Bellingham Alive October | November 2016 by K & L Media

Best of the North West Winners Announced

Mingled Cream & Amber A Beer Guide Wonder Woman Germaine Kornegay Fairhaven's New Furbish Current and Furbish

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2016 DISPLAY UNTIL NOVEMBER 30 $3.99 US • $4.99 CAN

HOME TO 11 BEST OF THE NORTHWEST WINNERS

COME TO WORK STAY TO PLAY BARKLEYVILLAGE.COM

Barre3 Bob’s Burgers FYZICAL Therapy Haggen Jalapeños Nicole Burdick Peoples Bank RejuvenationMD Scotty Browns Woods Coffee The YMCA

Expertise in World Class Surgical Technology Dr. John Pettit

Here at Home in Whatcom County

Bellingham Urology Group, provider of clinical urologic care and Whatcom County’s only in-oﬃce urology surgery center, now offers robotic surgery.

Dr. Vernon Orton

Dr. Vernon Orton is Whatcom County’s most experienced physician offering robotic surgery, he has performed over 800 cases. Robotic surgery typically lowers surgical risk, shortens recovery time and decreases scarring compared to conventional surgery. Before coming to Bellingham, Dr. Orton served as Assistant Professor and Medical Director of Urology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Orton has joined Dr. John Pettit, Bellingham’s leading urologist for the past 29 years, to provide comprehensive care for all types of urological illness. Patients and referring doctors alike know Bellingham Urology Group as the place where patients get the highest level of care and urologic expertise.

BellinghamUrologyGroup.com 340 Birchwood Avenue (360) 714-3400

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Porsche Bellingham 2200 Iowa Street htaylor@rogerjobs.com Bellingham, Washington 98229 Tel. 360-734-5230 www.bellingham.porschedealer.com 8:30AM - 7:00PM 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Join us in celebrating our

25 anniversary th

sale starting Oct. 7th

of the

As the largest furniture store in Northwest Washington, we offer the best brands at the best prices. Ready to add some ďŹ&#x201A;are to your home? Ask about our in-home design service, free with qualifying purchase. 1904 Main St. Ferndale, WA 98248 | 360.384.3388 www.samuelsfurniture.com

2016

BEST

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

Thank you for voting us Best Furniture Store!

entist

Best in Show Two Years in a Row!

of the

2015

BEST

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

Faith with BoCa

Sehome Professional Center | 405 32nd Street, Suite 100 Bellingham | www.drfaithbult.com | 360.715.3333

Values matter. Your investments should reflect that.

The Saturna Sustainable Funds seek to invest in companies and issuers that demonstrate sustainable characteristics with low risks in areas of the environment, social responsibility, and governance (“ESG”). Find out more today.

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Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund

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Please consider an investment’s objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For this and other important information about the Saturna Sustainable Funds, please obtain and carefully read a free prospectus or summary prospectus from www.saturnasustainable.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-728-8762. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The Saturna Sustainable Funds limit the securities they purchase to those consistent with sustainable principles. This limits opportunities and may affect performance. Distributor: Saturna Brokerage Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saturna Capital Corporation, investment adviser to the Saturna Sustainable Funds.

BEST OF THE NORTHWEST The results are in! From their favorite date night spot to the best place to get a great workout, our readers have voted!

96 OUR BEER GUIDE Puzzling through the beer menu? This feature will help you select just the right beer for your taste, and where the perfect examples of each style can be locally sourced.

Eric Subong, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship trained retina specialist. Hailing from Baltimore, MD, he received both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Maryland. WELCOME Amador Subong, MD joins Bellingham Retina Specialists after 12 years practicing retina and vitreous surgery for Kaiser Permanente in Northern California. He is a Board-certified ophthalmologist and retina fellowship trained.

Specializing in: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Wet & Dry Macular Degeneration Diabetic Retinopathy Macular Edema Macular Holes Macular Pucker Retinal Vascular Occlusion Retinal Detachments & Tears Flashes & Floaters Intraocular Inflammation (Uveitis) Intraocular Infection Congenital Vitreo-Retinal Diseases Ocular Trauma

360-656-5839

3120 Squalicum Parkway, Suite 1 Bellingham, WA 98225 www.BellinghamRetinaSpecialists.com

October | November 2016

CONTENTS LIFESTYLE

HABITAT

Tall Ships

109

Contemporary Comforts

By the Numbers

112

Featured Home Broadway Beauty

Lasting Image

Spotlight Susan Bennerstrom

Calendar

Book Reviews

Who Knew

Quick Trip Yakima Valley Beer Trip

In the Know Slingshot NW

Steering Column Special Advertising

In the Know San Juan Islands Film Festivals

Community Whatcom Literacy Council

Wonder Woman Germaine Kornegay

Five Faves Taprooms

SHOP 39

Current and Furbish

Necessities Color and Light

Savvy Shopper Something Found

WELLBEING 45

Five Minutes to Fresh and Fabulous

Nutrition The Best Borscht

DINE 117

Aloha Poke

119

Dining Guide

120

Culinary Events

123

Meet the Chef Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

128

Mixing Tin Elk Street

129

8 Great Tastes

130

Sip Thanksgiving and Harvest Wines

133 Review The Mill

AGENDA 137

Featured Event Susan Middleton

143

The Scene Women Sharing Hope Gala

NOTES 12

Editor’s Letter

Contributors

Letters to the Editor

Meet a Staffer Dean Davidson

144

Final Word

FEATURES About The Cover 55

Best of the Northwest

Mingled Cream & Amber: A Beer Guide

8 NorthSoundLife.com

Shot on location at Farmstrong Brewing in Mount Vernon, WA by Art Director Dean Davidson.

NOTES On the Web

Be sure to check us out at:

northsoundlife.com Submit your events on our calendar! Do you have an event that you would like our readers to know about? Northsoundlife.com offers an events calendar where viewers can search by day, venue, event type, or city. Go to northsoundlife.com/events and submit your event today. Once your event has been approved by our editorial staff, it is live.

Online EXCLUSIVE

Previous digital editions now available online.

Our editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unexpected adventure: Dinner on the 50.

Join us on

NSLife Halloween

10 NorthSoundLife.com

for:

NSLife DIY Fall Decor

Holiday Recipes

pinterest.com/northsoundlife

NSLife Entertaining

Weekend VIBRATIONS

]

Whatcom County Some of the Nicest Neighborhoods in the Northwest

Breathtaking Views • Room to Roam Safe Neighborhoods • Unbeatable Prices Kathy Stauffer Managing Broker | Windermere - Whatcom 360.815.4718 www.kathystauffer.com

Acreage on the Creek 3 Bd/2Ba MLS#1015127

Blaine/Custer

100 ft. Waterfront Dock 3bd/1.75ba MLS#1020994

Sandy Point $575,000

3200 sq.ft. Single Story 3bd/2.5ba MLS#1021045

Semiahmoo $749,900

$469,000

Waterfront Penthouse Marin at Semiahmoo 2bd/2.5ba MLS#1017981 $965,000

Waterfront-Priced To Sell 3 bd/3.5ba MLS#921592

Semiahmoo $1,050,000

NOTES Editor's Letter

“At no other time (than autumn) does the earth let itself be inhaled in one smell, the ripe earth; in a smell that is in no way inferior to the smell of the sea, bitter where it borders on taste and more honeysweet where you feel it touching the first sounds.” - Ranier Maria Rilke, Letters on Cezanne

still get back-to-school excitement when the alpenglow lights up Mount Baker in late afternoon, when the leaves crunch underfoot, when the apples start showing up by the barrels, when watermelon is replaced by tangerines. Every fall, I look forward to publishers’ catalogues carrying the year’s solid winter reads. The best television shows return and the fluffy summer movies fade away. Everything improves as we switch from sunscreens to scarves. And even though this fall has some existential challenges — we have a national election in which our very fundamental dignity as a nation is at stake — there is still so much to love in the world. In this issue, we’re flying full sail with tall ships, cozying up with Sara Southerland’s best borscht recipe, watching businesses launch with Slingshot NW, giving you a good lead on a great drink at Redlight, and settling in for a great flick at the San Juan film festivals (all of them). Our Wonder Woman, Germaine Kornegay, provides plenty of superwoman inspiration. We’re also bringing you beer. Through the tension of politics, the onset of the rain, the sunset that creeps closer to mid-day, you don’t need to be worrying about which beer to order. We’re here to help you choose among the steams, sessions, and sours to find the perfect beer for you. So belly up to the chalkboard at one of our many breweries with confidence — you’ve got this. But most of all, we’re celebrating you , our readers. The Best of the Northwest was big in every way this year — more categories, more votes, more new faces — and for that we have you, our readers, to thank. You voted with the same fervent loyalty we all feel toward our favorite date spots, hiking trails, and pet stores. All of that passionate advocacy leads to a collective celebration of what our area means to all of us — the artists we love, the doctors we trust, the preschools we believe in. We also owe a debt of gratitude to our advertisers, old-timers and newcomers, who honor us with their presence. So remember that when the news cycle gets you down, when the next round of violence comes, when the worst candidate ever says his awful thing, inspiration toward goodness is all around us. See you at the party on October 14! Cheers!

12 NorthSoundLife.com

MEETINGS DONE RIGHT

Meet in style at Four Points Bellingham. Featuring 11,000 square feet of flexible event space, on-site catering, fast & free WiFi and more. When day is done, guests can relax at Poppe’s 360 Neighborhood Pub or take a dip in our indoor pool. Meeting packages start at $50 per person. Contact Brian Smith at 360 392 6547 or email brian.smith@fourpointsbellingham.com

Four Points Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center 714 LAKEWAY DRIVE, BELLINGHAM, WA 98229 FOURPOINTSBELLINGHAM.COM

of the

2016

BEST

NORTH

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GOLD

©2016 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Four Points and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

NOTES Contributors Shannon Mercil Shannon Mercil of Shannon Mercil Makeup Artistry is a Pacific Northwest-based makeup artist with sixteen years of industry experience. She specializes in providing on-location makeup services all over Snohomish County and beyond. She is a wife and mother of three, and her passions include singing on the worship team at her church, as well as hiking, cooking, and simply enjoying her family. shannonmercilmakeup.com  p. 45

EVERYTHING IN BEAUTY SUPPLIES Our licensed cosmotologists can assist you with everything from hair care products and appliances to hairpieces and extensions. We carry the largest selection of wigs in Northwest Washington!

Open to the Public! 1225 East Sunset Drive, Suite 150 Bellingham, WA 98226 360.738.0359 sunsetbeautysupply.com

Colbie Cargill At a young age, Colbie knew she wanted to be a designer. Art and a love for the aesthetics came to her early and naturally. Today, Colbie’s 15 years of designing, passion, and respect for interior design comes across in everything she touches. Whether traditional, contemporary, or eclectic, Colbie makes sure her designs reflect her clients’ taste and overall dreams for a beautiful, functional space to call their own. In every space she creates, her inspired designs represent a deep commitment to bringing comfort, beauty, and joy into her clients’ lives.  p. 109

Becky Linton

VOTED BEST GYM & PERSONAL TRAINERS 7 YEARS RUNNING!

Becky Linton is a freelance photographer specializing in lifestyle portraiture, product, and fine art photography. She has sold prints to people from many different countries and is looking forward to watching Season 12 of Criminal Minds to see one of her prints on the set. Becky moved to Bellingham to pursue a degree in Environmental Science at Western Washington University, fell in love with the area, and, after graduating, decided to call Bellingham home. She has a life-long interest in photography and is happiest behind a camera.  p. 96

of the

2016

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GOLD

Sara Southerland 1730 N. State St. Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-1600 BellinghamFitness.com

1 WEEK FREE NO OBLIGATION TRIAL MEMBERSHIP

ALL CLASSES INCLUDED! ZUMBA, YOGA, ETC. Expires 11/1/17. With this coupon only. Must be 18 years old, a ﬁrst time visitor, and live or work in Whatcom county.

14 NorthSoundLife.com

Sara is the co-owner of Electric Beet Juice Co., an organic, locally sourced juice bar and kitchen, located inside Terra: Organic & Natural Foods in downtown Bellingham. She also is the Food and Farming Program Manager at Sustainable Connections.  p. 50

to where you live.

Your LOCAL lifestyle magazine with national recognition.

Subscribe Today! $15 a year or $25 for two years.

Online at northsoundlife.com or 360.483.4576 x4

February | March 2016 Display until March 31 $3.99 US â&#x20AC;¢ $4.99 CAN

Featured Homes 1602_BA-NSL_1_Cover.indd 1

The Way to Via

Tiny Houses 1/27/16 12:37 PM

THANK YOU!

For Voting Us

Best Casino & Best Steak House | Fine Dining PUBLICATIONS Bellingham Alive North End Metro NSL Guestbook Couture Weddings

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Lisa Karlberg EDITOR IN CHIEF Frances Badgett ART DIRECTOR Dean Davidson EDITOR Kaity Teer

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Babette Vickers | Christopher Marshall Melissa Sturman

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mariah Currey

WRITER Dan Radil

CONTRIBUTORS Colbie Cargill | Ken Karlberg | Becky Linton Shannon Mercil | Sara Southerland

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Kate Galambos Asher King Catherine Torres Bryn Yasui

GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSISTANTS Hannah Chute

OFFICE MANAGEMENT Jenn Bachtel

PROOFREADER Pat Karlberg

CORPORATE OFFICE K & L Media, Inc. 909 Squalicum Way, Ste. 110 Bellingham, WA 98225

INQUIRIES & SUBSCRIPTIONS info@northsoundlife.com northsoundlife.com 360.483.4576 x4

16 NorthSoundLife.com

Letters to the Editor

NOTES

BERRIES FOR JUSTICE

GREAT GUIDE

Social justice tastes good! This article [Bountiful Berries], by Frances Badgett, celebrates one of my favorite food groups, while both addressing climate change/immigration/labor issues and honoring the (largely Latinx) people who grow our food.

Just a note to say I read the April/May issue of Bellingham Alive. I was greatly impressed. There was a lot of good information in that issue. Being a lover of good food, I was especially interested in the A-Z restaurant guide. We have eaten at three of those mentioned, at least. It seems that Bellingham is a vibrant, progressive city and is taking its rightful place among the places to go/live in Washington. The magazine should help in getting out the word. Bellingham is far beyond what it was when I was a child in Skagit County and our family occasionally visited the town.

Julie T., via Facebook

ARCHITECT FOR HIRE

I love the Orcas Island beach house you featured. Who is the architect and does he work in Bellingham? Linda H., via email

Shirley

EIC: Yes! His name is Ben Trogdon (see also The Castle of the Strawberry Kingdom) and he does, in fact, work all over the area. We regret leaving his name off the article.

of the

2016

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SILVER

3 Acres of CREATIVITY

Gorgeous garden art, perfect plants for inside and outside your home and gifts curated from Bellingham and around the world. Look what they are saying!

“This is the most amazing nursery I have ever seen. Beautiful everywhere you look and has the greatest gift ideas. I saw things there I have never seen anywhere else ” -Tere U.

929 E Bakerview Rd Bellingham, WA 98226 | (360) 366-8406 | MyGardenNursery.com Hours: Mon-Sat 9am–5:30pm | Sun 10am–5pm

October | November 2016 17

NOTES Meet a Staffer Get to know the folks at Bellingham Alive a little better with Meet a Staffer.

Dean Davidson

What is your role at the magazine and how long have you been with K&L Media? I’ve been with K&L Media since April this year. I’m responsible for the visual style, images, and layout of our publications. I direct a great team consisting of our graphic designer Mariah Currey, graphic design intern Hannah Chute, and photography intern Becky Linton. I constantly bug our editor in chief to use fewer em dashes and cut text. “What’s the word count on that?”

What is your background?

My first job was at a comic book store where I was paid in Magic: The Gathering cards. And now I’m an art director getting free beer while taking photos for a beer article. To get here, I went through Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California where I earned a BFA in graphic design almost ten years ago. After graduating, I replaced the smog and concrete of Southern California with the forests, mountains, and ocean of Bellingham.

What is your favorite part of working for a regional lifestyle magazine? I mentioned free beer earlier. While that’s a great part, I love meeting the people who make up the Pacific Northwest and hear their stories. I also get to smell magazines hot off the press — it’s a thing, don’t judge.

What are some of your hobbies and interests? My family is big on animals. We have three cats, eight fire-bellied toads, countless fish, Arena the leopard gecko, and Rosie the tarantula. I’m sure we’ll get a dog once my two-year old son learns they can be pets. We’ll start small with a newfoundland. 

18 NorthSoundLife.com

Outstanding Customer Service

of the

2016

BEST

NORTH

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ZE BRON

“ My experience at Northwest Honda was a great one! They showed me cars in the price range, make and model I requested, no pressure at all to look at anything else. Wonderful sales people, everyone was very professional and super friendly. Why would I go anywhere else after my experience today!!” Mahalo plenty.. Sterling and Sam

Explore the Civic Family

Featuring a dramatically redesigned exterior and packed with new technology, the all-new 2016 Civic Coupe is

leading the charge for the next generation. Visit our showroom to see which Civic ﬁts your life and your style.

2010 Iowa Street Bellingham, WA 360.676.2277 | northwesthonda.com

360-676-2500 | portofbellingham.com

BEST

2016

Best of the Corporate NORTH Meeting Space WEST

BRON

The perfect atmosphere for your next event. Open catering options and community-friendly rates.

Whatcom County Association of Realtors 2015 President

Enter the famous

Cerise Noah

Realtor® | Windermere-Whatcom 360.393.5826 cerisenoah@windermere.com

December 2 - 4 at the Holiday Port

ALL UNDER ONE ROOF Design • Build • Showroom

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

best kitchen & bath designer Dream Maker Bath & Kitchen 3311 Northwest Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 738-8525 www.dreammaker-nw.com

of the

2016

BEST

of the

2016

BEST

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SILVER

best builder

LIFESTYLE In The Know · Calendar · Spotlight Artist · 5 Faves

Firgureheads and Flying Jibs — Tall Ships Visit Whatcom WRITTEN BY FRANCES BADGETT | PHOTGRAPHED BY BECKY LINTON

he Grays Harbor Foundation shares its wealth with Whatcom every few years by sending us two beautiful tall ships — the Lady Washington and the Hawaiian Chieftain. Both ships are majestic as they sail into our humble ports of Bellingham and Birch Bay, and both evoke a romantic and adventurous time when pirates and swabbies duked it out over a few barrels of rum in the hold. … continued on page 24

LIFESTYLE By the Numbers Sam Adams brewed beer and plans for The Boston Tea Party in

1774 p. 28

months after Fairhaven Pharmacy closed its doors, Current and Furbish opened up in that venerable space. p. 39

Sara Southerland uses

I VOTED!

beets in her signature borscht recipe. p. 50

1 07

There are categories for this year's Best of the Northwest. p. 55

BEST OF THE NORTH WEST

Chef Romeo's appetizer recipe calls for pound of Ahi. p. 124

22 NorthSoundLife.com

Lasting In the Image Know

LIFESTYLE

"We have a huge barrel of beer, but no cups. That's fine with us. Every morning we glow and in the evening we glow again." RUMI

October | November 2016 23

…

24 NorthSoundLife.com

The Lady Washington is a full-scale reproduction of a brig built in the 1750s. After brave service in the 1770s against the British on behalf of the Continental Army, the Lady Washington underwent a major retrofit and became a merchant ship. There were technically four merchant sailing vessels named Lady Washington during two different time periods, but the one represented in our harbor was the most historically significant. In the 1780s, Captain Robert Gray was the original captain before handing off to John Kendrick. The man who lived to tell Kendrick’s story didn’t have a lot of nice things to say about him. Lady Washington was the first sailing vessel of the new colonies to land on the West Coast. So, naturally, deplorable behavior against Native Americans ensued. It was also the first ship to visit Honolulu, Hong Kong, and Japan. The current Lady Washington was completed in 1989 as part of Washington State’s Centennial celebration, and quickly became the crowd-pleaser it is today. Striking in both mass and grace, the ship has been cast in such notable movies and television shows as Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Trek: Generations, Once Upon a Time, and Revolution. The Hawaiian Chieftain is not an exact replica of a pre-existing historical ship, but it is a fascinating companion to the Lady Washington. A fast, nimble ketch, it was built by Captain Morgan Davies in Lahaina, Maui. A replica of passenger coastal sailing ships that dominated the waters of the East Coast, the Hawaiian Chief has visited the Atlantic Ocean, Tahiti, and has sailed out of Sausalito. It was commissioned by H. “Baron” Dorcy, Jr. and constructed by Drake Thomas. The ship participates in mock battles with Lady Washington and other vessels, delighting passengers with its quick maneuvers. Every two years, the Grays Harbor Foundation offers several kinds of sails on these ships, from an adventure sail that offers shanties and stories in addition to flying the jib, to a battle sail in which the ships engage in a mock battle, and evening sail. For those who want more exposure to the high seas and sails, Tall Ships America offers several opportunities for ships looking for crew. There are grants and scholarships available for those who want to check off seafaring adventure from their bucket lists. Many thanks to the Grays Harbor Foundation for their time and resources in writing this article. Information about their fleet, opportunities to support the tall ships, artwork, and more are available at historicalseaport.org. 

Introducing the All New

BELLINGHAM Since 1960

Where you buy and service your vehicle is a big decision... and to feel good about your decision is important.

Bellingham’s largest and best selling dealership

360. 676. 0600

1100 Iowa Street Bellingham WA October | November 2016 25

Know LIFESTYLE In the Spotlight

Fresh Oil: The Work of Susan Bennerstrom WRITTEN BY BRYN YASUI

usan Bennerstrom’s soft blue eyes come into full focus as oil paint and perspective meet on the prepared canvas. Bold lines, clean forms, light, and shadow emerge. If one is ever fortunate enough to see a pastel or painting by Bennerstrom in person, the piece will instantly whisk you into a dream where the world is quiet and contemplative. Perhaps the vibrant hues and emphasis on light is what draws everyone in at first glance, but there is mystery in the shadows. When it comes to her paintings, Bennerstrom sees what others merely pass by. She doesn’t care about obligatory scenery paintings that tourists awe over but rather she finds fascination with the play of light over ordinary interiors — the gloss of a polished floor, the filtered light through parted curtains. Her piece “Swan” typifies Bennerstrom’s style. The chair is intended for a model to pose on with the drape as a cover. Bennerstrom encountered this setting at the Gage Academy in Seattle, she was charmed by the position of the chair without a model, the playful window light and the shadows of the drape hanging loosely. There is no way to pinpoint a specific category for Bennerstrom’s work. Her art is an exaggeration of the world’s smaller details with her signature style added to the mix. She said her artistic process involves extracting features and enhancing them with color or eliminating aspects that just don’t work. “When I start to put the paint on, then it’s always surprising. One thing leads to another and one area of color may suggest what I want to do next to it,” Bennerstrom said. “It’s always a process of troubleshooting and figuring out what’s wrong or what’s working so I can keep developing it into something better and better. It’s a happy and frustrating process.” 26 NorthSoundLife.com

Art has been an important aspect of Bennerstrom’s life. From her early years residing in Bellevue to her current life in Bellingham, she has been teaching art, painting, showing her work, and garnering accolades. The complication of being an artist, however, is in the drudgery of self-employment and the tedious business that comes with it, according to Bennerstrom. “I just can’t wait to get through that stuff so I can just get at the painting, the thing I really want to do.” Throughout the years, Bennerstrom’s undying romance with art has informed so many areas of her life, even outside the studio. The interior of her lovely home on South Hill is adorned with a variety of vivid colors — her home functions as an extension of the artwork in which she dwells. Once a devotee of chalk and oil pastels, she gave them up for a new passion. “I stopped using pastels and started using oil paints and I haven’t looked back since. I love them. For one thing, I will never get bored. There will always be more to learn. It’s so much more complex than any other medium.” In one of her latest works, Bennerstrom painted 12 pieces for a group of wineries in Eastern Washington. Her piece “The Willow” shows how versatile and dimensional oil paints can be. The light flickering among the willow tree’s leaves in the middle of a gorgeous sunny day allow for the leaves to have depth without any impasto — the layering of paint on the canvas to create physical dimension. With oil paints and her art career as a whole, Bennerstrom is a strong believer in continuing forward, constantly learning and doing until she is incapable. “I’m over 65 so I could call it retirement age but I told them I’m never going to retire. I’m going to keep doing this until I can’t anymore. It just feels like at this stage in my life, there’s so much more that I want to paint. It gets deeper, the quality is better, my ideas come from a deeper place. I don’t see any reason why I would stop unless I absolutely couldn’t anymore.” Bennerstrom’s interiors linger with the viewer, providing both a sense of haunting and longing as well as a sense of peace, of completion. We are fortunate to be able to witness her forward motion, her next big breakthrough. 

Calendar In the Know

LIFESTYLE

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER O C TO B E R

Art-Oberfest Art Show and Gift Market Blaine Community Center Pavilion, Blaine October 8, 9 a.m. blaineharborartgallery.com

Northwest Youth Services 40th Anniversary Gala Settlemyer Hall Bellingham Technical College, Bellingham November 4, 5:30 p.m. | btc.edu

NOVEMBER

O C TO B E R

7th annual Best of the Northwest Party Four Points Sheraton, Bellingham October 14, 6 p.m. northsoundlife.com

21st Annual Skagit County Veterans Day Parade Downtown Burlington November 12, 8 a.m. burlingtonwa.gov

NOVEMBER

12 NOVEMBER

O C TO B E R

Haunt the Park Pioneer Park, Ferndale October 29, 5 p.m. ferndale-chamber.com

Skagit Wine and Beer Festival Eaglemont Golf Course, Mount Vernon November 19, 4 p.m. mountvernonchamber.com

O C TO B E R

Taste of Skagit Valley Maple Hall, La Conner October 30, 4 p.m. anacortes.org

Octoberâ&#x20AC;&#x2030;|â&#x20AC;&#x2030;November 2016 27

Book Reviews

LIFESTYLE In the Know

WRITTEN BY FRANCES BADGETT

One of my favorite Hemingway quotes is “In the fall, the war was always there, but we did not go to it anymore.” Here is the ever-present war, grumbling in the background of our collective fall, beckoning us to pay attention to the world.

