, aged, center cut) • 1 oz Rogue River blue cheese • 2 oz Bordeaux demi-glace • 1 ea. orange zest • 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil • ½ ea. shallot (minced) • 2 ea. garlic (sliced • 3 ea. asparagus (peeled/trimmed) • 1 ea. parsley • 1 tsp butter • 1 tsp sage butter • 2 oz duck fat • Bulls…
Truffle Dungeness Crab Mac and Cheese – 13moons
INGREDIENTS: • 2 oz fresh Dungeness crab meat • 4 oz macaroni pasta • 6 oz heavy cream • 1 oz parmesan cheese • 1 oz Stilton cheese • 1 oz crimini mushrooms • 1 ea. shallots (minced) • 2 ea. garlic (sliced) • 1 tsp butter • 2 Tbsp white wine • Salt/white…
Meet the Chef – 13moons Restaurant at Swinomish Casino and Lodge
On February 9, guests braved the slushy roads to attend our Meet the Chef event. Held in the test kitchen of Mount Vernon’s Judd & Black, we nibbled, sipped, and learned a thing or two about choosing the ideal steak and why chocolate needs to be melted in a…
Small Plates, Big Taste, New Place
Galloway’s Cocktail Bar Galloway’s Cocktail Bar has taken over the space Daphne’s once held in Fairhaven, across from the village green. The new bar has retained much of Daphne’s old-fashioned feel but without the feminine vibe. The small space is dark and romantic with intimate…
New Bonefish Grill
Tasty Break for Shoppers, Travelers on I-5 Drive As the upscale, fish-scale version of popular partner Outback Steakhouse, the Bonefish Grill is well-positioned to meet the appetites of shop- and traffic-weary consumers along the Marysville-Smokey Point retail corridor on I-5. About midway between Seattle and Bellingham, it’s a good recharge stop. Smokey Point got its name in sleepier times, when a…
White Chocolate Mousse – 13moons
INGREDIENTS: 20 oz white chocolate chips 2 cup heavy cream 2 Tbsp granulated sugar 10 oz fresh cherries, pitted 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1/3 cup brandy Shaved dark chocolate asdfads DIRECTIONS: Place white chocolate into a double boiler, melt. Add half the heavy cream and whisk until completely melted and smooth, cool and set aside. Place remaining heavy cream and sugar to a chilled mixing bowl. Whisk. Fold white…
8 Great Tastes | March
Sally’s Secret: Saigon Sally’s
From the outside of the shop on the corner of 11th and McKenzie, you might miss the gem that is Saigon Sally’s. Formerly known as Jimmy’s Vietnamese Sandwich Shop, the restaurant, off the beaten path as it is, doesn’t necessarily beg for attention. It’s only once…
Sipping Local Spirits: Valley Shine Distillery
During Prohibition, Ben Lazowski’s grandfather worked as a bootlegger for infamous gangster Al Capone. Young Ben grew up hearing stories of his grandfather’s adventures (with certainly a few misadventures) and exploring secret passageways in this grandfather’s Chicago home….
Treveri Cellars
Like a fine bottle of sparkling wine, Treveri Cellars, located just east of Yakima, has burst onto the Washington wine scene with style, character, and an understated air of elegance that have made it a Champagne-inspired favorite of many area wine enthusiasts who enjoy bubbles in their glass. Since opening its…
8 Great Tastes | February
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Budget Wines
With the holidays a distant memory in the rearview mirror, it’s time to focus on a new year, new beginnings, and, unfortunately for many of us, a fresh new set of credit card bills from the past season. The reality of our over-giving and overspending is that we eventually have to make some budget-conscious decisions in the future, and that might include cutting back on dining out and food-related expenditures such as…
Arlis’s Restaurant
Arlis’s Restaurant has been open at the same location for decades. Make no mistake, Arlis’s is quite clearly a diner in the American tradition. Booths and chairs are upholstered in Naugahyde, and there is enough diner-kitsch to accommodate a small diner museum. Just as there are vintage train enthusiasts there, too, must be diner aficionados. They will find that Arlis’s Restaurant more than satisfies their nostalgia. While Arlis’s continues to offer diner fare like cheeseburgers and biscuits…
8 Great Tastes | January
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Splurge Wines
Whether it be gift-giving, party-hosting, or just plain old everyday shopping, this is the time of year when many of us pull out all the stops. Holiday gatherings with good friends, good food, and of course, good wines, seem to make the season just a little…
Digging Up Something Unique
On a warm autumn day, I found myself on the sunny outdoor patio of Artifacts Cafe & Wine Bar. The small space inside the Lightcatcher opened its doors in November 2015. Though small,…
8 Great Tastes | December
8 Great Tastes Oct | Nov
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Artisan Eats at The Mill
Enter The Mill Bistro and Lounge in Lynden and let the warm atmosphere wash over you as the scents of housemade desserts fill your lungs. The restaurant is tastefully decorated with dark wood paneling, dim lighting,…
Thanksgiving and Harvest Wines
The fall and harvest season is upon us, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and big, indoor feasts will soon be the order of the day. Trying to pull off a near-flawless menu, especially while coping with family and out-of-town guests,…
Nutty’s Junkyard Grill
Hand formed burgers hot off the grill, fresh cut fries, and old-fashioned hand dipped milkshakes are served up in style at Nutty’s Junkyard Grill in Arlington. Modeled after an old-school service station, this counter-serve burger joint delivers tasty food with a side of nostalgia. Enter through the door plastered with street signs and you’ll be transported to a wonderland of vintage garage decor inside—license plates, hubcaps, gas station signs, trucker hats, antique…
History, Brews, and Food at the Diamond Knot Brewpub @ MLT
In Mountlake Terrace there is a strip mall best described as a foodie’s paradise. There’s Snohomish Pie Company, Romio’s Pizza, Double DD Meats, and, in the corner, the Diamond Knot Brewpub@MLT, which opened in 2014 after the 9,800-square-foot retail location underwent extensive renovations. The Brewpub features a 10-barrel…
The Mixing Tin – Epulo Bistro’s Apple Pie
Ingredients: Dry County Small Batch Apple Pie Liquor, Fresh Lemon and Orange Juice, Maple Syrup, All Spice | $10 This time of year it’s hard to resist the enticements of Edmonds’ Epulo Bistro on a cold, wet evening. Bright warmth radiates from the bistro’s windows, drawing in passersby in hooded jackets, shoulders hunched against the wind and rain. Should you decide to stop…
Hawaii Comes to Fairhaven
The word “aloha” holds a variety of meanings in Hawaiian culture. Aloha could mean “hello,” “goodbye,”or “love.” For the owners of Aloha Poke, this commonly used word defines their way of life as they bring a…
Meet the Chef
K & L Media teamed up again with the great crew at Judd & Black for our Meet the Chef demonstration dinner on September 8. Chef Matthew Romeo from Lombardi’s Restaurant of Everett and Mill Creek prepared and presented a four-course Italian extravaganza. Whole Foods provided appetizers presented by Olivia…
The Mixing Tin – The Redlight’s Elk Street
This beautiful bar with dark wood tones and exposed brick is the perfect place to cozy up with a friend and a perfectly balanced cocktail and enjoy the State Street life passing outside the large, antique windows. Gallery-appropriate artwork and a casual-yet-distinctive atmosphere make Redlight special. Chic enough to be at home in Paris or Berlin— and yet so essentially Bellingham— this fine place makes some of the very best cocktails in town. The red book by…
Piedmontese Flat Iron Steak – Lombardi’s
Enjoy with Castello Banfi’s Belnero, Rosso, IGT Ingredients 1 each Flat Iron Loin or 4 each 8oz Piedmontese Flat Iron (can be purchased at piedmontese.com) 4 each Kumato Tomatoes 4 springs Fresh Oregano 4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 tbsp Gray Salt Salt and pepper to coat the steak Process Season the outside of the entire flat iron or…
Honey Mascarpone Semi Freddo – Lombardi’s
Ingredients 4 cups cream 1 cup mascarpone 1 cups sugar 1 cup honey 12 egg yolks 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract Process In a mixer with a whisk attachment, whisk the cream and mascarpone into medium peaks Add the honey to the cream and continue to whisk until stiff peaks form Turn the cream out…
Roasted Yellow Pepper Carbonara – Lombardi’s
Enjoy with Banfi’s Chianti Classico, DOCG Ingredients 1 lb Fettuccine 4 ea Yellow Bell Peppers 1 qt Heavy Cream 4 oz Pancetta Salt and pepper to…
Seared Ahi Carpaccio – Lombardi’s
Enjoy with Banfi’s Pinot Grigio, San Angelo Ingredients lb Ahi Tuna 1 tbsp Kosher Salt 1 tsp Black Pepper 2 oz Arugula Zest from 1 lemon 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2 tsp Gray Salt Canola Oil or Pomace Olive Oil for Searing Process Lay the Tuna on a cutting board and pat dry with a paper towel Mix the salt and pepper together and generously season the entire outsideof the tuna…
Italian Eclairs – Lombardi’s
Enjoy with Banfi’s Florus, Moscadello di Montalcino DOC Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted 1/8 tsp salt 1 Tbsp sugar, if used for a dessert 4 eggs at room temperature – very important 1 cup water or milk or ½ and ½ 1/2 cup butter cut into cubes Process…
The Mixing Tin – Beardslee Public House’s The Abyss
Beardslee Public House’s The Abyss Ingredients: Läka Gin, maraschino, lemon juice, créme de violette, soda | $11 In December 2015, Distiller and Sommelier Erik Liedholm and Chef John Howie opened Wildwood Spirits Co. adjacent to the Beardslee Public House, which they co-own. You can find Wildwood’s craft spirits served at the brewpub and starring…
Frost
Three friends opened a small doughnut shop in Mill Creek Town Center in 2009. Fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit and the recipe for a killer Salted Caramel Old Fashioned, the shop quickly gained a devoted following and nationwide acclaim. Frost built its reputation on “evolved” doughnuts: familiar favorites with unexpected flavors and delicious twists,…
Moontree Asian Tapas
Moontree Asian Tapas boasts an impressive five-star rating average on Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Facebook, so my expectations were reasonably high for my first visit. I’m happy to say that Moontree Asian Tapas doesn’t disappoint. Make a reservation, and expect all you want. Chef Moon Hee and his wife, Jin Hee, opened the restaurant about a year…
Chow Wagon: The Rusty Wagon
Located just outside Lynden, the Rusty Wagon is a novelty stop for the whole family. Customers will be transported back in time right there in the parking lot, which greets hungry patrons with wooden horses, an old stockade, and a carved wooden cowboy settin’ a spell on a bench. Once inside, you’ll find large dining areas and a sports bar. The walls are adorned with wooden old timey…
The Mixing Tin
The Loft at Latitude Forty-Eight Five’s Strawberry Gin Fizz Ingredients: Gin, strawberry puree, soda water, lemon juice | $6 A sunny summer afternoon calls for two things: a seat with a view and a cold drink. The Loft at latitude Forty Eight Five delivers on both accounts. With indoor seating encompassed with large windows and a wrap around deck outside, there isn’t a bad seat in the…
Sips of the Season–Poppe’s 360
Poppe’s 360 in the Four Points Sheraton was a great location for our summer Sips of the Season event on July 9….
