Bellingham Alive | July | 2019 by K & L Media

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CONTENTS

Lighting to Linens Decorating a home is hard enough work without also trying to decide where to shop for each item. In these pages, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve listed the best local shops and galleries for all your home decor needs, plus so much more. With knowledgeable employees and inventories as unique as your taste, these stores will help you through any home decorating problem or hurdle. Be it a rug, lamp, sofa, or gift, your new favorite store is just a quick read away.

Home Decorating

ÂŠ Kelly Pearce

Summer is the perfect time to freshen up indoor spaces that may have grown stagnant or dull over the dark winter months. In this home decorating guide, we consult with experts on four unique interior design themes: Pacific Northwest, contemporary & industrial, farm house, and coastal beach. From chairs to plants to wallpaper and beyond, this guide will help you reimagine your home.

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JULY 2019 WELLBEING

17 Paddle to Lummi

LIFESTYLE

DINE

39 Freckles

Summertime Seating

Dining Guide

Culinary Events

Mixing Tin Salish Sea Daiquiri at Saltine

Sip Grain to Glass

Restaurant Review Cobalt Grill and Lounge

8 Great Tastes

AGENDA

By the Numbers

Nutrition A Recipe for Meditation

Lasting Image

Spotlight Summer Theater in Fairhaven

In the Know Vanity Hair Studio

Lighting to Linens

In the Know Mount Baker Theatre Camp

Home Decorating

Heard Around the Sound

HABITAT

Game Changer Mary Elliott

87 Featured Event Northwest Raspberry Festival

Book Reviews

Top Picks

Who Knew Ice Pops

Out of Town

Community Haggen 4th of July

The Scene Handbags for Housing

Five Faves Hot Dogs

Courtesy Lynden Chamber of Commerce

FEATURES

Featured Home Skagit Bay Waterfront

NOTES

Addies Angus Ranch

Necessities

Local Find The C Shop

Savvy Shopper Griffin Bay Bookstore

SHOP

74 Remodel Aging in Place

Publisher’s Letter

Contributors

Letters to the Editor

Meet the Staffer Becky Mandelbaum

Final Word

July 2019 5

NOTES On the Web

Be sure to check us out at:

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

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE On p.26 of the Lifestyle section, we talk about the big Haggen 4th of July celebration. Our online exclusive has a breakdown of patriotic parties all over the North Sound. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in Blaine or out on Orcas Island, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tracked down somewhere for you to kick back and enjoy the holiday. See BellinghamAlive.com.

Join us on

for:

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]

Weekend

AGENDA NSLife Home & Garden

BellinghamAlive.com

NSLife Camping Hacks

Summer Entertaining

NSLife Summer Fun

NOTES Publisher’s Letter

The Power of Print and New Beginnings

recently had the pleasure of attending a conference that explored the many ways in which media impacts our everyday lives. From social media to print, information really is all around us. The question becomes: How do we navigate these waters while also protecting ourselves from the personal security risks posed by social media platforms? Thankfully, many of these platforms are starting to take our personal information seriously, and we are now able to block certain companies we may not want to hear from. Although it may seem like a daunting task, it’s important to safeguard your personal information. With these changes, print is becoming more relevant than ever, especially local niche publications like our own. I don’t know about you, but I get tired of being connected 24/7. Statistics suggest I’m not alone. For a variety of reasons, more and more people are disconnecting from social media platforms and trying to find a healthier balance between staying connected and being fully present in their lives. As I absorbed the information at the conference, it didn’t surprise me; I’ve been saying the same thing for years. I myself enjoy listening to music and sitting down with a cup of coffee or glass of wine while I learn about local personalities, happenings, and new places to explore and dine. My love of staying present and involved is one of the reasons I started Bellingham Alive 11 years ago. I felt it was an important venue for you, our readers, to enjoy and invest in. As our readership continues to grow, it solidifies the importance of not only what we do here, but also how we do it. I have an amazing staff here at Bellingham Alive, and recently it has changed. As part of our evolution, we have added an editorial coordinator, Lindsey Major, who serves as the editor’s right-hand woman. Lindsey helps ensure all editorial materials are turned in on time, while also factchecking articles and writing her own stories. We also welcome our new editor in chief, Becky Mandelbaum! Becky comes to us with a master’s in English and creative writing, is an accomplished editor, and has recently finished her second book. She brings fresh eyes to the pages of Bellingham Alive. Look for some slight changes as she evolves into her new role, and join me in welcoming her to K & L Media. She can be reached at becky@bellinghamalive.com. Above all and as always…ENJOY! 

LISA KARLBERG President/Publisher 8

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NOTES Contributors

IMAGINE YOUR AD HERE!

Mary Kinser Growing up in Washington State, Mary learned early on that rainy days provided the perfect excuse to curl up with a good story. Mary is now a collection development librarian for Whatcom County Library System, where she gets to spend her days spreading the joy of reading. In her free time, she enjoys travel, board games, long walks, and baking delicious treats. She and her husband share their home with one son, one cat, and far too many books.  p. 25

HOME & REMODEL

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Elizabeth Marie My name is Elizabeth Marie Hayes. I am a UPS wife, former cheese-maker and farm kid, child of Christ, coffee enthusiast, and lover of all things pretty. Seriously, if it has sparkles, metallics, or is lit by golden hour, I. Am. There. I have been actively working as an airbrush makeup artist in Bellingham since 2012, and in that time have been featured in several publications including Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, and PopSugar.  p. 39

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Cassie is a nutrition blogger and food photographer who believes that if you eat colorful food you are guaranteed it will be nutritious and definitely delicious. She is also the creator of Nutritious and Delicious Appetites by Design to help you feel your best so you can live your best. Her photos and writing can be found on Instagram @paleo_ perspective and her website paleoperspective.com.  p. 41

Comfy & Cozy WINTER FASHION

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WINE & CHEESE PARTY SHOPPING GUIDE HOLIDAY PARADES

Neal Tognazzini

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Neal splits his life between thinking and drinking: He has a doctorate in philosophy and is a professor at Western Washington University, but he is also a beer sommelier and a nationally ranked beer judge. Neal grew up in the Pacific Northwest but spent a decade away after college. By the time he moved back to Bellingham in 2014, he had finally learned to appreciate the beauty of gray skies and the taste of craft beer. When he proposes a toast, it’s usually to his amazing wife and his courageous and curious daughter.  p. 83

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PUBLICATIONS Bellingham Alive NSL Guestbook Couture Weddings MENU Seattle

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Lisa Karlberg EDITOR IN CHIEF Meri-Jo Borzilleri ART DIRECTOR Dean Davidson STAFF WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER Lara Dunning

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kristy Gessner | Donna Leedy | Kelly Travers

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mariah Currey

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Lindsey Major

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Brooke Carlson | Emily Mueller | Kelly Pearce Emily Stout

OFFICE MANAGEMENT Jenn Bachtel

MARKETING ASSISTANT Lydia McClaran | Lea Hogdal

CORPORATE OFFICE K & L Media, Inc. 432 W. Bakerview Rd., Ste. 101 Bellingham, WA 98226

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SUMMER

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Letters to the Editor

NOTES

Uncovering Hidden Gems

More Recipes, Please

My favorite thing about your magazine: You always cover something I never knew existed in my own town. This month, I learned of Petals & Blooms in Ferndale and headed directly there and ended up finding a piece for my new book room that I’ve been looking for for weeks! And it was 20 bucks! Love it! — Mercedes R., Bellingham

Love the recipe-heavy articles this month. Can’t wait to try them all. — Jenny B. (via Twitter)

Food Truck Love I absolutely love Sage Against the Machine food truck! Such a great story and amazing place to eat. Keep the restaurant recommendations coming. We try most of them. — Daniel M. (via Facebook)

Bellingham Alive welcomes comments and feedback for our Letters to the Editor section. We’d love to hear what you have to say and are open to story ideas about the people, places, and happenings in the North Sound (Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan counties). Let us know what you like, and what you’d like to see in the magazine! Contact editor Becky Mandelbaum at editor@bellinghamalive.com.

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July 2019 13

NOTES Meet the Team In every issue, we introduce you to team members at Bellingham Alive.

What is your role at the magazine, and how long have you been with K & L Media? I started as editor at K & L media in late May. In addition to writing and editing articles for Bellingham Alive, Couture Weddings, MENU Seattle, and NSL Guestbook, I also manage the editorial staff, including our team of editorial interns. I’m constantly blown away by the diversity and quality of stories I get to work on here. I’ve already learned a ton.

What is your background?

Becky Mandelbaum

I grew up in Wichita, Kansas and earned my bachelor’s at the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk to any Kansan readers out there!). After working as a writer and acquisitions editor for a nonprofit assessment company, I left Kansas to earn my master’s in English and creative writing from the University of California, Davis. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of travel and writing. I worked briefly in Mount Rainier National Park and then spent eight months caretaking a ranch in Colorado. In 2017, I moved back to Washington to work for North Cascades Institute in North Cascades National Park; there, I met my partner, who maintains trails in the park. For the past two years, I’ve ping-ponged between La Conner and Rockport, a small town near the Cascade Mountains, working as a freelance writer, teaching creative writing classes at Hugo House in Seattle, and finishing my first novel, which is forthcoming from Simon & Schuster. (My first collection of stories, “Bad Kansas,” is already out in the world!) I’m so excited to join the Bellingham Alive team and learn more about this beautiful town and the people who call it home.

What is your favorite part of working for a regional lifestyle magazine? Outside of gaining an inside scoop on restaurants and events, I’d have to say the people. Everyone in the office is so kind and committed to their work. They love Bellingham and this love is infectious. I know working here will connect me to the community in a way no other job could, and for that I’m so grateful.

What are some of your hobbies? When I’m not writing or reading, I like to travel, hike, and rock-climb — I also play a mean game of Scrabble. Maybe it’s stretching the definition of “hobby,” but I try to pet any dog that crosses my path. 

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

Sqweshenet Tse Schelangen “Honoring our Way of Life” Paddle to Lummi 2019 WRITTEN BY LINDSEY MAJOR PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRIS KRUG

ate this month, the people of the Lummi Nation will welcome more than 10,000 guests arriving by canoe. The annual Canoe Journey ends on Lummi land for the first time since 2007. The four-day event, which starts on July 24, is a celebration between several Native Nations, with special guest tribes traveling from as far as New Zealand, Maui, and Papua New Guinea. The majority of the tribes will paddle from Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. The Canoe Journey is an annual opportunity to honor the unique relationship the tribes have with the land, water, and each other. … continued on page 20

LIFESTYLE By the Numbers

180

kids will take the stage at Mount Baker Theatre this summer, p.22

40 years since Griffin Bay Bookstore opened its doors, p.37

minutes to make a healthy, meditative meal, p.40

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local interior designers talk home decorating, p.61

250 breweries in the Pacific Northwest’s biggest beer cities, p.83

Lasting Image

LIFESTYLE

“Orchids are my passion. This image of Stanhopea from Central America is part of my vast collection of exotic orchids. Its vanilla fragrance consumes the sunroom attached to my Pacific Northwest home.”

JIM WIGGINS, SKAGIT COUNTY

North Sound photographers, we want to see what you’ve got. We’re looking for locally generated photographs for our Lasting Image feature. We’re seeking local nature photographs — ones that freeze a moment, tell a story, evoke an emotion. We’ll run your photo, along with your name, where you’re from, where the photo was shot, and a short 40-word write-up about the photo (inspiration for it, how you got it, meaning behind it, etc.). The photo must be high resolution (300 dpi) with no watermarks. Send to dean@bellinghamalive.com. Then sit back and enjoy the view.

July 2019 19

… The first Canoe Journey, called Paddle to Seattle, occurred in 1989 alongside the signing of the Centennial Accord, an agreement between the state of Washington and the federally recognized tribes. The intention of the Accord was to “build trust and confidence among the parties in the government-togovernment relationship.” Today, the annual Canoe Journey provides an opportunity for tribes to come together and set aside their differences. “We have more in common than we do different,” Councilman Fred Lane says. While only 15 tribes and seven canoes participated in the first Paddle to Seattle, the Canoe Journey has since grown in size and splendor. At last year’s Paddle to Puyallup, more than 100 canoes arrived via their “ancestral highways.” Before Washington was settled, the Native Nations used the waters as their main mode of transportation, often traveling great distances and making many stops along the way. The Canoe Journey celebrates this tradition, imitating the tribes’ ancestral routes. This year, as the tribes journey to Lummi, they will stop at several locations throughout the Sound. When arriving at a new location, the pullers of the canoe will hold their paddles in front of them as a gesture of peace. They then ask permission of the host tribe to come ashore. Once on land, the visitors will show their appreciation by sharing gifts and dances unique to their culture. In exchange, the hosts provide food and shelter for the duration of the guest tribe’s stay. After their visit, the tribes continue on to the final destination. While the Canoe Journey is a celebration of cultures, it’s also a time of joining forces for worthy causes. One current cause involves returning a killer whale named Lolita — Lummi 20

BellinghamAlive.com

name Tokitae — to her rightful home. Tokitae was taken in 1970 from the Southern Resident L-pod and is now captive at the Seaquarium in Miami, Florida. Experts believe her tank is smaller than the minimum size requirements established by the Animal Welfare Act and lacks cover from the scorching Florida sun. Tokitae has been in isolation since 1980 when her tank mate, Hugo, died after repeatedly hitting his head on the walls of the tank. The tribes want to provide a home for Tokitae in a rehabilitation sea pen in the Sound where she would be fed salmon and could make acoustic contact with her family before eventually returning to the wild. The Lummi people pride themselves on what they call the “5 H’s: hope, honor, healing, happiness, and hospitality,” Lane says. The Lummi have the saying, “When the tide is out, our table is set,” meaning that, while the tide is out, people will harvest the shellfish and other seafood to serve at the large feast. “With us, hospitality is the main goal. We take care of our people when they visit,” says Lummi Indian Business Council vice chairman Travis Brockie. Although the area is usually reserved for tribespeople, the Lummi nation is excited to invite the general public to the four-day celebration. It’s recommended to bring a lawn chair and a cooler of water (this is a drug and alcohol-free event), as the late-July days can get quite hot. There will be crafts, food, and other activities, but the main event will be the arrival of the Canoe Families on July 24. The arrivals will commence the potlatch — a traditional celebration of song, music, dance, gifts, and food — which will last until July 28, stretching into the wee hours of the morning and beginning again each day at 9 a.m. 

