Bellingham Alive | September | 2019

Set Yourself up for Clear Skin Creating Outdoor Spaces Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest

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with the Fraser Valley’s wineries in Abbotsford & Langley.

Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm & Meadery www.campbellsgold.com Maan Farms Estate Winery www.maanfarms.com Mt. Lehman Winery www.mtlehmanwinery.com

Seaside Pearl Farmgate Winery www.seasidepearlwinery.ca Singletree Winery www.singletreewinery.com Ripples Winery www.rippleswinery.com

Backyard Vineyards www.backyardvineyards.ca

Glass House Estate Winery www.glasshouseestatewinery.com

Blackwood Lane Vineyards & Winery www.blackwoodlane.ca

Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery www.krauseberryfarms.com

Chaberton Estate Winery www.chabertonwinery.com Festina Lente Estate Winery www.festinalente.ca Fort Wine Company www.thefortwineco.com

Springland Winery www.springlandwinery.com Township 7 Vineyards & Winery www.township7.com Vista D’Oro Farms & Winery www.vistadoro.com

Located just 45 minutes from Bellingham, the communities of Abbotsford and Langley invite you to visit the Fraser Valley wine region. Stroll through the vineyards, sip the unique terroir-driven varietals, and meet the friendly people who make award-winning wines.

From grapes to berries to honey mead, indulge yourself in the Fraser Valley.

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CONTENTS

42

Weekend Wine Escapes

Courtesy of Abeja

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the last few weeks of summer in style, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re a certified oenophile or just want to spend a relaxing weekend kicking back with some wine, check out these five areas within a day’s drive of Bellingham that offer overnight winery accommodations. Taste wine, explore the vineyards, and then settle in for a good night’s sleep.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 SHOP

DINE

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Coco Mats ‘N More

69

Drayton Harbor Oyster Company

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Necessities Wine Finds

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Dining Guide

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Local Find Indulge Wine & Dessert Bar

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Culinary Events

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Mixing Tin Bramble at Swim Club

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Sip Stemma Brewing

34 Savvy Shopper Silvery Moon

© Lindsey Major © Dean Davidson

17 25 Wines You Need Now

20

In the Know Pink Boots Society

20

In the Know Leader Block

21

Heard Around the Sound Downtime Taps

21

Community Basement Brewers

22

Game Changer Birchwood Farmers Market

23

Book Reviews

23

Who Knew Wine Facts

WELLBEING 37

Cooking with Wine

39

Beauty Clear Skin

76 Restaurant Review 11th Hour Tea and Coffee Bar

© Sam Fletcher

LIFESTYLE

FEATURES 77 42

Weekend Wine Escapes

8 Great Tastes

AGENDA

HABITAT 79

Featured Event Oktoberfest

84

Top Picks

86

Out of Town

87

The Scene Bacon and Kegs

24 Spotlight Leo E. Osborne

25

Apps We Love

26

Five Faves Charcuterie Cheeses

© C9 Photography

Courtesy of Leo E. Osborne

NOTES

64

61 Featured Home Blanchard Mountain Farmhouse

Remodel Creating Outdoor Spaces

8

Editor’s Letter

10

Contributors

13

Letters to the Editor

14

Meet the Staffer Ray Garcia, Sam Fletcher, Questen Inghram

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Lasting Image

September 2019 5

NOTES On the Web

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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 With schools back in session, we took a closer look at private school options in Whatcom, San Juan, and Skagit counties. Our breakdown includes everything from Previous digital Christian and Catholic schools to non-denominational academies that identify as editions now holistic or brain-based. We provide data on everything from enrollment and class available online. size to tuition rates and uniform requirements. We also show you what percentage of students receive financial aid and what percentage go on to attend college directly after graduating. If you’re curious about private schools in the area, this is your go-to guide.

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NOTES Editor’s Letter

W

hen I was 23, I moved to Davis, California to start graduate school.

At this point, I’d spent my whole life in Kansas, meaning everything I knew about California had come from its portrayals in television and movies. As a result, I imagined the state as a magical dreamworld filled with celebrities, tropical-looking beaches, and professional surfers.

For those who aren’t familiar, Davis is located in California’s Central Valley, an area known primarily for its agriculture. Palm trees and perpetual sunshine aside, it was a far cry from the California I had imagined. Yet, there was one upside I hadn’t anticipated: the fruit.

There’s a reason Kansas is known as the country’s breadbasket and not its fruit bowl. As a kid, I never picked a piece of fruit from a tree. The first time was in college, when a friend showed me a persimmon tree on campus. “You can eat these?” I asked her. “I think so,” she said, shrugging. We both held the goopy, sticky fruit to our lips and then grimaced after taking a bite. They were halfway rotted.

In California, my backyard contained a cherry tree, an apple tree,

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and an orange tree, but these were nothing compared to what stood in front of the house, its arms outstretched as if to signify everlasting bounty: a fig tree. To this day, if I close my eyes, I can still taste those figs, sweet and sunwarmed, their pink interior like a tiny work of art.

I wasn’t alone in my fig-love.

Occasionally someone would knock on the door and ask, half-giddy, halfnervous, “Can I pick some figs?” I can honestly say the only thing more satisfying than eating a handful of those figs was watching someone else walk away, their arms filled with fruit and a victorious smile on their face, as if they’d just stolen gold.

During my short tenure in California, I also made several visits to Napa and Sonoma. My friends and I would go from winery to winery, catching free tastings or finding ones

we could afford. Sometimes we would buy a bottle of wine and sit out among the rolling fields, letting the sun warm our skin.

Only now do I see how we were just like those strangers passing by my house, knocking on the door to ask for a taste of the bounty.

Anyone who loves wine knows it’s about so much more than just the drink.

It’s about tasting a part of an area, of sharing an experience with friends.

When we drink wine, we’re drinking a piece of the land, something a fellow human has lovingly crafted with the intention of sharing it with others. The buzz, in my opinion, is just a happy perk, courtesy of Mother Nature.

In this issue, we explore overnight wineries within a day’s drive of Bellingham. Not only will these locations welcome you among their vineyards and feed you the fruits of their land, but they will also invite you to stick around, spend the night, and make yourself at home. 

BECKY MANDELBAUM Editor In Chief

MENUSEATTLE.COM RESTAURANT MENUS • RESERVATIONS CURRENT NEWS • MIXOLOGIST INTERVIEWS CHEF INTERVIEWS • CULINARY EVENTS Follow us

NOTES Contributors

IMAGINE YOUR AD HERE!

Lisa Crosier Lisa Crosier is a master esthetician and owner of Crosier Skincare, located in downtown Bellingham. Since launching her business in 1994, Lisa’s greatest joy has been helping her clients feel beautiful from the inside out. She and her team of estheticians are specialists in treating skin problems from acne to aging. Lisa is an energetic educator who instructs women and teens on proper care of their skin, so they can achieve maximum results. Lisa enjoys running, Crossfit, and looks for any excuse to head to Mount Baker to ski. lisaskincare.com  p. 39

HOME & REMODEL

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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. 23

Jennifer Ryan

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Jennifer is a multi-talented authority on all things beautiful, fashionable, and functional. This whirlwind of a woman has a passion for bringing style and personality to life’s most important spaces.