October 10, 8 p.m. Whatcom Poetry Night Bellingham Public Library 210 Central Ave., Bellingham 360.778.7323, poetrynight.org Whatcom Poetry Night is a great way to gather and appreciate local poets. Bring your work and share with a great audience. Often there is a featured poet present to read and offer encouragement and advice as well.

Underground Railroad

The Small Backs of Children

by Colson Whitehead Doubleday 320 pages

by Lidia Yuknavitch HarperCollins 256 pages

November 3, 7:15 a.m. Annual Literacy Breakfast with Nancy Pearl Bellingham Technical College Settlemyer Hall 3028 Lindbergh Ave., Bellingham 360.752.8678, whatcomliteracy.org You know her from KUOW and the Seattle Public Library as America’s Favorite Librarian (who also is the inspiration for the librarian action figure), the delightful and gentle Nancy Pearl. Her recommendations are always detailed and fascinating, and her love of books is inspiring. This event raises money for the Whatcom Literacy Project.

This gripping historical novel set in the antebellum South is part deep history and part imagined world wherein The Underground Railroad is a literal railroad beneath the hatches and crawlspaces of those sympathetic to ending slavery. Cora, the protagonist, is a strong and determined woman who strikes out on a daring escape. The world she encounters encompasses the racial history of America that still has tendrils into our present day experience. The Underground Railroad is a sweeping, brutal, and beautiful book.

Lidia Yuknavitch is an astonishing writer. She doesn’t write words, she writes music. She doesn’t write sentences, she paints. Her work is so full of image and light and beauty, from the lyrical — yet not precious — prose to the depth of her characters. The novel tells of a photographer living in Eastern Europe who captures an iconic image that goes viral in the U.S., and the effect that image has on the people who view it. A rich novel, it will leave you wanting to read everything by Yukanavitch. Which I also highly recommend.

WHO KNEW? Beer Witch Much of the iconography of witches comes from brew witches. The cauldron was the brew kettle, the cat was needed for hunting rodents (a problem in breweries to this day), and the pointy hats they wore stood out at markets so people could find the ale sellers. They hung brooms over their doors to signify that they had ale available for sale, and it was, indeed, a rod with many sticks tied onto one end. It was also used as an ale stake. And, yes, they were burned at the stake for being good at brewing, because men couldn’t stand it anymore and had to take over. One day, the witches will win.

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Halloween Hops The pilgrims landed in New England just as the pumpkins were coming in. So, you know, Halloween-ish time. They staggered off those nasty boats without much potable water, but they had beer. They used the local squashes and pumpkins to brew beer and it saved their dang lives. The whole pox blanket situation happened later with the Virginia colonies, so white folks can drink their pumpkin ale without too much guilt. Well, maybe a fraction less. Okay, not really.

Sam Adams’ Fall Sam Adams had tried publishing and brewing beer before getting deep into politics (hm...). In the fall of 1774, he drew up the plans for the Boston Tea Party with his pals in the Sons of Liberty as England was taxing the daylights out of tea, and Adams was decidedly against all that taxation without representation, which is Patrick Henry, but whatever. He went on to represent Massachusetts in the Continental Congress, and is rumored to have continued brewing for friends and parties.

Oktoberfest Though it’s widely known that the Nazis were a-holes during WWII, few realize that they cancelled Oktoberfest. It seems impossible now, but apparently all that cheer and happiness was too much for the overlords (cautionary tale). When Germany finally got their Oktoberfest back, they didn’t immediately get their festbier back — they had to drink regular beer. Festbier has a higher concentration of alcohol, and Germany was in a bad mood. Today, festivalgoers get to enjoy proper Oktoberfestbier, but they have another prohibition to contend with — anti-smoking regulations. That’s not a bad thing.

A Hop and a Skip

In Quick the Know Trip

LIFESTYLE

WRITTEN BY FRANCES BADGETT

eer enthusiasts may know that Yakima is the home for hops in Washington State (well, in the world, really) but it’s also a fine place to relax for a weekend. These beer stops and shops will have you coming back often to worship in the hops valley that is Yakima.

WHERE TO STAY For those who want good access to hop country, the Birchfield Manor Inn provides luxury comfort within easy distance of hop fields and brew houses. Originally a sheep farm, the Birchfield Manor Inn has a main house with five rooms and cabins with kitchenettes and fireplaces. The Ledgestone Hotel is another fine place to get your beer fix near hops country. It is an all-suite hotel convenient to both downtown Yakima. The suites are well appointed and elegant.

WHAT TO DO Moxee’s slogan is “The Hop Capital of the World” and for good reason. The annual Hop Festival happens in early August, but plan early — it’s a popular event. This year, the festival features a barbecue, fireworks, live music, a parade, a raffle, and lots and lots of beer. The festival started in 1946 when the Moxee Businessmen’s Club decided to create a festival from the abundant hops fields surrounding the town. American Hop Museum Located in Toppenish, The American Hop Museum celebrates the history of hops in the Yakima Valley. Old machinery, displays, and events make this museum a happening spot for hopheads. It is the only museum in the world dedicated to the vine Humulus lupulus. Puterbaugh Farms A fourth-generation hop-growing dynasty, Puterbaugh Farms sells premium hops to brewers and hobbyists alike. They offer leaf hops, pellet hops, and rhizomes. A great stop for the brewer who wants something special.

BEER Most taprooms don’t offer food service, so plan your drinking-eating-alcohol absorbing-drinking accordingly. Some have food trucks and food delivery, but it’s good to investigate before you’re in the middle of a hops field looking for your keys that are in your pocket the whole time. Yakima Craft Brewing Company operates two taprooms where they serve a dizzying array of ales. There’s a taproom at the Brewery on River Road (ATB), and one downtown on East Avenue (OTA). Hop Nation Brewing Company on N. 1st Avenue in Yakima is a brewer dedicated to the freshest, best beer

around. They crack firkins on Thursdays (which means they tap their small wooden kegs) so beer fans get the freshest beer possible. Bale Breaker Brewing Company is surrounded by hops fields in the heart of Yakima hop country, so their beer is farm-to-firkin fresh. They have lovely grounds, nice outdoor areas, and a family-friendly vibe. BEER WITH A SIDE OF FOOD Prosser’s Whitstran Brewing Company offers great pub fare along with their premium ales. The menu is burgers, fish-nchips, and other pub faves which pair well with their beers. For good ol’ Western steakhouse fare, Snipes Mountain Brewery and Restaurant in Yakima has great steaks and kidfriendly fare as well. There is a spacious dining room and a nice patio for those lovely autumn evenings. The brewery offers a range of beers for different palettes, making their offerings both pleasing and approachable. BRON YR AUR BREWING COMPANY Though the brewery is new to the Yakima scene, the family running it has been around the valley for a century. That funky name means “Hill of Gold” which is a good name for a thing in Yakima. They aren’t just known for their great beer, though. They also serve hand-crafted pizza. And what goes better together than beer and pizza? Nothing. 

October | November 2016 29

LIFESTYLE In the Know

Inventive Startup: Slingshot NW WRITTEN BY KATE GALAMBOS

oday’s Thomas Edisons will find direction with the help of Northwest Innovation Resource Center’s new strategic partner, Slingshot NW, a marketing platform specifically designed for inventors. The company began in May 2016 with a goal to further the economic climate north of Seattle, said CEO Bryan Brown. Inventions and inventors are not limited to any particular industry. Right now the company has five licensed products and quite a few more in the works. “There are a wide variety of products ranging from a product

30 NorthSoundLife.com

that is designed for professional painters to another that is designed as a rescue device for the firefighters and other first responders,” Brown said. All of the products come through the Northwest Innovation Resource Center before falling into the capable hands at Slingshot. If inventors are interested in commercializing their product, Slingshot is a resource for initial licensing, Brown said. The Northwest Innovation Center is a resource for entrepreneurs in the community to take their idea from a simple sketch all the way to ready-tomarket product — then Slingshot comes in. Inventors are not a limited group of people. Slingshot works with industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and any individual with an idea and passion to make it a success. While the company is committed to connecting with local inventors, products are marketed worldwide. Slingshot is based in Bellingham. Brown said he sees the area truly benefiting from the influx of economic development that Slingshot has the potential to foster. 

Special Advertising

RISING TO THE TOP: What You Shouldn’t Forget! WRITTEN BY ZIAD I YOUSSEF

FTER 13 YEARS of growing a law practice dedicated to community leadership in legal care for DUI, Auto-Accident Claims, Speeding & Criminal Justice, I know very well that no one gets there alone or single handedly. There is an entire community that has to be involved in community leadership. I’ve also learned that you have to be willing to listen to lead and be willing to hear to grow. And those are two key ingredients in successful and sustainable leadership. Those who stop listening or refuse to hear, do so at their peril. If you analogize to Stephen Hawking’s research on the universe, one might say, just as the universe could reach its elastic limit and come snapping back like a rubber band with the force of a Big Bang, so too might the rise of every organization, government or leadership that grows aggressively to its outer limit. SO BEING ELECTED as the top of your industry this month means that you have a responsibility to listen and a duty to hear. Listening means that you are actively seeking the input of those who will be affected by your decisions as a leader, and hearing means that you are

LIFESTYLE

willing to receive the criticism that comes with challenges your leadership will face. THE MYTRAFFICMAN. NET LEGAL CARE CENTER of Whatcom County actively seeks out input by leveraging software like our Talk2MyLawyer WebApp, that let’s clients chat directly with our legal professionals from any mobile device. We added a training component to our program, so we can teach the value of listening and hearing in legal care through our Washington State licensed vocational school for paralegals called the Legal Care Center Academy. But most importantly, we have created an environment where clients feel safe, secure and confident. THIS IS A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE that comes with the dedication each member of the Legal Care Center brings to service of each client. This month, I will not forget to listen to my dedicated staff like Kaliska Kilgore (pictured in the left column) who is in charge of Criminal Justice Support division for Felony cases, or Megan Winter (pictured above) who is our senior paralegal in charge of case support services. I will not fail to hear our Senior Associate, Todd Anderson for always fighting, and our Junior Associate, Jason Smith for his commitment to excellence. TO THE BEST OF THE BEST IN LEGAL CARE, I want to dedicate this article to all my staff at the Law Offices of Ziad Youssef. I vote you as the best in legal care for Whatcom County. 

October | November 2016 31

34th Annual Silent Auction and Banquet Announcing our 2016 Professional Woman of the Year Nominees!

Join us to celebrate these outstanding woman! The event includes a silent auction to benefit the WWIB scholarship program, banquet celebration, and selection of the 34th professional woman of the year!

Oct. 25th at 4 Points by Sheraton 5:30 pm - 9 pm Purchase tickets at www.wwib.org

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In the Know

LIFESTYLE

Screen Fever in the San Juans

his Fall, the San Juan Islands will be the Northwest hot spot for film festivals. Orcas Island will host both the Orcas Island Film Festival October 7–10 and the one day Wild and Scenic Film Festival on November 12. Additionally, the Friday Harbor Film Festival on San Juan Island will take place November 4–6. Each festival has its own inspiring theme that will appeal to any movie buff. “We want our films to be compelling stories that encourage people to take action,” said Friday Harbor Film Festival director Lynn Danaher. Friday Harbor’s festival is about entertaining, inspiring, and enlightening the audience about current issues from the Pacific Rim and beyond. Although the films are generally from the Pacific region, Danaher said the festival isn’t exclusive. Last year the awardwinning Ukrainian film, No Place on Earth was featured at the festival. While the films themselves are key, the festival is about connecting communities and starting conversations. More than 50 percent of the films shown offer discussion periods after the screening for questions and conversation with the director and experts on the films’ topic. “We want people to become engaged to affect positive change and I don’t care if it is saving whales or keeping bees or helping kids learn how to read. It's irrelevant what they do, what’s relevant is that they do something,” Danaher said. The festival brought in about 1,200 people last year and has only been growing since its inception four years ago.

WRITTEN BY KATE GALAMBOS

Originally started in California, the Wild and Scenic Film Festival advocates for environmental justice and education. The festival is part of the film tour of the South Yuba River Citizens League’s (SYRCL). “The really cool thing for me is the environmental aspect. I think that is the draw for the people we pull in,” said Orcas Center facilities director Jeffrey Ludwig. The overall goal of the film festival is to spread environmental activism through film. The one day event will feature 14 films, all of varying length, for a total run time of 114 minutes. Also in its fourth year, the Wild and Scenic Film Festival fills most of the Orcas Center’s 213 seats so be sure to plan ahead. The third annual Orcas Island Film Festival is focused on bringing together the most progressive and innovative directors and film styles all in one place. Films will be varied in length, from all over the world, and chosen for their creative techniques and message. The festival will screen more than 30 films over the course of three days. With the summer heat long gone, San Juan’s film festivals are a great way to spend a weekend. 

October | November 2016 33

In the Know LIFESTYLE Community

Word by Word: The Whatcom Literacy Council WRITTEN BY KATE GALAMBOS

iteracy is more than just a useful skill. The United Nations qualifies adult literacy as a basic human right, without which one cannot function in society. “You can’t talk to your neighbors about issues, can’t read the paper, can’t read a bus schedule, or any of these things we often take for granted without even the very basic level of communication,” said executive director of the Whatcom Literacy Council Katherine Freimund. The nonprofit organization provides resources and instruction for adults seeking to improve their communication and literacy skills. The council relies on community volunteers to teach classes, tutor students, and create lesson plans. After completing their teaching training, lead by the qualified program coordinators, volunteers can work one-on-one with students, assist instructors at Whatcom Community College or Bellingham Technical College, and orchestrate small group classes. Last year, 818 students met their personal goals with the help of more than 100 volunteers. In Whatcom County, one out of every six adults is considered to be functionally illiterate. These adults cannot read the bus schedule, read medical prescriptions, or fill out a job application. The key to success at the literacy council is allowing students to map out their own goals, Freimund said. “We don’t tell them what they ought to learn. They tell us what they want to do.” Goals can be anything from passing the written driving test in order to get a license to improving literacy skills enough to begin college classes. 34 NorthSoundLife.com

After mapping out a student’s goals, volunteers, with the help of program coordinators, create lesson plans for bi-weekly, hour-long tutoring sessions. All the meetings take place in accessible, public locations for the convenience of the students. It is essential that the lessons work around the students’ schedules because these adults often have serious obstacles preventing them from achieving an education. Students might have children, multiple jobs, or lack access to transportation. “Even if they are motivated to improve literacy skills there are barriers. If our services cost even just a little bit, they would not be able to take advantage of them.” There is still a huge need in greater Whatcom County for literacy programs. Ideally, she said she would like the programs to reach adults outside of Bellingham in places with less resources like Blaine and Lynden. “We are working hard to reach out to volunteers and establish sort of advocacy groups in those areas that can help us know the needs of the communities.” Whatcom Literacy Council will host best-selling author Nancy Pearl at their annual Literacy Breakfast fundraiser on Thursday, Nov., 3 from 7:15–9 a.m. in Bellingham Technical College’s Settlemyer Hall. Pearl will offer reading recommendations while breakfast is served. Although there is no charge for breakfast, a donation is requested. 

In the Know

LIFESTYLE

WONDER WOMAN WRITTEN BY FRANCES BADGETT

here are people who work in community service, volunteer for great causes, advocate for positive change, run for public office, win, and continue their good work toward making our world a better place. But not many of them do so as the only person of color in the room. Not many of them come away from all that fighting and advocating as absolute beacons of uplift. But Germaine Kornegay is. She is one of the warmest, most positive, most outspoken, most kind, most fierce, most un-angry fighter you’ll ever meet. Her accomplishment isn’t one of appeasing or fear of being disliked — she is just simply an infectiously inspiring person, and her unique sparkle lingers long after she leaves a room. Which is why she should be president. But we’ll get to that. Kornegay ran for Sedro-Woolley’s city council for the first time in 2008. Inspired by her degree in human services at WWU and an event around the screening of the ground-

“It takes a tough person on the inside and a gentle person on the outside. That's what a true leader is like in my opinion.” breaking documentary Represent!, she nodded to a friend who asked if she would run for office. Then she hesitated. “My biggest hesitation being that I was already feeling overwhelmed with life, but who isn’t? I finally thought I should practice what I preach and it was a perfect way to serve my community.” And serve she does. “Sometimes the fact that it’s [Sedro-Woolley] such a close community, disagreements are more personal and it’s more challenging to ‘take sides’. Because everyone pretty much knows each other, it can help but when it hurts, it can really, really hurt.” But Kornegy brings people together. “It takes a tough person on the inside and a gentle person on the outside. That's what a true leader is like in my opinion. If you are serving the people, don’t be an ass. Be as diplomatic as possible.” On KUOW earlier this year, she recounted the experience of doorbelling — neighbors, friends, strangers — everyone invited her in for tea and chatted with her. Except one man. He said he wouldn’t vote for her because she was black. Kornegay’s reaction? “I’m really going to learn something from this man. I am going to sit here and listen. I am going to learn from it, and them I’m going to use it to win this election.” What the man revealed in the conversation was his

Germaine Kornegay © John Pendleton

hatred of his own bigotry, and through mutual friends he has expressed regrets about that conversation. Luckily, Kornegy has a huge wellspring of support in Sedro-Woolley and in Skagit County — and pretty much everywhere she goes. She is a proud member of the Skagit Democrats. Earlier this year, she made the trip to the National Democratic Convention to nominate Hillary Clinton. Kornegay is the go-to campaigner for everyone from Representative Rick Larsen to School Superintendent candidate Erin Jones, and everyone in-between. Kornegay grew up in Philadelphia. Her mother cooked and delivered meals to elderly neighbors. In college, her mentor, Dr. Susan Kinkaid, highlighted the important work of social justice, and Kornegay was inspired. “I doubled my community service.” She finds herself to this day passionate about women and children, the environment, and social justice. Not only does she love to work on campaigns, she is also into roller derby, owns her own business called Animal House Pet Grooming, and raised her daughter as a single mom, “As I was raised.” Her other accomplishments include a resolution she got passed that makes spousal rape a felony in Washington State. “I received the C.E.E.D. (Center of Education, Equity, and Diversity) Award for my work in getting a resolution passed. It ended up being signed into law by Governor Inslee in 2014.” Kornegay powers through her days running her business and serving her community. Her mom is her biggest inspiration, a “hippie disco queen” who never let Kornegay feel the poverty that haunted them, who took care of neighbors, who served her own community. As for the many pleas for her to run for President of the U.S., Kornegay responds, “Hell no.” But one day, I’m pretty sure, you’ll be filling the arrow on your ballot next to her name. 

October | November 2016 35

LIFESTYLE Five Faves

ELIZABETH STATION The unofficial capitol building of the Columbia Neighborhood, Elizabeth Station keeps a huge selection of rotating beers on tap, cases of microbrew and international beer in cans and bottles, and a good selection of wines and ciders for those who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beerheads. Their food is good, and kids are welcome here. 1400 W. Holly Street, Bellingham estationbeer.com

FIVE TAPROOMS FAVES

BEST

More cozy pub than tap house, the Empire serves up a great list of beer and excellent snacks. Think sweet potato tater tots and great burgers. Kid-friendly, to boot. 314 W. Gates Street, Mount Vernon empirealehouse.com

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Best Cannabis Shop in the Northwest

OVERFLOW TAPS

SCHWEINHAUS BIERGARTEN

A novelty in our ‘burg, the Schwein is a real beer garden, complete with German flags and big steins. They keep great beer on tap and serve beerappropriate food like sausage and fries. It’s perfect for a big crew of friends who want to chill in the sun and drink some great beer. 1330 N. State St., Bellingham schweinhausbiergarten.com

GOLD

Thanks for voting us

Lynden is likely clutching some pearls over this one, but Overflow Taps is up and running. They donate a percentage of their proceeds to clean water projects in impoverished countries, and they keep a good rotating list of brews on tap. Lynden is still standing. 106 5th St., Lynden overflowtaps.com

2016

EMPIRE ALE HOUSE

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MCKAY’S TAPHOUSE AND PIZZERIA

With specialized brewery nights that highlight great breweries in the area and an excellent selection on tap, McKay’s is a great place to have a few. They also feature trivia nights, live music, and great pizza. They have a staggering tap list that includes cider and wine, so jump in and try ‘em all! Just not all at once. 1118 E. Maple Street (off Samish Way), Bellingham mckaystaphouse.com

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SHOP Savvy Shopper · Necessities · Around the Sound

Pharmacy with a ‘Furbish WRITTEN BY ASHER KING | PHOTOGRAPHED BY BECKY LINTON

early nine months after the Fairhaven Pharmacy closed its doors in 2015, partners Cameron Vail and Scott Ward have breathed new life into the location. The two men are the founders of Current and Furbish, a shop that, quite fittingly, blends new creations with older, updated pieces. “There’s something vital, vibrant and life-giving, taking the old and bringing it to new life,” Ward said. In some ways, the legacy of the pharmacy carries on. While the inside of the shop has changed, the exterior still bears some of the iconic imagery. Some of the ornate letters that once announced the building as the Fairhaven Pharmacy remain, now reminding visitors not of the shop name, but of the town they’ve entered. The names of former owners, recorded on the northern face of the building, linger on. Even the new faces bring hallmarks of the old; Vail is the son of a pharmacist, and grew up in his father’s store. “It’s that willingness to honor the memory of a community icon is something that the local community appreciates,” Ward said. ... continued on page 41

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Color and Light This issue, we celebrate bright, cheery color. A preview for our December winter fashion feature, these bright items will keep you smiling.

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Inside is a variety of utensils, linens, independently made bath toiletries, and various edible spreads, among other things. The hope is to support the community of artists, artisans and creators, both local and abroad, trying to make a living with their work. It’s fitting that Ward’s artwork lines the walls. Some of them have already been bought. For Ward, the transition between the Magnolia Neighborhood, Current and Furbish’s former location, and Fairhaven was natural. After seven months of negotiations for a newer, larger space in Magnolia, things weren’t coming together. The pair, who planned on eventually retiring to the Bellingham area, noticed that the space at the pharmacy was available and, on a whim, tossed their names in. “Within two and a half weeks, we signed the lease,” Ward said. “It felt like the right thing to do.” With the old way of doing things comes a new customer base, and a new experience for the pair. Ward explained that Magnolia can be a very exclusive community, resistant to outsiders. Fairhaven, on the other hand, with its scenic views and location to the south of the Canadian border, brings in what Ward described as a transient customer base. Unlike the shop in Magnolia, the same faces likely won’t be in the shop the following week. Debra Raden, who also works in the shop, said that the customers are what makes the experience enjoyable. Everyone who walks through the doors of Current and Furbish is friendly. The ever-changing customer base lends itself to that; travelers who come are fun to talk to, Raden said. A local who lives just up the street from the store, Raden offered to step in and help Vail, who was initially working seven days a week. So far, the community has welcomed Current and Furbish with open arms. Unlike Magnolia, where Ward said that many business owners would come just to stake out the competition, local owners in Bellingham came not just to welcome the pair, but made purchases from the store as well. For Ward, it means one thing. Bellingham is where Current and Furbish is meant to be.  …

1115 Harris Ave., Bellingham 10 A.M. to 6 P.M., Monday–Saturday 11 A.M. to 5 P.M., Sunday 360.733.3224 currentandfurbish.com

October | November 2016 41

SHOP Savvy Shopper

Something Found WRITTEN BY KATE GALAMBOS PHOTOGRAPHED BY BECKY LINTON

Something Found 1216 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.306.8430

42 NorthSoundLife.com

THE SHOP This charming space in Historic Fairhaven is packed with whismical vintage goods. Located right on Harris Avenue, the historic setting provides a perfect backdrop to the antique furniture, fun artwork, and bright fabrics. Something Found owners Jamie Schwindt and Helene Fellows keep the store well-organized and pleasing to the eye. Although there are lots of knick-knacks and collectibles, they are charmingly displayed. Jazzy music plays to top off the vintage vibe. “We’ve always said we want a place where people want to be,” Fellows said. Along with small antique pieces like tables, chairs, wardrobes, and mirrors, customers will find locally-made products and artwork. Both owners emphasized their commitment to supporting local artisans.

Savvy Shopper

SHOP

After hitting it off as friends, the two women decided to go into to business together to bring Fairhaven a store that meshes the old and new. When the space on Harris Avenue became available, the two jumped on it and quickly signed the lease. “I think our husbands thought we were crazy,” Schwindt said with a laugh. Just a couple weeks later Schwindt and Fellows had the store up and running in time for the Ski to Sea Race.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND

Feminine and bright.

Stop into Something Found for a gift or a new accent piece for your home. Small cards, handmade soaps, and vintage jewelry all make for great gifts. The antique furniture is clearly meticulously chosen. Each table, chair, and bookshelf has been well-cared for regardless of its age. Customers will also find smaller antiques like glassware, candelabras, and book ends that would add a feminine touch to any space.

KEY PEOPLE

OWNER’S FAVORITE

Co-owners Jamie Schwindt and Helene Fellows met through their daughters’ gymnastics classes and have gotten along ever since. The store is truly a reflection of both of their styles. “It’s how we live,” Fellows said. Everything from the beauty products to the artwork are pieces that the two owners personally love. The store is a collection of things the women would have in their own homes.

Both owners love anything colorful and bright. "Anything with birds too," both women agreed. Since the store itself is so eclectic, they had a hard time naming just one item. Local artisans have really put their heart and souls into all the products customers will find at Something Found. “We are hunter-gatherers at heart and we are enjoying our new adventure,” they said. 