Wines for Grilling Out
Remember the “good old days” of outdoor barbequing? Assemble a stack of charcoal briquettes in the grill, saturate them with lighter fluid, set it aflame, and, more often than not, burn the food to a crisp. Then serve with your favorite six-pack of domestic beer and Kool-Aid for the kids. Today’s barbequing and outdoor grilling routine is often a major undertaking with glistening, stainless-steel, multi-burner propane and ceramic charcoal grills and menus…
Adventurous Brewing
On a perfect Fairhaven Saturday, a group of cyclists walked into Stones Throw Brewery. It was only noon, but the taproom was abuzz with activity. Owner Tony Luciano reached above the bar to pull a handle, TOOOOT TOOOT! The cyclists cheered at the sound, an old train whistle…
London Bridge 9 – Keenan’s at the Pier
London Bridge 9 – Keenan’s at the Pier • 1.5 oz Bellewood Honey Crisp Vodka • .5 oz St. Germain • ¾ oz Cranberry • .5 oz Lemon juice • Few dashes of grapefruit bitters • Top off with Cock and Bull ginger beer Can’t get to London…
Lavender Collins – Keenan’s at the Pier
Lavender Collins, by Keenan’s at the Pier • 1.5 oz BelleWood Gin • .5 oz Lavender Syrup • .5 oz Lemon juice Top off with cold soda and garnish with fresh lavender sprigs. Measure into an ice filled martini shaker then shake vigorously. The frothy libation is poured into a tall glass and served with cocktail straws.
Final Say – Keenan’s at the Pier
Final Say by Keenan’s at the Pier • Wild Turkey Rye • Yellow Chartreuse • Maraschino Cherry Liqueur • Lemon Juice • Brandied Cherry for garnish Final Say is, as Kisbye points out, “fully leaded.” Keenan’s uses a Maraschino cherry imported from Italy. Be judicious when selecting preserved cherries for your version of this powerful cocktail—after one of these cocktails you won’t have to worry over who has the last word. Measuring this drink is easy: each ingredient is a ¾ ounce pour. Simply measure into an ice-filled shaker…
Raspberry Tartlets – Crave Catering
Raspberry Tartlets from Chef Justin Hawkinson of Crave Catering FOR THE FILLING: • 3/4 cup raspberry juice (about 2 cups of fresh berries) • 1 tablespoon water • 1 cup sugar • 2 eggs • 1/4…
Braised Pork Shanks with Apple Mirepoix – Crave Catering
Braised Pork Shanks with Apple Mirepoix, by Chef Justin Hawkinson of Crave Catering • 6 skinless pork shanks, trimmed osso buco style • Flour for dredging • Vegetable oil, as needed • 1 lb. each: diced red onion, diced celery, diced carrot, and diced green apple • 3 oz. BelleWood Acres Apple Brandy • 1 oz. BelleWood Acres Apple Syrup…
Nuestra Paloma – Keenan’s at the Pier
Nuestra Paloma by Keenan’s at the Pier • 1.5 oz El Jimador tequila • .5 oz Cynar • ¾ oz Triple Sec • .5 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice • 3 dashes of bitters to add depth and a character Nuestra Paloma is an elegant drink for those who love tequila. El…
Creamy Polenta – Crave Catering
Creamy Polenta by Chef Justin Hawkinson of Crave Catering • 3/4 cup dry polenta (golden corn grits) • 2 cups milk • 2 cups chicken stock • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste Bring…
Garden Variety – Keenan’s at the Pier
Garden Variety by Keenan’s at the Pier • 1.5 oz BelleWood Gin • 3 or 4 fresh basil leaves • 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice • ½ fresh lime juice • ¾ oz Green tea syrup • cold soda water The Garden Variety soothes that urge to muddle something. Drop three or four fresh basil leaves into a martini shaker and muddle gently.Too…
Northwest Oyster Stew – Crave Catering
Northwest Oyster Stew by Chef Justin Hawkinson of Crave Catering 3 dozen cleaned Pacific oysters (ideally fresh and in-shell) 1/4 cup butter and 1 lb….
Frisee Salad with Gin Vinaigrette – Crave Catering
Recipe from Chef Justin Hawkinson of Crave Catering • Mixed greens with frisée • Finely shredded green apple and/or cucumber • Slivered almonds • Zest and juice from 2…
Churros – Acme Farms + Kitchen
Sour orange gelato, spiced dipping chocolate, and dulce-de-leche.
Cochinita Pibil – Acme Farms + Kitchen
Banana leaf-braised Burk Ridge Farms pork shoulder, achiote-orange sauce, Samish Bay Queso Fresco, avocado, grilled orange, sopes, spiced Haricot Farms beans.
The Mixing Tin
Bluewater Organic Distilling’s The Salish Sea Ingredients: Bluewater Vodka, housemade elderflower, lime juice, simple syrup, cardamom bitters, basil leaf | $11 Bluewater Organic Distilling’s tasting room and cocktail bar offers refreshing libations to both seafaring adventurers and landlubbers. It is a prime spot to observe…
Spot Prawn Ceviche – Acme Farms + Kitchen
Try pairing this with Saison Du Kulshan: Farmhouse style Saison has a soft lemon and white pepper scent, light fruit flavor.
Meet Chef Andrew Clarke
Judd & Black Appliance, Acme Farms + Kitchen, and Kulshan Brewing came together with North Sound Life for this installment of Meet the Chef, featuring Chef Andrew Clarke and his assistant Miguel Ryan. Cinco de Mayo isn’t really Mexican Independence Day, but it is…
Blackball Taiwanese Desserts
A line of excited customers winds around the tables and chairs to the door. It’s a Saturday afternoon at one of Edmonds’ newest additions, BlackBall Taiwanese Desserts, where patrons eagerly await a tasty treat of boba and sweet potato balls, crushed ice, and dessert soups. Located on the corner of Hwy 99 and 220th St. SW, the chain’s newest U.S. franchise, owned by Tim Nguyen and managed by…
Beardslee Public House
Before the the Beardslee Crossing development broke ground in Bothell, a sequoia tree towered over the property. When Chef John Howie of the Beardslee Public House learned about the tree, he was…
Sea To Storefront
Birch Bay, Chuckanut Bay, Semiahmoo, Drayton Harbor, Larrabee State Park, Point Roberts, and South Birch Point are all public oyster and clam beaches.
Meet the Chef Recipes
Acme Farms + Kitchen Meet The Chef featuring Andrew Clarke:
Chinuk
It’s high time the folks in Bellingham discover what guests at the Four Points Sheraton already know—Chinuk Restaurant is well worth a visit. The…
Sips of the Season
On March 12, guests gathered—many of them North Sound Life event regulars—at The Loft for an afternoon of wine and small plates. Dan “The Wine Guy” Radil presented wines from Lost River Winery located in Winthrop and Chef Steven Engels of The Loft created small plates to pair with the wines. Bellingham transplants John Morgan and Barbara…
Chanterelle Hometown Bistro
At home on Main Street in the quaint waterfront town of Edmonds, the Chanterelle Hometown Bistro is nestled in an historic building that was once the first hardware store in town. Owned and managed by husband and wife Randy and Brooke Baker since 1997, Chanterelle offers a cozy atmosphere, helpful and courteous staff members, and an eclectic variety of international dishes…
Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar
Executive Chef Matthew Romeo crafts signature, seasonal menus that succeed on presentation, quality, technique, and, most importantly, taste.