Jennifer Ryan Design offers it all — design, planning, production, and contractor services. From start to finish, Jennifer can help you create the surroundings you’ll enjoy for a lifetime. She was twice voted Best of the Northwest winner, taking gold in 2016 and 2017. jenniferryandesign.com  p. 64

Comfy & Cozy WINTER FASHION

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WINE & CHEESE PARTY SHOPPING GUIDE HOLIDAY PARADES

Neal Tognazzini

Reach over 200,000 visitors & affluent female readers every issue! sales@bellinghamalive.com

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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. 75

to where you live.

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Steak • Seafood • Wine

It’s wine time!

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PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Lisa Karlberg EDITOR IN CHIEF Becky Mandelbaum ART DIRECTOR Dean Davidson STAFF WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER Lara Dunning

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kristy Gessner | Kelly Travers

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EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Lindsey Major

CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Crosier | Mark Kienzle | Mary Kinser Jeff Mack | Dan Radil | Jennifer Ryan Neal Tognazzini

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WAUTOMA SPRINGS SAUVIGNON BLANC

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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.

“I travel to Bellingham about four or five times a year. It’s such an exciting place to visit and you have a wonderful and informative periodical! I love keeping up to date on the area.”

Letters to the Editor

NOTES

“Having not had the opportunity to publish a farewell to the talented and fun staff at Bellingham Alive, I’d like to say thanks to those who produced such fine work during my 2½ years as editor-in-chief. It was quite the ride, and gratifying to work alongside you in telling readers about all the things that make Bellingham and surrounding areas so special. Going forward, good luck to the staff and new editor.”

— Meri-Jo Borzilleri, Bellingham

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NOTES Meet the Staffer Every issue we introduce you to a staff member at Bellingham Alive.

Ray Garcia, Sam Fletcher, and Questen Inghram What is your role at the magazine and how long have you been with K & L Media?

What is your favorite part of working for a regional lifestyle magazine?

Ray It was mid-June when I began my role as an editorial intern for K & L Media. Since then, I’ve worked on finding stories to pitch, writing stories, and fact-checking the works of my colleagues.

Ray I find the coverage we provide and the stories we produce rewarding. I’ve been able to better acquaint myself with the varying communities that make up the Pacific Northwest, allowing me to truly experience what it’s like to live here.

Sam I am an intern this summer — writing, editing, and photographing! This is my first day, but by the time you read this, I’ll be a weathered powerhouse.

Sam I pride myself in being one of those forever-student-type people, constantly trying to learn and improve. This magazine is exactly that — learning about the area and everything that gives it color. We also cover lots of fun things like music, food, and beer.

Questen I have been an editorial intern since early June.

Besides fact-checking and proofreading, I love that I get to also write stories and reviews of interest to the community.

What is your background?

Ray I was born and raised in Los Angeles, having moved to Bellingham in 2016. I left the bustling city so I could pursue a degree in news/editorial journalism at Western Washington University.

Sam After a blip as the media representative on various AmeriCorps teams, I am now pursuing degrees in journalism and creative writing at Western Washington University.

Questen I grew up in Montana and worked as a reporter for my local newspaper. I just graduated from Western with a journalism degree and served as an editor for student publications, as well as a DJ on KUGS.

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Questen I love that I get to write about the community I’ve called home for the last four years. I’m hoping to take the skills I’ve learned here and use them for feature, travel, and fiction writing.

What are some of your hobbies?

Ray Despite how much time I’ve spent learning about and practicing journalism, I still enjoy getting to skim through my favorite publications like The New Yorker, The L.A. Times, and Teen Vogue.

Sam What I study is what I like! Writing, reading, and taking photos is what I do. When I’m tired of being inside, I head outside to hike, fish, backpack, and breathe.

Questen You can usually find me sipping tea at 11th Hour, having a cocktail at Swim Club, or eating donuts at Lafeen’s after shopping for books and records downtown and in Fairhaven. 

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

25 Washington Wines You Need Right Now WRITTEN BY LINDSEY MAJOR PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEAN DAVIDSON

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE SAUVIGNON BLANC This is the best-selling Sauvignon Blanc at Haggen grocery stores, so I figured it was only appropriate to put it on my list. This Sauv Blanc has unique flavors such as kiwi, melon, and grapefruit. If I’m shopping for a crowd-pleasing white wine, this is the one I reach for.

GLM WINERY ROCK FLOUR SAUVIGNON BLANC GLM Winery owners Tom and Tracy are not only fantastic people — they’re also fantastic with wine. It’s made using old-world techniques that characterize the differences between this Sauv Blanc and others.

H3 SAUVIGNON BLANC Wine Spectator gives this 2015 Sauvignon Blanc an outstanding 89 points. Citrus aromas and a layer of minerality combine with strong pear flavors to round out this gorgeous white wine. It’s crisp and clean and, before you know it, it’s gone.

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE COLUMBIA VALLEY DRY RIESLING Most Rieslings on the market are quite sweet, so Chateau Ste. Michelle’s unique take is refreshing to those who appreciate drier wines. With tart fruit notes like lime and grapefruit, this 2016 Riesling earned 90 points from Wine & Spirits. … continued on next page

… COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATE SYRAH This elegant Syrah is bold, with flavors of currant, dried herbs, and pepper. The rich texture is complemented with flavors of cedar and dark fruits. Wine & Spirits gave the 2016 vintage 90 points.

AMAVI CELLARS SYRAH This Syrah does not smell like oak — a refresher for some.

Take a strong whiff of raspberry, blueberry, and allspice fragrances before tasting the boysenberry and blueberry.

It’s rich, soft, and balanced.

DYNASTY CELLARS RIESLING Peter Osvaldik is the winemaker and owner at Dynasty Cellars, with a tasting room in Bellingham on East Bakerview Road. For only five dollars, you can sample up to five wines, the cost of which is forgiven if you purchase a bottle — which you’ll want to. All of Osvaldik’s wines are great, but his Riesling is my favorite.

LONG SHADOWS 2017 “JULIA’S DAZZLE” ROSÉ OF PINOT GRIS This bright rosé has flavors of orange blossoms, strawberries, and ripe melon. The intense acidity lasts, creating a delectable off-dry finish.

L’ECOLE NO. 41 CABERNET SAUVIGNON Winning 89 points from Wine Spectator, this 2013 Cab Sauv is sweet with dark fruits, rounded out with coffee and baking spice flavors.

GILBERT CELLARS RESERVE NO. 1 This red is a blend of Gilbert Cellars’ “very best barrels.”

It’s 50 percent Syrah, 33 percent Grenache, and 17 percent Mourvèdre aged 18 months in 33 percent new French oak barrels. The remainder is aged in once-used French oak barrels. Altogether it’s 100 percent delicious.

14 HANDS PINOT GRIGIO The 2016 vintage won an impressive 89 points from Wine Spectator for its unique flavors. You’ll taste notes of fresh melon, green apple, and honeysuckle.

BOOMTOWN BY DUSTED VALLEY PINOT GRIS Numerous flavors come together in this wine to create a beautiful fruity blend. You’ll taste grapefruit, apricot, mint, starfruit, orange, nectarine, lemon, lime, and Granny Smith apples. The finish is incredibly long for a white wine.

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WILLIAM GRASSIE WINE ESTATES CORAL ROSÉ Mr. Grassie was kind enough to lend us a bottle of his Coral Rosé for our June Summer Barbecue feature story. I was lucky enough to take the bottle home to enjoy — and that I did. This rosé is amazing. It’s light and airy and not too syrupy, perfect for pairing with cheese on a sunny day.