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WELLBEING Menu · Spa Review · Races & Runs · Beauty

Five Minutes to Fresh and Fabulous WRITTEN BY SHANNON MERCIL

aise your hand if you have more than an hour a day to do your makeup? Okay, now if your hand is raised, then use it to keep turning pages because this tutorial is not for you. (You’re an everyday “glamazon,” and I completely admire and respect you for that). As for the rest of us, take heart. It’s possible to look fresh and fabulous even if you are short on time. I don’t know about you, but the last time I left the house, I was in such a hurry I didn’t realize I put on mismatched ankle boots before I walked out the door! If you are like me, you may be balancing parenting, a demanding career, and other responsibilities and obligations. This article is for you. You are not alone, my friends! … continued on the next page

WELLBEING Beauty

2 3

…

I want to share with you the tools and tricks you need to create a fresh, fabulous, and finished look in five minutes flat. For these two looks, I’ve included budget conscious and natural product alternatives. Meet Andrea, a 25-year-old dental assistant who says her biggest makeup challenge is covering up dark circles. Her skin type is normal to dry. She describes her approach to makeup as “one extreme or the other.” Andrea said, “I either get glammed up completely, or I wear absolutely nothing. I would really like to learn how to do a makeup look that is natural that just makes me feel like an enhanced version of myself.” After her makeup demonstration, Andrea said, “This is perfect, I love how natural it is, and that the lips are a stain. I feel very girly and fresh. This is definitely something I could do in five minutes!”

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46 NorthSoundLife.com

Photos Courtesy © Shannon Mercil / Photographer Bree Brown

Beauty

WELLBEING

STEP 1: COVER

STEP 3: CONTOUR

STEP 5: CURL

For normal to dry skin, apply small dabs of foundation to your forehead, nose, and cheeks. Then, blend with a synthetic sponge in a downward motion. Use a slight stippling (patting) motion for added coverage. We used MAC Studio Waterweight Foundation ($33). Almay Smart Shade CC Cream ($10) is a great alternative. My favorite sponge used to be the Original Beautyblender ($20) until I discovered Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge ($5), which we used here. This sponge gives your skin a nearly airbrushed finish; it’s amazing!

Use a bronzer to achieve an easy contoured effect in a minimal amount of time. For dry skin, I recommend applying a cream bronzer with a brush to the top of the forehead and under the cheekbone, along the jaw line and subtly to both sides of the nose. A synthetic brush is best when working with cream blushes or bronzers, as natural hair brushes tend to soak up cream products. We used Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer ($11) in warm tan. This product is an excellent alternative for Chanel Bronze Universel ($48). I honestly can’t tell the difference, and who doesn’t love a deal?

Curling your eyelashes is optional, but do consider including this step if you have straight lashes. Start at the base of the lash where your lid meets the root and apply gentle but firm pressure. Hold for two seconds and move up the lash curler just a touch and repeat for another two seconds.

STEP 2: CONCEAL AND HIGHLIGHT For dark under eye shadows, try IT Cosmetics Eyelift In A Tube ($29). It allows you to use one end to conceal and the other to apply a gorgeous, semi-dewy highlight. Use the applicator by applying the “Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer” from the inner corner, covering any shadowy areas and blemishes, to the sides of the nose. Next use the “Hello Light Liquid Brightener” under the eye, on top of the cheekbone, and up to the temple in the center of the forehead. Also apply above the center of your top lip. Then fully blend using a stippling motion with your sponge. Available at a fraction of the price, e.l.f. Studio Under Eye Concealer and Highlighter ($3) works similarly.

STEP 4: BROWS Naturally full looking brows hit the runway this season, so tinted brow gels are the way to go. Select a shade that matches your brow color, or one that is a few shades darker if your brows are naturally blonde. We chose to warm up Andrea’s brows slightly with Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel ($22) in auburn. Comb the brow tint upward through the brows and then gently lay the hairs down at the top combing toward the outward corner. Replicate the look with NYX Cosmetics Tinted Brow Mascara ($9).

STEP 6: SHADOW With your pointer finger, sweep a neutral cream shadow from lid to crease and blend softly onto the brow bone just above the crease. Andrea is wearing MAC Indianwood Paint Pot ($22.) For a less expensive alternative try Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Cream Shadow ($6) in “Bad to the Bronze.”

STEP 7: MASCARA For full lashes in a hurry, sweep one or two coats of a volumizing mascara from root to tip on the top and bottom lashes. I love Maybelline Pumped Up! Colossal Volum’Express ($6).

STEP 8: LIP AND CHEEK Want a fresh look? Use the applicator to stripe a line of Benefit Posietint ($30) cheek stain just above your cheek contour on the apples of your cheek. Pat and blend. Next, apply the stain to your lips and blend with your fingertip. For a less expensive alternative try Etude House Fresh Cherry Tint ($8). For a glossy texture, add a dab of gloss to the center of your lips. 

October | November 2016

OF THE

SILVER

of the

2015

BEST

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

ARE YOU IN PAIN? we can help, the Natural Way

• Body aches & Pain • Motor vehicle accidents • Old injuries • Work, sport and play • Headaches injuries

Thank you to all our loyal clients for their continued support over the years, we are thrilled to be recognized year after year and could not do it without you!

Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Mt Vernon, Anacortes and Everett 360.671.1710 | Naturalwaychiro.org

Special Advertising

WELLBEING

The Power of Gratitude WRITTEN BY TINA L KIES

ach morning, as the clock strikes 11 AM, you can count on one thing – approximately a dozen long-term residents positioning themselves comfortably around the long banquet style table in the main recreation room at Shuksan Healthcare Center, a rehabilitation facility located in the York neighborhood of Bellingham. The daily routine of “current events” is an anticipated activity that affords camaraderie, social interaction, and often times, objectively candid commentary from the group of elders; many of whom have resided in the Bellingham community for decades. Of late, a new activity has found its way into their morning routine – weekly gratitude journaling. Spurred by research conducted on ways to bring life to their residents, the concept of gratitude journaling is not novel to Shuksan. Previous studies have demonstrated just how powerful the act of practicing gratitude can be for seniors, improving emotional and physical well-being. In an ongoing study conducted by Robert Ammons of UC Davis, the world’s leading expert on gratitude, it was found that seniors who kept weekly gratitude journals experienced fewer physical symptoms, exercised more, enjoyed a better outlook on life, were more likely to reach their goals, and felt more connected. “At Shuksan, our caregivers and managers are encouraged to treat the whole person, not just the ailment,”

said Shannon Richardson, Shuksan’s Administrator. “And while we’ve always tried to provide our residents with care in this manner, we’re now looking at alternative approaches to truly touch the psyche of our residents. We want residents to feel happiness, fulfillment and connectivity during their time with us.” When approached with the idea of gratitude journaling, Shuksan’s resident council members were curious – curious about the purpose, the process and the outcomes. After some discussion, it was agreed upon that it would be presented to the larger group and implemented on a trial basis. The residents felt encouraged by the opportunity to feel and express their levels of gratitude; to reflect each week on the positives that they had experienced rather than the negatives. They felt as if they were being heard, seen and appreciated.

“We want residents to feel happiness, fulfillment and connectivity during their time with us.” — Shannon Richardson Time will tell if the residents of Shuksan Healthcare Center will experience the documented benefits of practicing gratitude as the individuals in Ammons’ study did more than a decade ago, but it would seem contradictory to assume otherwise. “Reflecting on our own gratitude and how our behaviors project onto the

care we provide our residents is an invaluable practice,” Richardson added. “Even if this new activity effects only one resident for the better, it will have been worth it. It’s our duty as caregivers to try.” With the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching, perhaps the notion of ‘giving thanks’ has been on your mind. Society has commercialized this holiday in a way that idealizes the feel -good emotion that practicing gratitude provides. But, so often the true powers of the act aren’t promoted. Why should you feel gratitude? How will practicing gratitude change your attitude and the way you live your life? It’s not an act that should be embraced once annually, but daily. It doesn’t take a scientific study to demonstrate that gratitude is good – good for our bodies, our minds and our relationships. It allows us to celebrate our current situations, resist negative emotions, reduces stress and enhances our level of self-worth. Shuksan Healthcare Center recognizes this and that the overall well-being of its residents—as people, not patients— is the heartbeat of its profession, the rehabilitation of our community’s elders.

Shuksan Healthcare Center 1530 James Street Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-9161 www.shuksanhealthcare.com

WELLBEING Nutrition

The Vegetable that Changed My Life WRITTEN BY SARA SOUTHERLAND

he end of summer and journey into fall is a bittersweet time in Northwest Washington. It’s easy to yearn nostalgic for long summer days, but through the falling leaves and impending dampness, there is a certain beauty in the air. And, it’s one of my favorite times of year for food, namely late summer veggies. Local jewels like beets, carrots, onions, potatoes are in their prime, and tasty favorites like tomatoes and peppers can still be seen bountifully displayed at farmers market stalls. On cool fall nights I can oft be found in the kitchen, pining over wafts of caramelized roasting veggies, and happily peering over a simmering pot of soup on the stove. When I first moved to Washington nine years ago, I jumped into a world of veggies I had never experienced before. Interestingly delicious kohlrabi, celeriac, turnips, beets, beets — beets quickly became a love of mine. Beets often get a bad rep, and growing up in Texas, I had literally had never tasted a beet that wasn’t pickled. I too was a little hesitant, but a recipe I found for a Russian beet borscht changed everything. The earthy sweetness of the beets, the starchy heartiness of the potatoes, delightful crunch of peppers, the vibrant explosion of tomato flavors, paired with the savory aromas of dill, and a dollop of smooth sour cream — it was love at first spoonful. The soup was like a revelation for me. After making it many times that first fall and perfecting the recipe to my liking, I began to share it with family and friends. I was a beet advocate and started making all things beet: beet hummus, a brilliantly pink and delicious new mainstay, beet chocolate muffins, and added roasted beets to every dish I could think of. This borscht has turned beet-haters into beet lovers, and has had everyone from ex boyfriends to roommates sweetly asking, “When are you going to make that borscht again?” with hopeful gleams in their eyes. And so, I share this with you. I encourage you to head down to the Bellingham Farmers Market next weekend to gather the ingredients (it runs every Saturday 10–3 until late December at Depot Market Square). There’s nothing quite like freshly harvested produce; it’s more flavorful, nutritious, and all the better that it’s grown in a way that’s good for the planet, while supporting the folks right here in our community. I like to make a big batch of this soup and freeze it in old yogurt containers — it freezes well and is a great soup to pull out for a quick and satisfying dinner on a chilly autumn night. Can’t beet that!  50 NorthSoundLife.com

The Best Borscht INGREDIENTS 4 medium beets, peeled and chopped into 1" cubes 2 carrots, sliced 1 bell pepper (green or purple), chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 6 Roma tomatoes, chopped into large chunks 2 potatoes, cubed 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cups cabbage, chopped 10–12 sprigs fresh dill, chopped 6 cups water, veggie stock or chicken stock Salt & pepper to taste (a liberal amount of sea salt makes this soup shine) 2 Tbsp butter, or vegan Earth Balance Optional but delicious garnish: yogurt or sour cream dollop

INSTRUCTIONS ■■ Place water and couple pinches of salt in soup pot over high heat. Add carrots, pepper, celery, beets, and potatoes and bring to a boil. Lower to medium-low heat. ■■ Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions under tender, approximately 5 minutes. Squish tomatoes with hands and stir into onion mixture, add 4 sprigs chopped dill, and reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 15 min. Stir cabbage into skillet with remaining sauce and continue simmering until tender. ■■ Add onion-tomato mixture to soup pot. Reduce heat and simmer about 10–15 minutes more. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Top with a dollop of sour cream and more fresh dill for garnish.

CUTE SHOES DESERVE

BEAUTIFUL

FEET!

Let us help you make your feet feel great and look beautiful. Whether you have bunions, hammertoes, nail fungus or other foot problems that need addressing, we will provide you with modern, informative and compassionate care to help you look good and maintain your active lifestyle.

360.738.9797

FAMILYFOOTCAREBHAM.com

Dr. Michael Sherwin 2000 Broadway, Bellingham

WELLBEING Special Advertising

Safe Driving Tips for Teens Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage in our society, a clear signal that a teen is moving towards adulthood and independence. There are also few moments in life more memorable for a parent — or filled with more mixed emotions — than handing over the keys to your new teen driver.

Consider these statistics: • Many parents don’t realize it, but the #1 threat to their teen’s safety is driving or riding in a car with a teen driver. • More than 2,000 teens lose their lives every year in car crashes. That means that six teens, ages 16–19 die every day from motor vehicle injuries (CDC). • Nearly 250,000 teens are treated in emergency departments for injuries suffered in motor vehicle crashes (CDC). • Per mile driven, teen drivers aged 16 to 19 are three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). • According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), less than one-fourth of high school students say they always wear their seat belts when another person is driving. With so many distractions, how do we teach our teens to be safe drivers? Even after getting a license, teens need to continue practicing. Professional driver’s education courses are a great place to start, but there are several things both you and your teen should continue to do.

As an adult/guardian/parent, you play a very important role and should: • Provide lots of in-car “passenger seat” supervision. • Offer your teen gentle, constructive feedback of their driving. • Set realistic goals, expectations and consequences for your teen driver. • Per mile driven, teen drivers aged 16 to 19 are three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). • Provide a safe car for teens to drive: easy to maneuver, with airbags and good tires.

Teens have responsibilities, too. Sharing these rules with them will help keep them safer on the road: ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEATBELT when driving or riding in a car. KEEP YOUR CELL PHONE OFF AND DON’T TEXT. Multiple studies indicate using a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving drunk and that texting, on average, causes a loss of focus on the road for 4.6 seconds. NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE. Alcohol is involved in nearly 35% of adolescent driver fatalities. OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT. Speeding is a major contributor to fatal teen accidents. Driving a safe speed helps ensure your well-being. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. It may be tempting to eat, drink or play music loudly while you’re cruising around town; however, all can cause your mind or vision to wander, even for a few seconds. DRIVE SOLO. Having extra passengers in your car can double the risk of causing a car accident. PRACTICE DEFENSIVE DRIVING. Always be aware of the traffic ahead, behind and next to you, and have possible escape routes in mind. Stay at least one car length behind the car in front of you in slower speeds, and maintain a larger buffer zone with faster speeds.

For an extra layer of protection for both adults and teens, consider these tips: • Car emergency kits should be inside every vehicle. They should include cable ties, a flashlight, batteries, road flares, a lighter, duct tape, a bungee cord, gloves, a screwdriver and a road safety guide. You should keep a tire gauge and spare tire in your car, as well as a jack and a lug wrench that fit your car. • Turn on your headlights. Using your headlights increases your visibility and helps other drivers see you, even when you feel like it’s light out. • It is a good idea to keep a basic first aid kit in your car.

• Make sure your teen knows exactly what to do in the event of an accident.

• Having a contract with your teen driving will also help to encourage safe driving and behavior. 

• Set a good example as an adult. If you run red and yellow lights, speed down the highway at 75 MPH, weave in and out of traffic, take chances on the road, ride the bumper of the car in front of you, scream at other drivers or exhibit other signs of road rage, you’re showing your teen that the rules don’t count — and this can be fatal.

David Pavlik, DO PeaceHealth Medical Group Pediatrics 360-738-2200 peacehealth.org/whatcom/pediatrics

52 NorthSoundLife.com

In a minute... You’re juggling it all - from work and family to hobbies and exercise. When it comes to taking care of yourself, it’s always “in a minute.” Don’t put off your health for another minute. Get the customized care you need to keep doing it all.

Annual exams n Preventive screenings n Immunizations peacehealth.org/whatcom/womens-health

WE WON! BEST EDITORIAL LAYOUT www.aclassactgallery.com Best Art Gallery

Thanks for voting for us

2016

BEST of the

NORTH

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GOLD WINNER

BEST of the

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VOTED BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP

BEST of the

2015

Bellingham Alive won Best Editorial Layout for the June-July 2015 Sea to Storefront article. This national award is presented by Western Publishing Association which represents publishing and media professionals throughout the 24 western states. We were also one of six finalists for Best City | Metropolitan Consumer Publication and Best Visitors Guide for the North Sound Life Guest Book. Thank you to our community for all your support!

BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP

NORTH WEST

701 South First Street, La Conner, Washington 360-466-1200

2016

BEST

Artists Bill Matheson, Karen Sistek, Richard Satava, Scott Chambers, and David Wight, are featured at: aclassactgallery.wordpress.com

NORTH

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TWO LOCATIONS 360.676.1210

Thank you Whatcom County! We love our Customers, Consignors and Community! Thank you for your support. â&#x2122;¥

3927 Northwest Ave.

and

northsoundlife.com

360.738.0333 2332 James St.

LOCALLY OWNED AND LOCALLY GROWN SINCE 2004

e of th

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T S BE

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WINNERS THE RESULTS ARE IN! Our readers have voted on their favorite businesses, services, restaurants, stores, and spas from Blaine to Anacortes. Looking for the go-to places to get the perfect haircut or find the best dentist? Look no further.

Octoberâ&#x20AC;&#x2030;|â&#x20AC;&#x2030;November 2016 55

ARTS

& ENTERTAINMENT

Best Art Gallery The Lightcatcher 250 Flora St., Bellingham 360.778.8930 whatcommuseum.org The Lightcatcher displays national, regional, and local artists of distinction for all of us to enjoy. The Family Interactive Gallery is a creative and thoughtful playspace for kids. We will feature their recent exhibit ColorFast in our December issue. Watch for it!

Silver Courtyard Gallery La Conner | 360.466.1200

Bronze Jansen Art Center Lynden | 360.354.3600

Best Museum Whatcom Museum 121 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.778.8930 whatcommuseum.org

Best Live Theater Mount Baker Theatre

Stately as an eighteenth century oil painting, the Whatcom Museum graces Bellingham’s downtown skyline with its beautiful red brick spire. The Museum itself often has excellent work on display, from landscape paintings to the works of great locals like Susan Bennerstrom and Tom Wood. The Syre Annex also houses historical items from our county’s past.

104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080 mountbakertheatre.com The lovingly restored and beautifully maintained Mount Baker Theatre is an iconic part of Bellingham’s skyline. A great venue for live music, from the WSO to mainstage musicals to great rock shows, the MBT is an important and beloved part of culture and arts in our community. And for good reason.

Silver SPARK Museum of Electricity

Best Casino Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 360.383.0777 silverreefcasino.com An evening of gaming, fine dining, great drinks, relaxing in the Cigar Lounge, taking in the excellent spa, or attending incredible events, Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa has everything our readers enjoy for a great weekend or after work relaxation.

Silver Tulalip Resort Casino

Bellingham | 360.738.3886

Tulalip | 360.716.6000

Bellingham | 360.305.3524

Bronze Lynden Pioneer Museum

Bronze Swinomish Casino & Lodge

Lynden | 360.354.3675

Anacortes | 888.288.8883

Bronze Bellingham Theatre Guild Bellingham | 360.733.1811

Silver iDiOM Theater

Best Live Music Venue Wild Buffalo House Of Music

2016

The Bad Tenants thebadtenants.com

Whether booking Devotchka, Snoop Dogg, Macklemore, or a great local act, Wild Buffalo keeps the tunes going. One of the best places to grab a drink and get your dance on—or just enjoy the best of live music in Bellingham. Wild Buffalo never disappoints.

Known for their rap and hip-hop with a cool low-fi soul vibe, The Bad Tenants have been getting audiences dancing from Bellingham to Seattle and beyond. Their website describes it pretty well: “The live show is memorable. See it for yourself and you’ll understand.”

Silver Mount Baker Theatre

Silver Baby Cakes

Bellingham | 360.734.6080

Bellingham | 206.818.0588

Bronze The Green Frog

Bronze The Replayzmentz

Bellingham | 360.306.8273

Birch Bay | 360.371.5436

Best Festival Ski To Sea 2227 Queen St., Bellingham 360.746.8861 skitosea.com Teams from all over the place compete to win, place, or just plain finish this wild ride through Whatcom County. Events include downhill and cross-country skiing, canoeing, road biking, mountain biking, running, and kayaking. And, of course, there is the important sport of drinking beer at It All Ends in Fairhaven, the family-friendly post-race celebration.

Silver Bellstock Bellingham | 360.676.2500

Bronze Northwest Raspberry Festival Lynden | 360.354.5995

Best Local Artist Logan McQuaig - Novato Shop & Studio 115 W. Chestnut St., Bellingham 360.306.3725 novatoshop.com Logan McQuaig is the mastermind behind Novato Shop & Studio on Chestnut Avenue in Bellingham. McQuaid creates intricate custom artwork for canvas shoes like Vans and Tom’s, baseball caps, and other clothing items. He also keeps cool items in his shop, and displays and sells work by other great local artists like Michelle Schutte and Bradley Lockhart.

Silver Ben Mann Bellingham | 360.920.4022

Bronze Whimsy Fused Glass Art Studio Custer | 360.510.3256

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

208 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.746.8733 wildbuffalo.net

Best Local Band/ Performer

Best Men’s Clothing Garys’ Men’s & Women’s Wear 128 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.733.2180 garysbellingham.com Garys’ never disappoints. Not only do they offer excellent brands and the latest fashions, the service at Gary’s is impeccable, making the sometimes awkward process of buying men’s clothing much easier. Pressed for time? They can tailor an item for you with same-day service. And if that’s not enough, they’ll get an item rushed if you have a special occasion. Approachable, friendly, and professional, the staff at Garys’ are more than just salespeople‚ they are there to ensure you are happy with your purchase.

Silver Macy’s Bellingham | 360.715.6000

Bronze Men’s Wearhouse Bellingham | 360.734.8008

FASHION &

RETAIL Best Boutique Betty Be Good Boutique 8125 Birch Bay Square St., Blaine 360.441.7691 shopbettybegood.com Betty Be Good features easygoing, flowing style with beautiful accessories and a great mission‚ to help victims of human trafficking. Every piece in Betty Be Good is priced at under $60, making it one of the most affordable stores in the area for chic, upscale fashion. Friendly service, great style, and a generous heart‚ Betty Be Good has it all.

Silver Pretty Simple Mount Vernon | 360.588.4318

Bronze Fringe Bellingham | 360.312.4067

Best Jewelry Shop

Best Consignment Shop

Ben Bridge Jewelers

Labels Women’s Consignment

Bellis Fair Mall, Bellingham 360.671.6070 benbridge.com

3927 Northwest Ave., Bellingham, 360.676.1210 2332 James St., Bellingham, 360.738.0333 labelsconsignment.com

When it comes to selecting a fine piece of jewelry, our readers trust Ben Bridge to bring them the kind of quality and personal service they expect. From gemstones to engagement rings, from diamonds to pearls, Ben Bridge has an excellent selection and great customer service to help you get exactly what you want.

When it comes to finding great consignment items in good condition and a range of sizes, our readers honor Labels with the gold. Not only does Labels have excellent choices in clothing, there’s a great selection of housewares, home decor, accessories, and shoes. You can put an entire outfit together for less than the cost of a single t-shirt at most places. They also carry excellent evening wear and accessories that are perfect for putting a great evening look together.

Silver Jewelry Affair

Ferndale | 360.366.8047

Bellingham | 360-738-7676

Bronze Wee Ones Reruns

Bronze Bayside Coin & Jewelry

Bellingham | 360.733.6794

2016

Bellingham | 360.671.7131

Best Shoe Store Mi Shoes 1315 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.715.2046 mymishoes.com Mi Shoes is where Bellingham goes to find unique shoes for great prices. Carrying brands like Seychelles and Frye, Mi Shoes is a favorite among our readers. Sandals, flats, heels, and boots‚ they have it all. The service is great, the selection fantastic, and the accessories are must-haves.

Silver 12th Street Shoes Bellingham | 360.733.2066

Bronze Hilton’s Shoes Bellingham | 360.734.3090 © Lydia Love

October | November 2016 59

FASHION & RETAIL

Silver Find Your Fashion Again

Best Bookstore Village Books 1200 11th St., Bellingham, 360.671.2626 430 Front St., Lynden, 360.526.2133 villagebooks.com Bucking the trend of most independent bookstores, Village Books prevails where others have perished; a good ol’ brickn-mortar bookstore. The secret? Village Books is more than just a place to buy books, it’s a community center for writers and readers with live readings, book clubs, and other events throughout the year. And with their new location, Village Books is bringing the good word of great reading to Lynden now, too.

Silver Barnes & Noble Bellingham | 360.647.7018

Bronze Henderson Books Bellingham | 360.734.6855

Best Craft Store Michaels 4383 Meridian St., Bellingham, 360.738.7932, michaels.com Copying that Pinterest post? Getting geared up for the holiday table? Have a great piece of artwork to frame? Michaels is our readers’ choice for the vast array of craft supplies that are available. From wedding decor to papercraft, our readers chose Michaels for the best in getting a project from concept to reality.

Silver Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts Bellingham | 360.734.8922

Bronze Dakota Art Store Bellingham | 360.676.8918

Best Antique Store Penny Lane Antique Mall 427 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.671.3301 pennylaneantiquemall.com The slogan for Penny Lane is “Come experience Penny Lane.” It’s pretty apt, because Penny Lane isn’t just an antique mall, it’s a museum, a wild curio cabinet, a furniture store, a dream attic. For our readers, it’s also the best place in town to get one-of-a-kind antiques and midcentury modern beauties. Collecting is an adventure at Penny Lane.

Silver Irongate Estate Bellingham | 360.392.8524

Bronze Aladdin’s Antiques and Records Bellingham | 360.647.0066

60 NorthSoundLife.com

2016 Best Grocery Store

Christopher & Banks

315 Westerly Rd., Bellingham, 360.734.8158 1220 North Forest St., Bellingham, 360.734.8158 405 E. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.734.8158 communityfood.coop

Bellis Fair Mall, Bellingham 360.647.6080 christopherandbanks.com With their excellent range of sizes and styles, friendly staff, and convenient location, Christopher & Banks offers a lot to shoppers. They carry casual wear, business casual, and accessories to fit any budget. If you’re looking for simple staples like shirts and trousers, there’s a lot in store. They also carry business wear and accessories. It’s a great place for all your fashion needs.

Best Sporting Goods Store

Community Food Co-op

Yeager’s Sporting Goods 3101 Northwest Ave., Bellingham 360.733.1080 yeagerssportinggoods.com

When it comes to fresh produce, high quality bulk items, supplements, hormone-free beef, wild caught salmon, great cheese, an excellent wine selection and other quality food items, the Community Food Co-op has it all. When looking for the highest quality, our nutrition-conscious readers choose the Co-op.

Yeager’s carries everything from boats to Barbies. It’s the perfect one-stop shop for the outdoor barbecue, weekend camping trip, or that big fishing adventure you’ve been planning since high school. The service and selection set this store apart. The annual sale is practically a community festival. So next time you need a flashlight or a fishing rod, stop by. Our readers recommend it.