Spotlight

LIFESTYLE

Plays With a Purpose Fairhaven Receives New Summer Theater Program WRITTEN BY BROOKE CARLSON | PHOTOGRAPHED BY PETER JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY

n the heart of Bellingham’s Fairhaven district, a local theater seeks to combine performance art and community-based conversation in a new summer production series. Over the course of four weeks in July, Bellingham TheatreWorks will present three productions for Fairhaven’s first Summer Repertory Theater: “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Wit,” and “The Clean House.” For six nights a week, the shows will alternate at the Fairhaven Firehouse Arts and Events Center. This kind of repertory program, in which a company alternates between multiple production runs, has been lacking in the area since Mount Baker Theatre canceled their summer repertory series in 2016. However, TheatreWorks hopes their July performances will do more than fill an entertainment void.

with Western Washington University’s Palliative Care Institute in mind. Palliative care focuses on improving patients’ quality of life while dealing with the stress and pain of a serious illness. Western’s PCI seeks to create a non-cure-based healing space for those facing life-ending illnesses. One of TheatreWorks’ goals is to connect productions to community interest. Selecting these shows, which relate to living with a serious disease, “was right in the middle of [the company’s] mission,” Kuntz says. Throughout the month, PCI and TheatreWorks will host a series of community conversations inspired by the plays. The series will include a dramatized lecture by actress Megan Cole entitled “The Wisdom of Wit,” an exploration of the production “Wit” and the perspectives it offers on end-of-life issues.

CONNECTING PERFORMANCE AND REALITY

FOSTERING AN ARTS COMMUNITY

All three of TheatreWorks’ summer repertory productions feature a primary character diagnosed with cancer. Artistic director Mark Kuntz explains that these shows were chosen

Selecting Fairhaven as the venue for TheatreWorks’ repertory theater was a deliberate choice. With the help of the Historic Fairhaven Association, this charming, old-school Bellingham neighborhood hopes to become a

“Certified Creative District” as designated by the Washington Arts Commission. If selected, Fairhaven will receive access to training programs, grant and funding opportunities, support and advocacy, and other services provided by the Arts Commission. TheatreWorks hopes their summer repertory theater will contribute to the neighborhood’s creative community.

HOMEGROWN Kuntz and producing director Steve Lyons founded Bellingham TheatreWorks with the goal of featuring local performers and playwrights in productions with a connection to the Pacific Northwest. Producing director’s assistant Grace Heller describes it as “theater that involves local artists about local issues.” Western graduate Eryn Elyse McVay wrote the most recent production, “How Sweet the Sound.” The January performances featured an all-local cast and crew.  1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.296.1753 | bellinghamtheatreworks.org

July 2019 21

IN THE KNOW

Kids Take the Stage at Mount Baker Theatre

IN THE KNOW

Not in Vain

ellingham’s newest hair salon, Vanity Hair Studio, opened its doors for the first time on May 28. After a long search for the perfect venue, owner Lindsey Erickson got the keys in May of 2018. Deciding on the perfect location wasn’t easy; Erickson and her team backed out of a few spaces before eventually finding the perfect spot. The year-long process to renovate the storefront and prepare for business culminated in a successful opening day, with guests stopping in just to say hi. “It’s an up-and-coming area; it’s very trendy,” Erickson says of the Dupont Street location. “We’re in a very similar area in Shoreline.” Bellingham is the second location of the popular Seattle salon. Erickson decided to take the plunge when a beloved employee moved to the area. “I always knew I wanted a second

What’s your favorite home decor item? I asked five people what their favorite item is in their home. What’s yours?. Lindsey Major

BellinghamAlive.com

space, and when Abigail moved there, I knew it was the spot.” The salon offers a variety of services, including men and women’s haircuts, balayage color treatments, Brazilian blowouts, waxing, and much more. Vanity Hair Studio is all about one thing: the client. “We want you to feel great about how you look,” Erickson says. With appointments that stretch into the evening hours and availability on Saturdays, the salon is accessible to anyone. Vanity Hair is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Appointments can be made online through their website or over the phone. Lindsey Major 1401 Dupont St., Bellingham 360.922.6806 vanityhairbellingham.com

“I love anything that is functional and also adds flavor. My jewelry holder and nightstand are both very rustic-modern but serve a purpose like nobody’s business.” — Emily M.

hether you went to a summer sleepaway or band camp, the memories are pretty unforgettable. While most of us may reminisce about canoes and bonfires, some lucky Bellingham kids will remember a summer camp filled with stage lights, costumes, and creativity. Mount Baker Theatre will welcome 180 kids aged 7–18 to their stage this month for three separate week-long theater camps hosted by Missoula Children’s Theatre. Based out of Missoula, Montana, MCT is recognized as the largest touring children’s theater in the nation. This year will mark MCT’s 17th visit to Mount Baker Theatre. These camps are the only of their kind in the area, says Mount Baker Theatre’s program director, Renee Gaumond. During the camps, campers are cast and rehearse diligently throughout the week, which culminates in a full-length musical production. This summer’s selections are “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “The Snow Queen,” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Performances will take place on Friday, July 12th and 26th, and August 2nd at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Brooke Carlson

“Mine is a tie between a giraffe-shaped wicker basket I have a fern in or my sherpa rocking chair. I hate myself for both of those but I’m [young]!”— Morgan S.

Heard Around the Sound

LIFESTYLE

How Can We Watch Whales Safely?

T Courtesy Willowbrook Manor

he Pacific Northwest can be one of the best places in the states for viewing and appreciating these giants of the sea. Whether it’s a gray whale, minke, or the orca, there are guidelines to keep them safe and happy in our waters for years to come: The legal viewing distance is 200 yards away from orcas and at least 100 yards away from most other whale species. ■■

Tea and Tour Rolls In

illowbrook Manor’s green lawns, cottage greenhouse, and quiet reflecting pool rest amid Skagit Valley farmlands to the east of Sedro-Woolley. The property was formerly a pasture, bought by owner Terry Gifford and her family in 1996. The manor was completed in 2004, but its latticed windows and brick details make it look like an old English estate. Gifford’s newest venture, the seasonal Tea and Tour experiences, offers a choice of three bike tours around the area. The tours range from 8 to 12 miles long, but distance for self-guided tours can be adjusted by preference, she says. The Sedro-Woolley Historic Bike Tour and the Farm to Forest History Tour are self-guided rides with historical posts along the way. The 10-mile Northern State Hospital Guided Tour covers the history of the psychiatric hospital and farm and includes a boxed lunch. All tours begin with tea and scones on the East Lawn. Bikes and helmets are provided. Guests can also enjoy various Tea Time events. The Weeding and Tea experience begins with tea and scones, then weeding on the two acres of chamomile fields on the property. After tending the flowers that make the tea, guests return to the manor for salad and sandwiches. Gifford currently offers overnight reservations through AirBnb, with two options available: The Loft and High Camp. The manor is currently open for corporate meetings, and Gifford hopes to open more rooms in the house to overnight guests next year. Emily Mueller

“I had a painting of my [family] commissioned. We look like ourselves, but in the style of ‘Bob’s Burgers,’ which is one of our favorite shows. Now it’s extra special because the long-haired guinea pig has since passed away.”— Kaitlin M.

When approaching and departing from a whale viewing area, be sure not ■■

to trap them between the shore and your watercraft. Do not come closer to view a whale if there is already another boat, as multiple vessels present at once could agitate them. ■■

When you suspect a whale is near, decrease your speed to less than seven knots to reduce engine noise and the vessel’s wake. ■■

Only stay to watch for 30 minutes or less; this opens time for others to view and lessens the environmental impact of your transportation. Kelly Pearce ■■

COMMUNITY

Maikham Reopening

f you were concerned when Maikham restaurant disappeared from downtown Bellingham, don’t despair — after two years, owner Usanee Klimo is reopening the restaurant at a new Fairhaven location. Klimo cooks dishes from the area she grew up in near the northeastern Thai/Lao border, and uses locallysourced ingredients

“Disneyland silhouettes from each of our trips. We have a total of five: two are of [my husband] and I. There’s three more of the kids. The first one is only [our] two boys, the next has baby Harper, and the last has all three of them grown up.”— Sabrina Y.

wherever possible. The new spot in the Orca Building on Finnegan Way will have only 10 tables, allowing Klimo to continue cooking and running the restaurant with the help of just one assistant. Klimo, called the “Curry Queen” by friends, also caters, a business she continued throughout Maikham’s relocation. Emily Mueller

“I may or may not own T-Rex salt and pepper shakers. Alright, fine, I totally own them, but my wife hates them. Maybe that’s part of why I love them so much.”— Evan M.

July 2019 23

LIFESTYLE Game Changer

Building Community Through Technology Mary Elliott WRITTEN BY EMILY STOUT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY KELLY PEARCE

n a quiet Thursday afternoon, Mary Elliott walks into Bellingham Makerspace. Located in a waterfront industrial building, Makerspace is exactly what its name implies: a space for creative types to make whatever they desire. Here, one can find an array of machines, from laser cutters to 3-D printers, which members can use at a fee. Elliott holds a crate of mysterious cardboard tubes. “We’ll find some way to use these,” she says, moving her brown bangs out of her eyes and taking a deep breath. You get the sense it’s the first one she’s taken all day. On a typical morning, Elliott drives to Ferndale School District where she works as their director of assistive technology. She helps students with learning challenges and disabilities access their education. This can mean anything from providing dictation software to a student with impaired vision or adjusting a wheelchair to accommodate a student’s needs. After a full day of work in Ferndale, she often goes to Makerspace and checks in. She opened the space in 2014 when she realized there was need for a creative community space. Funding was difficult to access in the beginning, so 24

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she sold her house to afford the initial equipment. Since then, Makerspace has steadily grown and is now partially maintained by membership dollars. The Maker Movement, which inspired Elliott in the early 2000s, is all about creating a space for artists, students, and builders from all backgrounds to carry out innovative ideas and inspire each other. She encourages everyone to learn how to use today’s technology. If you have an idea for a project and don’t know where to start, Makerspace is the perfect place to ask questions and connect with others. “Just come down and start talking to us. We’ll introduce you to people that have those skill sets,” she says. As an occupational therapist, Elliott has always used her skills to help others. She has what some call a “helper personality,” which she says runs in her family. Her mom is a nurse and her sister works as a speech therapist. Elliott’s obsession with engineering and technology began in 2002, when she was tasked with making a pinky splint for a 2-year-old girl. She couldn’t make it in the traditional way, but had heard about 3-D printing. She gave it a try and made a perfect canoe-shaped splint for the girl’s tiny finger. “It’s such a daunting and intimidating technology,” Elliott says, “but honestly it wasn’t that hard.” From there, she taught herself more about electrical engineering and, after discovering the Maker Movement, it all snowballed from there. Overall, she’s proud to have created something that is so well supported by the community.  Bellingham Makerspace 1000 F St., Bellingham bellinghammakerspace.org

Book Reviews

WRITTEN BY MARY KINSER

Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner Atria Books 480 pages

When seeking ideas for her next novel, bestselling author Jennifer Weiner didn’t have to look far from home. “Mrs. Everything” is Weiner’s first work of historical fiction, inspired in part by her mother’s life. The sweeping epic follows Jo and Bethie, sisters growing up in the Detroit suburbs in the 1950s. The girls could not be more different: Jo is a rambunctious tomboy, Bethie a stylish housewife-in-training. When tragedy strikes, the girls’ emotionally distant mother becomes even more unavailable, leaving Jo and Bethie to make their tumultuous way through the decades, together and apart. Weiner doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, handling them deftly and with intuitive wit. Nothing is easy for these women, but the universality of their challenges will ring true for readers. This ambitious exploration of complex sisterly relationships is sure to both dazzle Weiner’s longtime fans and win her plenty of new ones.

Little Faith by Nickolas Butler Ecco 336 pages

Rural Wisconsin natives Lyle and Peg Hovde have a simple life, enlivened by the presence of daughter Shiloh and precocious 6-year-old grandson Isaac. The family has been estranged for years; that Shiloh has returned with her son is an unexpected happiness. Yet Lyle is unsettled by Shiloh’s absorption into a radical church and its enigmatic founder, who swiftly becomes Shiloh’s fiancé. When Isaac falls ill, the family’s tenuous ties are threatened, and Lyle is confronted by a seemingly impossible choice: honor his daughter’s choices or protect his grandson? Author Nickolas Butler has crafted a quietly powerful novel, one that is deceptive in its simplicity but that packs a real punch. Readers will feel deeply for Lyle, even as they watch him question his own beliefs. Beautifully resonant and compellingly told, this modern-day story of faith and devotion provides perfect fodder for book club discussion.

In the Know

LIFESTYLE

July 9, 5:30 P.M. “Flight Behavior” by Barbara Kingsolver Village Books 1200 11th St., Bellingham 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com Explore Kingsolver’s novel “Flight Behavior,” a suspenseful tale of a woman named Dellarobia in rural Tennessee who encounters something unexplainable that ultimately changes how she sees the educational, scientific, and political system. Monthly discussions of Kingsolver’s novels, including her latest release, “Unsheltered,” will occur through November.

July 13, 7 P.M. Writers Open Mic San Juan Island Library Main Salon 1010 Guard St., Friday Harbor 360.378.2798, sjlib.org Refresh your writing inspiration every second Saturday of each month by coming together with fellow wordsmiths to chat, listen to their original works, or get feedback by reading your stories out loud. This judgment-free zone might be the perfect place to reignite your imagination and build upon your creative community.

Who Knew? Ice Pops Accidental Invention Eleven-year-old Frank Epperson unintentionally invented the Popsicle in 1905 when a cup of water and soda powder he left on the porch overnight froze with a stirring stick inside. He first called it the Epsicle; his kids later called it “Pop’s ‘sicle,” leading to Epperson’s patent of the Popsicle in 1923.

Not Just for Kids Customers went wild when Costco started selling 100-calorie alcoholic ice pops a couple summers ago. Now, other boozy pops can be found in stores. If you don’t want to shell out the cash, you can make them yourself. Just be sure the alcohol by volume ratio doesn’t go above about eight percent, or the pops won’t freeze.