EATing Well
EAT owner Eric Truglas pointed to the little chalkboard to which the bill was clipped. “L’ardoise,” he said. “The bill is called ‘l’ardoise’ in France, because the order and the check were written on little chalkboards or slates. Truglas greets his customers with a friendly handshake and a wide smile, the satisfied smile of someone who knows he’s onto something big….
A to Z Lunch Guide: J is for Jake’s Western Grill
J is for Jake’s Western Grill Barbecue doesn’t get better than Jake’s — smoky, delicious pulled pork or tender brisket — whatever you choose, be sure to make it here. Not up for a sandwich at lunch? Then grab some tender baby back ribs. Hooeee Jake’s knows…
A to Z Lunch Guide: Z is for Zen Sushi
Z is for Zen Sushi Conveniently located right next to the Regal Barkley Village 16, Zen is a great place for a movie…
A to Z Lunch Guide: R is for Rifugio’s
R is for Rifugio’s Country Italian Cuisine Deming is the gateway to Mount Baker. It’s also a lovely setting for a great restaurant,…
A to Z Lunch Guide : R is for Rifugio’s
R is for Rifugio’s Country Italian Cuisine Deming is the gateway to Mount Baker. It’s also a lovely setting for a great restaurant, Rifugio’s. Brunch and lunch specialties include frittata, a breakfast carbonara, breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, and a burger. A nice stop on the way up to the mountain. 5415 Mount Baker Highway, Deming, WA Thurs.–Sun., 10 a.m.–8 p.m. 360.592.2888 ilcafferifugio.com Make sure to pick up the April | May edition of Bellingham Alive! Magazine for the full…
Top it Yogurt Shoppe
You can see Top It Yogurt Shoppe’s swirled logo from pretty much everywhere in Snohomish’s historic downtown. It calls out to shoppers looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, and it does not disappoint. Once inside, it’s so bright and breezy that you’ll be feeling sunny regardless of the weather. Owner Sheri Lobaito’s warm greeting and friendly…
Meet the Chef
On February 11, K&L Media and Judd & Black Appliance teamed up for Meet the Chef at Judd & Black Appliance’s test kitchen in Mount Vernon. Our special guests were Chef Justin Hawkinson of Crave Catering and Distiller John Belisle of BelleWood Acres. Located just north of Bellingham, BelleWood Acres is a charming U-Pick apple orchard and pumpkin patch that, on clear days, offers excellent views of Mt. Baker. John and Dorie Belisle planted the…
Salt and Iron, Revisited
One year ago, Edmonds welcomed its first ever oyster bar and steak house. Before Salt & Iron’s grand opening, we reported on its…
DiSaronno Sour
next time your work week gets the best of you, head to the Lighthouse and try the DiSarrono Sour.
Red Wine Body Styles
You see it all the time when sifting through the wine section in search of the perfect bottle to serve with tonight’s meal: “body style.” But what does it mean?
Via Birch Bay Cafe
Oh is a humble man, but he clearly takes pride in this lovely place that he’s had to build twice. May the waves stay at bay, because this seaside café deserves to stand the test of time.
The Filling Station
The minds behind Avenue Bread are at it again but are taking a more retro approach to their second venture, The Filling Station.
Kama’aina Grindz
The food may attract you, but you’ll stay for the atmosphere. Whether it’s your first time venturing into the eatery, or it’s your regular Friday night date spot, you’ll be greeted like family at Kama’aina Grindz.
The Mixing Tin – The Hollywood Tavern’s Woodin Sidecar
The Woodin Sidecar served up at The Hollywood Tavern — an historic tavern adjacent to Woodinville Whiskey Co.’s production facility and tasting room — is a fantastic cocktail to sip this winter.
The Hollywood Tavern
Located in Woodinville’s Hollywood District on a curved stretch of road in view of the iconic, tree-lined driveway to Chateau Ste. Michelle’s estate and across the street from the geometric concrete and slatted-wood walls of Novelty Hill – Januik Winery’s tasting room and production facilities, is a well-loved local treasure: The Hollywood Tavern. The Hollywood Tavern is an ideal addition to your wine country itinerary. Originally built as a service station in the 1920s, this iconic watering…
Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Graham Cracker Crumble: 1.5 Cups graham cracker crumb 1/3 Cup of melted butter 1/4 Cup of white sugar In a metal bowl mix the graham and sugar together, slowly add the melted butter…
Sips of the Season featuring Signature Cocktails by Keenan’s at the Pier
Keenan ’s at the Pier and The Chrysalis Inn hosted the inaugural Bellingham Alive Sips of the Season event on the restaurant’s open air patio. Gentle ocean breezes, fun people, and remarkable hors d’ oeuvres and fantastic cocktails made for an unforgettable afternoon. Keenan’s staff members presented appetizers paired with each hand -crafted cocktail. They also demonstrated how to make each cocktail,…
Omega Pizza & Pasta
Since opening its doors in 1996, Omega Pizza & Pasta has filled the bellies and warmed the hearts of Granite Falls regulars…
The Table’s Herb Dumpling Recipe
Check out this Web Exclusive- The following recipe was omitted from Chef Dave Reera’s Pot Roast at the Meet the Chef event on September 10th, 2015. This is a great Fall…
Cosmos Bistro
Cosmos Bistro, located in the Herald Building, is destined to become one of Bellingham’s iconic restaurants. Recently opened by Cinnamon…
Wine From Washington State
Reds Trust 2012 Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla- trustcellars.com If you like light red wines like Merlot and Pinot Noir, you might enjoy a dive into the deeper, bolder flavor of a Cabernet Franc. The makers of…
The Lodge Sports Grille
Whether you’re looking for a cozy corner in which to settle down and watch the game with a beer in hand, or are in search of a lively hub to gather with friends, look no further than The Lodge Sports Grille. Serving patrons throughout the greater Seattle area since 2010, its five locations offer unique experiences to each local community, while also offering commonalities from…
Amaro Bistro
If you enjoy the familiar Italian flavors of Il Bistro, a long-time Pike Place Market staple, try the owner’s new restaurant in Bothell—Amaro Bistro. When the…
Salt & Iron
An Edmonds woman exclaims, “Oh yum, an oyster bar is coming!” while walking past the paper-covered windows at 321 Main Street. A poster on the door simply states “Salt & Iron. Oysters. Steaks.” Enough said, really. Edmonds has been without an oyster bar and steak house for as long as anyone can remember. Salt & Iron comes on the heels…
Fat Pie Pizza
Bellingham has a few great spots that serve up their particular delicious version of the cheese-laden pie. New to the mix, however, is Fat Pie Pizza, a bustling joint that specializes in the infamous Chicago-style crust, as well as the lesser-known Detroit crust. Owner James Swift dreamed up Fat Pie Pizza after holding a few pizza parties for friends at his own house….
Five Faves: Spring Rolls
This issue we take on a journey to discover our favorite places to get spring rolls.
Remarkable Vartanyan Winery
Siberia is, by extremes, a far cry from Whatcom County. It’s a chin-scratcher that a Siberian winemaker by way of Armenia would settle down in this part of the world. Margarita Vartanyan’s story emerges from revolution, international strife, oppression and liberty. In November 1920, the Republic of Armenia was abolished and, under Dictator Joseph Stalin, became the Soviet Socialist Republic…
Beach Store Café
Changes Ownership,Goes Local To visitors who don’t head to Lummi Island often, the changes to the Beach Store Café will seem subtle. At first glance, the restaurant looks the same with its cozy interior, warm wood floors, and waterfront view—albeit with fresh paint, sound panels, and woodwork. But in November, the restaurant re-opened under new ownership and with it comes revisioning. Just a 20-minute drive and 10-minute ferry ride from town, the Beach Store offers ‘Hamsters…
Tablas Woodstone Taverna
Adorned with orange accents and black leather, Tablas Woodstone Taverna greatly contrasts with the surrounding shopping center. The burning fire…
Green Smoothie Recipes
Green smoothies and juices are an optimal way to get those necessary servings of vegetables. Simple cold drinks like these can provide plenty of vitamins, minerals, good fats and fiber.
Recipe: Spring Parsnip soup with sauted rosemary apples and fried leeks
Spring Parsnip soup with sauted rosemary apples and fried leeks (Vegan) Serves 8+ Soup Ingredients: • 1/2 cup almond oil • 3 onions peeled and cut into large dice • 5 lbs Parsnips • 3.5 quarts of water • 1 tsp nutmeg, ground • 1/2 cup coconut milk • sea salt and pepper Heat the almond oil in a large…
Pierside Kitchen
There are places we dine because the ambience is lovely, even though the food is questionable. There are restaurants we frequent because the food is great, but the décor is as comfortable and inviting as a carnival ride. And then there is Pierside Kitchen at Semiahmoo Resort — a fine dining restaurant that ought to be on everyone’s list of top five favorite restaurants. The décor is elegant yet inviting, the seasonal cuisine always…
The Beauty of Bergevin
Riddled with many wonderful wineries, Walla Walla is one of those places where one couldn’t swing a cat without hitting an award-winning wine maker. Annette Bergevin, co-owner of Bergevin Lane Vineyards, is one of those winemakers.