GOOSE RIDGE WINERY PINOT GRIS This fruity white wine highlights flavors such as Bartlett pear, green apple, and honeydew melon. There are also floral hints and kiwi tastes hiding in the smooth texture. It pairs well with just about everything.

VARTANYAN ESTATE WINERY SWEET RIESLING Vartanyan’s tasting room may be a little off the beaten track, but it’s worth the adventure up Mount Baker Highway. I tend to like sweeter options, and this Sweet Riesling is nothing short of scrumptious. It’s like liquid wine candy.

PATTERSON CELLARS ROSÉ This rosé, along with the next, is available at side-by-side tasting rooms in Woodinville. Fun fact: The tasting rooms

are also next door to an incredible pizza place. There’s nothing better than eating some artisanal pizza and sipping an incredible rosé on the patio. Patterson’s rosé is crisp, light, and just plain enjoyable.

ROCKY POND WINERY MALBEC

GORMAN WINERY ROSÉ

DELILLE D2

This delightful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot is sure to compliment any of the pizzas from the adjoined pie joint. Not only is the wine from Gorman perfect, but the experience of sitting on the covered patio, enjoying chilled wine, and nibbling on a great slice can’t be beat.

With 91 Wine Spectator points, this blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petite Merlot is a must-have. Impressive points aren’t the only accolade: This wine also won Gold in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

AMAURICE ESTATE BLEND “NIGHT OWL”

DYNASTY CELLARS ROSÉ

The 2014 blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Merlot is medium- to full-bodied. The flavors of ripe black cherries and licorice give it a sweeter taste, rounded out by wild herbs.

Only two wineries get a repeat on this list, and it’s because they deserve it. The Dynasty Rosé is one of the best rosés to come out of Bellingham. It’s a delicious combination of Riesling and Malbec that’s perfect for light sipping.

ALEXANDRIA NICOLE QUARRY BUTTE RED TABLE WINE

SAMSON ESTATES CHARDONNAY

Featuring a combination of six different varietals, this red blend has sweet notes of black currant and red cherry. The sweetness is balanced with a mild tobacco leaf flavor, leaving the palette warm.

I love pineapple, so when I see it listed in the tasting notes for a wine, it’s something I don’t let slip by. The Samson Estates Chardonnay is sweet with fruit flavors and has a good acid balance.

WALLA WALLA VINTERS CUT BANK ESTATE MERLOT

MARC RYAN WINERY “THE DISSIDENT”

Because the Walla Walla Vinters vineyard sits on higher ground, the elevation produces a greater balance of fruit flavor and acidity. This 2014 Merlot has a large flavor profile that includes hints of espresso, mint, and vanilla.

The 2016 vintage boasts 93 Wine Spectator points, with a similar ranking expected for the 2017 vintage. While the 2016 was more flowery, the 2017 takes an earthy turn, with hints of cassis and ground herbs. 

This Malbec features awards such as Double Gold in the 2019 Seattle Wine Awards, Gold in the 2018 Seattle Wine Awards, and Platinum in the 2018 Wine Press Northwest.

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September 2019 19

IN THE KNOW

Leader Block Leads in Wine

© Sam Fletcher

O

IN THE KNOW

T

Brewing Pink

he Pink Boots Society (PBS) was founded in 2007 as a way to help women brewers find a seat at the industry table.

Today, the nonprofit has 100 chapters and 2,700 members worldwide.

Angela Loomis came across PBS when she came to Bellingham to market in the beer industry. The problem: the organization’s closest chapter was in Seattle.

Recognizing Whatcom’s growing beer industry, Loomis officially launched the Bellingham chapter in the fall of 2018.

When Louise Gearhart, the committee outreach coordinator for Aslan Brewing Company, joined the team, she was looking for more inclusivity in brewing culture.

“I work for a company that’s owned by three men. Our entire brewing staff is men. I think that’s pretty much the trend [in Bellingham],” Gearhart says. “Even if you have that knowledge and have

What’s your favorite bottle of wine?

Before the days of summer rest and relaxation are behind you, finish off the sunny season with a refreshing bottle of wine. Ray Garcia

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that experience, it can still be an intimidating world.”

Since the chapter started, they’ve hosted social events to recruit local female brewers, held fundraisers, and helped women access scholarships. “[Bellingham is] starting to become a craft beer tourist destination,” Gearhart says. As breweries multiply, so do opportunities for collaboration and networking. “The more successful people are individually, the more successful we are collectively.”

PBS is meant to assist and inspire women, but they are also devoted to enhancing the community as a whole.

They make sure everyone is welcome and encouraged at their events. “[In] any industry, it’s never about being a girl or a guy or your gender or your race,” PBS finance liaison Stephanie Artino says. “It’s what do you know about the industry and how can you contribute? Bring everything you’ve got, and let’s embrace everybody.” Sam Fletcher

Katie Bechkowiak from Vinostrology White Burgundy — It has a silky texture, it’s smooth. It’s different depending on the region where it’s from, but I like it because you get the full expression of the grape.

n July 3, Leader Block Wine Co. & Eatery in Ferndale announced some big news: It has received an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, generally considered the industry’s leading authority on wine.

The restaurant’s wine program is one of 3,800 from all over the world to be recognized.

The prestigious international award honors restaurants whose “wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.”

Leader Block announced its good news at a party.

About 50 people gathered to help raise a glass to the restaurant’s achievement, which remained a secret until the grand announcement at 6 p.m.

Partygoers celebrated with music by Shanna Manning of the Shannanigans, Roy Knaak on saxophone, and a new singer to the establishment, David Herrarra.

Wine director and director of operations, Amberleigh Brownson, gave a brief speech about the award before everyone shared a toast.

Becky Mandelbaum

Ted Seifert from Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants Marcel Lapierre 2017 Morgon — This wine is all about living a fun life. It’s vibrant and exciting and fits perfectly with many occasions.

Heard Around The Sound

LIFESTYLE

© Lindsey Major

What Type of Wine Grapes Can I Grow Locally?

The Siegerrebe grape, of German origin, has taken to the climate of the Puget Sound. It produces a lush, Gewurztraminer-like wine perfect for a sunny afternoon by the bay.

■■

Those who love the fruity, light-bodied flavor of Pinot Noir will be happy to learn it grows well here. In fact, Bainbridge Vineyards Pinot Noir just won silver in a state wine competition.

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Downtime up North

W

■■

hen it comes to beer, sometimes it’s easier to rely on old favorites than risk ordering a pint of something new. To help beer lovers expand their horizons, co-owners Tomas Aminnie and Chay Tan founded Downtime Taps in Ferndale.

Downtime Taps, located next to Coconut Kenny’s on Labounty Road, is a unique pay-by-the-ounce taproom experience. Guests “check-in” at the front desk, where they receive a wristband that tracks exactly how many ounces they pour. “People can get up and do their own thing; sample different stuff. It just made sense,” Aminnie says.

July 2019 marked Downtime’s first birthday.

Moving forward, Aminnie says he wants to keep as much variety as possible.

“As soon as one [keg] runs out, we change it completely. So it’ll be an IPA for an IPA, but it won’t be the same IPA,” Aminnie says. With 32 tap options, about 80 percent are local to Bellingham and Seattle. Other options include sips from Oregon and other popular out-ofstate breweries.