Creative Pops Classic ice pops typically have fruit or cream flavors, but it seems pops can be made out of almost anything. Food Network has recipes for PeachOat Breakfast Ice Pops, Cereal Ice Pops, and make-your-own plastic tube pops, if the stick style isn’t for you.

Record Disaster In June 2005, Snapple tried to break the world record for biggest ice pop. The scene became anything but chill after the 25-foot, 35,000-pound pop began melting, flooding New York City streets with sticky kiwistrawberry liquid. Onlookers fled and firefighters had to close down the area and hose the flavoring away. Emily Mueller

July 2019 25

LIFESTYLE Community

Let Freedom Ring Haggen 4th of July Celebration WRITTEN BY LINDSEY MAJOR | PHOTOGRAPHED BY KAILY HETHERTON

or nearly two decades, the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, Haggen Food and Pharmacy, and the Port of Bellingham have joined forces to create one of Bellingham’s most popular summer events: the 4th of July Celebration at Zuanich Point Park. The event kicked off in 1995 and has since become a beloved community tradition for Bellinghamsters of all ages. The day-long festivities culminate with a fireworks show over the harbor. The KidsZone — a great place for little ones to burn off some energy — opens at 2 p.m. and features activities from Inner Child Studio, a resource that encourages healthy and educational play. Heady Virtual Reality will bring headsets for kids to experience the fun and games of the virtual world. Kids can also interact with Bellingham Circus Guild performers or have their faces painted by the wonderful artists from Chelle Beautiful. The beer garden, sponsored by Boundary Bay Brewing Company, also opens at 2 p.m. Kick back and relax with a cold one while the kiddos enjoy their time in the KidsZone. If you’re looking for a snack to pair with your brew, head to one of the event’s many food vendors. Simmering Tava, Pizza’zza, and Jalapenos are just a few of the food trucks you’ll find at this year’s celebration. After a late lunch or dinner, cool off with a shaved ice from Kona Ice. Music kicks off at 2:15 p.m. with a performance from the Bellingham Youth Jazz Band. Stick around to hear The Springmans, a band from Langley, B.C., who will perform their setlist of kid-friendly songs starting at 4 p.m. Lemon Creek is a cover band primarily inspired by female pop and rock performers from the last four decades. Catch their performance starting at 6:30 p.m. The final act of the night, Full Metal Racket, begins at 9 p.m. and ends just before the fireworks show. Parking can fill up quickly at Zuanich, so the Chamber is offering a free passenger shuttle from the parking lot of Bellingham High School. The shuttle, which runs from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., will drop passengers off in the CityMac parking lot. From there, it’s only a short walk to the event site.  2600 N Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham bellingham.com

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Self Care is Healthcare

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LIFESTYLE

Five Faves

El Capitan’s The patio at El Capitan’s is open for the summer, making it easy to enjoy a gourmet, pirate-inspired meal in the sun. Order a specialty sausage, a draft beer, or split a jumbo pretzel with friends for the perfect afternoon snack. 1201 Cornwall Ave. Ste. 101, Bellingham 206.459.2567 | elcapitans.com

FIVE HOT DOGS FAVES

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WRITTEN BY LINDSAY MAJOR | PHOTOGRAPHED BY KELLY PEARCE

Neiner Neiner Weiner With a menu featuring more than 10 dog options as well as hamburgers, milkshakes, breakfast items, and a slew of sides, this little hut is the perfect stop for the whole family. From classic to crazy, there’s a hot dog here for everyone. 1259 Barkley Blvd., Bellingham 360.746.1578 neiner-neiner-weiner.business.site

Dockside Dogs This ‘50s-themed mini-cafe overlooks the Cap Sante Boat Haven in Anacortes. A popular spot among locals, the nautical diner offers all-natural hot dogs, vegetarian options, and Ivar’s Clam Chowder. 1019 Q Ave., Anacortes facebook.com/ docksidedogsanacortes

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Joe Martin Field There’s nothing better than kicking back at a baseball game with a dog and a brew. At Joe Martin Field, get a classic hot dog with ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish, sauerkraut, onion, or whatever combination suits your fancy. With local ingredients from top to bottom, there’s nothing coming out of left field on these dogs.

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Costco When a buck-and-a-half gets you a quality hot dog and a fountain drink, you can’t go wrong. Costco hot dog buns are fluffy and delicious, and you get to top it yourself for a perfect bite, every bite.

Historic Hospitality

4125 Arctic Ave., Bellingham 360.671.6947 | costco.com

July 2019 29

Where the locals shop OPEN: MONDAY - FRIDAY 10AM-5PM SATURDAY 10AM - 4PM WWW.URBANCOLLECTIVE360.COM

DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS

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Xperience the Xcitement of the 2019 Xpansion, first-hand! Enter to win a two-night stay for two, on Friday and Saturday, two concert tickets to a show in Rivers Run Event Center, a $250 dining credit to spend at any outlet, $250 in free play to use on the latest and greatest slots, and two hours of bowling with all rentals included at Strikerz Bowling! Prize valued at approximately $1,200. Xperience Players Club sign-up required.

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SHOP

Savvy Shopper · Necessities · Local Find

Not Her First Rodeo Addies Angus Ranch WRITTEN BY EMILY STOUT PHOTOGRAPHED BY KELLY PEARCE

riving up the winding, country path that is Rector Road in Mount Vernon, you’ll find Addies Angus Ranch, a supplier of grass-fed Angus beef. The small, family business is run by Nikki Lewis-LeSourd, who grew up riding horses, but now spends her days raising between 20 and 60 cows on this 30-acre … continued on next page

… plot of land. With help from her two children — Jeremiah, 7, and Leilah, 3 — she sells burgers and steak to anyone who wants fresh cuts of meat. She named the business after her father, whose last name is Addie. For Lewis-LeSourd, it is all about knowing where her food comes from. She never cared about eating local until she was pregnant with her son. “What I was putting in my body became very important,” she says. That is when she decided to raise her own beef, eliminating the mystery that comes with grocery-store meat. Soon, friends began asking to buy from her and a business emerged. Some people buy a little bit at a time and some fill their whole freezer, she says. No matter how much you need, Lewis-LeSourd offers free delivery. She will load your order in the back of her truck and meet you at home or wherever is most convenient. Island residents should give her a call and she will work around the ferry schedule. Ground beef ($6 per pound) is most popular during the summer and can be used for anything from burgers to tacos. “Everyone can cook ground beef,” Lewis-LeSourd says. Or, you can buy it pre-packaged as burgers ($7.25 per pound). If you’re feeling more like steak, treat yourself to the prime rib ($17.99 per pound). For a heartier cut, opt for a chuck roast ($6.99 per pound). Lewis-LeSourd’s cows appear happy and healthy. By keeping the herd small, she maintains the highest quality of life for them and the best taste later on. From the beginning, she knew having compassion for these animals was important. She has seen large farms where the cows are dirty and starving. “There’s no way that doesn’t impact the taste,” she says. Above all, she is proud to provide meat to the community and hopes people will support small farms over big-name grocery stores. “When you live in this area, you kind of have no excuse not to,” she says.  13449 Rector Rd., Mount Vernon 360.399.9213 | addiesangus.com

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Deer Resistant Drama July 27 11am–12pm Create a beautiful fence-free garden that thrives despite the deer. Karen Chapman, author of several wonderful gardening books including ‘Deer Resistant Drama shares her secrets. Book signing afterwards.

My Garden Nursery

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Annual

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PLANTER SALE Starts July 1st.

SHOP Necessities

Lowe’s, $52

Caulk Gun Hardware Sales Inc., $25

Wall Roller with Paint Compartment The Home Depot, $28

Do It Yourself Whether you’ve just been bitten by the DIY-bug or you’re a seasoned renovator, these nifty appliances are a great addition to any home improvement toolkit. Take a chance and start that project you’ve always dreamt of! Be confident, be prepared, and know that you’re capable of adding any personal touches to your space with these must-have gadgets. Kelly Pearce

5 34

Depth Sensor/Magnetic Wall Stud Finder

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Magnetic Wristband Harbor Freight Tools, $2.50

Peltor Slim Design Hearing Protector Grizzley Industrial, $19.95

Local Find

SHOP

Sweet Treats by the C The C Shop WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY AMY PAGE

he C Shop, bright yellow and just next to the water, is a sweet seaside stop for homemade candy, snow cones, and all kinds of treats. From chocolate to ice cream on one side to fresh pizza and sandwiches on the other, owners Patricia and Patrick Alesse have your summer cravings covered.

A SWEET IDEA In 1970, Patricia and Patrick were both trying to find summer jobs and realized a candy shop would be great for Birch Bay. A year later, they opened The C Shop. Their son, Keith Alesse, says, “They realized that… we’ve got to figure out what businesses [people] need, start that business, and we got summer jobs for life!” When his parents started the shop, they knew nothing about making candy, Keith says, and tracked down retiring candy makers to learn. Today, Keith co-owns the shop with his partner, Saara Kuure. Decades later, some of Patricia and Patrick’s original equipment remains, like the 1916

Edison Electric oven the store still uses to make pizza and other baked goods. Keith applied his engineering expertise to modernize the oven with state-ofthe-art digital temperature control.

from other confectioners, including chocolate from Boehm’s Candies in Issaquah and gluten-free waffle cones from 5b’s Bakery in Concrete.

WHAT’S IN STORE The C Shop has caramel, fudge, peanut brittle, marshmallows, ice cream, cotton candy, and so much more. Through the window, you can watch as workers expertly stir, roll, and cut peanut brittle and caramel. Their one-of-a-kind caramel factors into all kinds of treats, including their Ooey Gooey Bars made with marshmallow, caramel, and dipped in peanut butter and chocolate. Special mention goes to the Peanut Butter Yumm bars, made with chunks of peanut butter and coated in chocolate. The bars got their name when Patricia, experimenting in the kitchen, handed a spoonful to Alma Wagner, one of The C Shop’s earliest employees. Her response? “Yummmm!” Though mostly homemade, The C Shop also sells their favorites

HALF-N-HALF The other side of The C Shop is a bakery, cafe, and pizzeria rolled into one. Open for lunch and dinner, everything is still homemade, including sandwiches on handmade bread, cinnamon rolls, and hand-roasted coffee. Their pizza is made-to-order, fresh with their own dough, cheese, and sauce. “We try hard to make a really tasty pizza,” Keith says. His personal favorite is the Kickerville Rooster pizza with bacon, Kalamatas, sriracha, and pineapple. Drop by and savor the summer with The C Shop, open every day from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. until Labor Day.  4825 Alderson Rd., Birch Bay 360.371.2070 | thecshop.com

July 2019 35

SHOP Savvy Shopper

Nurturing the Love of Literature Griffin Bay Bookstore WRITTEN BY LARA DUNNING PHOTOGRAPHED BY BARBARA MARRETT

155 Spring St., Friday Harbor 360.378.5511 | griffinbaybook.com 36

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THE SHOP

KEY PEOPLE

Since 1979, Griffin Bay Bookstore has been a fixture in downtown Friday Harbor. Owner Laura Norris purchased the store in 2006, after founder and friend Susan Eyerly passed away. Norris moved the bookstore to its current location, an easy walk from the ferry terminal, and continued to develop the store as a hub for cultural and social activity in the community.

Purchasing the bookstore as way to preserve literary culture on the island was an intentional move for Norris. She grew up on the island and, as a long-time lover of literature, felt that buying the bookstore was a natural fit. Working alongside her is Natalie Swift, the bookstore’s operations manager, and roughly nine employees, some of whom work seasonally.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND THE ATMOSPHERE Predictably, books line a sea of bookshelves and tables in the cozy but cheerful store. There is also a dedicated children’s section with plenty of games and puzzles. Whether you’re there to find a particular book or just feel like browsing titles, everyone is encouraged to stay curious, take their time, and delve into their love of reading. “We celebrate diversity and free speech, and spend a lot of time and care creating a pleasant experience for locals and visitors,” says Norris. “We want anyone who comes in the door to have a safe space to look at books and explore.” Tucked within the bookstore is a small coffee shop where visitors can enjoy coffee, tea, and locally baked goods.

The store features books of all genres, including non-fiction, fiction, young adult, travel, and culinary. It also sells an array of magazines. In the children’s section are hardcover picture books, early readers (starting at $3.99), and educational games and toys. You can also find gift items like cards, Moleskine journals ($5.95–$29.95), and playful socks. Best of all, the store will wrap your gifts for free! Books may be purchased online and, if picked up in-store, come with free shipping. There are many author readings throughout the year — some in-store, some at the local library. Once a month, book lovers meet for the Griffin Bay Book Club. Check the store’s website to see upcoming events, including those celebrating the store’s 40th anniversary. 

July 2019 37

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WELLBEING Nutrition · Take a Hike · Beauty

Pro Tips for Highlighting Your Freckles WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHED BY KIANA LINDSEY

s a makeup artist, one of my most common requests from clients is that I not cover their freckles. Of course, I shudder at the thought; I love freckles! Because these little facial gems can be tricky to highlight, I’ve compiled a few of my top pro tips and products for letting them truly shine. … continued on next page

… First things first. Ever notice that you have more freckles where your skin gets the most sun? Wear your sunscreen! Outside of the spots we inherit through genetics, freckles are technically sun damage that happened when we were young and carefree. Love them, yes, but remember they can sometimes come at a cost. Keep your skin healthy and let your freckles shine. Make sure you exfoliate and hydrate your skin to keep it glowing. Ideally, your freckles should be the only texture on your face. The Sonia Roselli sexApeel Instant Exfoliation Spray and Water Balm are two of my all-time frecklefriendly favorites. Pick them up online — you will not be disappointed. If your freckles are not the only texture on your face — because, let’s be real here — grab your favorite concealer and spot-treat anything that needs it. Gently tap with your finger to blend. Go naked or apply a light BB cream to the rest of your face. My ultimate favorite concealer for this is the NARS Radiant Creamy concealer. It has a wonderful, buildable coverage that hides problem areas while perfectly blending into your skin. Match your concealers and foundations to the undertones in your skin, not to your freckles or a shade in the middle. Freckles are often quite a bit warmer than the skin they grace, and the last thing you want is an orangey face on a cool-toned neck and chest. For a little extra something, don’t be afraid to add a touch of sheer rosy tones for blush and shadow. Pro tip: Use your blush as a light eyeshadow for a natural, youthful glow. To enhance your freckles — or even fake them — simply take a brown eyeliner pencil and softly dab over your existing freckles. Then take your finger and tap to softly blend. My favorite pencil for this is the Urban Decay Brow Beater Pencil in Warm Brown. The trick is to keep the faux freckles balanced without making any noticeable patterns. I like to work quickly to keep myself from thinking too much. Don’t stress if it doesn’t turn out perfect the first time — you can always buff out a faux freckle if it’s in the wrong place! If you couldn’t tell by now, freckles are pretty much my favorite thing. They’re the perfect excuse to rock a simple “no makeup” look, but they also pair effortlessly with a little splash of drama. A statement lip? A little smudged eyeliner? Très chic! There are many sides of you, and the beauty of makeup — and freckles — is about getting to show those sides to the world. 