Pepper Sisters
What better way to escape the Pacific Northwest rain than to visit an eatery with Southwest flair? Situated on North State Street is Susan Albert’s restaurant, Pepper Sisters.
Chuckanut Bay Distillery
Chuckanut Bay Distillery owners Matt Howell and Kelly Andrews aim to make the highest quality spirits using as many regional ingredients as possible. So far, the pair have created a gluten-free potato vodka and a wheat vodka. Soon, their gin and coffee liqueur will hit the shelves of stores and nearby bars. The potato vodka, made exclusively of Skagit Valley Yukon Gold potatoes, won the Double Gold Medal at the New York International Spirits Competition. Chuckanut Bay…
Ciao Thyme
Warm interior. Friendly staff. Wholesome food. Ciao Thyme. After catering in the community for years, Jessica and Mataio Gillis opened their café, Ciao Thyme, in September of 2012. “Our mission has always been to bring people together through shared…
THE REPP
The full-meal deal — starting with apps, is worth the calories you’ll put down with a visit to The Repp in Snohomish. Pay special attention to the Beer Battered Mushrooms, nearly free at $3, or an 8-ounce Top Sirloin dinner for a ludicrous $9….
DIAMOND KNOT BREWERY AND ALEHOUSE
When in Rome, don’t forget to bring a good brew. Otherwise, you may as well visit the Diamond Knot Brewery and Alehouse, where the only thing overshadowing their magnificent selection of Northwest ales is a selection of phenomenally authentic Roman-style pizzas. The extra-thin, crisp-bottomed crust comes finely draped with a tangy layer of secret marinara, spread hidden under an unusually stupendous combination of mozzarella and…
CAFÉ SOLEIL
Built on a foundation of French-inspired flavors fused with Japanese classics, the original creations of Café Soleil promise to satisfy. Café Soleil’s reasonably priced menu succeeds in offering a balance of inspiring taste and hearty fill….
SOCKEYE’S RESTAURANT AND BAR
The sunsets, suds and salmon at Sockeye’s Restaurant & Bar located on the north end of Lake Tye will reassure even the most…
JANBO CAFÉ
Experience what may be Everett’s most authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Janbo Café. Don’t be fooled by its modest interior; one taste of the house specials will convince you that Janbo Café knows delicious food. Find a wide selection of chilled, fried, grilled or steamed appetizers,…
EMORY’S ON SILVER LAKE
Enjoy pristine views of Silver Lake and fine American cuisine with global influences at Emory’s on Silver Lake. Featuring a vast, varied menu of house favorites, even the most…
ANTHONY’S WOODFIRE GRILL
Anthony’s Woodfire Grill serves the same quality food we’ve come to expect and love from Anthony’s Homeport. The Woodfire menu speaks…
MYKONOS
Pita bread is pita bread, right? Not at Mykonos. If you order a starter of hummus, prepare your tastebuds for slices of pita bread heaven. If you consider yourself to be a connoisseur of Greek cuisine, try the traditional Greek salad…
DIRTY DAN HARRIS
The “dirt” on Dirty Dan Harris? In a word: excellent. The steakhouse provides warm, friendly waitstaff, quaint historic surroundings and superb food. Perhaps the best reflection on the restaurant is owner Kathy Papadakis’ waitstaff. Most have worked here for years — and it shows in their enthusiasm for your dining experience. The Filet Mignon is Dirty Dan’s signature entree. You won’t be disappointed. Leave room for dessert, however,…
ANTHONY’S HEARTHFIRE GRILL
Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill serves the same quality food we’ve come to expect and love from Anthony’s other restaurants. The Hearthfire menu speaks to the everyday eater, not…
CALLE
Newly opened, this eatery is already getting attention with a write up in Sunset magazine. Known for their take on Street Tacos — with six meat fillings to choose from and handmade corn tortillas — but that’s certainly not the only mouthwatering option. Try the Carne Asada, Posole or Tortas to name just a few menu options. The Spicy Mango Margarita, made with fresh mango and jalepeno, is fast becoming a customer…
PRIMA BISTRO
A quintessential South Whidbey dining experience in the heart of Langley, Prima Bistro marries gourmet French cuisine and classic Northwest ingredients. Fried Spanish Marcona Almonds arrive steaming hot, glisteningly crisp and in a glory of flavor — and just in time a glass of Pinot Grigio. The selection of reds and whites offers options for connoisseurs of every stripe, along with…
Baicha Tea Room
Mind, Body and Soul Therapy with Tea The moment you walk in to Baicha Tea Room in Edmonds, the demands of the outside world give way to the deliciously blooming aromatic heaven enveloping you. “I can say tea equals aroma,” Narumol Budharaksa, owner of Baicha says with a smile. “You can just smell it, and it starts to work like how you smell a chocolate chip cookie and know it will be good.”…
Recipe: Malbec Pots De Creme
Malbec Pots de Crème 2 C Malbec 6 oz Semisweet chocolate 2 C Hazelnut butter 12 Egg yolks ½ C Sugar 3 C Milk 2 C Cream 1 tsp Salt 1 tsp Vanilla 1 tsp Espresso powder Place Malbec in saucepan, reduce at slow simmer until only 2 Tbsp…
Recipe: Wagyu Ribeye The Steak
Wagyu Ribeye The Steak 8 oz Wagyu rib steak per person Pinch salt and pepper The Garlic Mash 5 Yukon gold potatoes 2 Tbsp Minced garlic 3 Tbsp Butter 2 C Heavy cream 1 C Shredded Asiago To taste Kosher salt In…
Recipe: Dungeness Crab Cakes
Dungeness Crab Cakes 2 Red bell peppers (diced) 6 Stalks scallions 1 Pinch Garlic 1 Tbsp Butter 15 Table crackers 1 Tbsp Mayo 1 Tbsp Old Bay Spice 1 Egg 1 lb Dungeness crab Sauté bell pepper and scallions with garlic in butter until soft Process crackers to consistency of kosher salt Place cooked peppers, scallions in…
Recipe: Seared Scallops and Pear Salad
Seared Scallops and Pear Salad 20-30 Sea Scallops 20-30 strips Hickory bacon 1 Asian pear (julienne) 30 oz Organic greens 1 Grapefruit 2 Tbsp Honey 2 Tbsp Mayo 4 Tbsp Rice wine vinegar 4 Tbsp Pear puree Wrap scallops with bacon and spear with toothpick Pan sear scallops, then put in oven at 350˚until bacon is crispy Toss organic greens, julienne pear, and grapefruit, arrange on plate…
Meet Chef Michael Buholz
On Nov. 13, K & L Media partnered with Judd & Black Appliance to host Executive Chef Michael Buholz from The Loft at Latitude 48.5. Buholz welcomed the small audience gathered in the showroom’s test kitchen and shared his philosophy on sourcing the best ingredients and…
Nok’s Thai Cuisine
If you haven’t had the opportunity to try the delectable dishes that Nok’s Thai Cuisine has to offer, then your poor taste buds are being neglected. Reward them by diving into a fanfare of exquisite and well-priced traditional Thai appetizers and entrees, from Tom Yum — a lemongrass and lime leaf broth, perfect for a bitterly cold day, to chewy wide rice noodle Pad Kee Mao, which is stir fried with egg, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, green beans, and fresh basil….
Bertelsen Winery
Regular I-5 commuters through Mount Vernon have likely seen the “Winery Coming Soon” sign along the northbound highway. It was an attention grabber for years, promising the imminent arrival of a…
TASTE OF INDIA
At Taste of India all the dishes are rich, delicious and truly feel authentic. Dishes come with your choice of pulao rice or the classic Indian bread naan. Taste of India offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, all with exquisite and well-developed flavors. There’s also a variety of flavors of naan, including garlic or spinach. For those unsure of what to order, or those who want to try multiple…
FIRESIDE MARTINI & WINE BAR
Fireside is out to make a name for itself. By using fresh, local ingredients and a menu that changes on an almost daily basis (based on what’s fresh at the market that day), the Fireside has a lot…
VINNY’S
Owner Becky Day welcomes diners to Vinny’s Ristorante in Friday Harbor, mirroring the feel of this warm Italian restaurant. Dishes change monthly and reflect the desire of Chef Daniel Van Hamsersfeld to serve simple, everyday fare. His appetizers of Fior de Latte — a caprese salad — and mushroom medley (mushrooms with a Marsala demi glaze and cambozola cheese) are perfect for sharing and…
TOBY’S TAVERN
Overlooking the scenic Penn Cove in the center of old Coupeville, Toby’s Tavern offers diners a dive bar ambiance with a delicious menu of seafood favorites. Their famous bowls of Penn Cove mussels — served by the pound! — come fresh from the adjacent cove, and keep shellfish connoisseurs clamoring for a regular fix. Steamed and soaked in a scrumptious mix of simple seasonings, wine and juices, Toby’s robust offering of mussels makes for a memorable visit. Fish…
MAGDALENAS
Paris, London, New York, Vancouver and Bellingham have them. Little shops where the aromas of sweet and savory crêpes, custom sandwiches and hot soup du jour fill the air. With a formidable selection of crêpes, it’ll take more than one trip to decide which is better, sweet…
KURU KURU SUSHI
Kuru Kuru Sushi, which translates to “go around Sushi,” offers not only a good meal, but a good experience. Some of the offerings, like the Dynamite roll, are lightly tempura fried before being put on the conveyor belt to travel around the restaurant to hungry patrons….