Bellingham | 360.483.9265

Silver Haggen

Silver REI Co-op

Bronze Labels Women’s Consignment

Bellingham | 360.647.4300

Bellingham | 360.647.8955

Bronze Fred Meyer

Bronze Big 5 Sporting Goods

Bellingham | 360.676.1210

Bellingham | 360.788.2900

Bellingham | 360.671.0568

Silver Heroine Clothing

Best Produce Joe’s Gardens 3110 Taylor Ave., Bellingham 360.671.7639 joesgarden.com Nestled in Happy Valley in Bellingham, Joe’s Gardens supplies restaurants, stores, and locals with fresh produce from their ample gardens and greenhouses. The Joe’s season begins in March with bedding plants, vegetable starts, and compost. As the weather warms, Joe’s veggies and fruits come in, and the fresh flowers bloom. Every day is a new day at Joe’s as produce comes into ripeness. There’s a reason our readers love Joe’s; the service, quality, and variety of produce make it a standout.

Silver Youngstocks Bellingham | 360.733.1866

Bronze Haggen Bellingham | 360.733.4370

October | November 2016 61

FASHION & RETAIL

Best Women’s Clothing

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Best Health Food Shop Community Food Co-op 315 Westerly Rd., Bellingham, 360.734.8158 1220 North Forest St., Bellingham, 360.734.8158 406 E. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.734.8158 communityfood.coop The engaged and knowledgeable staff sets the Community Food Co-op apart from other health food stores. Questions about anything from cheese and wine pairings to herbal cold remedies can be answered by the friendly employees. Both locations are welcoming, clean, and well stocked with great produce, natural supplements, and plenty of gluten-free and vegan options. Whether you’re just grabbing a salad for lunch at the deli counter or making your weekly grocery run, the co-op provides guilt-free, natural choices.

Silver Terra Organic & Natural Foods Bellingham | 360.715.8020

Bronze Whole Foods Market Bellingham | 360.714.6820

Best Cannabis Shop 2020 Solutions 2018 Iron St., Bellingham 5655 Guide Meridian, Bellingham 360.734.2020 2020-solutions.com 2020 Solutions brings cannabis into the 21st century. The store is managed by professional staff. Customers can choose from purchasing edible treats, concentrates, or cannabis flower all at various price points. Staff members are available to answer any questions so whether you are a cannabis enthusiast or a first-timer, you’ll learn something new at every visit.

Silver Trove Cannabis Bellingham | 360.393.3459

Bronze Herbal Legends Cannabis Bellingham | 360.778.3904

62 NorthSoundLife.com

Best Pharmacy Hoagland Pharmacy 2330 Yew St., Bellingham 360.734.5413 hoaglandpharmacy.com Locally owned and serving the Bellingham community for over 35 years, Hoagland Pharmacy has exceptional customer service. Not only is the shop a well stocked retail pharmacy, but it also provides medication compounding, medical equipment, and diabetic equipment. Our readers appreciate the range of products and excellent service at Hoagland.

Silver Haggen Food & Pharmacy Bellingham | 360.671.3300

Bronze Walgreens Bellingham | 360.647.2713

Best Yoga/Pilates Studio

2016

barre3

HEALTH & BEAUTY

2210 Rimland Dr. Suite 105, Bellingham 360.922.7398 barre3.com Barre3 classes bring yoga, ballet, and pilates techniques together for a unique and effective workout. The company was started by Sadie and Chris Lincoln who wanted to create a studio workout that promotes whole-body health. Each studio workout packs a punch and will leave you sore for more than just an afternoon.

Silver 3 Oms Yoga Bellingham | 360.671.3510

Bronze Joy Of Pilates Bellingham | 360.224.1433

Best Personal Trainer

Best Physical Therapist

Lenny Olson - Bellingham Fitness

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center

1730 N. State St., Bellingham 360.733.1600 bellinghamfitness.com

2075 Barkley Blvd. Suite 200, Bellingham 360.733.4008 fyzical.com

Canadian professional wrestler Lenny Olson, also known as “Dr. Luther” is the head personal trainer at Bellingham Fitness. Our readers pledge that whatever your fitness goals, he’ll get you there.

FYZICAL approaches physical therapy differently than any other clinic. The goal at FYZICAL is to achieve overall health and wellness in order to promote the best lifestyle possible for patients. Therapists at FYZICAL are qualified, caring, and professional. Each session will leave you feeling stronger and more prepared to take advantage of an active lifestyle.

Silver Hunter Clagett - Mixed Martial Arts Bellingham | 425.418.1824

Bronze Shasonta Delmage - Live Fit Bellingham | 360.927.6942

Silver CorePhysio Bellingham | 360.752.2673

Bronze Peeples Physical Therapy Bellingham | 360.733.5155

Best Fitness Center Bellingham Fitness

Best Chiropractor

1730 N. State St., Bellingham 360.733.1600 bellinghamfitness.com

Natural Way Chiropractic

Bellingham Fitness is more than a gym. It is truly a full-service fitness and health center. Members have access to personal training, group fitness classes, nutrition counseling, tanning, and even childcare to make getting to the gym a bit easier. The facility is equipped with a large selection of modern machines, aerobic and spin rooms, spotless locker rooms, and a dry cedar sauna. Bellingham Fitness is committed to creating a positive and motivating environment for every guest.

Silver Fitness Evolution Bellingham | 360.671.4653

Bronze CrossFit X Bellingham | 360.223.2051

2000 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.671.1710 1943 Main St., Ferndale, 360.384.1396 102 Grover St. Suite 100, Lynden, 360.354.9900 1845 Riverside Dr. Suite A, Mount Vernon, 360.424.9600 1015 14th St. Suite A, Anacortes, 360.293.3223 5201 Evergreen Way Suite A, 425.257.1000 naturalwaychiro.org Nothing ruins a week like a pinched back or neck. Don’t let aches and pains slow you down. Natural Way Chiropractic has locations all the way from Everett to Bellingham and everywhere in between that make it easy to cure those pesky pains.

Silver Brad & Dana Chiropractic Bellingham | 360.733.4222

Bronze Back In Motion Chiropractic & Wellness Bellingaham | 360.647.1970

October | November 2016 63

Best Mani-Pedi

Best Spa

Best Medi-Spa

Jimmy’s Personal Care

The Chrysalis Inn & Spa

RejuvenationMD

1327 11th St., Bellingham 360.933.4268 jimmyspersonalcare.com

804 10th St., Bellingham 360.756.1005 thechrysalisinn.com

Located in historic Fairhaven, Jimmy’s Personal Care is not only clean and professional, it has a sleek and chic atmosphere. Best of all, the salon serves beer, champagne, and wine. Skip the ladies’ night out and have a relaxing girl’s day still complete with a cocktail at Jimmy’s.

With sweeping views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan islands throughout the inn, it is hard not to relax at The Chrysalis Inn & Spa. Luxurious guest rooms, delicious meals, and a full-service spa are all under one roof. After a day of massages, facials, and wraps grab a drink at the in-house Keenan’s at the Pier and you’ll never feel more relaxed.

325 E. George Hopper Rd. Suite 105, Burlington 360.982.2620 rejuvenationmedspa.com

Silver Happy Nails Bellingham | 360.671.7836

Started by Dr. Tianna Tsitsis, RejuvenationMD uses modern techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to give patients the best results. The office is conveniently located right off of I-5 in Burlington. Services include laser treatment, injectables, body contouring procedures, and skin treatments.

Silver Kucumber Skin Lounge

Bronze Le Nails

Silver Bella Body & Sol

Bellingham | 360.738.7197

Bellingham | 360.738.3854

Bellingham | 360.383.7070

Bronze LIFE Aesthetic Center

Bronze Zazen Salon Spa

Bellingaham | 360.738.3223

Bellingham | 360.715.1050

Best Men’s Haircut V’s Barbershop 414 W. Bakerview Suite 107, Bellingham 360.656.6911 vbarbershop.com V’s Barbershop takes its patrons back in time. The shop is furnished with comfortable leather chairs, classic black and white tile floors, and plenty of screens to watch the big game. Service is fast, friendly, and professional. Customers can come in for a shave, beard or moustache trim, facial, and even a shoeshine. Most of all, a clean cut comes at the affordable price of just $21.

Silver Wally’s Barber Shop

Best Massage The Chrysalis Inn & Spa 804 10th St., Bellingham 360.756.1005 thechrysalisinn.com As if the soothing atmosphere of The Chrysalis Inn & Spa isn’t enough to relax you, a massage certainly will. The spa offers a wide variety of massage options including swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, lomi lomi, craniosacral, and even a Japanese ashiatsu barefoot massage. Each option is offered as a 60- or 90- minute session. Want an even more luxurious experience? Indulge in a massage enhancement like a back scrub.

Best Salon Kaur Lounge 2124 James St., Bellingham 360.306.5317 kaurlounge.com Conveniently located in the Sunnyland neighborhood of Bellingham, Kaur Lounge is a favorite among our readers. The full-service salon offers cuts, colors, waxing, facials, eyelash extension, and much more. The salon has a trendy and fun atmosphere and delivers professional customer service.

Bellingham | 360.647.0807

Silver Massage Envy

Silver Salon Bellissima

Bronze Yondersea Men’s Grooming Lounge

Bellingham | 360.756.1100

Bellingham | 360.715.1052

Bronze Still Life Massage & Float

Bronze Shearer’s Hair Design

Bellingham | 360.312.4360

Bellingham | 360.647.2805

Bellingham | 360.733.3040

64 NorthSoundLife.com

Best Family Practitioner

Dr. Shoff Orthodontics

Karen O’Keefe MD - Bellingham Bay Family Medicine

3628 Meridian St. Suite 2B, Bellingham 7000 Guide Meridian, Lynden 6004-A Portal Way, Ferndale 360.676.1401 bellinghambraces.com Dr. Shoff Orthodontics has been trusted by residents of Bellingham, Lynden, and Ferndale for more than 25 years. The office is passionate about working together with families to address treatment plans together. With three locations and free consultations Shoff Orthodontics will put a smile on each patient’s face.

Silver Cummins Orthodontics Bellingham | 360.676.1900

2016

722 North State St., Bellingham 360.752.2865 familycarenetwork.com Dr. O’Keefe is one of the many trusted staff at Bellingham Bay Family Medicine. Although she is a family care physician, she also specializes in sports medicine. As part of the Family Care Network, Bellingham Bay Family Medicine is physician-owned and committed to the community’s well-being.

Silver Milan Banjanin MD - Associates in Family Medicine Bellingham | 360.734.4404

Bronze Darla Woolman PA-C - Northwest Gastroenterology Bellingham | 360.752.2865

Bronze Yeh Orthodontics Bellingham | 360.676.9222

Best Dentist Best OB/GYN

Dr Catherine A Smith DDS - Bellingham Bay Dental

Diane M Arvin MD

1118 Finnegan Way Suite 101, Bellingham 360.676.0760 bellinghambaydental.com

1202 Washington St., Bellingham 360.676.8212 peacehealth.org Our readers love Dr. Arvin’s friendly and professional service. Her office is conveniently located in St. Joseph PeaceHealth Medical Center among many other qualified physicians. PeaceHealth is a nonprofit Catholic health system that has been dedicated to providing affordable care to communities since its founding in 1890.

Silver Lisa A Kaepernick MD

Dr. Smith is committed to more than just delivering excellent care to her patients. She strives to develop lifelong relationships with each patient and create an office that feels comfortable rather than clinical. Dr. Smith has continued to educate herself since graduating at the top of her class at the University of Washington. She has completed advanced training for conscious sedation, cosmetic dentistry, and dental sleep medicine. Like many of us Bellinghamsters, she enjoys hiking, biking, and skiing with her family when she isn’t in the office.

Silver Scott Clough DDS Bellingham | 360.671.5800

Bellingham | 360.671.4944

Bronze Galbraith Mountain Pediatric Dentistry

Bronze Julianne H Snell ARNP

Bellingham | 360.733.7708

Bellingham | 360.671.5700

STATS & NUMBERS

107

114,647

Number of Categories

Total Number of Votes

Village Books with

2154

Single Highest Vote-Getter October | November 2016 65

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Best Orthodontist

Our mission is simple:

PERSONAL CARE SPA

1327 - 11th St.

Provide the means for members to achieve their dreams.

BEST

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Thank you for voting us!

All natural products – Vegan & Ozonated Water Systems

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Now serving beer, wine and champagne

WEST

Full Mani/Pedi $50

GOLD

($60 Value)

Monday & Tuesday Only. Not Valid With Any Other Offer.

Exp. 11/30/2016

360.933.4268 • JimmysPersonalCare.com

7PARTY

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BONW2016.EventBrite.com

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Friday October 14th 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.

2016

Best Naturopath

The Willows

Dr. Emily Sharpe ND

3115 Squalicum Pkwy., Bellingham 360.671.7077 thewillowsbellingham.com

1707 F St., Bellingham 360.734.1560 doctorsharpe.com

Beautifully furnished apartments, convenient location, and dependable staff; The Willows is much more than a retirement facility. Residents have a number of assistance options depending on their needs. The facility is complete with event rooms, salon, concierge service, and a fully equipped security system. Whatever your needs, The Willows offers plentiful options.

Dr. Sharpe finds the most success in preventative care. Rather than focusing solely on the effects of a condition, she looks at the causes to create an effective treatment plan. Although she sees patients for all sorts of issues, Dr. Sharpe specializes in fatigue, weight loss, thyroid, gastrointestinal, allergies, hormonal, and menopausal issues. Through diet, nutrition, and herbal supplements Dr. Sharpe approaches disease holistically.

Silver Joseph Wessels Jr. ND

Silver The Leopold Retirement Residence

Bellingham | 360.734.9500

Bellingham | 360.733.3500

Bronze Dr. Sarah F Garrett ND

Bronze Parkway Chateau

Bellingham | 360.676.1285

Bellingham | 360.639.4829

Best Eye Care Northwest Eye Clinic 3015 Squalicum Pkwy. Suite 260, Bellingham 360.733.4800 northwesteyeclinic.com Trusted since 1952, Northwest Eye Clinic is a full-service office complete with an on-site optical shop with many styles to choose from. The clinic is equipped for treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration. It conveniently accepts a long list of insurance providers including Medicaid and Medicare. Whether you’re seeking treatment, in need of surgery, or just looking to freshen up your specs, Northwest Eye Clinic will point you in the right direction.

Silver Fairhaven Vision Clinic Bellingham | 360.733.1190

Bronze Mt. Baker Vision Clinic Bellingham | 360.733.1720

October | November 2016 67

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Best Retirement Facility

Best Landscaper Borrowed Ground 1336 E. Hemmi Rd., Everson 360.927.4469 borrowedground.com Experienced mason Russ Beardsley and his team work with stone to create beautiful stairways, garden walls, patios, planters, sculptural landscape focal points, and more. Beardsley specializes in dry masonry, in which stones are stacked without mortar. Although primarily based in Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Island, and Snohomish Counties, the team is willing to travel further for projects.

Silver Whatcom Lawns Inc Bellingham | 360.354.5124

Bronze Whatcom Landscapes Lynden | 360.398.9461

Best Landscape Design The Philbin Group Landscape Architecture P.O. Box 30767, Bellingham 360.766.4333 thephilbingroup.com The talented designers at The Philbin Group artfully craft spaces tailored to each client’s taste and style. No matter the size and scope of your project, the team is more than equipped to make the most out of your space. The group creates designs for residences, businesses, historical renovations, environmental conservation, and more.

Silver Erin Landscaping & Masonry Bellingham | 360.312.4509

Bronze Moceri Construction Inc Bellingham | 360.671.3381

HOME &

GARDEN

68 NorthSoundLife.com

Best Real Estate Agent

Judd & Black Appliance

Chet, Gina, & Jess Kenoyer

2001 James St., Bellingham, 360.733.7722 2520 Cedardale Rd., Mt. Vernon, 360.336.6515 1315 State Ave., Marysville, 360.659.0822 3001 Hewitt Ave., Everett, 425.258.2591 16521 Highway 99, Lynnwood, 425.742.2233 juddblack.com

515 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.676.9229 kenoyers.com

Judd and Black Appliance combines big chain store convenience with family-owned customer service. The locally owned company has six locations throughout Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom counties all with large showrooms, helpful staff, and affordable prices. Additionally, each store offers delivery and professional installation of all products, taking the stress out of purchasing new appliances.

Silver DeWaard & Bode Bellingham | 360.733.5900

Bronze Lowe’s Home Improvement Bellingham | 360.734.2659

2016

As a Bellingham native with over 40 years of real estate experience under his belt, it’s no wonder Chet Kenoyer is a favorite among our readers. Along with his daughter and son, Gina and Jess, the Kenoyers have hit the top one percent in sales in Whatcom County year after year. Passion for negotiation combined with excellent knowledge of the region makes the Kenoyers unique among Whatcom County real estate agents.

Silver Kathy Stauffer Bellingham | 360.815.4718

Bronze Danne Neill Bellingham | 360.303.4428

Best Kitchen & Bath Designer DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen 3311 Northwest Ave., Bellingham 360.738.8525 lyndenhomeremodeling.com From small touch-ups to major renovations, the team at DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen knows exactly how to create a new kitchen with you that is ontime and under budget. Our readers appreciate the customer service and personal touch that goes into each project. In addition to kitchen and bath remodeling, DreamMaker also offers cabinet refacing, commercial remodels, and general contracting.

Silver Legacy Kitchen & Bath Lynden | 360.354.1985

Bronze Domistyle Design Bellingham | 360.756.0296

Best Garden/Nursery Garden Spot Nursery 900 Alabama St., Bellingham 360.676.5480 garden-spot.com Whether you’re an experienced gardening pro or you find yourself lacking that green thumb, the friendly staff at Garden Spot Nursery can help. The nursery offers classes on a variety of topics a couple times each month and has been a favorite among our readers for a number of years. Giving back to the community is a cornerstone at Garden Spot. Owner Marcy Plattner gives her time to talk to local organizations about green practices, during the holiday season the nursery partners with the Bellingham Boys and Girls Club for a Christmas tree sale, and customers are encouraged to drop off old garden pots to be recycled at Garden Spot.

Silver My Garden Nursery Bellingham | 360.366.8406

Bronze Joe’s Gardens Bellingham | 360.671.7639

October | November 2016 69

HOME & GARDEN

Best Appliance Store

Kitchen & Bath Design Furniture & Interior Design Home Design | New & Remodel Compassionate · Professional · Local

At Cascade Hypnosis Center we help people every day do amazing things that have lasting results — like lose weight, remove unwanted habits and behaviors, and feel better.

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2016

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WINNER 6 consecutive years!

Award-winning Residential Design Hypnotherapist Erika Flint, BCH, A+CPHI

Jan Hayes, CMKBD • Thea Stephens, CAPS, CGP

360.392.8723

CascadeHypnosisCenter.com 103 E. Holly St., Suite 403 • Bellingham

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1959.

Jack & Michelle Johnson

When it comes to servicing and repairing your garage doors and openers, no one does it better than Overhead Door. No matter what brand or model... from simple tune-ups and repairs to full replacement and upgrades...trust the experts at Overhead Door to get the job done right – right away. 202 Ohio St., Bellingham, WA | (360) 734-5960 | ohdbellingham.com

Best Builder

Best Architect

Jennifer Ryan Design

Chuckanut Builders LLC

Zervas Architects

2100 G St., Bellingham 360.733.9519 jenniferryandesign.com

1326 N. State St., Bellingham 360.734.3201 chuckanutbuilders.com

Jennifer Ryan has been in the interior design business since 1984, after earning her degree in graphic design and fashion illustration. Her work has been widely showcased in publications and on HGTV. From simple backsplashes to major bathroom overhauls, Ryan is known for finding imaginative solutions for common design problems.

Chuckanut Builders is about much more than creating quality finished products. The company prides itself on sourcing products and resources locally, treating their employees exceptionally well, and using green designs. As a green builder, Chuckanut is selective about the materials and techniques they use for each and every project. Projects include both residential and commercial spaces, exterior or interior.

209 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.734.4744 zervasgroup.com

Silver Domistyle Design

2016

Serving Washington since 1961, Zervas has been a leader or design in the Pacific Northwest for decades. Notable projects include the Pickford Film Center, Whatcom Transportation Authority’s downtown Bellingham station, and Wade King Elementary. Zervas’ projects range from public and business buildings to single and multi-family dwellings.

Bellingham | 360.756.0296

Silver DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen

Silver Haven Design Workshop

Bronze Spiral Studios

Bellingham | 360.558.3171

Ferndale | 360.527.2840

Bellingham | 360.202.0635

Bronze Cribbs Construction Inc

Bronze Tim Faber Architect LLC

Bellingham | 360.671.0584

Lynden | 360.810.5545

Best Home Decor Greenhouse 1235 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham 360.676.1161 greenhousehome.com Conveniently located in downtown Bellingham, Greenhouse always has something new and fun to brighten up the home. Whether they’re shopping for large furniture pieces or just the right decorative touch, Greenhouse is the favorite among our readers for fine home furnishings, gifts, and more.

Silver Grandiflora Home & Garden Lynden | 360.318.8854

Best Place to Buy Furniture Samuel’s Furniture 1904 Main St., Ferndale 360.384.3388 samuelsfurniture.com Samuel’s is more than just a furniture store. In addition to a beautifullystocked showroom, Samuel’s offers free interior design and delivery service. Since 1991, the store has been serving Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish counties, as well as parts of Western Canada. Their selection offers options for customers with all sorts of budgets.

Silver Wilson’s Furniture

Bronze Re-Feather Your Nest

Ferndale | 360.384.8900

Mount Vernon | 360.755.3126

Bronze Griffith Furniture Inc Bellingham | 360.734.3730

Best Hardware Store Hardware Sales 2034 James St., Bellingham 360.734.6140 hardwaresales.net Hardware Sales is practically a household name for Bellingham residents. Family owned since 1962, the store is truly a cornerstone of Bellingham. The staff are known for their expansive knowledge on all things home improvement. Beyond friendly customer service, the store is extremely well-stocked and employees always offer to order a product if for some reason they don’t carry it.

Silver Ace Hardware Bellingham | 360.933.4686

Bronze Builders Alliance Bellingham | 360.738.9000

HOME & GARDEN

Best Interior Design

FOOD & DRINK

Best Pizza La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza 200 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham 360.647.0060 lafiamma.com La Fiamma is named for the flame in the wood fire oven that bakes the dough to crisp perfection. The ingredients are sourced as locally as possible. The pizzas are as delicious as they are inventive. Not only does La Fiamma have great pizza, they also serve fresh salads and great soups. They’ve created a great cocktail menu, their sandwiches are excellent, and the desserts are heavenly. Have a seat on the deck, watch the sun set, and enjoy a great evening of pizza, drinks, and fun.

Silver Cicchitti’s East Coast Pizza Bellingham | 360.820.5333

Bronze FatPie Pizza Bellingham | 360.366.8090

Best Fish & Chips Fairhaven Fish & Chips 1020 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.733.5021 The cheerful red double-decker bus in Fairhaven is more than just a cute piece of atmosphere — it’s also home of our readers’ favorite fish and chips. Served with slaw and traditional malt, the golden delicious pieces of halibut or cod (your choice) are amazing, and the “chips” are perfect. They also serve fried chicken for the fish-shy. The patio is a great place to eat and watch Fairhaven stroll by.

Silver Nicki’s Bella Marina Bellingham | 360.332.2505

Bronze JoFish Seafood & Grill Lynden | 360.922.0187

2016 FOOD & DRINK

Best Food Truck StrEAT Food 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.770.9052 streatfood.com The crispy burger, meatloaf tacos, and pitas are all excellent. You can’t go wrong with StrEAT Food, which not only operates a food truck (check their website for locations for the week), but also a café in the Fairhaven Ferry Terminal. For fresh, fast, and delicious, go for StrEAT. They also cater, so book them for your events and invite us and all of our readers who love them, okay?

Silver Hot Mess Bellingham | 360.599.8852

Bronze Deli’cious Mischief Bellingham | 360.220.3662

Best Italian D’Anna’s Cafe Italiano 1317 N. State St., Bellingham 360.714.0188 dannascafeitaliano.com Fresh pasta is hard to come by in our area, but luckily, D’Anna’s is creating some of the best fresh pasta around. Not only do they have the Italian classics, they also serve meat and fish dishes that are excellent. The Fellini-themed dining room is spacious and charming, and the staff is gracious and professional. A great place for a quiet night out, or a big night alla familia.

Silver Mambo Italiano Cafe Bellingham | 360.734.7677

Bronze Giuseppe’s Al Porte Ristorante Italiano Bellingham | 360.714.8412

Best Sushi Kuru Kuru Sushi 11 Bellwether Way, Bellingham 360.392.8224 kurukurubellingham.com Kuru Kuru is Japanese for round-and-round, which makes sense at this conveyor belt sushi spot. The dishes are color-coded, so you pull off whatever you like and the server will tally your plates at the end. Sound simple? Exactly. It is. Conveyor belt sushi is designed for busy business lunches in which you have to be in, full, and out quickly. No waiting for a server to bring you another glass of water, or long wait for the check. But all that convenience doesn’t mean a dip in quality. Our readers deem Kuru Kuru the best, and they know things.

Silver Wasabee Sushi Bellingham | 360.223.9165

Bronze Blue Fin Sushi Bellingham | 360.752.2583

October | November 2016 73

Best New Restaurant EAT Restaurant 1200 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham 360.306.3971 4u2eat.com Though Chef Truglas and his partner Amberleigh Brownson aren’t new to the area food scene, EAT is a new venture that made waves this year by opening in a prime location (the old Shrimp Shack) and bringing farmfresh ingredients to the table. French with a local twist, EAT has become an instant classic, one of those new places you though had been here all along.

Silver The Filling Station Bellingham | 360.715.1839

Bronze Cosmos Bistro Bellingham | 360.255.0244

Best Sandwich Avenue Bread HQ & Bakery, 2020 Humboldt St., Bellingham Downtown Café, 1313 Railroad Ave., Bellingham James Street Café, 2301 James St., Bellingham Fairhaven 1135 11th Ave., Fairhaven Lynden Café, 444 Front St., Lynden 360.715.3354 avenuebread.com The best sandwiches begin with great bread, and this is where Avenue shines. Their bread’s perfection lends their sandwiches a kind of quality you can’t find anywhere else. Add to that great bread some fresh ingredients, and you’re there — a great sandwich. In addition, Avenue also serves excellent scones, muffins, cookies, and other baked goods. For a morning treat, try their signature egganue, an English muffin-egg sandwich that is so good. Our readers agree.