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Nutrition

WELLBEING

A Recipe for Meditation WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY CASSIE ELLIOTT

recent study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology suggests that people who take on small, creative projects such as baking or cooking feel happier and more relaxed. In fact, time in the kitchen can be so good for your emotional wellbeing that some therapists recommend that patients suffering from depression or anxiety — as well as eating disorders, ADHD, and addiction — use cooking classes as a form of therapy. My kitchen is a place of solace whether I am preparing a tried-andtrue family recipe or creating a new one of my own. The simple act of chopping an onion, stirring a soup, or whisking a favorite salad dressing can help keep my mind off things I don’t need to focus on. Cooking is also a way to express emotions. What better way to show someone you care than by nourishing them with food? As a holistic nutritionist, I understand the importance of balanced nutrition. Marrying the science of nutrition with the art of cooking is just like meditating, but with a more gratifying outcome for the taste buds. I am also a big proponent of applying the Keep it Super Simple (K.I.S.S.) principle to my culinary

creations, which is why I came up with this simple but satisfying recipe. With only four main ingredients, you can have dinner on the table in 15 minutes.

STEAK-STUFFED BELL PEPPERS

• Place peppers in microwave-safe bowl with 2–3 tablespoons of water. • Microwave on high for approximately 2 minutes or until slightly soft to the touch.

Serves: 2 Prep time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes 1 red, orange, or yellow bell pepper 1/2 small yellow onion 1/2 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese 150 grams cooked steak or roast beef (I used leftover tri-tip roast beef) 3–4 tablespoons avocado oil 1 tablespoon butter Kosher salt and pepper to taste

• Turn the oven to broil. • Slice roast beef or steak very thin, and add to onions. Add more oil if needed. • Remove peppers from microwave and place in oven-proof baking dish. If the peppers are not sitting level in pan, roll up a piece of aluminum foil to prop up as needed.

INSTRUCTIONS • Thinly slice the onion.

• Add meat and onions to the peppers.

• Heat butter and 2 tablespoons avocado oil in skillet over medium heat.

• Top with cheese.

• Add the onions, stirring occasionally until they become translucent. Reduce the heat to low. • Continue to cook the onions until brown (semi-caramelized).

• Meanwhile, slice the pepper in half and remove the seeds and membrane.

• Broil until cheese is melted, a little brown and bubbly. • Plate and serve with a simple green salad. 

July 2019 41

WELLBEING Special Advertising

PeaceHealth’s Outpatient Palliative Care Program: Empowering Patients to LIVE WELL Treating the Whole Person

t its core, palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with chronic or serious illness. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage of illness and can be provided along with curative treatment. On a deeper level, it’s about improving quality of life for patients and their families. This includes several key elements: managing a patient’s pain and symptoms; providing individualized care with each patient’s unique goals in mind; coordinating care across the continuum of healthcare services; valuing relationships; and meeting the psychological, social and spiritual needs of each person. Palliative care uses a holistic, interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. It honors the many facets of what it means to be human.

BRINGING OUTPATIENT PALLIATIVE CARE TO WHATCOM COUNTY PeaceHealth recognized the value of extending this whole-person care beyond the walls of the hospital and launched its outpatient palliative care program in September 2018. Since the program’s first patient visit on Sept. 17, 2018, nearly 650 visits have taken place with care team members consisting of a social worker, physician, nurse, chaplain and/or volunteer(s). In reflecting about the first several months of the outpatient palliative care program, Director Gurpreet Dhillon, MBA, noted, “Navigating the healthcare system can be an incredible challenge when someone

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is not well. When you are faced with a life-changing diagnosis, making vital decisions can be an extremely stressful time in our lives,” he said. “This is often when our palliative care team is called upon to support these patients and families. Our team must first help them understand what is going on, what choices they have and what those choices could mean. They do this while helping patients address any clinical symptoms they are struggling with and making sure they have the support resources they need to be well both spiritually and emotionally.” Dhillon added, “It is truly amazing to hear the stories of our team supporting our community patients and families through some of the most challenging times. It’s a gift to be part of something that makes such a meaningful difference to the lives of so many.”

SUPPORTING OUTPATIENT PALLIATIVE CARE PeaceHealth’s outpatient palliative care program is made possible by generous community support of a fundraising campaign of the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation. The foundation has committed to raising $2.5M to provide holistic and individualized care for people living with chronic or serious illness in our community. “We recognize the great need for an outpatient palliative care program in Whatcom County,” said Anne Rasmussen, MBA, CFRE, chief development officer of the

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation. “This service ensures that patient goals align with provided healthcare services while advancing quality of care and patient safety. We firmly believe in this deeply meaningful and important work.” The value of outpatient palliative is crystal clear for those involved in fundraising for the program. Donna Inglis, member of the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors and chair of the Outpatient Palliative Care Campaign, shared, “When people are faced with a challenging diagnosis, care can often feel fragmented and overwhelming. Our palliative care team fosters communication that addresses the many layers and unique goals of each individual. This coordination of care allows specialists to focus on treating the disease, and the palliative care team to focus on everything else, ensuring that extra layer of individualized support.” Inglis added, “It’s about empowering patients to have the best quality of life possible — to live well, whatever their diagnosis or stage of illness may be.” The PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation has additional good news to share: A generous local family has initiated a $1.25M matching campaign. All donations will be matched on a 1:1 basis, doubling each donor’s impact. Find out more or contribute to the campaign at www.peacehealth.org/ livewell. 

Let’s beat cancer together. Cancer touches all – not just cancer patients but their loved ones, too. Know that during times of need, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center is here for you and your family and friends. Your comprehensive care will be fully supported by our capable staff and managed by our full complement of medical and radiation oncologists in our beautiful healing environment.

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LIGHTING TO LINENS F

rom lighting to linens and everything in between, we walk you through some of the best one-stop shops in our corner of the Pacific Northwest. These stores are the best at what they do, and they’re here to help. Whether you need a new lamp, Italian ceramics, custom furniture, or a new rug, they’ve got you covered. Answer even the toughest decor questions with the help of friendly staff ready to guide you through every step of your home decorating project. Whether you’re on the hunt for something specific or you’re ready to try anything to update your space, let our pages inspire you.

Written by Amy Page Photographed by Amy Page and Kelly Pearce

LIGHTING TO LINENS

Mary Davis Vintage Lighting Lighting is the jewelry of the home, and Mary Davis Vintage Lighting offers a mix of old and new. Owner Mary Davis restores vintage lighting and offers repairs and custom work. Davis specializes in lights from the late-1800s to the 1940s. The La Conner shop, located in the town’s old firehouse, designs their lights to work with modern electrical hardware while recalling the charm of an earlier era. “I think it really becomes art in the modern environment,” Davis says. The shop is packed with beautiful hanging lights in a gorgeously lit atmosphere. Each light is unique. One hanging light is made with a late 1800s Victrola horn painted with white and pink flowers. Davis encourages people to come by in person and see for themselves. 402 Morris St., La Conner 360.466.3495 marydavisvintagelighting.com

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“

I think it really becomes art in the modern environment. MARY DAVIS

”

Owner’s Favorite

Though Davis’s one-of-a-kind items make it hard to pick a favorite, she’s fond of her two turn-of-the-century dental lamps, which helped dentists get an up-close view of patients back in the day. One lamp, made with wheels and a buckshot-filled ball for counterbalance, exemplifies Davis’s homemade modern take.

Griffith Furniture Griffith Furniture is a local family-owned favorite that’s been in Bellingham for over 80 years. Griffith prides itself on great furniture and customer service, offering everything from tables, chairs, couches, and recliners to bedroom furniture, coffee tables, mattresses, and more. Some of their furniture is locally made, and they offer delivery to Whatcom, Skagit, King, and Island Counties. The Griffith family has been in Whatcom for over 120 years; John and Sondra Griffith are fourth-generation owners. “We’re not commission, we’re not pushy,” John Griffith says. “It’s a really laidback environment. It makes us different than a lot of our big-box competition in Whatcom County.” 2501 Meridian St., Bellingham 360.734.3730, griffithfurniturestore.com

Samuel’s Furniture Samuel’s Furniture in Ferndale is one of the largest furniture stores in Northwest Washington. Serving Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish County, Samuel’s provides an enormous variety of furniture while keeping community in mind. They also offer interior design, with experts available to help you furnish an entire room. Their no-stress, friendly service helps you navigate their large variety of options. Bob Dodge, Samuel’s general manager, likes to help customers feel comfortable. “We offer them a coffee or a soda and give them a little bit of time to take [everything] in,” he says. As a local business, Samuel’s is also dedicated to making a difference in both the community and the planet, supporting nonprofits, locally owned businesses, and stocking natural, sustainable products. 1904 Main St., Ferndale 360.384.3388, samuelsfurniture.com

July 2019 47

LIGHTING TO LINENS

Tracy’s Furniture For over 30 years, Tracy’s Furniture has provided quality furnishings to people in Anacortes and beyond. With a huge, constantly changing furniture gallery and friendly, knowledgeable staff, it’s easy to furnish or update your home with functional conversation-starters. “We try to focus on quality merchandise at a good price,” says owner Bob Tracy. Shop furniture by room: living room, dining room, bedroom, home office, and more. The store also carries mattresses, linens, hanging art, ceramics, and other decorative pieces. The professional sales and design teams are there to help you find the best new furniture for your home. You can even browse customized furniture and a Furniture 101 guide on their website. 1920 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, 360.293.8444, tracysfurniture.com

“ ”

We try to focus on quality merchandise at a good price. BOB TRACY

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Owner’s Favorite Tracy loves 45th Street Bedding, a Seattlebased natural bedding line that uses botanical latex. They also carry bamboo furniture and linens, green products that looks and feels great in the home.

Sempre Italiano Sempre Italiano, meaning “always Italian,” brings a little bit of Italy to La Conner. Sempre Italiano provides authentic, handselected ceramics from Italy. Owners Laura and Raffaele Chiusano travel to Italy at least once a year and bring back pieces from artisans in Tuscany, Venice, Sicily, and elsewhere. While the store primarily features dinnerware, vases, and ornamental items, you can also find Murano glass from Venice, vibrant tablecloths from France, and Swarovski crystal jewelry handcrafted in the Isle of Capri. “It’s a passion for me,” Laura Chiusano says. “I started sourcing with the intention of finding something unique that wasn’t here in the States otherwise. There’s some really small family artists in Italy, some of them have been doing the work for generations. You get to know the families, know their history.” 104 1st St., La Conner 360.466.1013, sempreitaliano.com

“

I started sourcing with the intention of finding something unique that wasn’t here in the States otherwise. LAURA CHIUSANO

”

Owner’s Favorite While the pieces they bring home are too unique to recommend just one, Chiusano loves their Florentine and Orvieto-based ceramics. The Florentine ceramics have warm harvest colors with inimitable takes on shape and form.

July 2019 49

LIGHTING TO LINENS

Re-Feather Your Nest

Paper Dreams

Re-Feather Your Nest is a decor shop with a revolving inventory of new and consigned home furnishings, garden accessories, and more. Situated next to Calico Cupboard Cafe and Bakery and just behind the Skagit River, Re-Feather Your Nest keeps a varied collection of old and new items. They might recommend pairing a turn-of-the century bookcase with modern lamps and contemporary art. It’s a varied, eclectic mix of consigned goods. They also focus on green living, offering the option to sell or recycle your items, giving your gently used furniture a second life.

Paper Dreams is a locally owned greeting card and gift store connected to Bellingham’s independent bookstore, Village Books. Many items come from local artists, with selections changing weekly. Beyond cards, Paper Dreams also sells gifts, clothing, and fun home decor items. Co-owner Kelly Evert was an interior designer and is passionate about making things beautiful. When looking for new things to stock, she tries to put herself in the mindset of a customer, considering what they would want to give as a gift or what would be special for them. “I work really hard to find unique things,” she says.

121 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon 360.755.3126, re-featheryournest.com

1206 11th St., Bellingham 360.676.8676, paperdreamsfairhaven.com

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Gatherings by Grandiflora Grandiflora is a family-owned event space and pop-up shop run by sisters Trisha Brink and LaVon Vander Werff. After 18 years, they took a step back from their award-winning retail space, turning their business into a combined event space and pop-up shop. They offer a wide selection of affordable home and seasonal decor, faux greens and florals, jewelry, accessories, and other gift items. “It’s a quintessential place to come and get a gift for your friend, sister, or mother,” Brink says. Grandiflora hosts six to eight pop-up shops a year, selling items suitable for any home. Their historic building in Lynden is also available for small weddings, celebrations, business retreats, and more. Pop-up customers can check Grandiflora’s schedule on the store’s Instagram profile or Facebook page. 719 Grover St., Lynden 360.318.8854 grandiflorahomeandgarden.com

“

It’s a quintessential place to come and get a gift for your friend, sister, or mother. TRISHA BRINK

”

Owner’s Favorite Grandiflora’s faux greens are perfect for house plant enthusiasts, even if your green thumb is a little off-color. “Even we have a hard time keeping certain plants alive in specific areas of our home,” Trisha says. Their selection of faux fig trees, tropical plants, and succulents are perfect for that place in your home where plants struggle to thrive.

Pop-Up Shop Schedule Closed in the summer for event rental space opportunities.