Downtime also offers a strong selection of cider and wine. “It’s not like opening a bottle and serving somebody three days later. [Wine on tap] is a lot fresher I believe,” Aminnie says.

Regular events include live music on the patio, trivia nights, food truck appearances, and beer yoga.

Check out their Facebook page for more info and to stay up-to-date on all the goings-on. Lindsey Major

Amanda Bettis from The Temple Bar Latúe Tempranillo Rosado — There are really bright red fruit elements. It’s strawberry in color and really fresh, and I would drink it by itself or with light fare.

The Muller-Thurgau grape, a hybrid of Riesling and Madeleine Royale, is used to make a wine of similar complexity to the Riesling. Luckily, it likes our Northwest weather.

Want to make wine to go with your local catch?

Madeleine Angevine grapes produce a citrusy white wine that pairs especially well with seafood. Questen Inghram

COMMUNITY

Bellingham’s Basement Brewers

D

espite Bellingham’s booming brew-tourist culture, home-brewing still holds strong.

To support crafthappy Bellinghamsters, Robert Arzoo opened North Corner Brewing Supply in 2000. The store sells a range of supplies for new brewers and seasoned professionals alike. Customers make everything from beer and wine to cider and kombucha.

J.D. Merris from Fireside Martini and Wine Bar William Hill 2012 Bench Blend — It’s a wonderful, user-friendly kind of wine. It goes quite well with a flank steak or any kind of barbecue, really.

Despite the convenience of ordering from Amazon, hobbyists come in for the less shipping-friendly items, such as glass carboys. They also get to have a real dialogue with experienced brewers and interact with fresh grains.

People brew because they like the process, Arzoo says. They might save a buck in the end, but that’s never the primary motivator. Sam Fletcher

Nick Meza from babygreens Pardas Sus Scrofa — The wine itself is a red.

It has a good medium body, similar to Pinot Noir. I like its balance of acidity and taste.

September 2019 21

LIFESTYLE Game Changer

in Birchwood, they decided to do something about it. They started Birchwood Farmers Market in 2018.

Each week, the small-but-mighty cooperative, single-stand market features locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, and other goods from more than 10 growers and producers in Whatcom County. Duncan and Young do their best to keep prices as low as possible. They also accept EBT and Fresh Bucks.

DEEP ROOTS IN FARMING Duncan began farming in high school when she volunteered at an urban vegetable farm in Missoula, where she grew up.

She fell in love with farming and spent every summer for the next 10 years either volunteering, apprenticing, or working on farms around the U.S. and abroad.

“I studied sustainable food and farming at the University of Montana and did educational internships, but the most significant lessons I’ve learned about farming have been from making mistakes in the field,” she says. “I am still learning to farm!”

GROWING IN THE CITY Farming is difficult enough, but farming in a city poses additional challenges. In Bellingham, accessing affordable land with decent soil is a big one. “There’s not a lot of available farmable land in the city,” Duncan says.

In 2018, Duncan and Young learned that Kulshan Community Land Trust was interested in supporting an agricultural project on a plot of land in Birchwood. The two jumped on the opportunity. Like this, their farm, City Sprouts, was born.

Finding the farm was one thing, but managing the land has been another. “Our site was abandoned for years and was completely overtaken with Himalayan Blackberry. It has been challenging to keep back the encroaching weeds, restore the soil, and manage a productive vegetable farm simultaneously,” Duncan says.

Birchwood Farmers Market Ellie Duncan — Co-Founder of Birchwood Farmers Market and City Sprouts Farm WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SAM FLETCHER

A

ccording to the USDA, a food desert is an area that “lacks fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods.” Although Washington is full of produce and Bellingham is full of grocery stores, both Birchwood and Alderwood qualify as food deserts.

Birchwood has been a food desert for years, in part due to Albertsons closing in 2016.

When local Bellingham farmer Ellie Duncan and her farm partner, Annah Young, learned about the food access issue

22

BellinghamAlive.com

IT TAKES A VILLAGE After plenty of hard work and community support, the Birchwood market is now in full swing. “We couldn’t have chosen a better neighborhood,” Duncan says. “We have felt so welcomed, supported, and encouraged by our fantastic neighbors.”

At the market, you’ll find produce from City Sprouts Farm as well as many other talented and creative growers in the community, including Wild Rye Farm, Owl Eye Farm, Pollen Folly, and Slanted Sun Farm. “This year we are really excited to sell berries from Cooperativa Tierra y Libertad, a worker-owned cooperative berry farm in Whatcom County,” Duncan says.

The Birchwood Farmers Market is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October at the corner of Birchwood and Northwest Avenues in Bellingham.

The market will also appear at the last installment of the Birchwood International Market on Friday, September 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For additional dates and information, visit citysproutsfarm.com. 

Book Reviews

WRITTEN BY MARY KINSER

The Lager Queen of Minnesota

by J. Ryan Stradal Pamela Dorman Books 368 pages

Sisters Helen and Edith have been estranged ever since Helen sold the family farm and kept the proceeds to establish a brewing company. While Helen’s beer locks down the low-end lager market, Edith struggles to stay afloat financially, reflecting on how things would have been different had Helen shared the money. Fast forward: Fate finds Edith’s granddaughter, Diana, launching her own craft brewery. In the small world of Midwestern brewing, the sisters finally have a chance to reconcile — if pride doesn’t get in the way. Beer enthusiasts will be especially delighted with Stradal’s second novel, which establishes him as a skilled chronicler of Midwestern life and attitudes.

The Dutch House

by Ann Patchett Harper Collins 352 pages

The Dutch House is Danny and Maeve Conroy’s home. It’s also the source of their deepest pain, as Patchett reveals in this luminous and thoughtful new book. Grand and luxurious, the Dutch House symbolizes success for Danny and Maeve’s father, but not for their overwhelmed mother, who flees the family when Danny is young. Stepping into the void is Andrea, a brittle, distant woman who swiftly becomes the second Mrs. Conroy. Overnight, the siblings find themselves on the outside of the Dutch House looking in at their former lives. As time passes, the siblings remain close, yet the Dutch House lingers as an obsession, exerting a pull that neither can quite shake. Imbued with a hypnotizing sense of place, “The Dutch House” is an unforgettable reading experience and proof that Patchett remains an author at the top of her game.

In the Know

LIFESTYLE

September 12, 7 P.M. Cheryl Stritzel McCarthy Village Books 1200 11th St., Bellingham 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com Journalist Cheryl Stritzel McCarthy shares her book “Many Hands Make Light Work: A Memoir,” which follows the true story of a family with nine children growing up in a college town during the ‘60s and ‘70s. The adventures are real, poignant, and funny — and yet, there are underlying issues, like coping with loss and finding strength.

September 24, 7 P.M. Karl Marlantes Whatcom Community College Heiner Theater 237 W. Kellogg Rd., Bellingham 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com Find yourself in a mid-World War I society with Karl Marlantes’ historical fiction novel, “Deep River.” Inspired by his own family history, the author takes readers on a powerful journey, following the lives of Finnish immigrants. Marlantes is known for his acclaimed New York Times bestseller, “Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War.”

Who Knew?