Silver Cafe Rumba Bellingham | 360.746.8280

Bronze Old World Deli © Diane Padys

FOOD & DRINK

2016

Bellingham | 360.738.2090

EST. 2014

DISCOVER Your Passion! B E L L I N G H A M WA

Enroll now in Community & Continuing Education classes Photography • Food, Wine & Craft Beer • Chuckanut Writers Road Trips • Art • Dance • Hobbies & Crafts COMMUNITY COLLEGE

HOURS: Tues–Fri: 3pm–close Sat–Sun: 10am–2pm, 3pm–close

Craft Food & Cocktails

1145 N. State Street Bellingham 360.746.6130 rockrye.com

www.whatcomcommunityed.com • 360.383.3200

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Come in for a tasting! Vodka • Gin • Apple Brandy

GOLD

To all of you, from all of us at Hardware Sales – Thank you for supporting our family business and for voting us #1! – Jerry & Ty McClellan & LaDonna George

Authentic Farm to Glass Experience 6140 Guide Meridian 360-318-7720 | bellewooddistilling.com

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In gratitude-Our Clients, Chef Justin & Fresh Pacific Northwest Cuisine!

(360) 223-4900 | cravecatering.net

One of the Pacific Northwest’s premier hardware suppliers still remains independently owned and operated since 1962. Providing excellent customer service is not what we do, it’s who we are. www.hardwaresales.net Main Store: 360.734.6140 2034 James St. 98225 Exit 254 Rentals & Office Furniture on King St.

Best Chef Justin Hawkinson Crave Catering 360.223.4900 crave.softwireweb.net

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Thank you for your votes!

GOLD

Jennifer Ryan • www.JenniferRyanDesign.com • w 360.733.9519 • c 360.319.7092

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Known for their excellent customer service and high customer satisfaction, Crave also delivers on something else that is really important in catering — great food! Owners Pamela Felke, Thomas Sandblom, and chef Justin Hawkinson source the freshest, best ingredients for their delicious meals. Whether you’re hosting the family reunion or throwing a wedding for 350, needing a table of appetizers or a buffet, Crave can take care of all of your needs.

Silver Mataio Gillis - Ciao Thyme Bellingham | 360.733.1267

Bronze Dan Van Norman 13Moons Anacortes | 360.588.3800

Best Steak The Steakhouse At The Silver Reef 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 866.383.0777 silverreefcasino.com

CONCRETE FINISHING BY FORREST HOUGEN www.concreteﬁnishingbyforresthougen.com

360.671.5756

Chef Tom Hull understands steak. He’s made a career of perfecting the art of selecting, preparing, and serving the best steaks in the area. Not only are the steaks at Silver Reef incredible, the appetizers, drinks, and sides are excellent, too. The service is perfection, the atmosphere elegant, and the food unbeatable.

Silver Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse Bellingham | 360.384.7070

Bronze Herb Niemann’s Steakhouse Everson | 360.966.2855

76 NorthSoundLife.com

2016

Best Cocktail

FOOD & DRINK

Redlight 1017 N. State St., Bellingham redlightbellingham.com One step in the door, and you can tell that Redlight has an artist’s touch. The space was an old butcher shop, and the original meat hooks are on the walls. The exposed brick and dark tones of the wood make it a great place to gather a few friends and enjoy the excellent drinks. The cocktails are particularly creative, fresh, and balanced, and the large windows give you a street view of the antics of North State. Live music, good food, and stellar service are also big features in this cool spot.

Silver The Temple Bar Bellingham | 360.676.8660

Bronze Scotty Browns Bellingham | 360.306.8823

Best Happy Hour Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill 7 Bellwether Way, Bellingham 360.527.3473 anthonys.com The view, the excellent happy hour specials, the fresh cocktails, excellent wine selection, great beers — Hearthfire is the go-to for a great happy hour. The service is friendly, the patio has a fantastic view, and the food is top-notch. The ribs are particularly tender. Happy hour here is lively — you can feel the work day’s stress melting off of everyone. The service is always courteous and professional. For a good view and great deal, our readers choose Anthony’s Hearthfire.

Silver Culture Cafe At Kombucha Town Bellingham | 360.746.6558

Bronze The Loft At Latitude Forty Eight Five Bellingham | 360.306.5668 © Lydia Love

October | November 2016 77

Best Brewery Kulshan Brewing Company 2238 James St., Bellingham, 360.389.5348 K2 1538 Kentucky St., Bellingham, 360.389.5348 kulshanbrewery.com Beer culture is a big deal in our area, and new breweries are opening on a regular basis, barely keeping up with our thirst. Nothing says Bellingham like an afternoon wiled away in the front courtyard of Kulshan after a long bike ride. Our readers set Kulshan apart for the complexity and craft of their great ales and lagers. With complex, forward flavors and a great selection, Kulshan never disappoints. Whether you’re chillin’ on James or tucked away at K2 on Kentucky, the beer in your glass is sure to be some of the best of its kind.

Silver Boundary Bay Brewery Bellingham | 360.647.5593

Bronze Aslan Brewing Company Bellingham | 360.393.4106

Best Distillery BelleWood Distilling 6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden 360.318.7720 bellewooddistilling.com To understand how each magnificent bottle of BelleWood is created, they offer a farm-to-glass distillery tour. If that’s too much education interrupting your drinking, then just grab a bottle. They offer fine brandy, gin, and vodka, much of which is distilled from their own fruit on the farm. BelleWood is more than a farm, it’s a community gathering place and farm center. A great place to have a great lunch, taste some great spirits, and relax among the orchards.

Silver Chuckanut Bay Distillery Bellingham | 360.738.7179

Bronze Mount Baker Distillery Bellingham | 360.734.3301 78 NorthSoundLife.com

Best Bar & Lounge

Best Winery

Poppe’s 360

Samson Estates Winery

714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham 360.392.6520 thelakewayinn.com

1861 Van Dyk Rd., Everson 360.966.7787 samsonestates.com

Great food and perfectly crafted cocktails make Poppe’s a favorite in town. The atmosphere is intimate without being stuffy, and the patio is a great place to relax and enjoy a cocktail with friends. The bartenders at Poppe’s are well trained and offer great service. All the juices and syrups for their craft cocktails are made in-house, which means your drink is fresh and delicious every time.

Family owned Samson produces fine reds and whites in both varietals and dessert styles. The Oro hazelnut dessert wine is spectacular, as is the framboise raspberry. Their cassis is perfect for an artisan kir, and the Blu is great for dressing up any dessert. Their varietal wines are Samson, their dessert wines are Delilah. Delilah comes in blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry. Nestled in the foothills in Everson, Samson is a beautiful estate with a friendly tasting room. A great place to visit on a lazy afternoon.

2016

Silver Redlight

Bronze Vartanyan Estate Winery

Bellingham

Bellingham | 360.756.6770

Bronze Scotty Browns Bellingham | 360.306.8823

Best Wine Shop Seifert & Jones 19 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.393.3271 sjwinemerchants.com Ted Seifert and Diane Jones have been in the wine business a long time, and boy do they know their stuff. Looking for the perfect wine to serve with a mixed grill? Halibut? A good ceviche? They can tell you. The prices are excellent, and the location is so convenient and they have wines you can’t find at a typical grocery store. Seifert and Jones are approachable folks, always professional and friendly, and they really take the intimidation out of purchasing a good bottle (or two, or a dozen) of wine. They can help with anything from a hostess gift to a big event, and all with a smile. They also host tastings and wine events throughout the year, so watch for those.

Silver Artifacts Cafe & Wine Bar Bellingham | 360.778.2101

Bronze Vinostrology Wine Lounge & Merchants Bellingham | 360.656.6817

October | November 2016 79

FOOD & DRINK

Silver Dynasty Cellars Bellingham | 360.758.2958

Best Coffee Shop Woods Coffee HQ: 191 18th St., Lynden 360.933.1855 woodscoffee.com Woods Coffee is one of the most successful locally owned businesses in the area, as our passion for coffee is never outpaced by new coffee shops. Woods has its own roastery and bakery, ensuring the freshness of their products. With 19 convenient locations (and growing) Woods seems to be gaining steam. The service is friendly, the Northwestinspired décor is cozy, and the coffee is stellar.

Silver Caffe Adagio Bellingham | 360.671.1198

Bronze The Black Drop Coffee House Bellingham | 360.738.3767 Latte Art © Erin of Sehome Woods

Best Tea/Herb Shop The Spice Hut 131 W. Kellogg Rd., Bellingham 360.671.2800 thespicehut.com

Best Bakery/Dessert Shop Pure Bliss 1424 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham 360.739.1612 pureblissdesserts.com Cakes, cupcakes, cookies, tortes, muffins — Pure Bliss is pure heaven for dessert fans. The cakes are moist without being greasy, the cookies are crisp-fresh, and everything is fresh from the oven. Pure Bliss also does wonderful cakes for special occasions like birthdays, graduations, and oh yes, weddings. Our readers love Pure Bliss, and we’re sure you will, too.

Take a step inside and inhale — the scent of cardamom, garam masala, curries, and teas is intoxicating. You’ve entered one of the finest spice shops this side of Seattle. Whether you’re seeking out a spice rub or a perfect tea blend for a winter’s night, they have everything you need. They also carry a wide array of tea and cooking accoutrements. The owners and staff are so friendly and helpful, with loads of good information about all of their products. Their products are Non-GMO certified, organic, and always top quality.

Silver Mount Bakery

Silver Wonderland Tea & Spices

Bellingham | 360.715.2195

Bellingham | 360.733.0517

Bronze Avenue Bread

Bronze Living Earth Herbs

Bellingham | 360.739.3200

Bellingham | 360.734.3207

80 NorthSoundLife.com

Best International Cuisine

2016

Mykonos Greek Restaurant

FOOD & DRINK

1650 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.715.3071 mykonosrestaurantbellingham.com With a varied menu full of Greek specialties, Mykonos has been a local favorite for years. This year, it’s our readers’ favorite. The Kota Psiti is a standout — tender chicken perfectly spiced and roasted. Other favorites include the Moussaka, rack of lamb, and steaks.

Silver Busara Thai Cuisine Bellingham | 360.734.8088

Bronze Soy House Bellingham | 360.393.3585

Best Mexican Restaurant Jalapeños Family Mexican Restaurant & Lounge 2945 Newmarket Place, Bellingham, 360.778.2041 501 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.671.3099 1007 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.656.6600 jalapenos-wa.com With three very convenient locations, great service, and excellent food, it’s no surprise that Jalapeños makes our list on a regular basis. Ample portions, great dishes, and fresh ingredients make Jalapeños a favorite. From the simple chips and salsa to the excellent enchiladas, the food is always well prepared and reasonably priced. And don’t forget the margaritas — the Big Mama and Big Papa will definitely meet your need for serious tequila.

Silver El Agave Mexican Restaurant Bellingham | 360.676.0340

Bronze El Gitano Mexican Restaurant Bellingham | 360.714.1065

Best Burger Boomer’s Drive-In 310 N. Samish Way, Bellingham 360.647.2666 boomersdrivein.com In the days before chains, there was Boomer’s. Serving up honest-to-goodness great burgers, fries, and shakes, Boomer’s is our readers’ favorite for a reason. The prices are excellent, the food is fresh and satisfying, and the service fast and friendly. And yes, it’s a drive-in, so you can pull up on a rainy day and dine in your car with your tunes blaring. And that’s burger heaven.

Silver Bob’s Burgers & Brew Birch Bay | 360.366.3199

Bronze Fiamma Burger Bellingham | 360.733.7374

October | November 2016 81

KIDS

Best Toy Store Fairhaven Toy Garden 909 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.714.8552 fairhaventoygarden.com This charming store sells specialty toys and games suitable for all ages. Most of their inventory is made with eco-friendly natural materials. You’ll find plush animals, dress-up clothes, and brain teasers that can even stump adults. If you can’t make it to their downtown Bellingham retail store, shop online on their website.

Silver Yeager’s Sporting Goods

Best Childcare/After-School Program

Bellingham | 360.733.1080

Bronze Launching Success Learning Store

Generations Early Learning & Family Center

Bellingham | 360.527.2641

2901 Connelly Ave., B101, Bellingham 360.752.6336 intergenchildcare.com Winner for Best Childcare and After-School Program goes to Generations Early Learning & Family Center. The program utilizes The Creative Curriculum, an award winning program based on 38 learning and development objectives. Their innovative program pairs children with seniors living in the Mt. Baker Care Center and the Summit Place Assisted Living residential homes. The interactions provide mutual support, increased self-worth, and valuable emotional and mental stimulation for all parties.

Silver Treehouse Gang Childcare Bellingham | 360.384.5733

Bronze Boys & Girls Clubs Of Whatcom County Bellingham | 360.738.3808

Best Summer/Outdoor Camp Camp Firwood 1740 Lake Whatcom Blvd., Bellingham 360.758.2741 campfirwood.org Situated on the deep blue waters of Lake Whatcom is Camp Firwood, a great place for kids to explore their love of the outdoors. The camp specializes in Christian teaching that emphasizes mentoring, group-building activities, and camper relationships. Elementary school through high school children can attend with age-specific programs that run about a week long throughout the summer. There’s even a photo portal, where parents can view their kids in action.

Silver The Neighborhood Playhouse Bellingham | 360.961.2213

Bronze YMCA Bellingham | 360.733.8630

82 NorthSoundLife.com

2016 KIDS

Best Store for Baby Along Comes a Baby 436 W. Bakerview #104, Bellingham 360.671.5523 alongcomesababy.com The one-stop-shop for babies and toddlers is the go-to for gifts and equipment for new parents. From booties and blankets to cribs and rockers, you’ll find everything you need to make the first two years a smooth journey. They carry many specialty brands, including BOB, TEA, and JellyCat. There’s even a baby registry and online purchasing for easy ordering, if only raising kids were as easy.

Silver Bellingham Baby Company Lynden | 360.778.3249

Bronze Wild Blueberries Bellingham | 360.756.5100

Best Family-Friendly Activity Trampoline Zone 4201 Meridian St. Suite 107, Bellingham 360.255.0722 trampolinezone.net The Trampoline Zone is just what kids and adults needed—an indoor playground. The 18,000-square-foot venue includes a Ninja course perfect for fitness-crazed adults and a specialized kids’ zone. There are also areas for catching air while dunking basketballs and playing dodgeball. Throw a birthday party or just stop by for an afternoon of jumping fun. Keep this place in mind when the weather turns gray and your family has pent up energy.

Silver All Comer Track Meets Bellingham | 360.778.7000

Bronze BelleWood Acres Farm Lynden | 360.318.7720

Best Pre-School Generations Early Learning & Family Center 2901 Connelly Ave., B101, Bellingham 360.752.6336 intergenchildcare.com Generations Early Learning & Family Center specializes in intergenerational childcare from infancy through preschool. Children engage in activities and form relationships with the residents of the eldercare facilities Mount Baker and Summit—a program that is unique in Bellingham. The non-profit school maintains an excellent teacher-to-child ratio, so children have strong bonds with their teachers. Generations uses The Creative Curriculum, giving kids a great start for kindergarten.

Silver Montessori at Samish Woods Bellingham | 360.650.9465

Best Private School Cedar Tree Montessori 2114 Broadway, Bellingham 360.714.1762 cedar-tree.org Cedar Tree Montessori adheres to six core values to accomplish their mission on educating and instilling confidence within children. They are: academic excellence, independence, community, diversity, cooperation, and a global perspective. As a result, the school boasts high academic performance and excellent outcomes. The Montessori model emphasizes individual achievement and hands-on learning.

Silver Whatcom Hills Waldorf School

Bronze Bellingham Childcare and Learning Center

Bellingham | 360.733.3164

Bellingham | 360.676.0950

Bronze Assumption Catholic School Bellingham | 360.733.6133

Best Place for a Kid’s Birthday Party Perch And Play 1707 N. State St., Bellingham 360.393.4925 perchandplay.com Looking for a place to host your child’s next birthday party? Look no further than this year’s gold winner, Perch and Play. This safe, clean, and hours-of-fun play area features different spaces geared towards various ages. They didn’t forget about adults! Comfy chairs overlook the play areas so parents can chat while keeping an eye on the little ones and free wi-fi lets you immediately send pictures to family and friends who couldn’t join in the fun.

Silver Trampoline Zone Bellingham | 360.255.0722

Bronze Bellingham Sportsplex Bellingham | 360.676.1919

of the

2016

BEST

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BRON

Fairhaven Branch Now Open! Stop in and say hello 960 Harris Avenue • Fairhaven 1270 Barkley Blvd • Bellingham Providing the finest in lending solutions since 1923

Local Bankers • Local Decisions • Local Focus Interactive Teller Machine M-F 7:00am - 7:00pm & Sat 9:00am - 1:00pm

Learn More > ourfirstfed.com > 800.800.1577 Member FDIC

Featuring Brighton, Glassybaby, Sid Dickens and more! 1134 - 10th Street, Bellingham Located next to The Fairhaven Village Inn 360.656.6588

www.1paperboat.com

PETS Best Pet Store Mud Bay 1022 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham 360.922.3900 mudbay.com Employee-owned Mud Bay has been serving the Pacific Northwest since 1988. Pet owners will find everything they need for their dogs and cats in this pet emporium. Mud Bay specializes in healthy food and supplements, taking care to choose products with the best ingredients. The many Mud Bay locations also host numerous adoption events, so if you’re looking for a new furry friend, check out their events page.

Silver Clark Feed & Seed Bellingham | 360.733.8330

Bronze PetStop Bellingham | 360.738.3663

86 NorthSoundLife.com

Best Dog Trainer Laura Berger - The Thinking Dog 873 Hinotes Ct., Unit 2, Lynden 360.312.0663 thinkingdog-lauraberger.com Laura Berger has been training dogs since the late 1980s and has earned a reputation for her successful use of positive training methods. Dogs can attend classes like Puppy Kindergarten, Beyond the Basics, and Rally Obedience. Berger also offers specialized in-home lessons. Happy dog owners commend Berger’s small class sizes and individualized attention to each dog’s needs.

Silver Michael Nichols - The Dog Guy Bellingham | 360.255.9832

Bronze Cedarwoods Canine School Ferndale | 360.384.6955

Best Veterinarian

Northwest Kennels

Fountain Veterinary Hospital

4796 Northwest Dr., Bellingham 360.384.6578 nwkennels.com

2430 Meridian St. #2, Bellingham 360.733.2660

The staff at Northwest Kennels has over 30 years of experiencing grooming, raising, training, and caring for dogs and cats. Putting your pet up for boarding in this year’s pick for Best Boarding Kennel will make your furry friend wish you went away more often. Special activity packages ensure each pet gets individualized daily exercise or attention with a kennel attendant, so they won’t miss out on exercise and affection routines.

2016 PETS

Best Boarding Kennel

Fountain Veterinary Hospital’s compassionate veterinarians are known for the high level of care they give even their tiniest patients. The staff knows how to make animals feel comfortable, which puts owners at ease. The vets are available for general concerns via email day or night, while Saturday hours help out busy owners who work during the week. Owners also enjoy the competitive prices for their services.

Silver Maplewood Animal Hospital

Silver Hyline Hotel For Dogs

Bellingham | 360.715.1430

Everson | 360.398.0174

Bronze Northshore Veterinary Hospital

Bronze Cedarwoods Canine School

Bellingham | 360.738.6916

Ferndale | 360.384.6955

Best Doggie Daycare Hyline Hotel For Dogs 1014 E. Hemmi Rd., Everson 360.398.0174 hylinehotel.com Located on a 12-acre farm, the Hyline Hotel for Dogs features 25 exercise yards for dogs to run, play, and socialize. They’re open seven days a week, making they daycare and overnight options convenient for busy pet owners. A new service, the Hyline Express Pet Shuttle, stops in three Bellingham locations to pick up doggie customers, making it extra easy for dogs to attend daycare, be boarded, or get groomed.

Silver Tails-A-Wagging Bellingham | 360.733.7387

Bronze 3 Schips And A Girl Bellingham | 360.927.6033

Best Groomer City Dogs 711 E. Holly St., Bellingham 360.756.9515 citydogsgrooming.com At City Dogs, groomers take the time to get to know each furry client, and use special techniques to calm nervous animals. Dogs are well cared for and groomed one-at-atime. They even offer a self-wash service on Saturdays where owners can wash their dogs using City Dogs’ tubs and shampoo. It’s perfect for in-between grooming appointments for adventurous dogs.

Silver Clean & Clip Anacortes | 360.293.8288

Bronze Dirty Dog Wash/Grooming With Love Blaine | 360.371.8874

October | November 2016 87

ROMANCE Best Place To Meet Singles Rumors Cabaret 1119 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.671.1849 rumorscabaret.com Gay-friendly and always fun, Rumors is the go-to for singles wanting to have a good time. Sing your heart out at Karaoke Mondays, have a great time at the regular drag shows, enjoy 80s and 90s hits on Throwback Thursdays, and keep an eye on their incredible happy hour specials like $2.00 domestic pints. It’s a great play to relax, hang out with friends, and maybe meet someone special. Like Betty Desire.

Silver State Street Bar Bellingham | 360.733.1619

Bronze Uisce Irish Pub Bellingham | 360.389.6370

Best Hike Oyster Dome Trail Chuckanut Drive, Bow 360.733.2900 wta.org In an area steeped in natural beauty, it’s hard to narrow down just one winner for Best Hike. The voters have spoken though: it’s a tough 6.25 mile hike, but you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of Samish Bay on the Oyster Dome Trail. The hike ascends Blanchard Mountain, a once logging hub at the turn of the twentieth century. Enjoy a picnic at the top, you won’t want to leave.

Silver Fragrance Lake Bellingham

Bronze Skyline Divide Glacier

Favorite Northwest Destination Mount Baker Mount Baker Highway Welcome to our own friendly hometown volcano. No worries, you aren’t likely to get dusted in ash, but you might see a little steam while you’re up there. Known for a thick pack and great skiing, Baker is our area’s favorite winter playground. The winter skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are ideal on the minimally crowded slopes. In summer, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, and camping reign supreme. There’s an activity for everyone at any time of the year on Mount Baker. Get out and experience it for yourself.

Silver Peace Arch Park Blaine | 360.332.8221

Bronze San Juan Island San Juan Islands | 360.378.5240 88 NorthSoundLife.com

Best Golf Course

The Upfront Theatre

Sudden Valley Golf Course

1208 Bay St., Bellingham 360.733.8855 theupfront.com Looking for a fun-ny night with your sweetheart? Look no further than this year’s winner for best date night, The Upfront Theatre. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday the Theatre’s professional improv artists put on a live comedy show that leaves guests in stitches. They also host improv classes for those than want to be part of the action, and private events suitable for all ages.

Silver Cliff House Restaurant

2016 ROMANCE

Best Date Night

4 Clubhouse Circle, Bellingham 360.734.6435 suddenvalleygolfcourse.com

Best Wedding Venue

Adjacent to the shores of Lake Whatcom, Sudden Valley Golf Course is a golfer’s paradise. The 18-hole course varies in difficulty and challenges, making it ideal for golfers of all levels. In front, nine holes a spread on an open, flat, and relatively generous fairway. The back nine holes, however, climb up a ridge with narrow fairways and smaller greens, perfect for the golfer looking for a challenge.

Bellingham Cruise Terminal 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.676.2500 portofbellingham.com The Bellingham Cruise Terminal is a beautiful venue and can accommodate large weddings as well as intimate gatherings. The venue’s highlight, the Dome Room, features curved floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Bellingham Bay. Imagine watching the sunset alongside your new spouse, then dancing the night away courtesy of the complete in-room sound system.

Silver Shuksan Golf Club

Bellingham | 253.734.8660

Bellingham | 360.398.8888

Silver Lairmont Manor

Bronze The Fork At Agate Bay

Bronze Raspberry Ridge Golf Course

Bellingham | 360.647.1444

Bellingham | 360.733.1126

Everson | 360.354.3029

Ferndale | 360.384.0739

Bronze Evergreen Gardens

Assumption Catholic School

Excellence in Body, Mind and Spirit since 1913

Enrolling Now

YL ENN AN

antique mall

427 W. Holly St. Bellingham

for the school year 2016-2017

open 10-6 daily

360.671.3301

over 10,000 square ft of vintage treasures!

Preschool through 8th grade Seamless Education Open to All Faiths

w w w. p e n n y l a n e a n t i q u e m a l l . c o m

of the

2016

BEST

NORTH

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Vo t e d B e s t Antique Store

GOLD

Serving Whatcom County Catholics and Beyond

www.school.assumption.org Bham Alive Mag-1-3_register.indd 1

3/18/2016 12:04:03 PM

October | November 2016 89

SERVICES

Best Lodging The Chrysalis Inn & Spa 804 10th St., Bellingham 360.756.1005 thechrysalisinn.com For a weekend staycation, book The Chrysalis Inn & Spa, our Best Lodging winner. You’ll have sweeping views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan islands while relaxing in a sophisticated Pacific Northwest-styled room. Any of the spa’s many services will rejuvenate you. On-site dining at Keenan’s at the Pier features all the fresh, local ingredients characteristic of Washington dining. They even have dog friendly rooms!

Silver Home2 Suites By Hilton Bellingham | 360.734.3111

Bronze Hotel Bellwether Bellingham | 360.392.3100

Best Financial Advisor

Best Bank

J D Phillips & Associates

Whatcom Educational Credit Union WECU

1292 E. Axton Rd., Bellingham 360.398.9224

600 E. Holly St., Bellingham 360.676.1168 wecu.com

Our Best Financial Advisor, JD Phillips & Associates, have been in the insurance and brokering business since 1987. JD Phillips is a member of FINRA & SIPC. The small firm offers friendly customer service tailored to each client. It’s the kind of place where the advisors are just as invested in your financial future as you are.