September

19th–21st, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

October

17th–19th, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

November

Christmas Open House 7th–9th Anniversary Sale 14th–16th, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

December

Christmas Gift Shopping Extravaganza 5th–7th, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

July 2019 51

LIGHTING TO LINENS

Surroundings Home, Gifts & Garden Surroundings is a small, charming gift shop located in the Lynden Fairway Shopping Center with rustic, colorful decor and gifts perfect for decorating your home. The shop carries home accents, yard art, wall art, signs, candles, kitchenware, jewelry, and cards. Many of Surroundings’ art pieces are from local artists, making it easy to find a unique, affordable gift or something to brighten your home. Owner Christa Warren, a former interior designer and teacher, is a wonderful person to chat with. She also offers beautiful, complementary gift-wrapping with each gift purchase, making her a local customer favorite. 1758 Front St., Lynden 360.354.3101, surroundingslynden.com

Fairhaven Rug Gallery

901 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.756.1616, fairhavenrugs.com

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Fairhaven Rug Gallery is one of those special places deserving of the name “gallery.” Nestled on Fairhaven’s Harris Avenue, Fairhaven Rug Gallery is a striking shop packed with intricately designed Persian rugs. Rugs cover the walls and floor of the enormous shop. Owner Arshia Fathali imports the soft, hand-woven rugs from his home country of Iran. Fathali hand-picks his rugs from all over Iran, making every rug special. The rugs, from small mat-sized pieces to room coverers, are pieces of art in and of themselves, often taking months to make. Bring one home for a guaranteed conversation-starter.

Greenhouse Greenhouse is a family-owned home and life store conveniently located in downtown Bellingham. The store has a warm and friendly vibe and offers a wide selection of fun, functional, and quirky items. You can find everything from brightly colored furniture to whimsical dishware. Considered a Bellingham treasure, Greenhouse has great taste and a knowledgeable staff. “We bring your home to life with creative, colorful, and modern ways to brighten up every room,” owner Breanne Green says. Once you’ve got your furniture, start decorating with eye-catching items like an adorable cat-shaped planter, a pug-dog-patterned holding tray, a cactus-shaped lamp, unicorn pottery, and more. 1235 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham 360.676.1161, greenhousehome.com

Owner’s Favorite Green recommends the seaside casual Adirondack chair, also found on their website. The perfect deck chair, backed with a 20-year warranty, is Pacific Northwest-weather friendly and made of 99% recycled material. “Beyond being the most comfortable sit you can imagine, it truly fits any shape or size,” Green says. “No scratching, no fading, and the ability to withstand any weather? This is such a winner.”

July 2019 53

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Current and Furbish Current and Furbish is a unique spot in Fairhaven. Owners Cameron Vail and Scott Ward select furniture and home items that reflect contemporary aesthetics (current) or give older pieces new life (furbish). The store showcases local art, decor from around the world, and refurbished furniture and accessories. “I try to find things that you don’t see everywhere,” Vail says. “You never know what you’re going to find when you come in here. And because we do paint the furniture and reupholster if need be, they’re individual and unique pieces. They’re one-of-a-kind by the time we get done with them.” Ward, Vail’s husband, is an artist and executive director of the Historic Fairhaven Association and has much of his work up for sale in the shop. 1115 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.733.3224, currentandfurbish.com

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“

You never know what you’re going to find when you come in here. CAMERON VAIL

”

Owner’s Favorite Vail likes their Austrian throws and Chilewich floor mats. “The throws are beautiful and soft, and the floor mats, which can be used indoors or out, last forever,” Vail says.

Perry and Carlson

Chuckanut Lighting

Perry and Carlson is a combined gallery and retail shop in downtown Mount Vernon owned by local artists Trina Perry Carlson and Christian Carlson. Perry is also a retail designer; Carlson is an architect. The shop and gallery boast amazing paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces from Pacific Northwest artists. The gallery also highlights artists from the U.S. and abroad, as well as Perry and Carlsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own work. Perry creates thought-provoking mixed media pieces incorporating weaving and found objects, and Carlson paints muted, wintry landscapes. Besides being a beautiful gallery space, the retail shop also sells a selection of local and international goods including books, gifts, and furniture.

Need some bright ideas? As the name implies, Chuckanut Lighting glows with a variety of lighting options for your home. Set the tone with elegant hanging pendant lights, outdoor deck lights, dimmers with complete control over brightness and mood, energy-efficient LEDs, and more. You can also find furniture and decor items to finish off a room, such as cocktail tables, dining chairs, rugs, mirrors, and artwork. Located just off the highway in Burlington, visit in-person or shop online by style, type, or brand. The website also boasts a virtual showroom.

504 S 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.899.5032, perryandcarlson.com

938 Fountain St., Burlington 888.757.2195, chuckanutlighting.com

July 2019 55

LIGHTING TO LINENS

Wisers Furniture Wisers Furniture offers great furniture at fair prices. Owners Margie and Jerry Struiksma have over 60 years of combined experience in the furniture business and take pride in providing family friendliness and quality furniture. Margie especially believes in going above and beyond in service and value. Since 2007, Wisers has serviced Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King County, and Canada. They offer both new and used furniture, from fully warranted lines from big manufacturers to discontinued scratch-and-dent furniture discounted up to 75%. From living room, bedroom, dining room, home entertainment, home accent, office furniture, and mattresses, you can find something for any part of your home at Wisers. 168 Birch Bay Lynden Rd., Lynden 360.778.3870, wisersfurniture.com

Rustic Cottage Home and Garden Decor Melissa Van Datta is a life-long crafter. Her home decor and furniture shop, Rustic Cottage, sells repaired and repurposed furniture as well as handmade jewelry, signs, and consignment items. Van Datta takes neglected antique furniture and repurposes them into modern pieces. Almost everything is uniquely from her own work and inventory. Bring your furniture in, and she can restore or update it. “We like to blend antiques with what’s current today,” Van Datta says. “All the furniture is hand-painted by me. I didn’t intend this to happen, but it’s really turned into a lot of custom work.” Her workshop space behind the main shop makes it easy to chat with her. While you’re there, you can also meet Trixie, her pet spider monkey. 310 Front St., Lynden 360.392.8101, lyndenrusticcottage.com

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“ ”

We try to get as many locally made things as we can. KELLY SWORDMAKER

A Lot of Flowers

Set in a beautiful conservatory-style location, A Lot of Flowers has provided plants, floral arrangements, and home and garden decor for over 35 years. Offering a unique variety of perennials and annuals, their succulents and small flower arrangements are popular as well. “We try to get as many locally made things as we can,” manager Kelly Swordmaker says. They also focus on fair-trade items, such as their Haitian plaques and chimes from India. “We want to have something that you can give to your friend that’s beautiful that hopefully they can keep alive,” Swordmaker says with a smile. 1011 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.647.0728, alotofflowersfairhaven.com

Owner’s Favorite Swordmaker recommends the Pooley vases, a collection of little pots connected together. They come in a variety of colors and look great on their own or full of tiny flowers.

July 2019 57

LIGHTING TO LINENS

The Garden Room The Garden Room in historic Fairhaven is a great place for elegant home and garden decor, dishware, plants, accessories, and more. Established in 1987, owner and landscape designer Susann Schwiesow originally opened the shop for English and Japanese gardening tools, but later expanded into soaps, jewelry, and home decor. She tries to stock items not easily found in Bellingham, from French dishware to exotic plants. “It’s become an eclectic mix of things that seem appealing,” Schwiesow says. Some of their best home decor options are the Simon Pearce glassware, featuring hand-blown glass, and French line Astier de Villatte: dishware made with black clay and white glaze. 1006 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.734.9949, gardenroomfairhaven.com

Owner’s Favorite

Schwiesow loves their marble lazy Susans, a handy and beautiful item for any home.

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Home Decorating

WRITTEN BY LINDSEY MAJOR

edecorating your home can be exciting to start, but can quickly become overwhelming. With so many options for throw pillows, paint colors, and furniture textures, it’s easy to get lost in the abyss of home decor. To lend a helping hand, we bring the experts to you: Four local interior designers who speak to four common design themes. To help prevent blank stares in store aisles, these ladies share their expert opinions on colors, textures, accent pieces, and more. With the tips and tricks you find on the following pages, you’ll be able to create your family’s new happy place in a breeze.

Pacific Northwest DECORATOR’S BIO

PACIFIC PALETTE

Tanna Edler is the President and CEO of Tanna by Design. She works in the Yakima area and has been featured in the pages of Bellingham Alive many times. You may recognize her work in our March issue, featuring a beautiful kitchen she remodeled for her client. She has won Designer of the Year from the National Interior Society Association several times and was excited to discuss Pacific Northwest design.

“I see a lot of coolness in the gray tones, reflected in the stone you might use or concrete. The coolness of gray can be contrasted with warm tones in wood and natural rust. Shades of brown that emulate nature. Green is the only other color I like to bring into these spaces. It’s all about bringing the outdoors in,” says designer Tanna Edler.

RUSTIC ACCENTS Another place to incorporate different textures is in accent pieces. Consider using black iron on the staircase. The material and color give off a rustic feel, while the sleek design looks modern. It also sustains visual integrity, keeping the space open.

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NORTHWEST NATURE “The fiddle-leaf fig was cool before it was cool. I use that everywhere,” says Edler of what live plants she would use in the space. As for preserved plants? “I would do topiaries, preserved boxwood topiaries.”

NIRVANA “The Pacific Northwest style is sort of doing a mid-century modern thing, with lots of clean lines and wood accents,” says Edler. Look for a sofa or chairs that offer sleek design with a combination of wood and upholstery.

CASCADE COZY Using multiple fabrics and textures adds layers of design elements. For the Pacific Northwest vibe, Edler suggests combining natural elements, like rattan grass wallpaper, with cozy elements, like a creamcolored cashmere blanket.

Expert Advice: Tanna Edler PACIFIC NORTHWEST “I like this style because it emulates what I like as far as my personal style. I interpret it as organic and natural and try to bring that into homes whether it’s through a product or the feeling of open spaces. Open concept is very Pacific Northwest, with lots of windows. There’s

also a bit of an industrial vibe, with raw, unfinished materials and finishes. That’s how I see it,” says Edler.

ensuring your lighting and fixtures showcase the outdoors is paramount.

WINDOWS ON WASHINGTON

“Glass, I like using a lot of glass in chandeliers. I also like anything that looks organic. Maybe something oversized or made of metal,” says Edler. “I think the perfect fixture for a Pacific Northwest design would be something rough and made of black metal. Something quite modern.”

“Windows are a big thing for me. I’m all about the whole idea of bringing the outdoors in, and the best way to do that is to have that visual,” says Edler. Since we don’t get much natural light throughout most of the year here in Washington,

MODERN MATERIALS

July 2019 63

Contemporary & Industrial DECORATOR’S BIO

WARM TONES

Debra Campbell is an award-winning interior designer with her own firm that serves Whidbey Island, the San Juan Islands, and the greater Seattle area. Speaking to industrial and contemporary designs, Campbell has worked on several projects of this style both on Whidbey Island and in her previous home of California. She currently lives in a contemporarystyle home; it’s her favorite.

“Well, what I always say to people and from what I know to be true from living in many contemporary homes myself, is that you really need to soften contemporaries because they can be cold. The materials are typically hard, with steel, glass, wood, and cement. I prefer warmer colors. Especially in the climate here, people like gray. I try to direct people to warmer colors. It counters some of the harshness of the materials, and I think that’s really important,” designer Debra Campbell says. Look for rich, warm shades, such as deep browns and reds. Mustard is also popular in contemporary homes.

FINISHES “Art is really important as well. Typically, industrial homes have large-scale walls and high ceilings. They’re not boxy like traditional homes. I like large works of art,” Campbell says. The canvas of the art will bring a warmer, cozier feel to the space, while still displaying a more modern aesthetic.

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GEO - NATURE “I like succulents in the home. I like terrariums with different kinds of succulents. I use them outdoors as well. With contemporary landscaping, I like to do grass gardens because it gives movement to the solid structure of the home. I just redid the garden [at my house] and probably put in 100 different grasses,” Campbell says.

IN YOUR ELEMENT “I really like geometric and tribal patterns for contemporary homes. But I also sometimes, in softening contemporary, will go with more traditional patterns as well. I steer away from leathers and try to go with upholstered goods, such as a soft chenille. Something warm and inviting. I layer the upholstery with rugs. It’s very important to add rugs; it adds an element of softness,” Campbell says.

URBAN LIVING “I like clean lines,” Campbell says. “Furniture with the waterfall effect doesn’t have any seaming on the skirt, so it has a very clean effect. If the home is near the water, I like wicker as well. There’s some really nice stylized wicker.”

Expert Advice: Debra Campbell TRANSITIONAL Make sure you have pieces that can change as your personal style changes over time. Think the conversation pits of the ‘70s: not transitional. “If somebody has a traditional home, they can very easily use more traditional style furnishings,” Campbell says. Let your home grow and change the same way you do.

HAND - ME - DON’T “There’s a phenomenon going on where [my clients] had beautiful furniture or antiques that had been passed down, and I’m telling you, no child wants that stuff. It’s rare that children want the old furniture,” says Campbell. Select pieces for your home that won’t go out of style in 10 years. If you’re hoping to pass it along through the family, make sure it’s something others will actually want. Lean toward simple styles and colors.

BRIGHT IDEA Lighting fixtures in an industrial home can go one of two ways: vintage or modern. Old-world style lamps and chandeliers with intricate detailing will complement the simplicity of the rest of the room. Using modern, exposed lighting continues the industrial tone without adding too much design.

HEAVY METAL Using different finishes and textures enhances and completes the industrialstyle look. Many industrial homes have exposed brick walls and metal ductwork. A recent trend incorporates concrete finishing on countertops or coffee tables. A kitchen or dining room table could be made out of warm wood, but have metal exposed legs for a more industrial feel. July 2019 65

Farm House DECORATOR’S BIO

FARM FRESH

Jennifer Ryan has owned and operated her own interior design business since 1984. You can see her most recent feature with Bellingham Alive in our March issue, in the pages of the Kitchens and Spaces feature. Ryan says the first thing she asks her clients is, “What’s your favorite color?” and lets the design take off from there. “I love what I do because it always revolves around being creative and artistic,” says Ryan.