INDIAN FLAVORS RESTAURANT
At Flavor of India all the dishes are rich, delicious and truly feel authentic. Dishes come with your choice of pulao rice or the classic Indian bread naan. Flavor…
HOMESKILLET
Owners Tina and Kirby named their restaurant after one of their favorite lines in the movie “Juno,” when the main character calls a store clerk “homeskillet.” The skillets on their menu came afterward, but are now one of the eatery’s most popular items. A small skillet is filled with perfectly-fried…
THE FORK AT AGATE BAY
As unassuming as they come, The Fork at Agate Bay is a quiet retreat of fine food and wine only a short drive down the east side of Lake Whatcom. Be careful not to be fooled by its quaint exterior; inside you’ll discover…
D’ANNA’S CAFE ITALIANO
If you’re looking for good Italian food without having to resort to a national chain, D’Anna’s may be the place for you. The emphasis here is on the food, not the frills. The restaurant stands out in many ways, but D’Anna’s delicious, homemade pasta is what really makes it special. 1317 N. State St., Bellingham 360.714.0188, dannascafeitaliano.com
CIAO THYME ON THE SIDE CAFE
For those who have experienced Ciao Thyme’s gourmet dinners and cooking classes, the new Ciao Thyme on the Side Café is a welcome addition to the delicious work of Jessica and Mataio Gillis, owners of Ciao Thyme catering. As with everything Ciao Thyme does, ingredients are fresh, local and in season. Choose soups,…
BLUE FIN SUSHI
At Blue Fin Sushi, fresh sushi is used to create a variety of tasty options like the Tekka roll, which is seaweed, rice and tuna. The waitstaff is friendly and it’s…
BLACK PEARL
Bellingham has an abundance of Vietnamese restaurants; the trick is to find ones that stand out — like the Black Pearl. With all the available extras,…
BLACK FOREST STEAKHOUSE
Black Forest Steak house offers a versatile dining experience. It’s fancy enough for special occasions, anniversaries and graduation celebrations, but it’s also a place you’ll want to go to any day. Black Forest makes its steaks different than most other steakhouses: It broils them in a 1,600-degree oven, leaving the…
BAYOU ON BAY
Bayou On Bay serves a wide variety of classic Cajun/Creole dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boy sandwiches and hush puppies, to name a few. A house-made remoulade, which accompanies many of the dishes, is worth the trip…
SEED’S BISTRO
Seeds Bistro in La Conner is a celebration of the fresh bounty of food offered in Skagit County. It offers simple dishes that highlight the fresh, exciting ingredients found throughout the Pacific Northwest. The menu features local…
SAKURA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
Professional Teppan Yaki chefs take you on a journey of delicious and interactive dining at Burlington’s Sakura Japanese Steakhouse. Using the freshest ingredients and perfect seasonings, they stir-fry your meal right before your eyes, creating a fabulous feast. Choose from steak and chicken to salmon and shrimp; each meal is…
Sweets of the Season
Regardless of religion or tradition, so many of us have memories of a special treat at the holidays. From ancient ritual to cookie swaps, treats have been a part of celebrations in just about every culture you can name. The holidays are the perfect time to dust off some recipes and engage in a centuries’ old practice of making something sweet for the sweet ones in…
RUSTY PELICAN CAFE
The Rusty Pelican Cafe is just what Mill Creek needs- surrounded by chain breakfast options– it’s a welcomed departure with their great…
MCMENAMIN’S MILL CREEK
The northernmost outpost of the McMenamin’s family of brewpubs based in Portland, McMenamin’s Mill Creek has been a neighborhood mainstay for years. Craft beers are brewed on site, including the popular Hammerhead Pale Ale and Terminator Stout, which are deliciously accompanied by hearty, fresh pub fare. The house-made Baked Mac & Cheese is a favorite, and a full host of…
TOKYO HOUSE
Tokyo House’s perfection-driven cuisine provides patrons a joyful balance of fine quality ingredients and prompt, attentive service (and without Emerald City prices). An order of spicy tuna is served exquisitely fresh with a delicate texture and rewarding flavor of vegetables, spice, rice and thinly sliced tuna. Each sushi offering is served to order by a traditional sushi chef who greets and smiles at customers, and prepares special orders with…
DEMETRIS WOODSTONE TAVERNA
The fifth location for tapas restaurateur Sofeea Huffman, Demetris WoodStone Taverna along the Edmonds waterfront is Kafe Neo’s newest Greek inspired gastro-installation. You can tell they saved the best for…
BAR DOJO
When longtime friends Andrew Leckie and Shubert Ho decided to open a restaurant, they wanted to create a culinary blend of cultures that would result in a new kind of dining experience in the Edmonds area. Executive Chef Ho incorporated his Chinese-American background and Leckie brought influences from family roots in the former…
ARNIES
If you’re on the hunt for regional fare served with a beautiful view, look no further than this Snohomish County classic. Arnie’s Restaurant in Edmonds, Wash. is known for its Pacific Northwest seafood and sweeping panoramas of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. The Edmonds restaurant, along with its Mukilteo location, has served local patrons for nearly 25 years….
SIAM THAI CUISINE
The North End option for those familiar with Siam’s Eastlake location, the food at Siam can satiate even the pickiest of Thai food fanatics. With a sleek, modern interior and excellent customer service, lunch meetings will flourish over fresh spring rolls paired perfectly with Tom Yum soup. For dinner, the…
WATERSHED RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
The Watershed Restaurant & Lounge features a wide variety of tasty appetizers, soups, salads, breakfast anytime, entrees, steaks, burgers and sandwiches. Or enjoy daily, all-you-can-eat specials from 4 to 10 p.m. The restaurant even offers Iron Skillet Pizzas, which are made from fresh dough, topped with the finest ingredients and cooked on blazingly hot skillets, which creates a crisp, flavorful crust. Angel of the Winds Casino 3438 Stoluckquamish Ln., Arlington 360.474.9740, angelofthewinds.com
BRANDYWINE KITCHEN
Named for the decadent heirloom tomatoes grown on their farm, the owners source much of their ingredients locally and hold the “from seed to…
THE OYSTER BAR
The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive is perched among towering conifers above the oyster beds. The cozy restaurant is housed in a structure dating from the 1920s that has survived many incarnations. According to owner Guy Colbert, the restaurant owes its reputation…
NELL THORN
This small-town gem located in the heart of La Conner brings in tourists and locals alike. They boast well-prepared and locally sourced fresh seafood as well as an extensive wine and beer…
Sea to Storefront
Catch, Cook and Chow Down in the North Sound Northwest natives know that our regional treasure isn’t gold, it’s pink. We’re talking salmon, and are we ever rich. We live beside an in land sea with access to an ocean coastline beyond and an intricate network of rivers to the east. Whether you choose to cast a line, shop local seafood markets or rely on North Sound chefs for…
TABLAS WOODSTONE TAVERNA
Upon entering Tablas in the Mill Creek Town Center, a friendly staff and circular fire welcome your arrival. This Mediterranean- Spanish…
TULALIP BAY
If you are looking for fine dining in Marysville, look no further. This award-winning restaurant strives for perfection in every way. The menu has a Pacific Northwest flair, offering a variety of steak and seafood. The wait staff is impeccable, portions are generous, food…
ADRIATICA
Adriatica (formerly Neapolis) is located in old Lake Stevens, away from the hustle of Pioneer Square. Owner George Petropolis is eager to share his food, and he and his staff have created an inviting atmosphere, like dinner at a friend’s home. The menu offers some old Neapolis favorites, as well as new choices. Try a dish of Skordalia,…
WASABEE SUSHI
WasaBee Sushi is a dining experience not soon to be forgotten. Deliciously fresh and succulent slices of fish resting atop carefully handsculpted pillows of rice are a sushi lover’s dream come true. Delicately sweet Hamachi, beautifully barbecued Unagi, and bright and glistening Ikura arrive on little porcelain plates garnished with freshly made wasabi and…
TEMPLE BAR
Continually recognized for their craft cocktails and small plates, Temple Bar aims to please. Begin with the classic Temple Bar cheese plate, a collection of three rotating cheeses varying in texture and flavor. They are often paired with fruit,…
THE STEAK HOUSE AT SILVER REEF HOTEL CASINO SPA
This award-winning restaurant offers elegant white glove dining and an intimate atmosphere. Prime-grade steaks are broiled at 1,800 degrees to lock in the natural juices and finished with a special steak butter. The menu offers such variations as Chateaubriand, Steak Diane and Steak au Poivre. In the mood…
NEW YORK PIZZA & BAR
If you love pizza, then you’re going to love New York Pizza and Bar. Not just because of the crispy, handmade dough (made fresh daily) or because of the fresh, high-quality ingredients or the amount of them that top each slice. But because…
THE COPPER HOG
Gastropubs are known for having pub fare with high-class style and high-class food, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at The Copper Hog. You can also find classic pub favorites like fish…
9 Restaurant
Nick Moss — the award winning executive chef at 9 Restaurant at the North Bellingham Golf Course — has definitely raised the culinary standard for golf course fare. Under Nick’s guidance, this made-from-scratch restaurant serves the most diverse menu in Whatcom County. The restaurant emphasizes fresh affordable cuisine that appeals to a large, culturally diverse customer base. Consumer-focused menu planning requires frequent and thoughtful product-sourcing from…
Samson Estates Winery- Samson and Delilah
Samson Estates is nestled among the berry farms and pastures of rural Whatcom County, with the Mount Baker foothills in the distance. The tasting room staff is very friendly, and Samson’s wines are definitely worth the drive. As with most local vineyards, they source for their veritals (the Samson line) from Yakima and Columbia Valley. The Seven Horse Hills Merlot and Seven Horse Hills Syrah are stand-outs. They also produce a…
A’TOWN BISTRO