Corks Are Green Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree. Because only the bark is stripped, no trees come down in the process, allowing cork forests to remain healthy and combat desertification in certain areas.

The Mediterranean’s cork forest alone offsets around 20 million tons of carbon per year.

The First Winery The oldest winery on record is located near a complex of caves in an Armenian village called Areni. The winery dates back to 4100 BCE and contains a grape press, fermenting vats, and underground storage vessels. Fun fact: The world’s oldest leather shoe was also found in one of these caves.

Strange Flavors Before humans knew about fermentation or the causes of spoilage, wine didn’t last very long. Ancient Romans and Greeks likely extended the life of their wines with flavorful additives such as herbs, salt water, honey, and even cheese.

They also probably drank their wine within a year of its vintage.

Ice Wine The grapes used to make ice wine are processed at temperatures around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. These frozen grapes are then transferred into a grape crusher and grape press — a process that requires hefty machinery strong enough to break down the tiny frozen fruits. The product is an extremely sweet wine.

Becky Mandelbaum

September 2019 23

Community LIFESTYLE Spotlight

Song of the Pacific Northwest

Finding Peace Amidst the Chaos Leo E. Osborne WRITTEN BY RAY GARCIA

L

eo E. Osborne is no stranger to the wild side of life. Having grown up in the woodlands of coastal Massachusetts, the multiaward-winning artist and writer says nature plays an influential role in his life and frequently shapes his art.

“I was always in love with wildlife, even as a child,” says Osborne.

This love of nature brought Osborne to the Pacific Northwest during the ‘90s, when he first visited Guemes Island. “I had this feeling like I was coming home. It just appealed to me greatly. I had already fallen in love…” For the past two decades, he and his wife, Jane Lane, have made their place on the island, reveling in the natural beauty and wildlife that surrounds them.

CREATING AN IMPACT Osborne, 71, devotes his life to creating art, no matter the medium.

A quick trip to his website unveils an impressive resume with honors and awards dating back to 1981. Though he originally began as a painter, Osborne taught himself how to sculpt, wanting 24

BellinghamAlive.com

an additional method for bringing his artistic visions to life.

To say the least, his artistic range is dynamic. His online gallery displays an array of wood and metal sculptures, often depicting wildlife in its natural state. His paintings make use of vivid colors and evocative imagery, highlighting the mystical elements of our environment.

Osborne has received much acclaim for his sculpting in particular, having won Best Interpretive Bird Carver in the World at The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art’s World Bird Carving Competition in 1989.

“I love working with raw, chaotic pieces of wood,” he says. “Through the chaos, I somehow have found this Zen point that I can reach into and collaborate with.” In this state of solace, Osborne creates artwork that reflects the profound inner dialogues he has with each piece.

At the time of the Valdez Oil Spill in 1989, for example, he had been working on a compelling maple burlwood sculpture of three shorebirds called “Still Not Listening.” In response

to the environmental disaster, Osborne decided to have one bird stuck on its back with a wing upstretched, trying to free itself from the merciless black goo. “Finding these little links in nature that I can then interpret and bring into the human mindset becomes a very powerful lesson for me,” Osborne says.

The same sculpture is now featured in a traveling national museum exhibition, “Environmental Impact,” for the second time.

LOOKING AHEAD Despite his experience, Osborne actively reinvents his art, choosing to leave behind certain aspects of his work in pursuit of others. “I liken myself to being an explorer,” he says. “I’m an explorer within the world of art.”

With tenacious energy and a limitless supply of wonder, Osborne continues to explore the world through his art, never knowing where it will take him next. In a recent partnership with Village Books, he is working to publish his first written and illustrated book, “The Cat and the Coracle.” It’s expected to hit shelves this fall. 

APPS WE L VE Vivino: Buy the Right Wine Vivino ApS Shop online for your favorite wines. Click on a variety to get taste characteristics, reviews, pairings, and deals. Filter by type, style, or pairing. You can even snap a photo of a label while you’re at a store to get a full description.

Everything a wine aficionado could ever need in one place.

Wine Tripper Washington State Edition Bennalsoft Technologies

Flynn & the See Saw Sea

Planning a wine tour around Washington state or a day trip close by? Search over 450 wineries found in our state as a list or map. Click to see location, contact info, and hours to plan your visit.

Add your own notes and ratings to recall your favorite vineyards, cellars, and wines.

Pocket Wine Pairing Wine Paradigm Keep a wine glossary, full descriptions of grape variety, and pairings all in your pocket. You can search by regions of the world, save your favorite wines, and browse related varieties. Upgrade to the pro version for more features and to unlock all of the wines.

Cozi Family Organizer Cozi

Mystic Light

After school programs and soccer games, dentist appointments and daily chores, it can be hard to keep track of everything. The Cozi app has a shared calendar, shopping, and to-do lists.

A perfect tool to make sure everyone in your household (even pets) gets where they need to go on time. Lydia McClaran

September 2019 25

LIFESTYLE

1

Five Faves

Camembert Experience the creamy, mellow tanginess of this Frenchstyle soft cheese — a perfect pairing with wine, fruit, and bread. Cheesemaker Dorothy Bradshaw’s small-batch cheeses can be found in Mount Vernon at the Saturday farmers market and the Skagit Valley Food Co-op, as well as in Bellingham at the Community Food Co-op.

Mount Vernon Farmers Market Gates St. & Main St., Mount Vernon 360.540.4066 | mountvernonfarmersmarket.org

CHARCUTERIE FIVE FAVES CHEESES WRITTEN BY QUESTEN INGHRAM

26

BellinghamAlive.com

2

Asiago Pressa This sharp, semi-firm cheese is a younger-aged version of the Italian Asiago Pressato. Crafted by Ferndale Farmstead and sold at Haggen, this cheese is an upgrade from your standard cheddar.

Are you trying to change something in your life?

Hypnosis works even when everything else has failed.

Free Consultations • Private & Confidential Kathie Hardy RN MS MBA CH 360.842.6600 Bellingham Towers 119 N. Commercial, Ste 195 SalishSeaHypnosis.com

2780 Aldergrove Rd., Ferndale 360.255.7062 ferndalefarmstead.com

3

Caerphilly Visit Gothberg Farms and try their Caerphilly cheese — a hard cheese made from their fresh goat milk and aged over a year. Find it at the Anacortes or Bellingham Farmers Market or the Community Food Co-op.

15203 Sunset Rd., Bow 360.202.2436 gothbergfarms.com

4

Simply delicious fish

Gouda Samish Bay Cheese features an excellent array of goudas.

From mild to extra-sharp or flavored, any of these goudas are great. Find them at their retail shop or at varying farmers markets in the area.

Fresh Wild PaciFic RockFiSh WaShington coast

15115 Bow Hill Rd., Bow 360.766.6707 | samishbay.com

5

Whatcom Blue Savory, robust, and aged more than 60 days, Whatcom Blue will make your platter stand out. Crafted at Twin Sisters Creamery in Ferndale, this cheese can be found at Haggen and Community Food Co-ops.

6202 Portal Way, Ferndale 360.656.5240 twinsistercreamery.com

Wild-caught in U.S. waters, this firm and tender fish holds up well for grilling, baking or street tacos and takes the flavor of sauces well. The fillets may not be sturdy enough to grill, so we recommend barbecuing this fish whole.