“Lots of farmhouse design is pretty neutral in palette. I would opt for lots of grays and whites,” says interior designer Jennifer Ryan. Consider using natural colors, like deep greens, warm creams, and woody browns. You can use other design pieces to add pops of colors.

REST ASSURED Opt for oversized, comfy furniture, such as large arm chairs or fluffy sectionals. Farmhouse is more about the softer, cozier side of life, as opposed to the trendy or modern design you might see in more industrial-style homes. For maximum comfort, drape blankets across the back or arms of seating.

RUSTIC TOUCH “Farmhouse is a lot more texture than color. It’s nice to do dark and light in different textures,” says Ryan. Combine raw wood with finished wood or use galvanized metal design elements. Using patterns such as plaids and polka dots is also traditional for farmhouse-inspired spaces.

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SIGN OF THE TIMES Signs made from wood or galvanized metal are all the rage in farmhouse-style homes. Maybe hang one in the kitchen that says “Order Up” or one in a living space that says “Gather ‘Round.” On HGTV’s “Fixer Upper,” Joanna Gaines is famous for commissioning her friend Jimmy Don to create personalized signs out of galvanized metal for her clients.

SOW YOUR SEEDS Bushier plants, such as sage bushes and succulents, look good throughout the entire home and provide a complimentary natural green color. “They add a nice softness,” says Ryan. No farmhouse is complete without a garden. If you don’t have access to an outdoor space, consider indoor garden options, such as small potted plants or specialty light bulbs.

Expert Advice: Jennifer Ryan SHIPLAP Shiplap has been all the rage in recent years, most commonly in farmhouse-style designs. Older homes are likely to have shiplap underneath drywall, while newer homes add shiplap as a design element. “Unless it’s a small room, shiplap looks really pretty. You have options of doing white, which is traditional, or people

are starting to do it in more of a raw, unfinished style. It’s old wood in gray tones, sometimes there’s burn marks. But the white is the clean, traditional look,” says Ryan.

Ryan also suggests looking at colored granite when considering a farmhousestyle sink. “You aren’t limited to just white or stainless steel,” she says.

LET THAT SINK IN

Refurbishing old furniture is popular for the rustic look. Refinish a dresser by sanding it down, painting it a new color, and adding new knobs. You can even turn a dresser into almost any other piece of furniture, such as a TV stand, wine rack, or bathroom counter.

UPCYCLE

The farmhouse sink is extremely popular in homes of all design styles. The large basin makes washing dishes easy. While the farmhouse style is more focused on traditional design, using more modern, sleek fixtures on the sink can really work.

July 2019 67

Coastal Beach Expert Advice: Brenda Elliott

CURRENT COLORS Pacific Northwest beaches are quite unique compared to other beaches across the globe. Here, we might see more deep greens, rich blues, and whites and grays reminiscent of driftwood. Even the sand is a deeper brown here, not quite as bright and sparkly as it would be somewhere tropical.

ANCHOR YOUR SPACE Wicker isn’t exclusive to patios; you can also incorporate it in small doses indoors. To add a touch of nature, use a wicker chair to contrast a larger sofa. Tie all your pieces together by using upholstery in the same neutral colors and adding pops of color with throw pillows and blankets.

COSTAL CRAFTS

TIDE TOGETHER Think beyond the usual sea glass: Add sparkle with glass lanterns, bottles, and vases. For a more nautical feel, opt for storage baskets made of rope rather than canvas. A rug with thick stripes gives off a beachy vibe while providing a soft surface to rest your feet.

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Washington beaches boast a lot of wood. Whether it’s driftwood, logs, or tall trees, incorporating wood accents in your home will create a beachy vibe. Use lighter shades, like light browns, whites, and grays, to feel more coastal and less forest-y. You can use driftwood for DIY projects like picture frames, jewelry displays, and candle holders.

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN “I like to have little surprises for my clients. Something they already have, but do it in a different, more playful, unexpected manner.” Elliott is all about bringing nature indoors and using living elements and textures to enhance a space. “I always approach an interior space like a blank canvas; you’re always adding layers that enhance the human quality.”

SITTING SPACE “Determine the space and where you want the attention. You might go to a more neutralcolored sofa with accents.” Using a solid-colored couch allows you to change the pillows seasonally to refresh the look. Or, go for a bold-colored sofa as the focal point of the room. “Use furniture that reflects [your] personality,” says Elliott.

SHELL, YEAH! If you’re looking for smaller elements to enhance a space, head to a local beach. Look for seashells to add to a set of vases, or collect your own driftwood. Be careful when plucking things from the sand; many organisms may still be alive, and in some areas, it’s illegal to disturb these critters.

DON’T GO OVERBOARD While seashells, driftwood, and other beach finds make great accents to a seaside-inspired home, be careful not to overdo it. You could end up with a space that looks more like a beachside gift shop than a living space. “You shouldn’t really notice good design, when it’s done right,” says Elliott.

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HABITAT Home Remodel Tips and Tricks · Featured Home

Skagit Bay Waterfront Home WRITTEN BY KAITY TEER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN GLEADLE

his stunning Skagit Bay waterfront home was once a comfortable weekend cabin that offered a retreat from Seattle city life. But as its owners approached retirement, they turned to principal architect Dan Nelson and project architect Matt Radach of Designs Northwest to transform the cabin, with its low ceilings and multiple additions, into a primary residence that invites abundant natural light and maximizes the property’s incredible location. Built atop the original foundation, the result is a classic beachfront home with modern, low-maintenance materials. Located on the north end of Camano Island, the home’s main living spaces offer expansive northern views of the bay, especially the first level’s great room, which comprises the kitchen, dining room, and living room. The kitchen’s warm wood tones and stone textures create an earthy dimension to the great room. The master suite on the second level enjoys waterside vistas, too. The loft-inspired family room, also on the second level, opens to the back deck through French sliding doors. Adjacent to the front entryway, a curved wall of Core-Ten steel houses the stairs while windows flood both levels with warm, southern light. Throughout, the home is bright, lofty, and a masterly blend of classic and contemporary style.  … continued on next page

HABITAT Featured Home

Situated just 25 feet from the bulkhead, the waterside deck has easy access from the second-floor family room through French sliding doors that part to create a generous 6-foot opening. The deckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s steel railings offer a contemporary finish.

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HABITAT Remodel

The Art of Aging in Place WRITTEN BY EMILY MUELLER

any people buy a house intending to live there forever. Unfortunately, as we age, getting around the house can become a difficult task. That’s where companies like Aging in Place by Design come in. Founded by designer and certified aging-in-place specialist Susie Landsem, the company adapts homes for owners when their functions begin to decline, focusing on the intersection between design and utility. Landsem gained a new perspective on accessibility after her daughter broke her ankle. Confronted with this temporary disability, she realized nothing in her home was set up for wheelchairs, crutches, or other mobility aids. “I just think we can do better,” Landsem says. As for thinking about future accessibility needs, Landsem suggests “it’s never too early to start planning for aging in place.” Transformations can start small and grow from there. “It can be as easy as adding some task lighting underneath your cabinets in the kitchen…or cleaning up your clutter. Those things, they make your home safer instantly.”

LIVING

BATHROOM The same lighting techniques apply to bathrooms, where Landsem installs sensor-activated under-counter lighting. She also modifies bathrooms to include walk-in, zero-threshold showers, designed to prevent tripping. Bathrooms and kitchens can also feature an open space under the sink to accommodate wheelchairs.

Typically, Landsem will implement universal design features like pull-out racks and rocker light switches, as well as more tailored features like French doors for easy wheelchair or walker access. She also likes to add more glass and windows to maximize light.

To prevent burnings and reduce uncomfortable stooping, Landsem recommends installing ovens at an easy-to-access height. She also suggests refrigerators with French doors, easy-access drawer freezers, and articulated or touch faucets. Countertops can also be built at two different heights for wheelchair use, or if someone gets tired and wants to sit, Landsem explains. Aging in Place by Design does both remodels and new homes. The homes Landsem works on aren’t all high end — the company remodels rentals for ADA accessibility as well. “I think it’s a fairly new idea,” Landsem says, “so education [is important] — telling people what it is, making them not afraid that it’s going to be big steel handrails all over their house.”  74

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KITCHEN

PREMIER HOMES Blaine Estate

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Ferndale $1,248,000 | MLS# 1464451 Gorgeous custom built Ranch Estate complete w/3590 sq. ft. heated shop, private aerated & stocked pond, 7+ acres, mid county. Formal living room, gourmet chef’s kitchen, custom cherry cabinets, island, butlers pantry, SS appl, eating bar, dining w/access to upper deck. Luxurious master suite on main floor, beyond spacious daylight lower level w/fam rm, home gym, theater rm, built in bar w/kitchenette, 2 bd w/Jack&Jill ba, multiple outdoor living spaces to enjoy the outdoors, plus So Much More!

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$1,350,000 | MLS# 1447667

STUNNING completely custom home w/Southern architectural design, nestled on Vedder View Ln overlooking valley below. Custom arched windows, crown molding, hickory hrdwd flrs, tile flrs w/radiant heat, chef’s gourmet kitchen, custom cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, ultimate private master suite & private patio, mud rm, upper level fam rm w/kitchenette. Outdoor living at its finest, covered patio w/wood fireplace & wet bar! Finished & sheet rocked 32x24 shop, fenced pasture. This is a MUST SEE!

Karen Timmer Windermere Real Estate 360.410.0848 KarenTimmer.com

SEMIAHMOO $880,000 | MLS# 1471840 Spectacular PNW indoor/outdoor living is an entertainers dream come true. This 3175 open concept living features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, main floor master and a chef kitchen with plenty of room to move. Large windows brings the outdoors in, while double french doors invite you onto a 1000+ 3 tiered patio with built in hot tub and 9’ bbq island featuring Lynx grill with searing station and side burner. This home is a must see!

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July 2019 75

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DINE

8 Great Tastes · Dining Guide · Mixing Tin · Sip

Summertime Seating The Best Outdoor Seating Spots for Sunny Days WRITTEN BY EMILY MUELLER PHOTOGRAPHED BY KELLY PEARCE

ith the summer sun in full effect, it’s the perfect time to explore new places while soaking up some rays. Many restaurants around the Puget Sound provide the opportunity to do just that, with outdoor seating options ranging from rooftop to streetside. In celebration of the season, we’ve compiled a list of the area’s most outdoorfriendly restaurants. Break out your sunglasses and get ready to sit back and enjoy the sun. … continued on next page

Courtesy of Swinomish Casino and Lodge

… 13MOONS The outdoor patio and lounge area at Swinomish Casino and Lodge offers expansive views as well as a large outdoor fireplace. Gazing out from this open-air layout, both the bay and the mountains beyond seem within reach. The fine-dining restaurant features a variety of seafood dishes; the Alderwood Grilled Salmon with seasonal Skagit Valley produce is especially popular. 12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes 360.588.3525

FAT PIE PIZZA The views at Fat Pie Pizza are unparalleled, with two tiers of rooftop dining and 180-degree views of surrounding Fairhaven. Enjoy the restaurant’s happy hour as you look out at historic buildings or catch a view of the bay. Choose between the Chicago, Brooklyn, and Detroit-style pizza crusts and other city-themed combos to create your perfect pie. Those wanting something other than pizza can enjoy entree options such as spaghetti, lasagna, or fish and chips. 1015 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.366.8090

SKYLARK’S HIDDEN CAFE

LOCAL 20 TAPROOM

In addition to streetside tables, mosey around back of Skylark’s Hidden Cafe to access even more outdoor seating. Hungry customers can follow brick pathways past the red telephone booth to the patios, where swirled wrought iron tables and chairs await. Sunny days mean open-air seating, while the covered area and brick fireplace are a good option on chilly nights. The cafe’s large menu features fresh seafood and blends of classic and contemporary food.

This spacious, pet-friendly patio stretches between the taproom and neighboring Primal Coffee. Enclosed by a wooden slate fence, the patio features classic picnic tables, longer tables for parties, and plenty of standing room for mingling and movement in between. String lights hang above colorful umbrellas that offer shade on ultra-sunny afternoons. Grab a beer and enjoy the charming outdoor space after one of the taproom’s paint nights, comedy shows, or yoga sessions.

1308 11th St., Bellingham 360.715.3642

102 Woodworth St., Sedro-Woolley 360.399.7662

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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

simplistic yet thoughtful dishes. Each dish has a handful of components and ingredients, all locally or regionally sourced, shifting based on season. BIG LOVE JUICE American

The foundation of Big Love Juice’s menu lies with its cold press juices, which are created through an uncommon juicing process. They offer cold press juice made through a hydraulic press, rather than the traditional high-heat methods that eliminate much of the vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. Customers looking for something a little heartier can also pick from a multitude of smoothies, soups, salads, bowls, and loaded toasts.

WHATCOM AVENUE BREAD & DELI 1313 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, 1135 11th St., Bellingham 2301 James St., Bellingham 444 Front St., Lynden 360.715.3354, avenuebread.com With several convenient locations in Bellingham and a location in Lynden, Avenue Bread is a favorite lunch spot for many. Fresh ingredients make these sandwiches unusually good — the bread is made by their bakers, and the vegetables and meat are all of the highest quality. Avenue Bread also offers some of the freshest, tastiest breakfast sandwiches around.

Seafood, American

714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham 360.392.6520, btownkitchen.com If fresh shellfish is your gastronomic highlight, you’re in the right place at B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar. Items from the Small Plates menu make terrific appetizers or adultbeverage-worthy snacks. The heated patio provides an urban vibe with an intimate venue suited for parties or gatherings. BELLINGHAM CIDER CO. American 205 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.510.8494, bellinghamcider.com If you’re looking for a true home-cooked meal, look no further. Bellingham Cider Company’s knack for comfort food is reflected in the

DINE

CAFE VELO Coffeehouse, Deli 120 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.392.0930, cafe-velo.cc Cafe Velo is a European-inspired cafe with a twist — in addition to serving fresh espresso, the cafe also doubles as a bike shop. This is not just a place to quickly grab a bite or a beverage, but a place with a clear sense of community. With plenty of outdoor seating — and bike racks — customers can bask in the fresh air while enjoying a beverage or a sandwich named after one of the owner’s favorite climbs from bicycle racing.