Colorful photographs of farm scenes dot the walls of A’Town Bistro, summing up all this restaurant stands for: Fresh, local, seasonal food. Even the inside of this Anacortes restaurant feels farm-like, with simple wooden tables and flooring and no unnecessary flourishes. The kitchen is open, and sends out entrees such as Smoked Salmon Cakes (which contain nothing but king salmon and breadcrumbs and come with a tomato-caper coulis and garlic aioli), Pork…
ADAM’S NORTHWEST BISTRO AND BREWERY
Adam’s Northwest Bistro distributes taste and dazzle through a broad menu from which a “Your Burger” — a real ground steak with caramelized onions — gets as much chef-time as a duck breast. The preparation of your Salmon or Butter-poached Halibut are remarkable for their their well-built sauces — restrained and crafty. Pork chops stuffed with onions, mushrooms and sage, pair off nicely with sweet apple gel cubes. The scallops appetizer with creamed leeks, bacon and…
TASTE OF PHO
Enthusiasts of Vietnamese cuisine will not be disappointed by the extensive menu of soups, noodles and rice dishes offered at Taste of Pho. Specializing in Vietnam’s signature beef broth dish of noodles and tender meat, Taste of Pho provides diners with delightfully satiating flavors, fast service and prices well beyond the dreams of frugal eaters. The…
24 STAR THAI
Beautifully presented, flavorfully prepared and generously proportioned, the traditional cuisine at 24 Star Thai is an undeniably pleasant dining option for families on budgets,…
PROHIBITION GASTROPUB
When Chef Gordon Ramsay first visited Prohibition Gastropub (previously Grille) for an episode of “Kitchen Nightmares”, his first cuts involved their now-nixed belly dancer and…
PIROSHKY & CREPES: EUROPEAN BAKERY AND CAFE
Treat yourself to a sweet or savory treat at Piroshky & Crepes: European Bakery and Café near Silver Lake in Everett. A piroshky is a Russian baked bun stuffed with a variety of fillings and glazed with egg for a golden, crisp exterior. Most piroshkis are filled with meat, fish, vegetables, potatoes or cheese, but this European bakery also offers sweet varieties filled with fruit and served with whipped…
WALNUT STREET COFFEE
Owner Pam Stuller has turned this former garage into a vibrant, modern space. Situated just off the main drag in Edmonds, Walnut Street Coffee is a true neighborhood coffee shop with a multi-generational clientele that include retirees, families with young children and downtown Edmonds employees. But aside from the Vivace coffee being oh-so-good, the food is atypical and locally sourced. Stacked with vegetarian options like The Quinoa Burrito, Black Bean Burrito…
THE CHEESEMONGER’S TABLE
As its name indicates, The Cheesemonger’s Table is all about cheese. Enjoy the vast selection of more than 100 cheeses from around the world on a sandwich, platter or as a complementary addition to a house special. Cheese enthusiasts should visit the new…
THE CAMANO ISLAND INN BISTRO
The Camano Island Inn Bistro on Camano Island is a destination worth the drive or ferry ride. Consider it for a romantic getaway, and reserve a room at Camano Island Inn to make a weekend out of it. A buffet-style breakfast is complimentary for inn guests every morning, serving up an assortment of pastries, seasonal fruit, beverages and a…
TANDEM WINE AND CHEESE BAR
Tandem Wine and Cheese Bar owner Lisa Havens often greets her customers with a hug. Her welcome makes it seem like she invited them…
RUSSELL’S RESTAURANT & LOFT
Tucked away in a beautifully restored barn, Russell’s Dining Room offers a rare culinary experience in the Canyon Park area of Bothell. With renowned Chef Russell Lowell at its helm, frequenters flock here from Seattle and beyond to sample exquisite cuisine that…
PRESERVATION KITCHEN
Preservation Kitchen is located in the historic 1916 Kaysner home built for the mayor of Bothell and once was a French cuisine kitchen ran by Parisian, Chef…
BONEFISH
By combining fresh seafood, a relaxed, romantic atmosphere and pleasant waitstaff, this Mill Creek restaurant has evolved into a favorite among Snohomish and North King County residents. Top choices include the succulent, spicy Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, an assortment of grilled fish with your choice of signature sauce and, if you’re not in the mood for fish, the Fontina Chop is one of our favorites. Happy Hour is a must to experience — come early,…
BISTRO SAN MARTIN
Chef Martin Estrada-Perez presents a menu that offers regional cuisine from Escargot with Garlic Butter to Tiger Prawns and Flat Iron Steak that is mouthwatering and cooked to…
Five Faves: Washington Rosé Wines
1. Syncline | $19 The winemaker’s tasting notes describe the 2011 Syncline rosé: “Our creation of this wine is in direct response to our…
Hoosoonyi
“Fresh, authentic and delicious.” That’s a pretty standard sentiment from the regulars at Hoosoonyi. Located in one of the many unassuming strip malls along Highway 99, Hoosoonyi has been serving the community Korean food…
Than Brothers
Imagine a blustery, cold day with the dark settling in early. Now think about taking a detour to get a bowl of perfectly spiced, warm pho. Than…
Dumpling Generation
Dumplings seem to be all the rage these days. Several restaurants have opened throughout the greater Puget Sound metropolitan area. Edmonds is one of the fortuitous recipients — and with arguably the best of the bunch….
GROUCHY CHEF
Let the stern chef on the Grouchy Chef’s logo be a warning to you. When Chef Masumoto arrives to take his diners’ orders, he emphasizes the importance of his rules. He collects the bill in cash, without tips, before the meal is served. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the Grouchy Chef is the chef himself: he’s a one-man show. He serves, cooks, cleans and runs his entire…
TAQUERIA LA RAZA
One visit to Taqueria La Raza, and you’ll be coming back for more. The menu is simple, and the food is…
PETITE SWEET BAKERY & CAFE
Recently relocated from Arlington and now in the former Pave Bakery location, this hometown bakery and café is too good to pass up! Inspired by European and American culinary style they source quality ingredients with a focus on local. Offering pastries, cakes and pies call which all call to your inner sweet tooth. Fresh-baked bread is the foundation for delicious sandwiches like the Smokin’ Granny, grilled with turkey, smoked gouda and thinly…
LANA THAI
Stepping through the doors of this Central- Everett favorite is truly like stepping into a Thai palace. The opulent décor matches the colorful, flavorful food that brings diners the best of Thailand. Soups, salads, noodle dishes and curries, Lana Thai offers an extensive menu that “embodies the joy of eating.”…
STONE POT
Stone Pot isn’t just a clever name, but the clever little pots and skillets many of the meals are served in. The Stone Pot Bibimbap is a medley of vegetables…
SCOTTY BROWNS
Scotty Browns offers an edgy, energetic ambiance, a varied menu of mainstream and upscale creations, and excellent drink options for all…
MI MEXICO
Mi Mexico’s reputation as one of the local favorites among Mexican food lovers is well deserved. The experience starts with a warm, friendly, professional waitstaff in an enjoyable, upbeat atmosphere. And from there, Mi Mexico separates…
IL CAFFE RIFUGIO
Richard Balogh has brought fine dining to the “wilderness.” Fifteen miles out on Mount Baker Highway, just past Deming, is a funky old café that has been transformed into an oasis for people who enjoy good food and coffee. Menu items befit their Italian name with panninis and frittatas for Saturday/ Sunday brunches; Cioppino is a summer dinner…
FIAMMA BURGER
One word speaks volumes about Fiamma Burger: variety. With six different patty types (including homemade veggie, bison and salmon) and more than 17 menu options, there are endless possibilities for a burger masterpiece. You can even get a “burger in a bowl,” served without the bread. And with extra things to…
TRUMPETER PUBLIC HOUSE
high-end, fine dining and English pub variety. Try traditional pub selections like shephard’s pie, fish and chips, or more unique choices like pork tenderloin complimented with an apricot honey glaze or crab…
CONWAY PUB & EATERY
Don’t let tiny Conway fool you — this pub packs big flavor. Though the town is unincorporated, business is never slow in this watering hole. Farmers often come here after a hard day’s work as well as bikers making a pit stop on a scenic weekend ride. Their food matches their patrons’ big appetites, such as the blue cheese burger topped with crisply fried shoestring onions or the mouthwatering oyster burger. Packed with flavor and…
THE FREELAND CAFE
For more than 35 years, The Freeland Cafe’s been serving Whidbey Island locals a dawn-till-dinner menu of American breakfast classics with a mix of Hawaiian flavors. A stack of three savory pancakes stuffed with delicious, sweet blueberries marks a signature favorite among the carb-craving regulars, while a hearty egg breakfast…
DUCK SOUP INN
Sitting on the border of the woods at Duck Soup Inn is one of the most delightful dining experiences you’ll likely experience. The outside eating area of this restaurant — located almost midway between Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor on San Juan Island — opened last year and offers tables for dinner as well…
Constructing A Cheeseboard
The beloved and always appropriate cheeseboard. Most likely, you will encounter the time and place where you will have the desire or necessity to construct…
Snohomish Wine Journey
Washington Wine Country—it’s a descriptor that has become as much a part of our state as apples, evergreens and rain. Although we might not have joined the ranks of Napa yet, we’ve certainly earned some recognition. With many wineries, small and large, growing in popularity and earning awards—and areas that have capitalized on tourism that’s centered around tastings— wine has added a wonderful element to our state. Woodinville, Yakima, Walla Walla and the Columbia Valley are the…
Compass Wines
A mecca for hard-to-find Washington wines! The Shop Compass Wines opened its door 11 years ago on Commercial Avenue in Anacortes. The owners have about 16,000 bottles of wine in stock and constantly taste wines to find others they would like to carry. If the shop doesn’t have a particular wine a customer is looking for, they can get it, owner Will Parks says, but in most cases, Compass has the wine the…
La Conner Channel Grill
La Conner Channel Grill is the place to refresh yourself after wine tasting at Silver Bell Winery, meandering through art galleries or lingering on La Conner’s waterfront. La Conner Channel Grill is a cheerful little restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining. The days of yore décor and the dark interior lighting help make the dining room a cozy, comfortable place to pass the time….
