crispy fried chicken and waffles, and their signature sandwich, the Yard Bird: chicken, cheddar cheese, and gravy piled onto a fresh, fluffy biscuit.
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GREAT
SAN JUAN
TASTES
DOE BAY CAFÉ American 107 Doe Bay Rd., Orcas Island 360.376.8059, 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. Owners Joe and Maureen Brotherton have stuck to their philosophy of taking good care of their visitors by providing world-class seafood and vegetarian dishes. Choose from breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections such as Huevos Rancheros with free range, organic over-easy eggs with black beans on griddled corn tortillas, Goat Cheese French Toast, or the Pan Roasted Troller Point King Salmon. ISLAND SKILLET Homestyle 325 Prune Alley, Eastsound 360.376.3984 Beloved by loyal patrons for its large portions of casual, customizable meals, Island Skillet is a must-stop for anyone visiting Orcas Island. A rustic metal rooster outside the entrance sets the tone — this is casual food served by a friendly staff in a casual space. Start the day with an Island Skillet breakfast complete with a bottomless cup of coffee. Sandwiches rule the lunch menu. Island Skillet’s offers a lengthy list of sides and customizations for most items, so you can totally have it your way.
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.
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SALTY FOX COFFEE American 85 Front St., Friday Harbor 360.622.2486, saltyfoxcoffee.com When owner Andrea Hampton put together her coffee shop’s food menu, she worked hard to create items that were easy to make, but still healthy and satisfying. She wanted to be able to serve ferry riders on a time schedule, along with locals who come in for breakfast or lunch. For breakfast, choose from a Yogurt Parfait ($4.84) or a Breakfast Burrito ($8.77) or a few other savory options. Her rice bowls are my favorite option at $7.15 each. Try the Savory Pesto Bowl – jasmine rice, organic scrambled eggs, basil pesto, avocado, sprouts, carrots, chia and hemp seed. In the afternoon, you can grab a small plate like cheese and crackers ($5.50) or a selection from the salads– Sweet Potato Quinoa Avocado Salad ($11), as well as daily specials, and new items are added all the time. It’s a healthy menu, both in size and ingredients, for a small café. Her coffee comes from Blue Star, an independent, artisanal roaster in Twisp that she can personally connect with. Guests can take anything to go, including wine and beer, much of which is locally made on the island.
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The N.W. Burger at Fiamma Burger is one of our favorites. You can choose between elk, bison, or beef. For you vegetarians, there’s veggie and black bean patty options as well.
We will always appreciate a place where you can find good tacos and a beer like you can at Aslan Brewery. The pineapple salmon tacos are a perfect light meal during the warmer months.
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For a healthy and delicious breakfast option, we recommend the Cali Omelette at Over Easy. With egg whites, tomato, feta cheese and avocado, this meal is sure to please.
If you’re looking for classic pub fare, the Porterhouse Pub in Mount Vernon is the place for you. Their Porterhouse Cheeseburger is a beef burger with your choice of cheddar, jack or bleu cheese. And upgrading to sweet potato fries is always a good idea.
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Temple Bar offers many gourmet alternatives to typical bar snacks. The hot stuffed dates are stuffed with Chevre and prosciutto and drizzled with a balsamic reduction, a treat for the taste buds.
The garlic miso ramen at Muto Ramen and Sushi is sure to make this restaurant your new favorite spot. It has a distinct garlic flavor and is topped with a tasty piece of BBQ pork.
Catrina Tacos and Tequila in Mount Vernon offers an assortment of street-style tacos. We recommend the carnitas taco, a simple but delicious plate with slowroasted, juicy pork.
For breakfast, we love anything with eggs, cheese, and potatoes. The Twin Sisters at The Daisy Cafe is two poached eggs on English muffins, topped with olives and herbs. Potatoes on the side makes this the breakfast of our dreams. Emily Stout
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