4192 Meridian St., Bellingham 360.306.8598, birchdoorcafe.com The Birch Door Café does not fall short on charm, variety, or serving size. Brunch enthusiasts will be delighted by the three pages of breakfast options. Dishes include traditional pancake breakfast platters, French-style baked omelets, egg scrambles and Benedicts, and plenty more. Listen for the ringing of the kitchen bell every time one of these massive breakfasts is served. BLACK PEARL ASIAN FUSION Asian Fusion

CHIHUAHUA MEXICAN RESTAURANT Mexican 5694 Third Ave., Ferndale 360.384.5820, chihuahuamexicanrestaurant.com Dine in at one of the largest Mexican restaurants in Washington and experience the authentic cuisine that has come from more than 2,515 years of dedication to excellent food. Using family recipes passed down for generations, Chihuahua Mexican Restaurant will not only leave you full, but also deeply satisfied.

1317 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.746.2030, blackpearlasianfusion.com Bellingham has an abundance of Asianinspired restaurants; the trick is to find one that stands out — like the Black Pearl. With all the available extras, it is almost impossible to get the same flavor twice. The pho is clean and refreshing with a variety of different meats to try and sauces to add as extra seasoning.

B-TOWN KITCHEN AND RAW BAR

Dining Guide

Kitchen sources much of its ingredients locally and upholds the “from seed to plate” philosophy. The menu offers vegetarian and gluten-free options, and a rotating selection of beer from local breweries.

1149 N. State St. & 1144 10th St., Bellingham 360.383.5336, biglovejuice.com

THE BIRCH DOOR CAFÉ American Menu items and prices are subject to change, so check before you go. See all our restaurant reviews on our Eat and Drink tab at BellinghamAlive.com * Review provided by restaurant.

BLUE FIN SUSHI Japanese

CHINUK RESTAURANT Steak/Seafood 714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham 360,392.6520, chinukbellingham.com Chinuk’s menu contains many specialties, but its biggest attribute is its versatility. The menu features delicious Northwest-inspired cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Located inside the Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham, it’s perfect for a family on the road, a business lunch, or an intimate dinner out.

102 S. Samish Way St. 105, Bellingham 360.752.2583, bluefinbellingham.com Delicious fresh sushi is a given, but Blue Fin also offers a full menu of non-sushi food items, from classic bento boxes to fish and chips. Peruse through their vast menu with help from their friendly waitstaff, then enjoy a mouthwatering close-up as chefs prepare your food behind the bar. BRANDYWINE KITCHEN Regional NW 1317 Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.1071, brandywinekitchen.com Named for the farm where they began growing their decadent heirloom tomatoes, Brandywine

COBALT GRILL AND LOUNGE American 1304 12th St., Bellingham 360.526.2905, cobaltgrillwa.com Sandwiched between the historic Waldron building and Fairhaven Gold sits Cobalt Grill and Lounge, formerly Whiskey’s Burger Bistro. Chef and owner John Enright says the menu will change regularly, and daily specials will cater to customer feedback and seasonal ingredients. The menu emphasizes local seafood, natural products, and an array of selections from the bar. The drinks menu is a whopping five pages long, with an expanding list of cocktails, wine, and other spirits, including 31 whiskeys. Try the Coconut Prawns with sweet chili sauce or the BAMB Burger, a blend of beef and lamb with feta

July 2019 79

Need help planning your weekend? Weekend

AGENDA

cheese, arugula, roasted tomato, pesto mayo, and a fluffy bun. I recommend the garlic parmesan yam fries. For a dinner entree, try the 10-inch Chicken Pot Pie. For dessert, indulge in the warm Apple Raisin Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce. COSMOS BISTRO American Bistro, Comfort Food 1151 N. State St., Bellingham 360.255.0244, bellinghamcosmosbistro.com The comfort food at Cosmos is always made in-house from scratch at their historic Herald Building location. With award-winning service, plates brimming with creativity for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, Cosmos Bistro offers something for everyone.

VOT FOR UES BEST OF THE NORTH WEST 2

FAT SHACK American

414 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.366.8752, fatshack.com

019

Popular items are burgers, wings, and their specialty: densely packed sandwiches. The typical “fat” sandwich is some combination of grilled steak and fried chicken, along with cheese and a host of sides, all pressed inside a fresh hoagie roll. It is not for the meek, or for someone looking for a salad bar. But along with its unapologetic embrace of deep-fried food, the Fat Shack serves up some surprises. Its hamburger is hand-pressed, handseasoned Angus beef that’s never frozen and comes on a soft, rich brioche bun. The Philly cheesesteak meat is flash-frozen ribeye from Spokane. Fat Shack is a family affair, owned by Mike and Lori Martin and their sons Taylor and Marcus. Don’t call what they serve fast food. “We don’t have a bunch of prepped food,” says Lori. The Martins take the time to cook things right, like allowing chicken fingers to fry for eight minutes to produce just the right crisp. Sunday’s 50-percent-off wings special is a must for wing lovers. THE GRILL Greek/American 1155 E. Sunset Dr., Ste. 105, Bellingham 360.306.8510, thegrillbellingham.com

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.

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2615 South Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham 360.332.2505 | nickisbellamarina.com

VOTED BEST FISH & CHIPS

Nicki's_1907_1-2V_FINAL.indd 1

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6/4/19 10:46 AM

A peek into The Grill’s kitchen will reveal a decadent lamb rotisserie. In addition to gyros made with this rotisserie meat, the menu offers plenty of variety; order anything from a hot dog to an Italian sandwich. HOMESKILLET American 521 Kentucky St., Bellingham homeskilletinsunnyland.com Owners Tina and Kirby named their restaurant after one of their favorite lines in the movie Juno, when a store clerk says, “This is one doodle that can’t be undid, 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

Dining Guide

DINE

potatoes, eggs, and your choice of toppings. Homeskillet can’t be beat with its friendly service, colorful atmosphere, and ultimate comfort food.

CULINARY EVENTS

NICKI’S BAR AND GRILL/NICKI’S BELLA MARINA American 2615 S. Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham 360.332.2505, nickisbellamarina.com

Farm to Table: Salad, Salsa, Dressing

Harborside visitors can grab a bite at Nicki’s Bar and Grill or rent out the floor above, Nicki’s Bella Marina, for private events with spectacular views of Bellingham Bay. Once you’ve had a chance to check out the water, take your first glance at the large menu. The burgers are big, juicy (there are even WetNaps on the table), and flavorful. From the Quadruple Bypass to the lighter Caesar Salmon Burger, Nicki’s offers options for everyone. Still can’t locate the perfect burger? Nicki’s gives customers the chance to build their own 1⁄3-pound burger, starting at $6.99. From there, choose from a variety of sauces and toppings (just $0.50 to $2.50 extra). If you’re looking for something beyond the burger, fish and chips is your next best option. Nicki’s classic fish and chips is made with two enormous pieces of cod, dipped in their famous tempura batter and served with unlimited steak fries and tartar sauce.

July 1, 11 A.M.

Downtown Co-op Healthy Connections Building 405 E. Holly St., #103, Bellingham | communityfood.coop

Cocktail Class: Tequila

NORTHWATER Regional NW 4260 Mitchell Way, Bellingham 360.398.6191, northh2o.com From breakfast to late-night dinner, Northwater’s 185-seat restaurant features Pacific Northwest dishes made from locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. We found the restaurant’s waitstaff to be personable and enthusiastic, and eager to answer our queries about ingredient sources and what desserts they’d recommend. There’s a diverse menu of classic dishes with a twist, like the Seafood Sausage Corn Dogs with blueberry mustard — sweet-from-the-citrus cornbread and spicy from the mustard. Try the Fried Chicken and Waffle, featuring savory flavors of garlic and herbs drizzled with a pepper syrup.

SKAGIT CONWAY PUB & EATERY American 18611 Main St., Conway 360.445.4733 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. Packed with flavor and Americana spirit, Conway Pub & Eatery is a Skagit Valley icon. DAD’S DINER A-GO-GO American 906 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.899.5269 Dad’s Diner A-Go-Go in Anacortes is the epitome of creative selecting and layering of flavors and textures on a plate. Add in the superior customer service in a comfortable, casual atmosphere, and it’s no wonder so many locals eat here weekly. The space is decorated with framed photos of dads, most of whom are local — an appreciation of their loyal fan base. Every edible item is a labor of love, just how Dad would make it at home.

This cooking class for children ages 10–14 is the perfect way for kids to learn their way around the kitchen. Taught by Russ Duncan of the Community Food Co-op and his daughter, Ruby Mae, participants will prepare food as it makes its journey from farm to table. This is part of a series of classes presented by the Whatcom Community College Kids’ College program. See website for other dates and times.

July 2, 7 P.M. This month’s cocktail class at northwater is all about tequila. The northwater bartender will be going over different tequila cocktails and cocktail-making techniques. Weather permitting, the class will take place on the patio. Participants will enjoy small pours of a few cocktails and a whole cocktail they make themselves. With hors d’oeuvres and tequila, this event is great for a girls night out. northwater 4260 Mitchell Way, Bellingham | northh20.com

Fireworks Cruise July 4, 7:30 P.M. This Independence Day, treat yourself to an adventure with San Juan Cruises. Start the night with a cruise around Chuckanut Bay and end in Bellingham Bay to enjoy the fireworks show on the water. Tickets include a cracked-crab dinner; a full bar is available for an additional cost. Adults and children are welcome. Bellingham Cruise Terminal 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham | whales.com

Kiona Vineyards Winemaker Dinner July 18, 5:30 P.M. Part of Semiahmoo Resort’s Winemaker Dinner Series, experience a five-course meal and a wine pairing with each course. Kiona Vineyards is a family-run operation out of Benton City, Washington. Experts in attendance will teach you about the winemaking process and pairings. Semiahmoo Resort 9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy., Blaine | semiahmoo.com July 2019 81

ENCORE* Epicurean Dining

Saltine

5984 North Darrk Ln., Bow 360.724.0124, theskagit.com/encore

Salish Sea Daiquiri

Located within The Skagit Casino Resort, the newly remodeled and re-energized Encore restaurant strives itself in creating everything in house from scratch by utilizing fresh and natural ingredients from locally sourced products. Inside the room, featured photographs of personalities from the music industry, recognizing The Skagit Casino Resort’s long history with entertainment; a platform that differentiates them from local competition. Take an epicurean dining adventure and discover one of the best restaurants in the region.

Ingredients: Light rum, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, grapefruit juice, lime, Up, $10

FORTUNE MANDARIN Chinese/Mandarin 1617 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon 360.428.1819, fortunemandarin.com Tea warmed over a candle, delicious drinks with a slight exotic twist, tender and flavorful meat, and vegetables cooked to perfection are expected at this peaceful bar and restaurant with Chinese decor. The owner and staff remember regular patrons, creating a sense of community with their hospitality and mouth-watering food. NELL THORN Seafood 116 1st St., La Conner 360.466.4261, nellthorn.com Nell Thorn is seafood-heavy, so trying one of their seafood dishes is a must. Their daily specials take into account the freshest catches, but on the menu you’ll usually find a seafood pasta, filet-topped salad, and oysters.

THE OYSTER & THISTLE RESTAURANT & PUB

hen the weather gets too hot to handle, you can count on Saltine and their crisp Salish Sea Daiquiri to cool things down. Who needs the bay when you can get beach vibes inside? Saltine’s bartenders offer a fruity twist on the original Cuban cocktail recipe, adding sweet grapefruit and tart cherry flavors. Finished with a lime wedge and just the right amount of rum, this daiquiri goes with anything on the menu. For a perfect balance of sweet and salty, try it 82

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with an order of Fried Green Olives and salsa verde. You won’t miss out on the sunshine sitting inside — front windows help illuminate the clean, ivory seating. Sit at the bar to study a topographical map of the Salish Sea, or grab an outdoor table facing the Whatcom Museum. Either way, Saltine and the Salish Sea Daiquiri serve some serious summertime bliss. Kelly Pearce 114 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.392.8051 | saltinebellingham.com

Seafood/Steak

205 E. Washington St., La Conner 360.766.6179, theoysterandthistle.com The Oyster & Thistle Restaurant and Pub takes the time to prepare food with care. Their pastas are handmade and hand-cranked using semolina flour and an egg-rich dough. You’ll also find plenty of fresh, expertly shucked oysters, and perfectly seared sea scallops. SEEDS BISTRO AND BAR American 623 Morris St., La Conner 360.466.3280, seedsbistro.com From soups to sandwiches, salads (or “weeds” as they call them), and bigger entree options, Seeds Bistro and Bar has something for everyone. Try an order of shucked oysters or one of the seasonal pasta dishes made with fresh pasta.