Lullaby Winery
Virginie Bourgue completed her migration to Port Townsend, Washington in 2010. In June of this year, she celebrated the opening of Lullaby Winery tasting room. This seaside community reminded her of her old stomping grounds in the South of France. “Everything is in place here, balanced: Port Townsend reminds me of my childhood home,” she said. Her appreciation of the partnership between food and wine provides context to these fabulous European style wines that are currently in release:…
Working the Gate: Kate Gerwin and Russell Davis take Poppe’s 360 pro
The team at Poppe’s 360 have always been known for their extensive martini list, making Poppe’s a favorite among area cocktailistas. But what had been a reliable bar before is now becoming craft cocktail central for our area. Their secret sauce is the consulting team of Unlimited Liabilities, which is owned by Russell Davis,…
Apples & Oranges- Pairing Wine, Beer & Spirits
Ten strangers met on a warm summer evening in Bellingham, WA for a night of wine, beer and cocktail pairings at The Real McCoy, which is owned and operated by in-house mixologist, Brandon Wickland. Oh sure, it would have been easier for one person to write all the comparisons, organize all the details and forego the planning. But…
The Cork, The Tap & The Cask- A guide to drinking locally
1. North Fork Brewery 6186 Mt. Baker Highway, Deming northforkbrewery.com The home of the Beer Shrine, North Fork was established in 1997 by Sandy…
TRAILS END TAPHOUSE
A homespun, casual dining experience that offers excellent cuisine and an ‘everybody knows your name’ atmosphere, Trails End Taphouse is for comfort food aficionados. Featuring home-cooked entrees and 28 craft brews on tap, diners can sit fireside for a date night or belly up to the bar with their buddies, respectively. Menu standouts include the Steak Salad with Blue Cheese, a delectable combination of mixed greens, tomato wedges, red onions and thinly sliced grilled…
JOHN’S GRILL
Consider John’s Grill on the corner of Fifth Street and Lincoln Avenue in Mukilteo for your next special occasion. John’s offers some of the finest steak and seafood in Snohomish County. Chef and owner John Alden has…
AZUL TEQUILA LOUNGE & RESTAURANT
Azul Tequila Lounge & Restaurant provides a warm, upscale atmosphere and a fresh take on Latin-inspired dishes. Mexican favorites, such as the Enchilada Verde or Carne Asada, are paired with Caribbean specialties, including St. Thomas Coconut Prawns and Jamaican Jerk Pork Chops. Southwestern flavors also…
HUNAN PALACE
Authentic Chinese dishes with fresh ingredients make for one of the best Chinese dining experiences in the county and beyond. Not to-be missed dishes include the Hunan Special Beef…
CURRY BISTRO
Downtown Everett’s Indian cuisine finds its nest in the ever-popular Curry Bistro restaurant. The prompt servers stay busy filling flavorful orders of tender Lamb Vindaloo, generously thick Chicken Masala, and any other classic curry your heart could desire. Genuinely rich, complex and reliably mixed to hit the spot, the curries serve the flavors of traditional Southeast Asian while providing a soul-fulfilling encore. For those with the constitution for a day’s size meal, be sure…
CAROUSEL CAFÉ AND ICE CREAM
Carousel Café and Ice Cream, nestled off Bothell-Everett Highway, serves delicious lunch and dessert items. Best known for homemade ice cream that can be mixed with specialty toppings on a stone slab, the café is a well-kept local secret. Not only is the ice cream homemade, but also its breads, donuts and pastries. For diners seeking more than just a sweet treat, try the Reuben, which is made…
SLO-PITCH SPORTS GRILL AND CASINO
Conveniently located right on Meridian Street, Slo-Pitch is known for their mouth watering hamburgers and wide variety of chicken wings. Offering a large menu and serving breakfast all day long they are the perfect place to catch the game and…
BRASATO
Enjoy European-inspired cuisine in historic downtown Snohomish at Brasato. This modern Euro-American bistro with a view of the Snohomish River is open for dinner seven days a week. Start your meal with one of the shareables, like a plate of risotto croquettes made with an array of fresh vegetables and roasted red pepper aioli. Follow your appetizer with a bowl of sundried tomato soup,…
IVAR’S MUKILTEO LANDING AND FISH BAR
Whether you’re waiting for the ferry to South Whidbey, or taking a scenic stroll along the lighthouse boardwalk, Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing and Fish Bar stays open late to satisfy your seafood needs. A…
SUPER MARIO’S
Serving fresh, healthy meals with the customer in mind is what Super Mario’s is all about, and it’s the consistent flavor and quality of the food that keeps bringing people back. The house specialty Carne Asada is perfectly seasoned and tender….
KEENAN’S AT THE PIER
Keenan’s at the Pier is located inside Fairhaven’s Chrysalis Inn & Spa. With stunning panoramic views of Bellingham Bay, any seat in the restaurant or bar is an excellent choice. Executive Chef Robert Holmes uses fresh ingredients that are regionally sourced, and the menu changes frequently. Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m., and a number of tasty options are available for…
Il Granaio
A nice helping of freshly made linguine twirls in a pool of light, sweet tomato broth. Mussels, clams, scallops, sumptuous shrimp and calamari peak out from the heap. The bright sauce is packed with pure tomato flavor and flecked with herbs….