Whole Roasted RockFish 2-3lb whole rockfish, scales removed and cross-stitched* 4 lemon slices 4 parsley sprigs 4 slices of yellow onion 1 Tbsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper 2 Tbsp canola oil 1/2 cup virgin olive oil 1 lemon cut in half

Preheat a baking tray in a 400°F oven for 15 minutes.

Brush both sides of fish with canola oil and season with salt and pepper.

Stuff the parsley, lemon and onion slices in the belly cavity of the fish.

Brush the hot baking tray with a little of the canola oil and place fish on the hot tray. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the fish easily flakes away from the bones. Transfer fish to a serving tray and drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over fish. *Your friendly Haggen Seafood Specialist can remove the scales and cross-stitch your fish.

Haggen Chef Bryan Weener

Haggen Food & Pharmacy • Visit haggen.com to view our weekly flyers, store hours and more.

Barkley Village • Sehome Village • Meridian & Illinois • Fairhaven • Ferndale ©2019 Haggen 190725-04

September 2019 27

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Savvy Shopper · Necessities · Local Find

Going Coconuts Eco-Friendly Mats Made in Blaine WRITTEN BY LINDSEY MAJOR PHOTOS COURTESY OF COCO MATS ‘N MORE

C

oco Mats ‘N More, founded in 2006

by Deepak Raghavan, creates floor mats using eco-friendly products and methods. The mats, which are sold for both private and commercial use, can be personalized to whatever the customer desires.

At one point, the company’s best-selling personalized doormat read “Oh sh*t, not you again.” … continued on next page

… Although Coco Mats ‘N More has a warehouse in Blaine, their business is strictly conducted on their website, cocomatsnmore.com. “We make it easy for a customer to enter what they want to personalize a mat, and we’re really fast in our shipping,” says Raghavan.

Once an order is placed, the mat ships out in 1–2 business days. After that, it’s a short wait for the doormat to arrive on your doorstep.

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS Raghavan grew up in Kerala, India, one of the largest producers of coconut fibers in the world. This industry inspired Raghavan to create something that might make a difference: doormats made with coconut fibers. The mats are 100 percent natural, made from coconuts sustainably sourced from 30

BellinghamAlive.com

the shores of India and Sri Lanka.

When the mat is ready to be discarded, it will naturally break down, leaving no environmental footprint. Even the ecofriendly dyes used to personalize the mats are water-based and do not create any gasses or fumes.

BUSINESS AS USUAL Coco Mats ‘N More has warehouse locations in Blaine, Washington as well as Georgia, allowing them to more efficiently serve both the east and west coasts. Blaine’s location was intentional; because it’s a border town, Coco Mats ‘N More is able to ship to both the U.S. and Canada. The company’s main office is located in Vancouver B.C., an easy 35-minute drive away. The Blaine location employs six people who fulfill

shipments and produce the mats. The Vancouver office handles the business side of things, such as marketing and customer service.

NAME DROP Not only does Coco Mats ‘N More produce household products, but they also boast a pretty big-name clientele: the PGA. You can find the company’s products on several PGA Tour golf courses, where the mats are used to line bunkers. The unique texture of the mats is good for cleaning the bottoms of golf shoes. The cheese and oil industries also use the absorbent mats to help soak up spills. Coco Mats ‘N More makes specialty products for kitchens and warehouses that might be prone to spillage. You can find these products and others on the company’s website. 

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Wine Finds Wine-lovers know the fun doesn’t stop at the bottle. Whether you’re an oenophile or know someone who is, we’ve collected a few must-have wine finds. From the Coravin preservation system that lets you pour without having to unscrew a cork to a picnic-perfect wine tumbler, these accessories are sure to fit your sommelier-grade tastes. Questen Inghram

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Local Find

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Indulge Wine & Dessert Bar WRITTEN BY LARA DUNNING PHOTOGRAPHED BY LARA DUNNING AND JESSE STURGEON

I

n July 2018, Indulge Wine & Dessert Bar opened in historic downtown Anacortes. The location is owned and managed by Jesse Sturgeon and Angie Skorick, a brother and sister team. While Sturgeon manages the daily operations, Skorick is never far away — her hair salon, Opulence, is right next store.

It’s no surprise the siblings decided to open a dessert bar — their mother, Phyllis Buzzini, is known in the culinary world for her delicious creations at Alaska Silk Pie Company™.

As you would expect, Buzzini’s sweet treats, paired with an eclectic mix of local and international wines, play a dominant role. However, the menu also features heartier items such as savory flatbread pizzas and charcuterie and cheese boards.

Additional drink options include loose-leaf teas, French-press coffee, cider, and beer.

TRULY INDULGENT DESSERTS “We want people to walk in and feel comfortable,” says Sturgeon. “This is a place to relax and unwind, whether you come in solo or with friends and family. Our motto is ‘Eat, Drink, and Share.’”

Most of the desserts are exclusive, and mainstays include temptations like Uninterrupted Chocolate, Crème Brulee, and Caramel Bourbon Carrot Cake, the latter of which is a recipe handed down from their grandmother. With the change of seasons, new desserts make an appearance; these may include Passionate Strawberry, a Key Lime Tower, or a small chocolate cup filled with Baileys Cream and Eggnog.

Insider tip: If you come with friends, ask for a dessert board and plan to share.

PAINT, SIP, & SPECIAL ORDERS Open Wednesday through Sunday, Indulge’s bar features cozy inside seating, plus a front and back patio. Every month, they host themed paint nights with Canvasly Chromotized Paint Parties. The evening includes all paint supplies and one beverage.

Happy hour is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily and includes $1 off beer and wine. Desserts ($9 and $3) are all gluten-free and contain natural and wholesome ingredients. To take a specialty 6-inch dessert home, call ahead to place an order.

For savory bites, Indulge also offers charcuterie boards, flatbreads, and locally smoked salmon.  910 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.873.8551 | facebook.com/IndulgeAnacortes

September 2019 33

SHOP Savvy Shopper

By the Light The Silvery Moon WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY LINDSEY MAJOR

1010 Harris Ave., Ste. 102, Bellingham 360.715.1393 34

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THE SHOP Nestled in a corner on Harris Avenue in Fairhaven sits The Silvery Moon jewelry shop. The corner entryway opens to glass cases of jewelry. In warm weather, the doors are kept open, filling the shop with fresh air and sunlight that makes the gems sparkle and shine. The walls are lined with paintings done by local artist Mila Faulker, who also works in the hair studio upstairs.

Every two feet you’ll find a different style of jewelry, from Navajo turquoise to handcarved silver, diamond engagement rings, and carved mammoth tooth pendants.

any piece. It’s personable and low-pressure, just how jewelry shopping should be.

KEY PEOPLE Russ opened The Silvery Moon in 2001, in the same location where it currently stands. He’s the owner, along with one other employee: Vangie. Russ grew up in the jewelry and gemstone industry after his grandfather started his own business in the 1930s. Growing up, Russ learned about what makes a gemstone special and unique. He genuinely enjoys what he does.

“I’m not just here to make sales.”

THE ATMOSPHERE This is not a cookie-cutter jewelry store.

In my experience, I’ve found big-name retailers to be dark and intimidating, with salespeople making a pounce upon entry.

The Silvery Moon isn’t like that. Large windows in the front fill the store with light.