Sip

DINE

Grain to Glass in Skagit County WRITTEN BY NEAL TOGNAZZINI | PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEAN DAVIDSON

t’s no secret that the Pacific Northwest is one of the best places to live for those who like to drink good beer. If you count up the breweries in our four most serious beer cities — Portland, Bend, Seattle, and Bellingham — you’ll have counted at least 250 companies. But perhaps less wellknown is that the Pacific Northwest is also one of the best places to grow the ingredients that make good beer. Threequarters of the nation’s hops are grown in the Yakima Valley, and Washington is among a small handful of states that together grow three-quarters of the nation’s barley. Although much of that homegrown barley is produced east of the Cascades, those of us in the northwest corner of the state are increasingly drinking beer that started its life in the fertile farmlands of Skagit County. In order to get that grain into shape for brewing, though, it has to be malted — i.e., steeped in water and allowed to germinate for a bit, before it gets dried and sent to brewers. The partial germination allows the brewers to access the starches inside the grain, which are converted to sugar and then eventually to alcohol during the brewing process. Since commercial breweries aren’t outfitted to do the malting themselves, they have to rely on maltsters. This is one more area where Skagit County shines, since it is home to Skagit Valley Malting in Burlington, our own local maltster that malts locally grown grain and then sells it to local brewers. Many local breweries have taken advantage of having a world-class malting company in their backyard, but Farmstrong Brewing Co. in Mount Vernon has taken the

local mindset and applied it across the board. All of their beers contain some percentage of barley that was grown and malted locally. As of this year, their two top-selling beers — La Raza Ambar and Cold Beer Pilsner — are made with 100% Skagit Valley malt. Making the switch to locally grown and locally malted grains wasn’t easy, and head brewer Thane Tupper spent many hours tweaking the recipes to get them dialed in. Farmstrong’s head of sales and marketing, Clay Christofferson, says, “There were batches we had to dump and there were batches we had to call a different thing, because they came out different. We wanted them to taste exactly how people had come to expect.” In the end, though, using local grain just made sense. Not only did it help Farmstrong reduce their carbon footprint (they are only 6 miles down the road from Skagit Valley Malting), but it also fit with their broader ethos as a company. As Christofferson puts it: “If we’re going to be called ‘Farmstrong,’ we think it’s important to support the local community and the local farmers.” Not only does most of their grain come from Skagit Valley farmers, it also goes back to Skagit Valley farmers once they’re done with it, to be fed to animals on local dairy and pig farms. The Pacific Northwest is rightfully proud of its reputation as a world-class producer of hops, but what Farmstrong and many other local breweries are beginning to realize is that this area of the country has everything you need to make excellent beer. And, in my opinion, that’s everything you need, period.  July 2019 83

DINE Restaurant Review

New Spot in Fairhaven Cobalt Grill and Lounge WRITTEN BY EMILY MUELLER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY KELLY PEARCE

hen John Enright purchased what was formerly Whiskey’s Burger Bistro in November 2018, he knew he wanted to reinvent the restaurant according to feedback from customers. Enright, chef and owner of the new Cobalt Grill and Lounge, says the menu will change regularly. He plans to create daily specials based on customer input and in-season ingredients. Although Enright has opened several restaurants for and with others, this is his first family-owned and operated endeavor. “It’s always been a lifetime dream,” he says. “I just fell in love with the community.” While certain aspects of the former restaurant will remain the same, such as the historic Fairhaven mural covering the left wall and the skylights that

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allow sunlight to stream in, Enright has been adding touches of his own. The walls are now painted in shades of gray, alternating with walls of exposed brick and wood accents. Sleek black leather booths line the room, and distressed wood floors carry through the bar and dining areas. The food is traditional American with an emphasis on local seafood, natural products, and abundant bar selections. The drinks menu is a whopping five pages long, with an expanding list of cocktails, wine, and other spirits, including 31 types of whiskey. The food menu is also varied. For starters, try the Coconut Prawns ($9), served with a delicious sweet chili sauce. For lunch, go for the BAMB Burger ($13.50), a blend of beef and lamb with feta cheese, arugula, roasted tomato, pesto mayo, and a

fluffy-as-a-cloud bun. I recommend a side of garlic parmesan yam fries. For dinner, try the 10-inch Chicken Pot Pie ($15). It has a domed, flaky crust and a creamy filling packed with chicken, celery, carrots, onions, peas, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. For dessert, indulge in the rich Apple Raisin Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce ($6). Whether you’re wanting a quick drink or dinner with friends, Cobalt Grill and Lounge is a must. The restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on the weekend; it closes at 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, and at 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Happy hour is Tuesday through Friday, 3–6 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.  1304 12th St., Bellingham 360.526.2905 | cobaltgrillwa.com

SAN JUAN

CAPTAIN WHIDBEY INN American 2072 Captain Whidbey Inn Rd., Coupeville 360.678.4097, captainwhidbey.com

GREAT

The entire menu features down-to-earth items that are reasonably priced, locally sourced, and well-balanced. The inn can be specialoccasion spot, but also wants folks who come in wearing a T-shirt to feel welcome. Built in 1907, Captain Whidbey Inn is a historical gem.

TASTES

CYNTHIA’S BISTRO American 65 Nichols St., Friday Harbor 360.298.8130, cynthiasofcourse.com Located in a renovated 1920s home, this local San Juan Island staple is known for their innovative menu selections. You can enjoy lunch, or even an extended breakfast, daily in spring and summer. They are famous for their brunch, but you might try stopping by later in the evening for their dinner menu — a special treat. DOE BAY CAFÉ American

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.

107 Doe Bay Rd., Olga 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.

FRIDAY HARBOR HOUSE Regional NW 130 West St., Friday Harbor 360.378.8455, fridayharborhouse.com It’s hard to beat the view of the ferry landing, marina, and San Juan Channel from Friday Harbor House — the hotel and restaurant provide a sweeping panorama of water and sky. In addition to the delicious food menu, Friday Harbor House is one of the few island restaurants to offer a full bar at brunch every day of the week.

INN AT LANGLEY American 400 First St., Langley 360.221.3033, innatlangley.com If beauty were a taste, this would be it. As a guest, you’re taken on a mouth-watering culinary journey through a multi-course tasting menu. Not only is the meal a delight for the taste buds, but there are also surprises at each turn, whether it’s the presentation or the accoutrements. Each guest is served as if they are the only one in the dining room. The menu is prix fixe, with an additional charge for wine pairing. Dinner here is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. $ $ $ $

For a new twist on a classic, try the fluffy Geneva Scramble from The Daisy Cafe in Bellingham. The egg is combined with juicy apple chicken sausage, green peppers, and Kalamata olives. Don’t miss the French Dip at Fairhaven’s Colophon Cafe. Made special by the addition of sautéed balsamic red onions and melted swiss, this ‘wich is served with a pickle on the side. Get it with the rosemary and garlic potato wedges. For the vegetarians out there, Busara’s Pad Thai Pak replaces meat with fried tofu and a variety of vegetables. Order with the crispy spring rolls; the satisfying crunch of the wrap dipped in the sweet and spicy sauce creates the perfect combination. The colorful, vegetarian Greek Havoc pizza is a must-have at Bellingham’s La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza. A base of herbed white sauce is topped with perfectly grilled artichoke hearts, tomatoes, red bell peppers, Kalamata olives, spinach, and two kinds of cheese.

5 6 7 8

If you ever find yourself on Chuckanut Drive, stop by The Oyster Bar. You can’t go wrong with the Local Oyster Fry, made with fresh Northwest oysters, fried and paired with green apple aioli. Try the Famous Old-Fashioned cinnamon rolls from Calico Cupboard Cafe and Bakery in Mount Vernon. The gooey combination of cinnamon and brown sugar with a creamy frosting will have you coming back for more. Bring a friend to The Abbey Garden Tea Room in Fairhaven for your own Englishinspired tea time. Share High Tea, which has five different choose-your-own elements, including savory pastries, tea sandwiches, dessert, and a palate-cleansing sorbet. In Burlington, Sakura’s Emperor Steak is cooked on a hibachi grill right on your table and is served with fried rice, salad, stir-fried veggies, and miso soup. The steak is diced for easy dipping in the delicious in-house ginger sauce. Emily Mueller

July 2019 85

• Over 150 wines from up to 55 Pacific Northwest Wineries • Medal-winning wines from an earlier judged competition

• Specially prepared wine-friendly passed appetizers • Small plates from Whatcom County restaurants including Cosmos Bistro, Twin Sisters Brewing Co., 9Restaurant, B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar, Acme Ice Cream, McKay’s Taphouse & Pizzeria, Packers Kitchen & Bar, Leader Block Wine Co. & Eatery

• Silent auction items including an instant wine cellar • Order table for post-festival wine purchases

VIP & GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Saturday AUGUST 10, 2019 6-10 pm Four Points by Sheraton Grand Ballroom

www.BellinghamNorthwestWineFestival.com 4th Annual Net proceeds to benefit the Make.Shift Project & the Alzheimer’s Association - Team Joy.

Sponsored in part by generous Tourism Promotion Grants from Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham. City Logo Use Guide Updated 9.18.2017

AGENDA

Featured Events · Listings · The Scene · Final Word

Northwest Raspberry Festival Days of Fun Celebrating Lynden’s Fruitful Raspberry Industry JULY 19–20, TIMES VARY

Courtesy Lynden Chamber of Commerce

ou haven’t appreciated this small, red fruit until you’ve experienced the summer raspberry festival. If the raspberry beer, ice cream, and pancakes aren’t enough to bring you to downtown Lynden, maybe the live bands will. Enjoy the “razz-tastic” music that will please fans of jazz, dixieland, country, gospel, and classic rock ‘n’ roll. Kids will enjoy a local shop scavenger hunt and the Little Picker’s Kid Zone, so there’s plenty to do for the whole family. Don’t forget to explore the streets of downtown for the salmon barbecue, classic car cruise-in, and 3-on-3 basketball tournament that add even more fun to this jam-packed festival.  Front St., Lynden 360.354.5995 | lynden.org

AGENDA Events

BELLINGHAM FESTIVAL OF MUSIC: CHAMBER MUSIC BY THE BAY JULY 7, 4 P.M.

Enjoy chamber music played by principals of the Bellingham Festival of Music Orchestra in Bellingham Cruise Terminal’s beautiful domed atrium. This yearly event is part of the larger Bellingham Festival of Music hosted at Western Washington University and includes wine and food after the concert. See website for other dates and times.

Bellingham Cruise Terminal 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.201.6621, bellinghamfestival.org

Small Island

CASINOS RICK SPRINGFIELD AND EDDIE MONEY

38 SPECIAL

JULY 5, 8 P.M.

JULY 26 & 27, 8 P.M.

Grammy winner Rick Springfield and rock ‘n’ roll legend Eddie Money co-headline at Snoqualmie Casino. They’ll be playing hits like “Jessie’s Girl” and “Take Me Home Tonight.”

Southern rock band 38 Special will be performing at The Skagit Casino Resort. The band has been together for over 30 years and performs songs from their numerous Gold and Platinum albums in over 100 cities each year.

Snoqualmie Casino 37500 SE North Bend Way, Snoqualmie 425.888.1234, snocasino.com SMOKEY ROBINSON JULY 12, 7 P.M.

Smokey Robinson, legendary rhythm and blues producer and singer-songwriter, will be performing live in concert. Robinson won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys in 1999 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Tulalip Resort Casino 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip 888.272.1111, tulalipresortcasino.com MARTINA MCBRIDE JULY 25, 7 P.M.

Country singer-songwriter Martina McBride is bringing her music to Tulalip. McBride has won Female Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards four times and has had several hit singles reach number one on the Billboard country music charts. Tulalip Resort Casino 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip 888.272.1111, tulalipresortcasino.com

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The Skagit Casino Resort 5984 N Darrk Lane, Bow 877.275.2448, theskagit.com

CLASSICAL BELLINGHAM FESTIVAL OF MUSIC: BENJAMIN BEILMAN AND ARTHUR FAGEN JULY 6, 7:30 P.M.

Famous faces in classical music will be performing at this show as part of the yearly Bellingham Festival of Music. Benjamin Beilman, a guest violinist who was praised by The New York Times for his “handsome technique, burnished sound, and quiet confidence” will play Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 in G minor. Guest conductor Arthur Fagen, Music Director of the Atlanta Opera since 2010, will appear with Beilman. See website for other festival dates and times. Western Washington University Performing Arts Center 516 High St., Bellingham 360.201.6621, bellinghamfestival.org

MARROWSTONE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA JULY 27, 7:30 P.M.

Founded in 1943, the Marrowstone Music Festival brings together over 200 musicians ages 14–25 to study for two weeks at Western Washington University. Program alumni now play in major operas and orchestras across the country. This performance will include arrangements from Briggs, Ginastera, and Beethoven and is performed by program fellows. Western Washington University Performing Arts Center 516 High St., Bellingham 360.650.6146, marrowstone.org 61ST ANNUAL BIRCH BAY BAND WORKSHOP JULY 29–AUGUST 2, 8:30 A.M.

Band directors, conductors, students, and educators: Lend us your ears! The Birch Bay Band Workshop allows musical educators to look through new, top-ofthe-line sheet music while networking with their community. Resources and workshops are available at this collaborative, week-long event. See website for opportunities and registration prices. Vista Middle School 6051 Vista Dr., Ferndale 425.291.9400, jwpepper.com

CONCERTS ELIZABETH PARK CONCERT JULY 4, 6 P.M.

Rock, blues, and instrumental melodies will ring out from the Bellingham-based band Bridge and Seattle-based blues guitarist and singer Brian Butler. These two will provide the tunes to kick off your Fourth of July celebration in one

of the loveliest parks in the city. The Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Series takes place every Thursday from June to August. Elizabeth Park 2205 Elizabeth St., Bellingham 360.778.7000, cob.org BUDAPEST WEST CONCERT JULY 13, 3 P.M.

You haven’t heard music like this before. Santia, Rob, and John Paul are more than musicians — their blend of vocals, modern electronic groove music, and 16 different instruments makes them artists in their own right. They’ve been heard on NPR, and now you can hear them live right in Friday Harbor. Friday Harbor Marina 4 Front St., Friday Harbor 360.378.2688, portfridayharbor.org SECOND SUNDAY SERIES CONCERT JULY 14, 4 P.M.

The Bellingham Youth Jazz Band (BYJB) will play their second concert at Samson Estates Winery as part of The Jazz Project, a program that serves to make jazz music accessible to the community. The BYJB began in 1997 and has since presented thousands of performances. Samson Estates Winery 1861 Van Dyk Rd., Everson 360.650.1066, jazzproject.org JAZZ NIGHT AT GALLOWAY’S JULY 28, 6 P.M.

Swing on over to Galloway’s the last Sunday of every month to groove to some swanky songs and jazzy tunes. On the final Sunday of July, this special event features Spence Redmond and John Flancher, two musicians who are no stranger to Galloway’s — or a saxfilled good time. Galloway’s Cocktail Bar 1200 10th St., Ste. 102, Bellingham 360.756.2795, gallowayscocktail.bar

THEATRE ABBEY ROAD LIVE! JULY 1, 7:30 PM

Beatles tribute band Abbey Road LIVE! specializes in beginning-to-end album performances. Their repertoire includes over 100 songs from albums like “Abbey Road” and “Magical Mystery Tour.” Don’t expect a look-alike tribute; the

McKay’s Taphouse and Pizzeria welcomes everyone to their 16th, anniversary family friendly block party on July 27 & 28 from 1:00 to 9:00! On Saturday The Bellingham Youth Jazz Band will perform at 2 & The Clan Heather Dancers at 4:00. On Sunday the Penny Stinkers perform from 4:00 to 6:00pm! Beer specials on both days, and Dine In Only Happy Hour All Day Pizza Special: All Extra Large Pizzas for $16 (delivery is not included)! This event supports the Bellingham Beer and Music Festival and the Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association of Washington and Make.Shift Art Space.