Silver Sound Financial Group

This year’s Best Bank has been serving Whatcom County residents for 80 years. The Whatcom Educational Credit Union can help with all your banking needs to include loans, checking, and savings accounts. WECU recognizes banking is very personal, so they’ve introduced a Visa rewards card that allows you to personalize your rewards in to form of cash back, charitable donations, gift certificates, or travel rewards.

Silver Peoples Bank

Mill Creek | 425.354.2900

Bellingham | 360.734.9811

Bronze Nicole Burdick - Waddell & Reed

Bronze First Federal

Bellingham | 360.734.4728

Bellingham | 800.800.1577

90 NorthSoundLife.com

Best Photographer Erin Cox Photography 10796 Bay Meadows Ln, Burlington 360.708.2850 erincoxphoto.com

Silver Katheryn Moran Photography Bellingham | 425.766.3755

Bronze Diane Padys Photography Bellingham | 360.201.4370

BEST of the

2016

For Best Photographer, you voted for Erin Cox Photography. A photographer since 2007, Erin specializes in on-site family photos and portraits using natural light. She works well with babies and children, capturing their blissful innocence. Her expertise extends before and after the sessions with helpful tips on what to wear and clever arrangements for your new photographs. Her satisfied customers come back year after year to record family milestones.

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SILVER

Delivering professional, high quality lawncare services to your home or office 360.354.5124 whatcomlawns.com

Best Corporate Meeting Space

BEST

714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham 360.671.1011 fourpointsbellingham.com

NORTH

The business-savvy voters have spoken, they chose Four Points By Sheraton Bellingham for this year’s Best Corporate Meeting Space. Choose from six rooms sized for small group meetings, large conferences, or anywhere in between. An on-site event team ensures your team has the right equipment and enough food. Wi-fi throughout all the meeting rooms allows access to online resources. It’s an all inclusive business meeting center!

of the

2016

Four Points By Sheraton Bellingham

WEST

New

Boutique In

BELLINGHAM

GOLD

HELLO

OCTOBER 2016

Silver Swinomish Casino & Lodge Anacortes | 888.288.8883

Bronze The Squalicum Boathouse at Zuanich Point Park Bellingham | 360.767.2500

Bellingham 1301 Bakerview Road

shopbettybegood.com

( Beside Menchies)

Birch Bay -

Blaine

8125 Birch Bay Square ( Beside Van Heusen)

October | November 2016 91

ANYTIME.

Bountiful Berries AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2016 DISPLAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 $3.99 US • $4.99 CAN

All Aboard

Spotlight

Wonder Woman

Washington State Ferries

Julian MacDonough

The Network’s Ellen Gray

New Memory Care Community

Bountiful Berries AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2016 DISPLAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 $3.99 US • $4.99 CAN

All Aboard

Spotlight

Wonder Woman

Washington State Ferries

Julian MacDonough

The Network’s Ellen Gray

Opening Fall 2016 Staffed by skilled, compassionate and responsive professionals, Silverado Bellingham Memory Care Community is designed to provide purpose and comfort to those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Bountiful Berries AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2016 DISPLAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 $3.99 US • $4.99 CAN

All Aboard

Spotlight

Wonder Woman

Washington State Ferries

Julian MacDonough

The Network’s Ellen Gray

Call for more information

(866) 505-8808 or visit silveradocare.com/bellingham_alive

ANYWHERE.

bellingham

NORTHSOUNDLIFE.COM

memory care | community

2016 SERVICES

Best Mechanic Harmony Motorworks 1922 Grant St., Bellingham 360.671.2420 harmonymotorworks.com What makes Harmony Motorworks this year’s Best Mechanic? More than 30 years of experience servicing European and Japanese automobiles. The staff is straightforward, helpful, and offers expert service at competitive rates. Satisfied customers praise Harmony Motorworks for their professionalism and trustworthiness. If your European or Japanese car needs servicing, check them out.

Silver Sterling Automotive Bellingham | 360.933.4503

Best Place To Work

Best Auto Dealer

Swinomish Casino & Lodge

Wilson Motors

12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes 888.288.8883 swinomishcasinoandlodge.com

Nissan 1516 Iowa St., Bellingham, 888.865.6614 Mercedes-Benz and Toyota 1100 Iowa St., Bellingham, 360.676.0600 Toyota Scion 888.596.0052 wilsonmotors.com

With a benefits package for full-time employees that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement planning, and paid time off, it’s no wonder the Swinomish Casino & Lodge was voted the Best Place To Work. The job page is kept current with numerous positions suited for various skill sets to include waiting tables, valet attendants, marketing positions, and security positions.

Bronze Bellingham Automotive

Silver Herbal Legends Cannabis

Bellingham | 360.676.5200

Bellingham | 360.778.3904

Wilson Motors specializes in putting customers in the best car for them, be that new or used. They specialize in Toyota, Nissan, and MercedesBenz models and understand all the maintenance and service requirements that go along with owning a car. Satisfied customers who bought cars from Wilson Motors praise the staff for their knowledge and patience, as well as the reasonable prices and interest rates.

Bronze Generations Early Learning & Family Center

Silver Dewey Griffin Suburu

Bellingham | 360.752.6336

Bellingham | 360.734.8700

Bronze Northwest Honda Bellingham | 360.676.2277

October | November 2016 93

Daily Floral Deliveries | Corporate Events Weddings | Birthdays | New Baby Holidays | Memorials of the

2016

BEST

NORTH

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GOLD

“Thanks for voting me as Best Florist for 2016!”

Charming one-of-a-kind flowers for all occasions.

360-927-1286

www.PoziebyNatalie.com

Best Creative Company

Best Tailor/ Seamstress Sew & Sew

4071 Hannegan Rd. Ste. R, Bellingham 888.529.9790 fizzpopmedia.com

1324 Commercial St., Bellingham 360.733.5913 sewandsewbellingham.com

Best Florist

With an office in Bellingham and one in Vancouver, B.C., FizzPop Media specializes in innovative marketing for forward-thinking companies. Services include traditional advertising, PR and content creation, planning and strategy, and internet marketing. With a proven record in increasing search engine rankings, FizzPop can turn your clicks into customers. Satisfied customers speak highly of their knowledge and product delivery speed.

Silver ClickMonster Bellingham | 360.389.3093

Pozie By Natalie 360.927.1286 poziebynatalie.com Our Best Florist, Natalie, calls her arrangements, “Charming one-ofa-kind flowers for any occasion.” Browse through her gallery and you’ll see why. Natalie’s use of color and tone is on point for every occasion and her innovations include magnets instead of pins to affix boutonnieres. She specializes in weddings, but offers arrangements for all occasions. Consider calling Natalie to outfit your next event in flowers.

Silver Belle Flora & Home Interiors

Bronze Ketchup+Mustard

Bellingham | 360.734.8454

Bellingham | 360.306.0347

From hemming to full tailoring, Sew & Sew is our readers’ favorite for their alterations. No project is too big or small for their experienced staff: restyled wedding dresses, tailoring shirts, even adjusting jeans. They’ll also help you out with special repair jobs like rips, fallen buttons, and damaged zippers. Grab all that clothing that you’ve been putting off getting repaired or tailored and give them a visit.

Silver Amy’s Alterations Bellingham | 360.756.6515

Bronze The Tommy Tailor Bellingham | 360.650.9168

Bronze Rebecca’s Flower Shoppe Bellingham | 360.715.3066

BESTof SOMETHING Our readers are hilarious. For your reading pleasure, our favorite funny responses.

Best Date Night “I dunno, you tell me.” 2/14/82 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

Best Women’s Clothing Underwear

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MingledCream&Amber

ABeerGuide by Frances Badgett

“Filled with mingled cream and amber I will drain that glass again.” - Edgar Allen Poe

WATER, BARLEY, MALT, AND YEAST — that’s it. Beer is as old as bread, their

twinned history born in Iran, Iraq, or China (stories vary), bread and beer pillars in the foundation of civilization. According to beeradvocate.com, the first brewer was likely making bread when they discovered that with a little honey or a few dates and the passage of time, watered down bread dough can become a fizzy, refreshing, happy-making beverage. Did they (likely she) dip in a cup just before puzzling through the very elements of beer-tasting we use today: flavor, color, clarity, mouthfeel? They must have worked at it, practicing a new alchemy. How long did this first brewer test their batches before passing the recipe along to the neighbors, the whole concept of neighbors being a new one? By the time the Sumerians caught on, beer was a shared drink with straws, a celebratory part of daily life, a cousin of “bappir,” or bread. Beer of the 1970s and 1980s was pale, fizzy, watery, and shipped from major factorystyle breweries. It was refreshing on a hot day (not that I was old enough to know) but lacked the distinctive taste we have come to associate with IPA or Bock. It was patio beer, lawnmowing beer, naughty-teenagers-ina-basement beer. The renaissance of craft beer in the U.S. began with the hard work and passion of homebrewers who wanted to recreate the beers they discovered on trips to England and Germany, the rich weizens and hoppy ales of your average brewpub. But if you were to single out a person as the king of the craft-brewing movement, you would

name Charlie Papazian in Boulder, Colorado. Papazian gathered up homebrewers and passionate beer aficionados and organized them into The American Homebrewers Association, founding the Great American Beer Festival, and built homebrewing and craft brewing into a major market. Publications like Zymurgy and All About Beer helped spread the word about techniques and styles. And then came the internet. Beer enthusiasts Michael Jackson (the English one), Daniel Bradford, and many others play a part in spreading the good news about beer to this day. Today, every town has a brewpub, and beer styles are not only reinterpreted, pared down to purity standards, shifted into hybrids and flavors and seasons, they are widely celebrated at festivals and contests. The U.S. independent beer market has taken on the champions of Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland and has carved a place of distinction in the world. Whatever disparaging thing said about American beer in the 1970s has been erased by homebrewing successes and craft brewery wins. So this means that when your IPApounding pal brings you to a local taproom, the choices are dizzying. This guide will break it all down for you, so that pause in front of the chalk board isn’t so agonizing. Beers are broken into types and styles. The two types are lagers and ales. Styles are how those types are made into specific kinds of beers. Styles at locations mentioned here are subject to change.

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Lager

Farmstrong Brewing Cold Beer Pilsner

The American beer of the bad years was lager — a crowdpleasing, easy-to-mass produce, dull version of the classic European lagers. At their best, they were fizzy and refreshing (think PBR), at their worst they were malt liquor (think Mickey’s). Well crafted lagers are pale-toamber, complex, with herbal and fruity notes and a slight bitterness that finishes clean. A relatively new style of beer, the lager dates back several hundred years (we said relatively new) and is distinguished from ales by its process. It is cold-brewed for long periods of time with bottom-fermenting yeast.

Pilsner The classic lager is a pilsner, named for Pilsen in the Czech Republic. Pilsner (sometimes spelled pilsener) was first brewed in the 1830s. It’s a light, hoppy beer with fruity notes, and, depending on the region, it can be either bitter or almost sweet. The ideal characteristics of a pilsner include a clear, bright color, light carbonation, dark malt notes, and a crisp floral, spicy, or citrus finish with a nice kick of hops. The two classics are Pilsner Urquell from the Czech Republic and Bitburger from Germany. This is post-soccer, pre-dinner, let’s-just-skip-work-today-and-drink-in-the-beergarden beer.

Prime local examples Boundary Bay Brewing

Pilsner Silver, 2003 North American Beer Awards; Gold 2003 Great American Beer Festival; Silver 2005 North American Beer Awards Brewed once a year Lightner Lager Brewed once a year

Aslan Brewing Co.

Night Riders Imperial West Coast Pilsner Collaboration

Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen

Farmstrong Brewing Cold Beer Pilsner

Wander Brewing Doglost Pilsner

Pilsner

Steam Beer Anchor Steam is probably the most widely known steam beer in the U.S., but there are many worthy steam beers out there. Likely the mother beer of the Pacific Northwest, steam beers were popular in San Francisco and Seattle (hence the name California Common beer). Not to be confused with German steam beer (Dampfbier), which is an ale, steam beer gets its name from the heating-andcooling process of brewing.

Prime local examples Kulshan Brewing on James Street Brewers Select California Common

Wander Brewing Uncommon

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Dunkel & Bock Kulshan Brewing Select Maibock

The dunkel (German for “dark”) is the classic dark beer — rich and smooth. Dunkel beers use malt to shear off the edge of the brassier light lagers. They are widely popular in Germany and Switzerland. Classic brewhouses Paulaner, Ayinger, Warsteiner, Spaten, Konig Ludwig, and Löwenbräu are all known for their smooth, delicious dunkel beers. Bock is a darker dunkel, a richer, maltier, broader beer with higher alcohol content brewed with lager yeast. A bock is a darker dunkel, and there’s probably a German nursery rhyme about that.

Prime local examples Chuckanut Brewery Dunkel Lager

Boundary Bay

Dunkels Bock Gold 2001, Great American Beer Festival Silver 2004, North American Beer Awards Gold 2004, Great American Beer Festival Bronze 2006, North American Beer Awards Silver 2007, North American Beer Awards Gold 2008, North American Beer Awards

Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen Vienna Lager Dunkel Lager

Kulshan Brewing at K2 Select Maibock

Chuckanut Brewery Vienna Lager

NobleHops Though they read like members of a German soccer team, these four hops — aka noble hops — create the signature flavors of pilsners and Continental lagers.

Hallertauer Mittelfrüh: Named for the

Hallertau in central Bavaria, this variety of hops is a highly floral hops. When a fungus wiped out Hallertauer Mittelfrüh in the 1970s, more disease-resistant variations were developed. Hersbruker, Mount Hood, and Liberty hops are substitutes as well.

Tettang: Named for a town in Baden-

Württemberg in Germany, Tettang hops are grown in our area, in Switzerland, and other regions. When buying them, if you want the 100 NorthSoundLife.com

pure noble variety, you’d go for Tettanger Tettang rather than American Tettang.

Spalt: A German variety of hops from

the Spalter region of Germany, south of Neuremberg, Spalt is used in lagers, pilsners, and Muenchener Helles. It’s somewhat hard to come by outside Germany. It is not to be confused with Spalt Select, which is descended from Hallertauer Mittelfrüh. Confused yet?

Saaz: The classic hops of classic pilsner,

Saaz is grown in the Czech Republic. It is widely used in all types of lagers, but it is best known for being the key ingredient in Pilsner Urquell, the original.

Farmstrong Brewing Black Saison

Ale Historically, ales were drinks without hops (i.e. ginger ale) but as any beerbro can attest, things have changed. Ales are the jewels in the crowns of craft brewers. Ale has a long and storied history, from the first beers ever brewed to the daily drink of medieval England and Germany. Ale dates back to antiquity, and is warmbrewed with top-fermenting yeast. Cut your average PNWer and they bleed ale.

Session Ale A session ale is noted for its low alcohol content. Traditionally, a session beer could have been pounded on a lunch break in England without getting you too drunk to go back to the factory and work your poor stinking ass off for a man who probably deserved to be run through a laundry ringer. Session beers tend to be lagers (though not necessarily) and tend to be very light and crisp, similar in style to blonde ales and light pilsners. They are versatile and easy to drink in volume without puking the next day.

Prime local examples Boundary Bay Brewing Not Shawn’s Saison

Kulshan Brewing at K2 Full 90 Session Ale

Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen Mild English Ale Collaboration

Blonde Ale

If you’re about to make a blonde joke in your head, stop. Blonde beers have had a hard time getting respect in the beer industry. As you can imagine, lots of misogyny is loaded onto a light, refreshing, crowd-pleasing beer that also happens to be called a blonde. Blondes tend to get treated as lacking complexity and truly terrible cutesy names, but they are great summer beers that are often complex, with aromatic hops and pleasing floral notes oh no I’m doing it, too. UGH. Okay, it’s serious beer, a regular award-winner for breweries. Is that better? Sigh. (Can we call them Valkyries instead?)

Prime local examples

Chuckanut Brewery Skagit Blonde

Boundary Bay Brewery

Kulshan Brewing at James Street

Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen

Wander Brewing

Bellingham Blonde Ale Skagit Blonde

Kulshan Brewing at K2

Brewers Select Blonde Ale 102 NorthSoundLife.com

Brewers Select Belgian Blonde Wanderale

Saison Traditionally the beer of farmhands and field workers in Europe and made with whatever ingredients were on-hand, saison is a pale ale known for being light, refreshing, slightly fruity, and a little spicy with a dry finish. Versatile and approachable, saisons are low in alcohol and brewed in winter for summer enjoyment. These are patio beers, happy hour beers, lunchtime refreshment beers.

Prime local examples Aslan Brewing Co

Kulshan Brewing at K2

Farmstrong Brewing

Menace Brewing

Frances Farmer Saison Patio Sesh’ Seasonal Black Saison Available in winter

Saison du Kulshan Bronze, Washington Brewers Festival Saison

Kölsch Ah Cologne, the quiet cobblestone streets, the lovely cathedral, the beautiful sprawling parks — and home to one of the loveliest pale beers out there. True Kölsch is a product (like champagne) with Protected Geographical Indication (or PGI) meaning anything outside Cologne is Kölsch-style beer. Whatever you call it, it’s light, refreshing, slightly fruity or citrusy, and great with bratwurst.

Prime local example Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen Kölsch

October | November 2016 103

Pale Ale & India Pale Ale Pale ale and IPA are, without a doubt, the official beers of the Pacific Northwest. Hoppy, brassy, and perfect after a long bike ride, these cousins are guaranteed to be on tap anywhere you go. The first IPA came from Bow Brewery in England and emerged as a happy accident — when shipping their pale ale to India, the aging process created a new style that was crisp, hoppy, and perfect after a loooong sloooow hot game of cricket. It also went really well with saag paneer and other local delicious dishes. And now we pretend we invented it. All hail India Pale Ale.

Prime local examples Ginger Rye Ale Batch 15 IPA Anniversary XIPA Special release French India Farmhouse Ale Special release Illmatic IPA Special release Midnight Couloir Black IPA Collaboration Megathirst Triple IPA Seasonal 10lb Hammer Double IPA Seasonal Blueprint Session IPA Seasonal

Boundary Bay Brewing Inside Passage IPA Imperial IPA Cedar Dust IPA

Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen

Menace Denial IPA

British IPA

Farmstrong Brewing Porch Lite IPA

Boundary Bay Inside Passage IPA

Aslan Brewing Co

Kulshan Brewing at K2

Bastard Kat IPA Gold, 2015 Washington Brewers Festival Good ‘Ol Boy Pale Ale

Kulshan Brewing Sunnyland IPA

Kulshan Brewing at James Street and K2 Bull of the Woods Double IPA Sunnyland IPA

Menace Brewing IPA Denial IPA

Skagit River Brewing

Sculler’s IPA, Gospel IPA

Wander Brewing

Shoe Toss Rye IPA Aslan Ginger Rye Ale

The Pink Boots Society Fact Sheet MISSION STATEMENT: The Pink Boots Society was created to assist, inspire, and encourage women beer industry professionals to advance their careers through education. EVENTS: Meetings, seminars, tastings FOUNDER: Teri Fahrendorf CHAPTERS: 32 104 NorthSoundLife.com

SCHOLARSHIPS: Barth-Haas Yakima Hop Academy, Food Craft Institute’s Business of Beer, YCH HOPS Hop and Brew School, Oregon State University Beer Quality and Analysis, UC Davis Extension Intensive Brewing Science for Practical Brewing, Oregon State University Craft Brewery Startup Workshop, among many more

Wit & Weiss & Wheat, Oh My Belgian wit beers are completely different from American and German wheat beers, but the confusion is understandable. Weissbier and wit are both wheat beers. Weiss and wit both mean white beer from their cloudy appearance. They are both cloudy, citrusy, fluffy, and unfiltered. They are both considered summer beers. But that’s where the similarities end. Traditionally, wit was brewed without hops, making it a true ale. Coriander, orange peel, and other pumpkin pie-style spices are added to the brewing process, creating a very complex, spicy, rich flavor. Wit tends to be complex and aromatic with some bold flavors. It’s not as creamy-smooth as wheat beer, but they have some similar characteristics for flavor and texture.

Prime local examples Aslan Brewing Co

Kulshan Brewing at James Street

Witbier Seasonal

Farmstrong Brewing

Brewers Select Belgian Wit

Wize Hefe’r Bavarian Hefeweizen

Wander Brewing

Together Belgian Dubbel

Aslan Brewing Witbier

Ninkasi and Brewsters: Women in Brewing BREWSTER: A woman who brews beer It is a bit of an assumption that a woman was the first person to discover beer, but it is an educated guess given that women made bread, and beer came of breadmaking. Beer was more than just a happy hour quaff, it was considered food, much like the bread that it accompanied it. The Sumerian goddess Ninkasi was the first goddess of beer (for whom a brewery in Eugene, Oregon is named). Many of the women executed as witches in medieval England were brewsters, and their numbers declined further during the Black Death and the Hundred Years War. As anyone who enjoys beer now will tell you, there aren’t

many prominent women in the industry, though that is changing. Carol Stoudt of Adamstown, Pennsylvania is one of the most prominent brewsters working today. Spinnaker Bay Brewing in Seattle is owned by Janet Spindler and Elissa Pryor. Janet does the brewing, a little skill she picked up from her great-grandmother. So next time you’re tempted to call beer a man’s drink, think again . Women are filling the ranks of great brew masters. The Pink Boots Society was formed by women in the beer industry to raise money for scholarships, encourage mentoring in the beer industry, and provide a platform for other women brewsters.

October | November 2016 105

Chuckanut Brewery Porter

Prime local examples Aslan Brewing Co

American Stout Silver, 2016 Best of Craft Beer Awards No Coal Porter Collaboration

Boundary Bay Brewing Dry Irish Stout Imperial Oatmeal Stout

Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen Porter

Farmstrong Brewing

Steer You Right Imperial Stout Available in winter Mike in the Mornings Coffee Porter Special release Pull & Be Damned Porter

106 NorthSoundLife.com

Kulshan Brewing at James Street and K2 Dry Stout on nitro pour Transporter Porter Gold, Washington Brewers Festival Black Forest Smoked Stout Special release; Silver, Washington Brewers Festival Shuksan Russian Imperial Stout Gold, The Best of Craft Beer Awards

Menace Brewing Robust Porter

Skagit River Brewing Trumpeter Stout Special release

Highwater Porter

Uisce Irish Pub

Guinness on nitro pour

Wander Brewing

Global Mutt Baltic Porter Correspondent Foreign Extra Stout Silver, 2016 Washington Beer Awards

Aslan Brewing No Coal Porter

Porter and stout have a long history of being the workers’ beer (hence porter). According to anchorbrewing.com, the first porter was really a combination of beers — kind of like an around-theworld at the soda machine — only with beer. This mixture of lighter beers and a dark beer was called entire. This tradition lives on in black-and-tan beer, which is also a combination of lighter beers and heavier ones. In the 1700s, a brewer named Ralph Harwood created a single beer that had the elements of entire, and it became known as port. Stout evolved out of porter as a stronger, heavier beer. The depth of flavor and darkness comes from roasting malt, a technique invented in the early 1800s.

Boundary Bay Dry Irish Stout

Porter & Stout

Definitions BUNG: The stopper in the hole in a keg or cask through which the keg or cask is filled and emptied. Also called a bunghole. CICERONE: A beer-taster (the beer version of a sommelier).

MEAD: A strong drink of fermented honey, water, yeast and optional ingredients such as fruit or herbs. NITRO POUR: Nitrogen is used on the carbonation process, making the beer feel thicker and the bubbles smaller.

PUBLICAN: The owner or manager of a pub

Dampfbier Yes, it is a steam beer, but not an American common. Dampfbier originates in Bavaria. It is an all-barley ale, brewed mostly in the summer. Often confused with American steam beer, it’s a good, basic farmhouse beer, a local pub beer that is both utilitarian and pleasing to most palettes. It’s getting a big resurgence in craft brewing, and showing up in taprooms all over the area.

Prime local example Kulshan Brewing at James Street and K2 Brewers Select Dampfbier

October | November 2016 107

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HABITAT Home Remodel Tips and Tricks · Featured Home

Contemporary Comforts WRITTEN BY COLBIE CARGILL | PHOTOGRAPHED BY RADLEY MULLER

hat is it that turns a house into a home? When a person first walks into their new house, they see the potential. My job as an interior designer is to make them see a “home," to give them space they can call their own. This is the reason I became a designer. My clients contacted me after purchasing the Edgewater Place condominium that had been built by Ron Barter and Dick Skeers. This stunning home sits above Boulevard Park overlooking Fairhaven, Bellingham Bay, and the San Juan Islands. It was completely empty but already had a beautiful starting point with hand-scraped hardwood flooring throughout, state-of-the-art appliances in the kitchen, stunning selections in both tile and countertops, and a soft muted gray paint color that tied everything together. Designing this home was going to be long distance, as my clients, were only going to be in town a few days before heading back to Texas. They sent me photos of their current home which enabled me to hone in on their style. Most of the decisions were made via phone and e-mail. Luckily, they were fantastic to work with! … continued on next page

…

DINING ROOM/KITCHEN The kitchen and dining room are where memories are made, laughter happens, and stories are told. Their table had to be large enough to entertain family and friends and take in the stunning views. The dining room table is a highly lacquered Italian made table, paired with cream leather chairs. It sits atop a silver and bronze shag rug. On the wall, is art that I had commissioned to match the contemporary nature of the space and lines of the table. In the corner, you will see a stand with one of my client's favorite art collectibles. The cream faux alligator hide, metal, and wood barstools were added to the bar area for extra seating and entertaining. In order to bring a sense of warmth to the kitchen, I added shades of a red palette. When all of this is mixed together, you have a kitchen and dining space that is both warm and inviting and will be sure to make ensure new memories. MASTER BEDROOM I have one design rule: a bedroom should be a place where you feel both peaceful and restful. My clients loved the color eggplant, so I used it in layering shades to keep it from overwhelming the space. The bed is a white leather platform bed that sits atop a gray round shag rug to add a radial balance to the room. This also grounds the room. Two black night stands with mirrored drawer fronts were added with artwork above in varying shades of eggplant to bring the room together. The last element was a wall panel that I made using plywood, foam, and fabric. This added a pop of color and an architectural element.