When the doors open and the space fills with fresh air, it’s relaxing and calm. It’s also quiet — no one hounding you about budgets or carats. It’s easy to shop and get lost looking at all the unique items in each case.

Owner Russ is knowledgeable about his products and is happy to share the details of

WHAT YOU’LL FIND No two jewelry pieces are alike — and that’s the point. Russ hand-picks everything in The Silvery Moon. His favorites are the sapphires, which come in every color and are the hardest stone. He buys his gems from all over the world, primarily from dealers in Sri Lanka. The stones are allnatural and surprisingly affordable. Because he buys the stones loose, Russ can sell them at a more reasonable cost than other retailers. “Some people buy low to sell high, I buy low to keep it low.” 

September 2019 35

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WELLBEING Nutrition · Take a Hike · Beauty

Cooking with Wine WRITTEN BY DAN RADIL

C

ooking with wine is an excellent way to add flavor and character to your food.

It’s also a great way to use up those halfempty bottles of wine that sit on your kitchen counter or in your refrigerator for weeks on end.

Any opened bottle of wine will gradually turn to vinegar; while this makes it unpleasant for drinking, it’s still perfectly fine to use for cooking.

Give leftover wine a flavor boost by popping in two to three cloves of garlic or some fresh herbs, such as a sprig of rosemary. Then let it sit for several days. Your rejuvenated wine will be ideal as a marinade for pre-grilled meats or a deglazing … continued on next page

… liquid to pick up those tasty bits of food that stick to your frying pan.

Make sure to serve the finished dish with a wine that will either complement or contrast the food. For example, try a big, buttery Chardonnay to complement a rich, seafood entrée such as lobster or salmon; or pair a smoky, earthy Pinot Noir with duck and sautéed mushrooms.

For a contrast, consider a late harvest Riesling with spicy Asian cuisine, where the wine’s sweetness will shine through any level of peppery heat. The pairing will allow you to taste both the food and the wine, creating a more memorable dining experience.

SINGLE SKILLET CHICKEN PICATTA INGREDIENTS 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, butterflied and cut in half Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper All-purpose flour, for dredging 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup chicken stock 1 cup full-bodied white wine such as slightly oaked Chardonnay 1/4 cup brined capers, rinsed 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped 38

BellinghamAlive.com

DIRECTIONS • Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour and brush off excess.

• Over medium-high heat in a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

• When the butter and oil begin to sizzle, add two pieces of chicken and cook on each side for 4 minutes. When the chicken has browned, flip and cook the other side for an additional 4 minutes. Remove to a warm plate and cook the remaining chicken in the same manner.

• Pour the excess oil/butter from the pan. Do not wipe the pan; the tasty brown bits remaining will make your sauce even better.

• Into the hot pan add the lemon juice, stock, capers, and white wine. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Use a wooden or Teflon-safe spatula to scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan so they incorporate into your sauce.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, stir to incorporate, and then pour over the chicken.

• Garnish with parsley and serve. 

Beauty

and require an entirely different level of skin knowledge and experience to use effectively.

Skincare ingredients such as fruit acids, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids create clear skin results but can be drying if not used properly.

If, for example, any of the above ingredients are not combined with the correct moisturizer, you will likely experience dry, irritated, and flaky skin. Think you can pick up any old face cream to balance it out?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. A common cause of breakouts in mature skin is from moisturizers designed to hydrate but which contain poreclogging ingredients.

As tempting as it is to try DIY acne products and treatments, a skin therapist specializing in acne will guide you toward educated, acne-appropriate solutions so that healing happens faster and with better results.

Set Yourself up for Clear Skin Success

PASS ON THE POPPING

WRITTEN BY LISA CROSIER

I

n my last article, I discussed acne and its effect on self-esteem at any age. It’s important to understand that acne is genetic. Once it’s under control, the effective treatment plan and home care must be followed or it will come back.

So how can you or a loved one struggling with acne achieve long-term, clear skin success? There are so many choices and contradicting opinions when it comes to treating breakouts that just knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.

In my opinion, the best course of action is to find a skin therapist who specializes in acne. A skin therapist will help you find effective ingredients, treatments, and services for acne while avoiding the lure of marketing hype from department or drug store brands.

can definitely enhance results. While dermatologists practice out of medical offices and often prescribe medications, skin therapists typically work in salons, spas, or under the direction of a dermatologist.

Even if prescription medications help clear up acne, many topical or oral drugs can leave skin dry, irritated, and congested. Often, these side effects can be just as uncomfortable as the acne itself. Skin therapists help you balance abrasive prescription solutions with calming and hydrating skin support.

In my experience as an acne skin specialist, prescription medication is only one of many approaches to the healing process. It’s possible clients may even need to quit prescription medications because they’re either ineffective or too harsh on skin.

DERMATOLOGIST VS. SKIN THERAPIST

PRO-ACNE INGREDIENTS & METHODOLOGIES MATTER

When you believe you’ve lost all hope for clear skin, seeing a skin therapist in conjunction with a dermatologist

Acne-approved ingredients and treatment options are very specific

WELLBEING

While it may feel strangely satisfying, squeezing pimples often makes matters worse. Not only does popping pimples lead to larger, redder, and more noticeable imperfections, but it also results in slower healing. In worst case scenarios, popping can also lead to scarring.

Touching pimples may also cause them to multiple. When using incorrect pressure, or squeezing at the wrong angle, you easily disrupt the integrity of your follicles, causing infection to spread to other follicles.

This leads to inflammation and, ultimately, more breakouts.

A NOTE TO PARENTS Admittedly, the teen years are a difficult time to adopt a regimented skincare routine. Parents may think their helpful tips and face-wash-nagging will help their child achieve clear skin. Trust me, it doesn’t work — it simply makes them more self-conscious and less likely to try. Let a trained professional teach them how to manage their skin. 

September 2019 39

WELLBEING Special Advertising

Food for Thought: Nutrition and Brain Function WRITTEN BY TAAS KING, DO

Y

ou are what you eat. An oft-used phrase in today’s diet-crazy culture, but one that I’m increasingly convinced is significant — and true. As a physician who treats people with brain conditions, I’ve seen more and more compelling evidence that, while certainly not a cure-all, certain foods can maintain and enhance brain function, especially as we age.

The term “antioxidants” has crept into the language of nutrition for good reason. Although oxygen is vital to the billions of brain cells in our bodies, too much of a good thing, even life-giving oxygen, can erode the structure of the cells. Antioxidants, found in certain foods, can help to protect brain cells from the damaging effect of oxygen.

Antioxidants help beneficial oxygen reach the brain and combat the detrimental forms of oxygen called free radicals.

Blame these free radicals on brain cell damage that causes hazy memory, slow learning, and loss of coordination that can trip us up as we get older.

Fortunately, antioxidants that fight off free radicals in our brains are found in foods that are plentiful in our area: blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. A quick trip to a local supermarket will yield more food items year-round that are high in antioxidants: avocados, red grapes and navel oranges. Fruit salad, guacamole, even a fresh berry pie (with a whole-wheat crust, of course) would be excellent choices to help maintain mental function.

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish such as wild salmon, sardines, mackerel, and to a lesser 40

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extent, tuna and halibut, can help to ward off cognitive decline and dementia. There is also some evidence to suggest that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties.

Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E, a vitamin that corresponds with less cognitive decline as you get older.

