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 and family. Wendt encouraged her mother to turn her passion into a business, and Graze and Gather opened as a charcuterie catering company in October 2020. After continued growth, Faber and Wendt decided to take advantage of an available space at the Lynden Commons and open a bistro.
Photo courtesy of Lydia Faber and Kristina Wendt
The Europe- and Arizona-inspired interior is bright and warm. Plants of varying sizes are spread throughout the space, and a combination of low and high tables makes gathering easy. An entrance connecting Graze and Gather to Overflow Taps contributes to the space’s casual, community-focused environment. The real star of the bistro, though, is the unique menu and its locally sourced offerings.
The menu is robust, with novel items—baked brie, acai bowls, Belgian waffles—and classics like breakfast sandwiches. With shareable options such as charcuterie boards, and coffee, dessert, and alcoholic cocktails to boot, Graze and Gather truly has something for everyone. Wendt and Faber take pride in their offerings and are especially conscious of sourcing locally.
Photo courtesy of Lydia Faber and Kristina Wendt
“We wanted to create a menu that was just a little different, healthier, [with] more gluten-free options, and we take great pride in sourcing our products, that we use a lot of local products,” says Faber.
With coffee from Makeworth Coffee Roasters in Bellingham, jams and sandwich spreads by Lynden’s New Way Ministries, bread from Great Harvest Bread Co., desserts from Pure Bliss Desserts, and produce from The Green Barn, the Graze and Gather menu is a celebration of everything Whatcom County has to offer.
On a recent visit, my maple vanilla latte came piping hot and was not too milky, with just the right amount of sweetness. It was adorned with adorable latte art: the saying “choose joy” right on top. It’s a significant phrase for both Faber and Wendt.
“On our cups, our sleeves, it says choose joy. And there’s this little bible verse that’s Philippians 4:4 ‘rejoice in the Lord always,’ and we just wanted to create a space that brings joy to people and that’s a safe space to come to,” says Faber.
The food is equally delicious—I chose the Brekkie Sammie on an everything bagel, with a side of roasted potatoes. As an enthusiastic starch lover, I’m happy to say that the potatoes did not disappoint. Roasted to perfection with a crisp shell and soft inside, the potatoes had an herbal flavor and paired wonderfully with the aioli that came on the side. The breakfast sandwich surprised me on the first bite with its decadent flavor—the tomatoes had that straight-from-the-garden freshness, the sausage patty was thick and juicy, and the bagel was warm, with just the right amount of chewiness.
Graze and Gather brings new life to the restaurant scene of Lynden, with its family-run charm and seasonally changing menu. If you’re looking for friendly staff, fresh and locally sourced food, and a space that embodies joy, Graze and Gather has you covered! 115 Duffner Dr., Ste. D, Lynden, 360.224.0699, grazeandgatherwa.com