MASTER BATHROOM Not everyone wants a dream bathroom, but for those of you who do, this one is in my top three! Keeping with the eggplant theme from the master bedroom the first thing I wanted to give my clients was the most incredible bath rug they had ever sunk their feet into! Samuel’s allows cutsom rug orders, so I got the pile of shag I wanted, and I could make the shape I wanted. So, I ordered a purple, square 5’x 5’ shag with a 2’ round gray shag in the right upper corner. This rug was beyond plush and sits between the soaker tub and the vanity. Next, I selected artwork to go over the tub. This unique silhouette was just the perfect piece to sit over the tub, both in color and style. The finishing touches for this dream bathroom were a cart for bath salts, candles, and towels. A few decorative touches were also added. The vanity contains an artificial floral arrangement, stunning artwork, and the necessary bathroom accessory set. WINE BAR AREA Because my clients are such wonderful people I wanted to do something special for them. So I came up with the idea of a memory wall. I purchased quite a few matching frames and white mats. Each time a guest came to stay they would have a photo taken, then have the guest sign a white mat, the photo then gets hung on the wall, becoming a memory wall. I finished off the wall by using a wall decal in the center that reads “We will have these moments to remember.” I was honored when they included my photo! 

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October | November 2016 111

The open, bright ceilings and live edge counter give the space a sense of light and air.

Skylights and bright windows bring sunshine into the living space. Fir paneling on the ceiling offers a sense of warmth.

The living space is both very bright and inviting as well as intimate. Warm wooden tones bring the outdoors in.

112 NorthSoundLife.com

Featured Home

HABITAT

Broadway Beauty WRITTEN BY FRANCES BADGETT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHRIS DINOTTIA

Solar panels and ec0-friendly landscaping make this home efficient and earth-friendly.

he beautiful thing about ranch-style houses is the way in which a good designer can open up the interior, build in great storage, and add light and space. Many of these homes have been updated a few times, and sometimes a remodel requires completely rethinking the interior. This was one of those projects. The owners bought this house with remodeling in mind. They wanted to upgrade the building performance, so they hired Jason Bourne of Bourne Engineering, they updated the layout, refinished all the surfaces, added a mud room, and then improved the landscaping. The eco-conscious owners created a rain garden to handle onsite stormwater runoff. The owners used Sustainable Resources’ Community Energy Challenge for ensuring their house was as energy efficient as possible. The Community Energy Challenge is a great resource for homeowners who want to make cost-effective energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. It is also a green jobs program that hires vetted local contractors who do excellent work. The remodel affected every room in the house. The owners added an entry room and mud room, had the ceilings vaulted, removed walls, paneled the ceiling with fir, and much more. All of the cabinets were built by Jeffery Elkins of Renew Wood with reclaimed Douglas Fir lumber from the old Towner Press building in downtown Bellingham. Building performance measures included insulating and air sealing the home, installing a mini-split heat pump and heat recovery ventilator, and adding solar panels and selecting locally manufactured high performance Euroline windows. The overall design feels bright and open, with warm fir tones. A live edge wooden counter invites guests to linger. The skylights bring bright sunshine in from above. Inviting, efficient, and open — this home’s remodel was definitely worth the construction dust.  Special thanks to Jenny Rae of Chuckanut Builders.

Contractor | Chuckanut Builders Architect | [bundle] Design Studio Landscaping | Molly Maguire

October | November 2016 113

HABITAT

Featured Home

The chevron tile in the bathroom adds color and personality to the bathroom.

The clean, open fir and white theme is carried through the bathroom, with clean lines and soft edges.

Energy efficient windows open to the yard, which is landscaped to absorb the site's stormwater runoff.

114 NorthSoundLife.com

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DINE 7 Great Tastes · Dining Guide · Drink of the Month

Hawaii Comes to Fairhaven WRITTEN BY BRYN YASUI | PHOTOGRAPHED BY BECKY LINTON

he 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 part of Hawaii to Historic Fairhaven District. When you enter the environment of Aloha Poke, there’s nothing that resembles a tacky Waikiki tourist within the shop. Owners David Jacobsen and Mark Ishijima, who were both born and raised on the island of Oahu, have established a location that strives to be as authentic as their home itself. “Since we’re from Hawaii, we’ll try our best to keep it Hawaiian style,” Jacobsen said. The clear glass windows allow natural light to peak in as you enter to Aloha Poke’s open and clean interior. Local Hawaiian staples such as Hawaiian jams, jellies, and butters ornate the store for customers. “We’re going to try to make it feel like you’re in Hawaii; like you’re at home,” Jacobsen said. Something new is finally being brought to our menus and there are so many reasons to become obsessed with not only its culture but the taste, health benefits, and aesthetic of delicious poke. Jacobsen and Ishijima mean it when they say they’re going to be legit. Peek into the glass display case of their shop and you will find a multitude of poke options from oyster sauce to ginger … continued on next page

DINE Feature

… shoyu. Their fish options are Ahi, salmon, and albacore. They strive to bring Ahi will be brought in from Hawaii. For a tasty vegetarian option, Jacobsen has created a ginger soy sauce tofu entrée. Take a personal trip to the islands when you bite into Aloha Poke’s concoction called a poke bowl. The fish, doused in a unique blend of sauces, is piled onto a bed of homemade sushi rice. Despite the simplicity of the entrée, customers can garnish their bowls with additional condiments such as furikake, a Japanese nori seasoning, avocado, or spicy mayonnaise better known as dynamite sauce. To finish off this mouth-watering meal, eat the side of ginger to clean your palette. Fish, which is a staple on the Hawaiian Islands, is more than meets the eye. Jacobsen and his crew have gained experience from their first restaurant located on Oahu, The Hibachi. Diana Douglas, a current employee at Aloha Poke, is in charge of finely hand-cutting the fish every day after her experience at The Hibachi back home. It was there that Jacobsen witnessed Japanese customers creating their own poke bowls with the side of rice and their fish without realizing its iconic potential. “Mark claims that he was the inventor of the poke bowl,” Douglas said. As poke bowls are still on the rise in the mainland states, Jacobsen and Douglas are more stoked than ever. “We’re just excited that people are excited. People know what it is,” Jacobsen said. The minds of Aloha Poke have been anticipating their legacy of sharing poke for years. Nonetheless, their timing was impeccable. “Up until now, we would’ve been the first ones in Washington but Sam Choy’s beat us,” Douglas said. The dining scene of Fairhaven is finally diversifying thanks to Jacobsen, Ishijima and Douglas. Stop by Fairhaven’s newest addition to taste the aloha.  118 NorthSoundLife.com

DINING KEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to $9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10–19 . . . . . . . . . . . . $20–29 . . . . . . . . $30 or greater . . . . . . . . . . . . Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dinner . . . . . . . . . Family-Friendly . . . . . . . . . . . . . Takeout . . . . . . . . Outdoor Seating . . . . . . . . . . Reservations . . . . . . . . . . Happy Hour . . . . . . . . . New Review See all our restaurant reviews on our Eat and Drink tab at northsoundlife.com

SAN JUAN DOE BAY CAFÉ American 107 Doe Bay Rd., Orcas Island 360.376.2291, doebay.com 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 Café. The café is set in the Doe Bay garden, providing a beautiful view and the majority of the café’s organic ingredients. Owners Joe and Maureen Brotherton have stuck to their philosophy of taking good care of their visitors by providing world-class dishes made by Executive Chef Abigael Birrell. Choose from a selection of delicious dishes such as Huevos Rancheros with free range, organic over-easy eggs with black beans on griddled corn tortillas or the Pan Roasted Point King Salmon served with a carrot ginger sauce and smoky fried chickpeas and charmoula.

PRIMA BISTRO French 201 1/2 First St., Langley 360.221.4060, primabistro.com 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 a full bar. The Burgundy Snails in Herb Butter taste delightfully creamy, with an uncharacteristically soft, yet enjoyable texture. The Bistro Burger is a juicily grilled

patty of Oregon beef, topped with a deliciously thick slice of melted white Cheddar; a burger made in heaven! For fabulous food, elegant ambience and world-class views, be sure to visit the Prima on your next visit to Whidbey Island. TOBY’S TAVERN Seafood 8 Front St., Coupeville 360.678.4222, tobysuds.com Overlooking the scenic Penn Cove in the center of old Coupeville, Toby’s Tavern offers 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 and chips arrive hot, deliciously flakey, and generous in size, with sides of sweet coleslaw and fries deserving mention for their merit. For those waiting among the weekend crowd of regulars, a giant chocolaty brownie will drive your mind insane, and keep your appetite satisfied before the main course earns its way into the dining room.

Dining Guide

DINE

and come with a tomato-caper coulis and garlic aioli), Pork New York (pan seared with an apple cider gastrique), a Wild Boar Burger, and Ancho Chili & Chicken Stew. Appetizers include the restaurant’s signature fries, which are twice fried and tossed in truffle-parmesan salt. Both beer and wine are on tap here. Both taps and bottles offer some great representatives from local and international producers. Settle in, and enjoy food, drink, and a fire that roars away between the entrance and the dining room, keeping diners warm in both body and spirit. –

CALLE Mexican 517 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.5566, callelove.com Known for their take on street tacos — with six meat fillings to choose from and handmade corn tortillas — Calle satisfies their customers with fresh, tasty food. But tacos are 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 favorite. With 60+ tequilas and mescals to sample, there’s always another reason to visit again.

SKAGIT

CONWAY PUB & EATERY American 18611 Main St., Conway 360.445.4733

13MOONS AT SWINOMISH CASINO & LODGE Seafood/Steak

12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes 360.588.3800, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com Located within the casino 13moons is sure to catch your attention. Situated on the waterfront, 13moons has a warm and inviting lodge atmosphere. The menu offers a wide variety including first plates, entree salads, seafood, and steaks. We started our meal with generous pours of wine, then moved on to the roasted beet salad. I am always skeptical of this dish, as it needs to be just right, and they did not disappoint. The filet mignon was cooked to perfection and mouth-watering. This is a great choice for an evening out. You will walk away satisfied, and you’ll understand why it is becoming the go-to place for locals and visitors alike.

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 Americana spirit, Conway Pub & Eatery is a Skagit Valley icon. NELL THORN Seafood 116 First St., La Conner 360.466.4261, nellthorn.com

A’TOWN BISTRO Regional NW 418 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, 360.899.4001, atownbistro.com 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

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 list. The charming and cozy pub atmosphere, homemade soups, and generous portions make for a great special occasion or romantic evening. Try the polenta cakes with cured black olives and roasted garlic tomato sauce — you won’t be disappointed.

October | November 2016 119

CULINARY EVENTS Harvest Dinner at the Learning Center October 15, 3:00; October 16, noon Geologist John Scurlock and photographer Jon Reidel will present this celebration of fall in the Cascades with this dinner and discussion. The dinner will be prepared by the talented staff at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. The presentation will be about the preservation and protection of our wild lands. North Cascades Learning Center 1940 Diablo Dam Rd., Diablo ncascades.org

Lebanese Cooking with Nahla October 18, 2:11 p.m. Nahla Gholam will create and present a Middle Eastern feast at Ciao Thyme. Gholam owns Mediterranean Specialties, and many of the ingredients are available for sale in her shop. Come explore the delicious world of Lebanese cuisine. Ciao Thyme 207 Unity St., Bellingham ciaothyme.com

Winemaker Presentation October 22, 4 p.m. Each Saturday, Artifacts invites a winemaker or wine representative to present their wine for a tasting. The presentations are unpretentious and informative, and this is a great way to get to know some new wines. Artifacts Wine Bar 250 Flora St., Bellingham artifactswinebar.com

Bar Tabac

TRUMPETER PUBLIC HOUSE Gastropub 416 Myrtle St., Mt. Vernon 360.588.4515, trumpeterpublichouse.com The Trumpeter is an ideal combination of 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 apricothoney glaze or crab mac and cheese with a creamy Gruyere sauce and wild-caught crab. Additionally, the Trumpeter looks to accommodate all tastes with gluten-free dishes, and the option to make any dish gluten free. Of course, a gastropub isn’t complete without beer and Trumpeter completes the dining experience with 18 taps of local and European brews. There’s also a fine selection of wines and drink choices. SEEDS BISTRO Regional NW 623 Morris St., La Conner 360.466.3280, seedsbistro.com 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 selections rotated with the seasons. The macaroni and cheese features Northwestfavorite Cougar Gold cheese with a buttercrumb crust. Burgers are juicy, cooked perfectly, and served on homemade potato buns with the smallest bit of crunch and a fluffy interior. The whole family can enjoy Seeds’ offerings — comfort foods satisfy children’s desires while more intricate food items appease fastidious palates.

Temple Bar 306 W. Champion St., Bellingham templebarbellingham.com 120 NorthSoundLife.com

THE COPPER HOG Gastropub 1327 N. State St., Bellingham 360.927.7888, thecopperhog.com 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 and chips, bangers and mash, and poutine, as well a less-routine pub grub such as Ramen soup or ahi prepared a variety of ways. The Copper Hog also has a wide variety of beer, including local and organic brews. The menu changes seasonally. You’ll want to go back often so you can enjoy everything the menu has to offer. CULTURE CAFÉ 210 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham 360.224.2974, kombuchatown.com This inviting, comfortable place has been known for years for its kombucha. All the items are prepared in-house with the exception of bread, which is made by Bow-based Breadfarm. Culture Café’s menu reflects a great deal of care and integrity. Culture Café is a come-as-you-are restaurant serving fantastic food, with friendly and helpful employees. DIRTY DAN HARRIS Steakhouse 1211 11th St., Bellingham 360.676.1087, dirtydanharris.com

WHATCOM BAYOU ON BAY Cajun/Creole 1300 Bay St., Bellingham 360.752.2968, bayouonbay.com Bayou On Bay serves a wide variety of classic Cajun and 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 alone. The bar offers an extensive list of drink options. Bayou on Bay is a must for foodies as well as people just looking for a satisfying meal.

November 12, 8 p.m. Every Saturday, in fact, Bar Tabac performs at Temple Bar for free. A great cabaret-style jazzy, vintage-tinted band, they are a local favorite. They go really well with the brilliant cocktails and small plates.

different than most other steakhouses: It broils them in a 1,600-degree oven, leaving the meat tender and flavorful.

BLACK FOREST STEAKHOUSE German/Steak 1263 Barkley Blvd., Bellingham 360.733.9185 638 Peace Portal Dr., Blaine 360.306.8342, blackforeststeakhouse.com 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

The “dirt” on Dirty Dan Harris? In a word: excellent. The steakhouse provides warm, friendly waitstaff, quaint historic surroundings and superb food. Most of the waitstaff 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, because the selections are dangerously good. EAT 1200 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham 360.306.3917, 4u2eat.com This fantastic eatery is casual enough for fleece, but elegant enough for an intimate dinner for two. EAT’s suppliers are mostly local, and that local freshness informs their dishes. The menu is an homage to both France and to Bellingham. Combining fresh local ingredients and French cuisine creates an experience that is the best of both worlds.

of the

2016

BEST

FILLING STATION

NORTH

1138 Finnegan Way, Bellingham 360.715.1839, fillingstationnw.com

WEST

The 1950s vibe resonates within the walls of this all-American burger joint. From the antique gas pump to the car memorabilia lining the restaurant, The Filling Station is Fairhaven’s newest go-to spot to satisfy your hunger. With names like The Chevy Pickup, The Mustang, and the Thunderbird, the menu provides different burger selections along with appetizers like Dip Sticks (deep-fried zucchini strips), Hot Rod (food long hot dog) or the Junkyard (classic, onion, and tire fries).

BRON

Voted Best Happy Hour

FIRESIDE MARTINI & WINE BAR Dinner/Bar 416 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.738.1000, firesidemartini.com 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 to offer the casual diner and those more focused on detail. The Fireside claims to have the largest “by the glass” wine selection in Bellingham, none of which are served anywhere else in the area. Cocktails are based on in-house infusions of spirits and it’s a collection found only at Fireside. Beer options range from local to obscure to international. The decor in Fireside is welcoming and intimate, with couches and armchairs throughout the lounge.

Monday kids eat free Tuesday steak night Wednesday 1/

price bottle of wine

1801 Roeder Avenue Bellingham WA 98225 | 360.206.5668

American Farm-to-Table with a French Twist

THE FORK AT AGATE BAY Eclectic 2530 N. Shore Rd., Bellingham 360.733.1126, theforkatagatebay.com

LUNCH - Starting at 1pm DINNER - BRUNCH - HAPPY HOUR LIVE MUSIC - Thu.-Sat. 7pm-9pm

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 a surprisingly upscale atmosphere warmed by a welcoming and rustic charm. Opened in June 2009, it has gained recognition as one of Bellingham’s best restaurants, emerging as a favorite for food connoisseurs. From a simple yet elegant egg breakfast to wild-mushroomstuffed chicken, the menu is a delightful and modern take on the classics. With a full wine bar, an in-house baker and fresh, local ingredients, The Fork at Agate Bay provides a sophisticated twist on Northwest dining. GIUSEPPE’S AL PORTO Italian 21 Bellwether Way, Bellingham 360.714.8412, giuseppesitalian.com Giuseppe’s Al Porto Ristorante 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 Bay. The classic Italian dining that earned Giuseppe’s the reputation as the finest Italian restaurant in

1200 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham 4u2eat.com | (360) 306-3917

October | November 2016 121

Great Food, Great Price,

Great Fun!

of the

2016

BEST

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

Voted Best

Burger

of the

2015

BEST

NORTH 310 N Samish Way, Bellingham boomersdrivein.com 360.647.2666

WEST

SILVER

TasTing Room 1319 11th st., Bellingham | ph. 360.389.0884 | open 11am – 7pm

MeTV available on KVOS and over-the-air on KFFV

122 NorthSoundLife.com

Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar Presented in association with: Judd & Black Appliance, Mount Vernon

WRITTEN BY FRANCES BADGETT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEAN DAVIDSON

&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 Yates, their marketing and community relations representative. Yates brought caprese skewers (grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled in olive oil and balsamic vinegar), Valicoff peaches from Wapato, WA with whipped cream, and crostini with strawberry pepper jelly and Delice de Bourgogne Lincet. Stacy MacKelvie provided Castello Banfi wines of Tuscany artfully paired with each dish. Lombardi’s owner Diane Symms was also on-hand to present the dishes Chef Romeo prepared, and to talk about her experience in the restaurant industry. Chef Romeo began the menu with seared ahi carpaccio, which was paired with Pinot Grigio San Angelo. The ahi was perfectly cooked, tender and flavorful. “Ahi is hard to come by,” Chef Romeo said. “There a crisis shortage.” He recommended that consumers only buy the brightest, pinkest ahi they can find, and to source it carefully. Lombardi’s uses only fresh products, and they cut all their own meat, chicken, and a lot of their fish. Chef Romeo talked about each ingredient, including the premium imported olive oil called Amazon that he uses for drizzling over dishes (but not for heating), and the gray salt he sprinkles over the dishes. For searing the ahi, he recommended flipping it back and forth to keep it tender and to prevent overcooking. He served the ahi on a bed of tender arugula.

The next course was an adaptation of fettuccine carbonara. Chef Romeo added roasted yellow peppers to the sauce to give it a sweet-piquant flavor. He recommended adding enough salt to pasta water to make it taste almost like sea water, and to add the salt right after the hard boil begins, not earlier. He also cautioned against overcooking the pasta, which he prepared to a perfect al dente for the guests. MacKelvie paired this lovely dish with a Chianti Classico from Castello Banfi. The main dish was a Piedmontese flat iron steak. This dish featured Kumato tomatoes, which is the patented name for a tomato called Olmeca that originated in Spain. Kumoato tomatoes are deep green shading into rich red, and are known for their unique slightly citrus tartness. Piedmontese steak is exceptionally lean and packed with flavor. Chef Romeo recommended purchasing from piedmontese.com. The steak was dense with flavor, and drizzled with Amazon olive oil. MacKelvie paired this dish with Belnero Rosso from Castello Banfi. The dessert is Diane Symms’ Italian Eclairs. The honey marscapone semi freddo was a creamy, delicious filling for the dense, delicious pastries, which were served on a drizzle of chocolate. The Florus Moscadello di Montalcino, a very rich port, paired beautifully with the dessert. Lombardi’s also hosts wine dinners, a VIP loyalty and rewards program, and many other special events. They are a mainstay in the area restaurant scene, and it was a pleasure to welcome them to our Meet The Chef series. For more information about their locations, events, and menu, see lombardis.com. 

October | November 2016 123

First Course

Seared Ahi Carpaccio Pinot Grigio, San Angelo, Banfi

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • • • •

1 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

Second Course

DIRECTIONS: ■■

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 outside of the tuna

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Heat the oil in a saute pan until the oil is very hot but not yet smoking

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Sear the tuna on each side for no more than 20 seconds then let cool

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Neatly lay out and arrange the arugula on 4 small plates

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Using a sharp knife, slice the Tuna against the grain into 1/8” slices and fan out over the arugula

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Sprinkle the lemon zest and gray salt over each & drizzle with olive oil

Roasted Yellow Pepper Carbonara Chianti Classico, DOCG, Castello Banfi

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • •

1 lb Fettuccine 4 ea Yellow Bell Peppers 1 qt Heavy Cream 4 oz Pancetta Salt and pepper to taste Canola Oil or Pomace Olive Oil for coating the pepper

DIRECTIONS: ■■

Pre-heat the oven to 400

■■

Lightly coat each pepper in oil, place on a sheet pan and place in the preheated oven

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Cook the pepper until dark brown on each side, turning frequently to make sure each side is browned

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Remove the peppers from the oven and place in a bowl

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Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap to continue steaming the pepper

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Set aside on a burner over very low heat

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After 10 minutes remove the peppers from the bowl, peel and de-seed them leaving only the “meat”

Chop the pancetta into small pieces and place into a saute pan over medium low heat

■■

Place the pepper “meat” into a blender or food processor and puree until very smooth

Continually stir the pancetta while cooking and heat long enough for the fat to render and the pancetta in crisp

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Strain and let cool In salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine until al dente

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In a sauce pot, mix the heavy cream and pepper puree

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Heat the cream mixture over a medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches 165, lower the temperature and cook until it reduces to about half of its original volume

■■

Remove the pasta from the water and toss with the alfredo sauce

■■

Reserve some of the hot past water and use to thin out the sauce if necessary while tossing with the pasta

Remove from the stove, stir in the grated parmesan and season with salt and pepper

■■

Place the coated pasta neatly into each bowl and sprinkle with the crisp pancetta bits

■■

124 NorthSoundLife.com

BelnerO, Rosso, IGT, Castello Banfi

INGREDIENTS: •

• • • • •

1 each Flat Iron Loin or 4 each 8oz Piedmontese Flat Iron can be purchased at www.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

Third Course

Piedmontese Flat Iron Steak

DIRECTIONS: ■■

Season the outside of the entire flat iron or each steak until well coated

■■

Grill on a hot grill until the desired temperature is achieved (no more than medium is recommended)

■■

Refer to the instructions from the class for the best way to grill steak

■■

Once the steak(s) is done let it rest for 5 minutes

■■

Slice the steak on a bias and against the grain and fan out on a plate

■■

Slice the Kumato tomatoes and fan them over the steak

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Drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive oil

■■

Sprinkle with gray salt and garnish with a sprig of fresh oregano

Fourth Course

Italian Eclairs 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

DIRECTIONS: ■■

Preheat oven to 400

■■

Sift dry ingredients and whisk to blend well

■■

In a heavy sauce pan, heat water/milk and butter until all the butter has melted. Bring this mixture to a full boil. Remove from heat. Do not over-cook this mixture.

■■

Add flour mixture all at once and stir with a wooden spoon until flour is all incorporated. Continue to beat vigorously for a few minutes as the paste becomes dry and does not cling to the spoon or the sides of the pan

■■

The warmth of the butter and water mixture cooks the flour into a ball of dough. Do not over stir or it will fail to puff

■■

Add one egg which is at room temperature and beat vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated. Add each egg until all 4 have been added. The dough will become shiny.

■■

Using a spoon (or pastry bag) and drop 1 tablespoon of dough onto a greased and floured sheet pan

■■

Place dough about 2 – 3 apart

■■

Using your wet fingers, you can smooth over the tops of the balls to even out any irregularities

■■

Lightly press down on each dough with the tines of a fork

■■

Lightly spritz the pastry balls with water

■■

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 350F and bake for another 25 minutes or until firm to the touch and golden brown all over

■■

Remove from the pan onto a cooling rack. Cool completely before cutting and filling. May be held for 1–2 days before filling.

126 NorthSoundLife.com

Bellingham is still going strong. Whether you try the chicken marsala, happy hour specials or three-course, early-dinner specials, your mouth will water. Daily specials and the full menu include meat specialties, fresh seafood and authentic Italian pastas.

Your Financial Future: Will You Be Ready?

HOMESKILLET American 521 Kentucky St., Bellingham 360.676.6218, homeskilletinsunnyland.com

MECH

BEST

2016

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 potatoes, eggs and toppings you choose. Try Tina and Kirby’s personal favorite: the poutine, home fries smothered in traditional gravy, topped with fried eggs and cheese. Homeskillet can’t be beat with its friendly service, colorful atmosphere and ultimate comfort food.

CREATIVE STUDIO 1585 Broadway 23rd Floor New York, NY 10036

of the

180 Varick Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10014

NORTHm1

WEST

JOB INFORMATION 7790428/602858172

PROJ. NO.:

JOB NAME:

TRIM SIZE:

Retail Byrnes Susan Rice Ad

IL CAFFE RIFUGIO Italian 5415 Mount Baker Hwy., Deming 360.592.2888, ilcafferifugio.com 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 pannini and frittatas for Saturdayand Sunday brunches; Cioppino is a summer dinner menu highlight. The dinner menu changes weekly, begging for a second trip. A small covered deck with colorful lanterns sits adjacent to the dining room for your al fresco pleasure. Just beyond, in a meadow, sits a red deck used as a stage, and is the centerpiece for special dinners under the stars. TASTE OF INDIA Indian 3930 Meridian St., Ste. 107, Bellingham 360.647.1589 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 dishes at once, try the lunch buffet.