San Juan Vineyards
Established in 1996, San Juan Vineyards is a Puget Sound American Viticultural Area winery destination for locals and tourists alike. The wine room, a renovated schoolhouse that was built in 1896, is an easy 10-minute drive from downtown Friday Harbor. The pastoral setting makes this winery a popular destination for oenophiles, tourists, weekend adventurers and party planners alike. San Juan Vineyards’ owner, Yvonne Swanberg, and winemaker Chris Primus also source warm climate grapes from several premier Central and Eastern…
Recipe: Waygu Beef Tenderloin with Smoked Pear and Truffle Demi-Glace
Waygu Beef Tenderloin with Smoked Pear and Truffle Demi-Glace Wagyu Beef tenderloin is a Japanese style of beef, and the most tender cut you can get. Slightly springy, delicately marbled, it is a rare…
Recipe: Pan Seared Halibut with Pork Rillon and Stoneground Fennel Toss
Pan-Seared Halibut with Pork Rillon and Stoneground Fennel Toss Peppery without being too much so, this second course was both substantial enough to be an entrée, and yet delicate enough to be a small plate. Fresh halibut makes a huge difference in quality. The fennel toss was tangy and complemented the flaky halibut nicely. Pork rillon gave the dish a subtle meaty texture. • 1 lb pork belly, 1 piece • ½ quart red wine • ½ quart water •…
Recipe: Warm and Cold Lamb Caprese Lamb Tenderloin
Warm and Cold Lamb Carpaccio Caprese Lamb Tenderloin This appetizer combines the delicacy of shaved lamb with the fresh flavors of a traditional caprese. Heirloom tomatoes add flavor and texture, as does hand-made mozzarella. The saffron is a quiet undertone. This dish is perfect for a summer patio dinner. • ½ cup Kosher…
Meet the Chef: Chef Perry Mascitti from Tulalip Resort Casino
On May 15th, Bellingham Alive and Judd & Black Appliance hosted Chef Perry Mascitti, who created a beautiful threecourse meal that drew on the seafood, meat and produce of our area. Perry is the Executive Chef…
Honeymoon
Mead, also known as honey wine, is said to have been the first alcoholic beverage, coming before both wine and beer. Originating in Northern China and Dating back to 7000 BC,…
MUKILTEO LODGE
Mukilteo Lodge exceeds expectations with its warm, rustic and inviting ambiance. The Lodge features wide, cavernous, wood-beam ceilings, polished log walls, and thoughtfully designed lighting and sports decor. With 35 beers on tap, a wide selection of wine, and an impressive dinner menu, patrons won’t want…
KAFE NEO
Kafe Neo might be a delightfully surprise offering its extensive menu of rich and delicious Greek food. The ever-popular gyros come in dozens of combinations, with lunchtime prices below the border of $7. The lamb gyro — served in less than five — is stuffed with fresh “seasoned lettuce” and tomatoes, traditional Tzaztiki and richly marinated slices of lamb. Even the pita is pleasantly moist, all the while keeping in the…
TAMPICO
A North-Everett neighborhood favorite, Tampico is the quintessential family Mexican restaurant. Warm greetings welcome diners, followed by fresh tortilla chips and house made salsa. Don’t miss the Tacos Al Carbon, tender skirt steak broiled and served in tortillas with guacamole and pico de gallo, or the rich Shrimp and Dungeness Crab Burrito. On the lighter side, Tampico’s Tortilla Soup is flavorful and satisfying….
EVVIVA WOODFIRED PIZZA
If you like authentic Neapolitan pizza, look no further than Evviva Woodfired Pizza in Edmonds, where pizza is created with pure, simple, fresh ingredients and baked on the floor of an apple wood fired stone oven. You’ll find favorites like the Combo Pizza, featuring chorizo,…
CABBAGE PATCH
From fine dining to home cooking, the Cabbage Patch has been serving up delicious meals to patrons of this downtown Snohomish restaurant for more than 30 years. Traditional favorites such as a Prime Rib or Turkey dinner, Meatloaf and Chicken Pot Pie share the menu with contemporary favorites such as Coconut Prawns and Artichoke & Mushroom Penne. Don’t forget dessert — the Cabbage Patch is known for its scrumptious pies. 111 Ave. A, Snohomish 360.568.9091, cabbagepatchrestaurant.com
LOMBARDI’S
The original Lombardi’s was a Ballard favorite, and the Everett Marina location has been inundating diners with a heavenly blast of roasted garlic that is Lombardi’s hallmark since 1998. Lombardi’s pays homage to the seven honored ingredients of Italian food — olive oil, garlic, pasta, tomatoes, olives, basil and love. Dive in to the Tuscan Prawn starter, Pizza Margherita or Chicken Saltimboca…
MALTBY CAFÉ
Maltby’s famed Cinnamon Rolls — roughly the size of your head — are the prime draw to this country-quaint café, but are just the start of a menu filled with home-style cooking and grandiose portions. Choose from breakfast all day, with menu items such as Northwest Potatoes…
LUCKY DRAGON PHO
Lucky Dragon Pho, a Vietnamese noodle house, located in Frontier Village next door to Albertsons, is a great place for a simple, inexpensive meal. The Pho, a soup of rice noodles with vegetables, and your choice of meat in a unique and flavorful…
LUCA’S PIZZERIA & RISTORANTE
Enjoy distinguished Italian dishes and ambiance at Luca’s Pizzeria and Ristorante in Lake Stevens. Luca’s is an award-winning, family-owned establishment that has been delivering authentic Italian cuisine to Snohomish County residents since 2003. Luca’s offers a variety of hot Panini sandwiches, pasta and salads with fresh, local ingredients for the lunch crowd, Monday through…
FRED’S RIVERTOWN ALEHOUSE
Located in historic downtown Snohomish, Fred’s has been bringing great beer and great food to the community since 1994. Who could pass up the Mick Jagger Fries — sweet potato fries tossed…
GIUSEPPE’S AL PORTO
Giuseppe’s Al Porto Ristorante Italiano provides an enhanced dining experience to its customers, including outside seating that provides diners with the joy of eating by the water and taking in the sights of beautiful Bellingham…
13MOONS AT SWINOMISH CASINO & LODGE
Located within the casino 13moons is sure to catch your attention. Situated on the waterfront offering a lodge atmosphere which is warm and inviting. The menu offers a wide…
VINNY’S Ristorante
Owner Becky Day welcomes diners to Vinny’s Ristorante in Friday Harbor, mirroring the feel of this warm Italian restaurant. Dishes change monthly and reflect the desire of Chef Daniel Van Hamsersfeld to serve simple, everyday fare. His appetizers…
ON RICE
Ask any local or college student: On Rice is the place to go in Bellingham. With its affordable lunch specials and three locations around town, it’s easy to enjoy one of On Rice’s many flavorful Thai dishes. A classic Thai favorite, Pad Thai, is interpreted well here. It’s sweet, without being overpowering, and has just enough spice…
INDIGO KITCHEN & ALEHOUSE
Although Indigo is located in a busy shopping center, its surroundings are nearly forgotten when you enter the warm ambience of this Lynnwood alehouse. The rich wood furnishings of Indigo’s interior entice patrons in for lunch, dinner and happy hour seven days a week. Between the…
CHRISTIANO’S PIZZA
This casual, come-as-you-are restaurant is a hit among the locals. Best known for its pizza and pasta, diner are sure to be pleased with the excellent food, generous portions and affordable prices. If you are in the mood for a salad, try…
THE TABLE
Folks who have enjoyed the fresh, handmade pastas of the Bellingham Pasta Co. from their local market can now experience them served with a helping of marinara, alfredo or pesto sauce at the Pasta Co.’s restaurant, The Table, which is named for the long family-style table that fills the center of…
SKYLARK’S HIDDEN CAFE
Syklark’s Hidden Cafe in Fairhaven is worth seeking out. From decadent breakfast items such as Eggs Benedict and house specialty Banana Bread French Toast with Maple Walnut Topping to hearty dinner entrees such Halibut & Lobster Thermidor and New York Steak with Jack Daniels Herb Butter, the menu at Skylark’s is varied and every bite delicious. Come for the food and stay for the jazz on select evenings. 1308 11th St.,…
ROCKET DONUTS
With two locations, Rocket Donuts is an icon in Bellingham for its delectable donuts and sci-fi themed storefronts. The donuts are made fresh daily, giving them their fluffy, soft texture. Try the classic glazed or spice up your morning with maple-bacon bar. Rocket donuts is unique by offering vegan and gluten free options. Lift off your morning Rocket style. 11th and Harris Ave., Bellingham…
Doe Bay Cafe
Whether you’re heading toward the San Juan Islands or don’t mind taking a trip for an unbelievable meal, be sure to make reservations at the ever-popular Doe Bay Cafe. The…
Bacchus Bistro
Delight in the flavors of Bacchus Bistro Langley, B.C., restaurant promises intriguing combinations.
Holiday Entertaining – 7 Stress-Less Tips
I love to entertain. In fact, I do it for a living, which means I also understand the stress entertaining at home can bring. But you can throw a party sans the stress. Here are some of my tips to have a fabulous event and entertain with style.
Savor the San Juans
For the entire month of October, the San Juan Islands host the annual “Savor the San Juans,” a self proclaimed medley of food, art and culture.
Elizabeth Station
Just west of downtown, nestled alongside All About Flowers, awaits Elizabeth Station, a convenience store opened in early March 2012.
TORRE CAFFE
If you want an excellent early morning espresso or a taste of old Italy for lunch or just a mid-afternoon break, Torre Caffe is the place to go. It’s authentic, right down to the co-owners, Pasquale and Louisa Salvatti, who came here from Genoa in 2005. Traditional Italian lunch fare (soups, salads, paninis and lunchsized…
PEL’MENI
Step off busy State Street after your late night festivities for an inexpensive and satisfying fill of plump dumplings. Stuffed with either meat or potatoes, these dumplings…
JAKE’S WESTERN GRILL
True country ambiance paired with outstanding barbecue makes Jake’s a must. The ribs are fall off the bone yummy and did we mention the cornbread! Jake’s also features…
Jalapeños
Fresh, flavorful and family-friendly, diners will want to make a return visit.
North Fork Brewery
Mount Baker Highway is home to a plethora of dining options, but at the North Fork Brewery you can get beer, pizza, tie the knot and visit the beer shrine all under the same roof.
Happy Hour Hot Spots
My Mission: Comb Whatcom and Skagit counties for the happiest of happy hours and challenge my discriminating palate for the best these two counties have to offer in the form of inexpensive food and drinks.
Scotty Brown at Bellingham International Airport
Scotty Browns, a favorite Whatcom County dining destination, opened a new location behind the security line in the new terminal at Bellingham International Airport.
Toast the Winemakers
Meet the men and women behind the craft of wine making at six Washington wineries…