FINISHED SIZE: BLEED:

SPECIFICATIONS 4.75" × 2.25"

NOTES

4.75" × 2.25" N/A

BINDERY: INK:

DESCRIPTION:

CMYK APPROVALS

PANTONE #: CREATIVE DIR.:

CLIENT NAME: PROJECT MGR.: COST CENTER: DUE DATE:

MODIFIED BY

Byrnes, Lesley Mitzner, Julie F013

CH AN 01-15-2014, CH AN 01-15-2014

PROJECT MGR.: PROOFREADER:

16/02/2014

CLIENT:

FILENAME: 7790428 Susan Rice_b m1

NY CS 7790428 BC006 01/14 GP10-01505P-N06/10

Susan Rice Financial Planning Specialist Financial Advisor 2200 Rimland Drive, Suite 105 Bellingham, WA 98226 360-788-7005 • 800-247-2884 susan.e.rice@morganstanley.com

LAST MODIFIED: January 15, 2014 1:13 PM

SILVER

Voted Best Fish & Chips

Nickis Bar and Grill on the waterfront in Bellingham serving award winning, hand dipped, tempura style fish & chips. Build your own burger featuring our handcrafted USDA chuck patties and fresh baked buns.

360.332.2505 2615 South Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham nickisbellamarina.com

JAKE’S WESTERN GRILL Southern 8114 Guide Meridian, Lynden 360.354.5588, jakeswesterngrill.com In addition to outstanding barbecue, Jake’s also features a full line of fresh-cut salads, burgers, Southern sandwiches and a full-service bar. If

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Elk Street The Redlight INGREDIENTS: Bulleit bourbon, sweet vermouth, Campari with cedarwood oil, and orange twist and local cedar sprig that had been picked just that morning

you’re a true lover of Southern barbecue, you owe it to yourself to head north and give Jake’s Western Grill in Lynden a try. JALAPEÑOS MEXICAN GRILL Mexican 1007 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.656.6600 501 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.671.3099 2945 Newmarket Pl., Bellingham, 360.778.2041 jalapenos-wa.com Jalepeños Mexican Grill lures you in with promises of a cheap lunch special. But after looking at the menu, you’ll want so much more. You’ll find a masterpiece starting with the complimentary chips and salsa. Ask to see if they are featuring any types other than the normal red that day. The salsas exude freshness. A house favorite is the authentic “puffy tacos.” They’re messy—filled with shredded chicken, cheese and topped with guacamole— but worth the added effort of using a knife and fork. Of course, there’s a variety of flavored mojitos and margaritas, and Jalepeños doesn’t play around with their drinks. The glasses are huge, and the drink is good to the last drop. KEENAN’S AT THE PIER American/Seafood 804 10th St., Bellingham 360.392.5510, thechrysalisinn.com

his 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 the glassed-in seating nook is a collection of every cocktail the bar has ever created (and it’s a huge list). You can order from the book if you’re looking for something in particular. The experienced mixologist can whip up whatever your heart desires,

and can work from your own kooky uncle’s recipe as well. And it is from the red book that this issue’s drink emerged: Elk Street. A throwback and nod to the future all at once, Elk Street evokes the card rooms and speakeasies that once dominated this stretch of town, and yet has a cosmopolitan flair all its own. The bourbon gives this lovely drink a nice smooth undertone, complementing the vermouth, while the assertive Campari and cedar poke through, assertive and clean. A drink that you either love or hate (we love) Elk Street will have us coming back for more. And more. And another. 

Keenan’s at the Pier is located in Fairhaven’s Chrysalis Inn & Spa. The menu is locally sourced and changes frequently. Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m., and a number of tasty options are available for under $10. Breakfast, lunch and dinner entrees range from seafood to American favorites. The menu items are imaginative, tasty, and beautifully presented. The wine list offers a mix of imports and domestic wines that pair well with your meal, and the excellent mixologists create fresh, delicious cocktails, perfect for taking in the expansive views. Reservations at this popular restaurant are not required, though highly recommended. MAGDALENA’S Crêperie, European 1200 10th St., Ste. 103, Bellingham 360.483.8569, magdalenascreperie.com 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 or savory. But at this eatery, it is criminal to pass up the sweet little numbers filled with velvety smooth vanilla-flavored cream cheese, white chocolate and your choice of fresh fruit. A crêpe option for every crêpe crave. MI MEXICO Mexican

1017 N State St, Bellingham redlightbellingham.com

241 Telegraph Rd., Bellingham 360.647.0073 Mi Mexico’s reputation as one of the local favorites among Mexican food lovers is well

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deserved. The experience starts with a warm, friendly, professional waitstaff in an enjoyable, upbeat atmosphere. And from there, Mi Mexico separates itself from the competition with a choice of traditional and non-traditional Mexican dishes that few Mexican restaurants in the Pacific Northwest offer, all made with the freshest of ingredients available. From your first bite of Mi Mexico’s homemade salsa to the last bite of your main entree or dessert, you will already be planning your next visit. NORTH FORK BREWERY Brewpub

GREAT TASTES

6186 Mount Baker Hwy., Deming 360.599.2337, northforkbrewery.com 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. The brewery produces relatively small batches of beer, 109 gallons, keeping the beer fresh and the options changing. Their staple is the India Pale Ale. The opening taste is a strong citrus flavor, but is quickly dissolved by the aggressive bitterness, making it a quite enjoyable beer to accompany a slice of their homemade pizza. The pizza crust is made fresh daily with a hint of beer. The sauce is well-balanced with tomatoes and spices. Made with fresh vegetables, meats and cheeses, there is nothing not to like about this pizza. ÖVN WOOD-FIRED PIZZA 1148 10th St., Fairhaven 360.393.4327, ovnwoodfiredpizza.com The clean lines and urban upscale atmosphere of this pizza restaurant promises some very good food—and they deliver on that promise. They also serve crispy salads and excellent cocktails. Dining here is a perfect way to spend an elegant lunch or intimate dinner. ROCKET DONUTS 306 W. Holly St., 360.671.6111, Bellingham 1021 Harris Ave, 360.366.8135, Bellingham rocketdonuts.com 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. PEL’ MENI Russian 1211 N. State St., Bellingham 360.715.8324 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 are piping hot and sprinkled with cumin, paprika and cilantro. Because they pair so well with tasty libations, Pel’ Meni manages to consistently have a

The following selections have made it past our taste bud test and into our top eight this issue. Step out and give them a try, you won’t be disappointed.

1 1 2 2 3 3 4

Although you can’t go wrong with any of Taco Lobo’s street-style tacos, the pollo verde taco stands out. The chicken is generously covered with a delicious verde sauce. At just $2.50 per taco, you’ll want to stock up on these. tacolobo.net Brandywine’s gluten-free salmon cakes are fresh and flavorful. Avocado, cucumber, tomato, and arugula garnish the dish. brandywinekitchen.com The Po-Tuen at Busara Thai Cuisine entree brings together all the flavors of the sea with a kick of thai spice. Full of prawns, scallops, squid, and mussels, this dish does not fall short on variety. busarabellingham.com Diamond Jim’s Grill is the kind of place that always feels like home. The staff is friendly and the food is hearty. Try their chicken fried steak. It is a classic done up right by the cooks at Diamond Jim’s. diamondjimsgrill.com

5 6 7 8

The spicy salmon roll at Blue Fin sushi is almost too gorgeous to eat—almost. Each piece is overflowing with fresh Pacific Northwest salmon, cucumber, and avocado. bluefinbellingham.com Even the impressive views from each table at Cliff House can’t outshine their signature Whiskey Crab Soup. The hearty, creamy soup is perfect to help you warm up on a brisk Bellingham day. bellinghamcliffhouse.com Skip the pancakes next Saturday morning and grab a crepe at Magdalena’s Creperie. The egg, asparagus, tomato, arugula, and brie crepe is beyond filling and provides the perfect start to any day. magdalenascreperie.com New to Bellingham, Brotha Dudes brings customers an array of vegetarian and vegan options that are bursting with flavor. The Dudes Bowl is chalk full of organic ingredients like kale, cabbage, and tofu for just $7 anyone can afford to be healthy.

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DINE Sip

Thanksgiving and Harvest Wines WRITTEN BY DAN RADIL

he 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, can be a thankless task. So you might be happy to know that choosing wines to serve with traditional autumn foods is a relatively easy, practically foolproof undertaking. Baked squash, creamy pumpkin soup, sautéed carrots, green beans, mashed potatoes, and even turkey and bread stuffing all have one thing in common…they don’t require much more than either a drizzle of butter or a spritz of salt and pepper to make them complete. Serving these foods — or for that matter, any other foods that aren’t too heavily seasoned or spiced — gives you the luxury of pairing them with a number of different wines. And because there’s a wine to fit every budget, all you have to remember is to provide your guests with plenty of variety. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

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Sip

START IT OUT LIGHT Riesling and Gewurztraminer are considered by many to be standard Thanksgiving wine choices, so why not mix things up and start off with a bottle of bubbly or something light as a nice alternative? These wines should pair well with appetizers or can also be served during the early stages of the meal. From Northeastern Italy, the Bisol Crede Valdobbiadene Prosecco (about $25) is a great opener to have on hand for your harvest dinner. Gentle green pear and apple flavors lead off and then melt into more of a citrus taste-profile that suggests lemon cream. The sparkling wine’s ultra-fine bubbles also give it a near-silky quality and luxurious finish. For a lighter-style white wine, try the Tall Sage 2015 Chardonnay (about $10) from Washington’s Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards & Winery. It should pair well with your traditional Thanksgiving dinner and it’s priced right for those on a budget. Rosés are also price-friendly wines that look pretty, taste delicious, and often make excellent food-pairing choices. A couple of suggestions: The Bergevin Lane 2015 Linen Rosé from Walla Walla (about $15) and the Frescobaldi Toscana Alie Rosé (about $18). The Bergevin Lane Rosé displays juicy watermelon and strawberry flavors to start, with edgier rhubarb and a trace of lime zest on a dry finish; while the Frescobaldi Rosé is a bit more understated, with gentle aromas and flavors of field berries followed by a brisk finish that’s highlighted with a splash of kiwi fruit. THE MIDDLE STANZA Red wine with white meat? Absolutely! In fact, Pinot Noir may be the quintessential red wine to serve with a Thanksgiving turkey dinner. Its light to medium-bodied style and high acid content make it a natural to pair with poultry and allow it to cut through creamy sauces and gravies. Winemaker Evan Bellingar has done a fine job with his first commercially released vintage, the Bellingar Estates 2014 Oregon Pinot Noir (about $20). It opens with fragrant red cherry aromas and flavors before transitioning into brighter, leaner fruits of raspberry and cranberry and a crisp finish with a touch of earthiness. An added bonus for Oregon Pinot lovers: the highly affordable $20-a-bottle price tag.

DINE

Another outstanding and nicely priced Pinot is the Kim Crawford South Island, New Zealand 2014 Pinot Noir (about $19). Lovely star anise on the nose, berry fruit on the midpalate and tangy, dried cranberry accents make this wine a sensory delight. It also carries a smoky, almost sultry quality, enhanced by the toasted oak finish and an underlying trace of herbaceousness. If you prefer to stay with white wines, New Zealand has you covered as well, with the Kim Crawford 2015 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (about $18). Bold citrus and lime aromas start you off, with tangy gooseberry and tropical fruit flavors, racy acidity, and crush of green herbs on the finish. A possible food-pairing suggestion: oyster stuffing. And those who prefer their Chardonnays unoaked should enjoy Oregon’s Stoller Family Estate 2015 Dundee Hills Chardonnay (about $25). Freshly baked brioche aromatics, bright Fuji apple flavors, and a slightly citrusy finish with a hint of lemon chiffon all add up to a delightful wine that should pair well with roasted root vegetables, chicken, goose, or turkey. LATER ON… There’s also absolutely no reason one can’t serve a more fullbodied red wine such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah with a harvest meal. Just avoid a younger, bolder, and overly tannic red (which might overwhelm the food) and choose something softer, mellower and perhaps a touch on the fruity side and you should be just fine. The Lobo Hills 2013 Right Bank Blend, Columbia Valley (about $20) is a perfect example of an excellent red wine to have at your Thanksgiving table. Comprised of 87-percent Merlot and four other Bordeaux region red varietals, it features a tasty array of blackberry, black currant, and cherry fruit along with vanilla bean nuances that are perfectly balanced by a trailing note of gentle acidity. Also notable is the Ginkgo Forest 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (about $30). Sourced from Washington’s Wahluke Slope region, this Cabernet is drinking beautifully with luscious black cherry and plum flavors that are accentuated with a whisper of smokiness on a plush, velvety finish. It’s a gorgeous red wine that should be served and savored at the latter stages of your meal. 

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line out the door as soon as the sun goes down. For $7, you’ll get a plastic, clam-shell container full of savory dumplings. Smother them with vinegar, sour cream and hot sauce for the full effect.

of the

2016

BEST

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

SKYLARK’S HIDDEN CAFÉ Eclectic 1308 11th St., Fairhaven 360.715.3642, skylarkshiddencafe.com Syklark’s Hidden Café 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. STONE POT Korean 113 E. Magnolia St., Bellingham 3092 N.W. Bellingham Ave., Bellingham 360.671.6710 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 with choice of meat or tofu that sits atop a sizzling pot of rice. A fried egg is placed on top — stir it in to mix the yolk throughout the rice and meat as the hot pot continues to cook the egg, similar to fried rice. All meals are served with a variety of buanchan, small, seasonal dishes of vegetables, meats and seafood that complement the main dish. The menu also includes soups, noodle dishes and entrees such as Kabli, marinated beef short ribs, Spicy Pork, served on a sizzling platter with onions, and the traditional Bulgogi. THE STEAK HOUSE AT SILVER REEF HOTEL C ASINO SPA Steak/Seafood 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 360383.0777, silverreefcasino.com This award-winning restaurant offers elegant dining and an intimate atmosphere. Primegrade steaks are broiled at 1,800 degrees to lock in the natural juices and finished with a special steak butter. The wine list is ample and recognized for its quality by Wine Spectator. This dining experiences rivals any of the bigtown steak houses in quality and service without the big-city price tag. SUPER MARIO’S Salvadorian 3008 N.W. Ave, Bellingham 360.393.4637, super-marios.com 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 veggies are chopped fresh daily, nothing is frozen, and

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Review

DINE

Artisan Eats at The Mill WRITTEN BY KATE GALAMBOS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY MADDY TANAKA

nter 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, and comfortable leather-clad chairs. While classy, the style is not overpowering or intimidating. Although The Mill does make a great spot for a dinner date or a ladies’ lunch, the restaurant also offers a retail case where customers can purchase meats and cheeses to take home. As a branch of the Perfectly Paired stores, The Mill’s staff are incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to finding the perfect combination of wine, cheese, and charcuterie. Don’t be afraid to ask for a little advice before ordering, you won’t regret it. The menu is full of bistro plates like fresh salads, panini, soups, and, of course, meats and cheeses. Eat like the French and begin your meal with charcuterie or cheese— or both. You’ll find the the baked brie on the “Pairing and Sharing” menu among a long list of delicious appetizers. It is warm, gooey, and served with more than enough bread to accompany the dish. The Mill tops the Mt. Townsend Creamery Cirrus with a sweet and savory sauce that adds a nice bite to the heavy dish. … continued on next page

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nothing is cooked until it’s ordered. In addition, nothing is deep fried. TORRE CAFFE Italian 119 N. Commercial St., Ste. 130, Bellingham 360.734.0029 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 entrees) is made daily with the freshest ingredients. Louisa’s soups are near legendary. Go early, go often. Your tastebuds will thank you. VIA 7829 Birch Bay Dr., Birch Bay 360.778.2570, viabirchbay.com Driving along Birch Bay Drive, you might get so distracted by the expansive waterfront view that you might miss this little nondescript building perched over the beach. But you shouldn’t. You should stop, because this café and bistro is not a dive bar. It’s not a roadhouse. It’s not a fish-and-chips shack. It’s a very special gem right in the heart of Birch Bay. WASABEE SUSHI Japanese/Sushi 105 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham 360.223.9165, wasabeesushi.com 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 paperthin slices of white pickled ginger. It’s a refreshing break from the pink-dyed variety so often found in many sushi bars. Ambiance, incomparable quality and prices that cannot be beat make WasaBee Sushi a darn fine place to eat.

… Balance the indulgent cheese with one of The Mill’s crisp salads. The Matisse is perfect for anyone with a bit of a sweet tooth and priced well at just $11. Topped with candied pecans, dried cranberries, sliced pears, and a champagne vinaigrette, you’ll wonder how a salad could be so delicious. And the merlot sea salt works well to even out the sweetness. The Mill is the type of place where one could spend a full afternoon grazing on cheeses, sipping cocktails, and enjoying a good book. The bistrolike atmosphere gives the restaurant a European vibe without loosing the welcoming small-town service typical of quaint Lynden. 

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October | November 2016 135

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November 18-20 ABBOTSFORD TRADEX

ARTISAN MARKETPLACE:

140+ artisans with unique hand made items, perfect for gift giving and decorating your home for the holidays. Buy your tickets on-line at

westcoastchristmasshow.com

98221 STUDIO TOUR Oct 22 & 23 | 30 Artists

ACT THEATRE

“Music Man” | thru Oct 22 PLEASE VERIFY ALL AD COPY FOR ACCURACY & INDICATE ALL CORRECTIONS CLEARLY. This is a proof only. Colors here may or may not match final printed copy exactly. This is an opportunity to identify any error made during the creation of your advertisement. Should the number of sets of changes requested exceed two, additional charges may apply. For best production, text should be a minimum of 12 point font. Fine line fonts may not be legible on dark backgrounds (ie: script fonts). QR Codes minimum size requirement is 1” Square. Please scan your QR to ensure functionality. ABC Advertising Agency Inc. shall not be held responsible for an error not marked.

ARTinANACORTES.com

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The Background Color represents the possible Table Design, and if unknown the color by default is Black.

ALLEGRO STRINGS 1210 Cornwall Ave. Bellingham AllegroStrings.SquareSpace.com

360.671.8059

CREATING SINCE 1980

CREATIONS RESTORATIONS • REPAIRS • SALES AND CONSIGNMENTS OF FINE STRINGED INSTRUMENTS AND BOWS. • •

Restaurant Lorenzo’s Bellingham File Name Created By CW On 06-22-16

Advertiser Master Auto Tech Size 6x6 Ad Number 25

AGENDA

Featured Events · Listings · The Scene · Final Word

Spineless: Portraits of Marine Invertebrates SEPTEMBER 17–DECEMBER 31

arine photographer Susan Middleton has spent many dedicated years to exploring the Pacific Ocean and photographing its residents, from giant octopi to hermit crabs. Her work is luminous and compelling, showing these species in a new light. A personal favorite is the Decoractor Crab draped in seaweed and algae. Middleton’s work has been displayed world-wide, and she has published two books, Evidence of Evolution and Spineless: Portraits of Marine Invertebrates, The Backbone of Life. 

The Lightcatcher 250 Flora St., Bellingham 360.778.8930, whatcommuseum.org

AGENDA Events

CLASSICAL GALA CONCERT OCTOBER 22, 7:30 P.M.

Start the concert season right with the Skagit Symphony’s vibrant nod to their new beginnings. Performers will include Erika Block, a Western instructor and well-traveled clarinetist. McIntyre Hall Performing Arts and Conference Center 2501 E College Way, Mount Vernon 360.416.7727 McintyreHallBoxOffice@skagit.edu STARRY NIGHT CHAMBER ORCHESTRA NOVEMBER 12, 3 P.M.

Join the collection of Mt. Vernon-based musicians who make up The Starry Night Orchestra for an afternoon of music. Led by Sharyn Peterson, the orchestra is made up of various instructors and contributors from Mt. Vernon’s own Peterson Conservatory of Music and Arts. Lincoln Theatre 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon 360.336.8955, lincolntheatre.org SANFORD-HILL PIANO SERIES: TAMARA STEFANOVICH NOVEMBER 15, 7:30 P.M.

Grammy-nominee Tamara Stefanovich comes to Bellingham as part of the Sanford-Hill Piano Series. Stefanovich’s record includes performances with the London Philharmonic and collaborations with artists such as Peter Eötvös. WWU Performing Arts Center 516 High St., Bellingham 360.650.6146, cfpa.wwu.edu

MUSEUMS VOICES DEL VALLE/VOICES OF THE VALLEY THROUGH DECEMBER 31

Explore the Latino history behind the vibrant farming communities in the Skagit Valley. Learn their motivations for coming to the area and the marks they’ve left on the region. Skagit County Historical Museum 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner 360.466.3365, lovelaconner.com

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S 50 GREATEST PHOTOGRAPHS

MONTAGE: GREAT FILM COMPOSERS AND THE PIANO

THROUGH JANUARY 15

NOVEMBER 5, 7:30 P.M.

National Geographic is taking the highlights of 120 years of stunning photography on the road. See the Afghan Girl and other iconic photographs up close. The event will not just feature the published photos, but some of the photos that led up to the perfect shot.

Composer and Grammy award-winner Gloria Cheng performs selections from her CD, “MONTAGE: Great Film Composers and the Piano.” “MONTAGE” features compositions written specifically for Cheng by musicians such as Michael Giacchino (composer for films such as “Star Trek”) and Randy Newman.

Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher 250 Flora St., Bellingham 360.778.8930, whatcommuseum.org

CONCERTS

WWU Performing Arts Center 516 High St., Bellingham 360.650.3876, cfpa.wwu.edu THE OLGA SYMPHONY, MORE OR LESS

AN EVENING OF HONOR CONCERT

NOVEMBER 25 & 26, 7:30 P.M.

OCTOBER 8, 6 P.M.

Armed with banjos, guitars, fiddles and whatever else they can fine, The Olga Symphony presents their annual holiday show. Known for their boisterous and lively performances, this annual tradition is sure to entertain.

Honor your veterans and those wounded in combat by attending the Evening of Honor concert. With music by Seattle native Aaron Crawford, and with 100 percent of the profits going to the Wounded Warrior Project, this event is sure to not just entertain, but do wonders for veterans both here in the area, and around the country. Byrnes Performing Arts Center– Arlington High School 18821 Crown Ridge Blvd., Arlington

Orcas Center 917 Mt. Baker Rd., Eastsound 360.376.2281, orcascenter.com

THEATER THE MUSIC MAN

GLOBAL SPICE WORLD CONCERT SERIES

SEPTEMBER 23–OCTOBER 22

NOVEMBER 2, 7:30 P.M.

Saturday Night Live Band percussionist Valerie Naranjo and multi-talented musician Barry Olsen blend world music with an array of popular music styles such as jazz and contemporary. This will be their second performance at Western this year.

Con artist Harold Hill ventures to Iowa, claiming that he can teach the children of River City to play instruments. His plan is to take the money that the parents put into his “program” and run, but when he meets and falls for Marian Paroo, his plans go awry.

WWU Performing Arts Center 516 High St., Bellingham 360.650.6146, cfpa.wwu.edu

Anacortes Community Theatre 918 M Ave., Anacortes 360.293.6829, acttheatre.com

MANDOLIN ORANGE

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS

OCTOBER 8, 7:30 P.M.

NOVEMBER 25–DECEMBER 11

Carrying with them an eclectic blend of sound, from slow strings and crooning vocals, Mandolin Orange descends on Mount Vernon. The North Carolina band is currently celebrating the release of their fifth album, “Blindfaller.”

Directed Susan Duncan, “White Christmas” tells the story of veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis. Now a song-anddance duo, the two embark on a journey of romance in this classic holiday story.

McIntyre Hall Performing Arts and Conference Center 2501 E College Way, Mount Vernon 360.416.7727 McintyreHallBoxOffice@skagit.edu

Bellingham Theatre Guild Playhouse 1600 H St., Bellingham 360.733.1811, bellinghamtheatreguild.com

FAMILY FRIENDLY Bow Wow & Woofs… where every dog is special! Conveniently located at exit 270 in Birch Bay Square. We carry Orijen, Acana, The Honest Kitchen, Vital Essentials, Ruffwear and so much more!

THE BAND AID FUN RUN OCTOBER 8, 9 A.M.

Run a 10K or a 5K accompanied by the sounds of the Mount Vernon High School band. Awards are available from ages 11–70 and older. Funds raised will benefit the high school band. Edgewater Park 600 Behrens-Millett Rd, Mount Vernon 360.202.8565, bandaidfunrun.org

Proud supporter Of Puppy Rescue Mission: “Soldiers saving Puppies… Puppies saving Soldiers”

8115 Birch Bay Square St, Suite 111 360-332-3647

DOWNTOWN TRICK OR TREAT OCTOBER 29 3–5 P.M.

Dress up and head out in this safe Halloween romp. Grab a map and get to hunting — over 40 businesses and a trove of candy are awaiting you and your costumes. Downtown Ferndale 2007 Cherry St., Ferndale 360.384.3042, bellingham.org/events/ downtown-trick-or-treat-2 MINI-EXPLORERS: ALL ABOUT SALMON NOVEMBER 9–10, 10:00 A.M. AND 1:00 P.M.

Take your kids out on an adventure to Padilla bay for one of the reserve’s many educational classes about the region. November’s topic will focus on salmon. Interested participants must register online. Padilla Bay National Estuary Research Reserve 10441 Bayview-Edison Road, Mount Vernon 360-428-1070 glen.alexander@ecy.wa.gov

SPECIAL EVENTS DOCTOBER SEPTEMBER 30–NOVEMBER 3

October marks the yearly celebration of documentary films at the Pickford Film Center. This year will feature films ranging from wide subjects such as the environment and sustainability, to niche topics such as knitting, as presented in the film “Yarn.” Pickford Film Center 1318 Bay St., Bellingham 360.738.0735, pickfordfilmcenter.org

Pump Boys and Dinettl es A Feel-Good Musica Feast for the Ears

Singin’ in the Rain te

Hollywood’s Favori Movie Musical – With Live, On Stage Rain

The 39 Strdeepr s The Hilarious Mu Mystery Farce

a proper place

Downton Abbey Meets Gilligan’s Island

s dreamgirl B The Stunning R& Musical Spectacular