Adding an ounce a day of walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, filberts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, and unhydrogenated nut butters such as peanut butter, almond butter, and tahini is another easy and delicious way to help feed your brain.

Whole grains, good for you in several ways, also play a role in brain health. They help to improve blood flow through the brain, which, in turn, improves brain power. More blood flow: more power. So order whole grain toast with your eggs tomorrow morning. And by the way, egg yolks are rich in choline, an essential nutrient to improve brain function. Hold the bacon, but enjoy a cup of regular coffee. That morning cup of caffeinated Joe has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, dementia and other brain disorders. Coffee also contains antioxidants.

The truth is, food that is good for your brain is generally the same food that’s good for your heart and other organs.

It’s food that is real. It comes directly from the land or water, not a lab. It’s food that is colorful–dark green broccoli, bright red peppers and dark brown chocolate. It’s food that, as food expert Michael Pollan explains, typically can be found on the perimeter of a grocery store, not on one of the interior aisles.

Think produce and dairy products, not canned peas and potato chips.

We can’t avoid birthdays, but we can help to maintain a healthy brain well into old age by eating foods that help us to stay sharp and focused. Bon Appetit!  Taas King, DO, is a neurologist with PeaceHealth Medical Group Neurology in Bellingham. She is board certified through the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry and has a special interest in treating patients with headaches and multiple sclerosis.

Your family won’t wait.

Neither should your health. PeaceHealth’s Same Day Care Clinic is open seven days a week to help you get back on your feet fast.

Save time. Schedule online.

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peacehealth.org/appointments

ABEJA

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eptember means cooler days, changing colors, and soaking in as much sun as you can before autumn arrives in full force.

What better way to bid farewell to summer than by exploring some of the Pacific Northwest’s best wine regions?

While there are hundreds of wineries to explore in the Pacific Northwest, we’ve focused on those in a day’s drive of Bellingham that offer overnight accommodations. The wineries featured in these pages offer a full vacation experience with wine at the heart and center.

To help you plan your own weekend wine escape, we’ve organized each overnight winery by location: Whidbey Island, Okanagan Valley, Walla Walla Valley, Prosser in Yakima Valley, and Lake Chelan Valley. Because nobody can drink wine from sunrise to sunset (okay, maybe some people can), we’ve also listed options for what to eat, see, and do when you’re not busy tasting.

September 2019 43

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kend e e W e n Wi

What’s an AVA?

AVA stands for American Viticultural Area. The official definition, as determined by the U.S. government, describes it as a “delimited grape-growing region with specific geographic or climatic features that distinguish it from the surrounding regions and affect how grapes are grown.” Categorizing wines according to their AVA not only helps consumers understand more about the wines they purchase, but also helps growers develop a common identity alongside other growers in their area. Washington has 14 AVAs that collectively boast more than 950 wineries and 58,000 acres of planted grapes.

What’s a wine varietal?

A varietal is a type of wine made from a single variety of grape. Here are a few common varietals found in our neck of the vineyard: CABERNET SAUVIGNON One of the world’s most recognized red wines, known for its deep color and full body. Flavors range from green apple to cherry, vanilla, and even tobacco.

CHARDONNAY A popular white wine with medium acidity that ranges from crisp and clean to rich and creamy. Primary flavors include vanilla, butter, and apple.

MERLOT A popular red wine — second only to Cabernet Sauvignon in the U.S. — with a smooth texture and medium to full body. Flavors include chocolate, black cherry, and plum.

RIESLING A high acidity white wine known for its floral aromas.

Flavors include pineapple, pear, apple, and lime, as well as jasmine and honeycomb.

SYRAH A tannin-heavy, full-bodied red wine known as Shiraz in South Africa and Australia. Flavors include plum, blueberry, and smoke, with afternotes of pepper.

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s Q FA What’s a wine’s vintage?

A wine's vintage is the year the wine’s grapes were picked.

The vintage serves as an important time-stamp, allowing connoisseurs and consumers to trace a bottle back to a particularly good or bad harvest.

What’s a tannin?

Tannins are organic compounds found in many fruits, including wine grapes. In nature, tannins create a bitter taste meant to deter animals from consuming a fruit before it’s ripe. Although tannins can be bitter, they can also be enjoyable — think of the bite in coffee or dark chocolate.

In wine, tannins are responsible for the dry feeling in your mouth when you drink a red. The amount of tannins in a wine depends on the type of grape and the vintage.

What does it mean if a wine is oaked?

When a wine is aged in an oak barrel, it is referred to as oaked. The oak may imbue wine with different aromas and flavors such as cedar, vanilla, spice, or smoke. Unoaked wines typically have lighter, fruitier flavors than their oaked counterparts.

Why do people swirl their wine before tasting?

Short answer: It makes the wine taste better! Swirling wine introduces oxygen into the glass, a process known as aeration.

Aerating wine releases the wine’s aroma compounds. Because taste and smell are so closely linked, these newly released notes enhance the wine’s flavor.

WASHINGTON’S AVAS Ancient Lakes Columbia Gorge Columbia Valley Horse Heaven Hills Lake Chelan Lewis-Clark Valley Naches Heights Puget Sound Rattlesnake Hills Red Mountain Snipes Mountain Wahluke Slope Walla Walla Valley Yakima Valley

Within a Day’s Drive of Bellingham

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Penticton

WALLA WALLA 1. Abeja Winery & Inn

Bellingham

2. Armstrong Vineyard Cottage at Armstrong Family Vineyard

Washington

3. Eritage Resort Columbia River

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LAKE CHELAN VALLEY 5. The Stone House at Tunnel Hill Winery

11 6 7 5

6. The Villa at Siren Song Vineyard Estate and Winery

Chelan

7. The Guest House at Nefarious Cellars

Seattle Wenatchee

PROSSER AREA

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8. Inn at Desert Wind 90

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10

Snake River

8

Prosser 9

Columbia River

9. Alexandria Nicole Cellars Destiny Ridge Tiny Houses 10. Cozy Rose Inn Bed and Breakfast

Yakima

Vancouver

4. Johnson Ridge Inn & Vineyard

WHIDBEY ISLAND

3 4 2 1

Walla Walla

11. Comforts of Whidbey 12. The Vineyard House at Dancing Fish Vineyards

OKANAGAN VALLEY 13. Quail’s Gate 14. The Inn at Therapy Vineyards

September 2019 45

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ith its rural countryside and Olympic Mountain vistas, Whidbey Island has all the makings of an unforgettable weekend wine escape. Known for its temperate climate and as part of the state’s third oldest AVA, the island’s wineries are famous for their award-winning Madeleine Angevine, Siegerrebe, and island-grown Pinot Noir.

Many of the wineries are close to the small towns of Freeland and Langley, both of which make for an ideal home base for touring the Whidbey Island Wine & Spirits Trail. For wine lovers who want to take their wine escape to the next level, two wineries offer accommodations just steps away from the tasting room.

DANCING FISH VINEYARDS

COMFORTS OF WHIDBEY Located on a 22-acre farm, Comforts of Whidbey is a mix of industrial-yet-rustic architecture with large wooden doors and warm wood floors. From the tasting room, guests can chill with a glass of wine, snack on light nibbles, and admire the Puget Sound view.

Tucked above the tasting room, the lavish six-room bed and breakfast features well-appointed guest rooms with calming water or vineyard views, king-sized beds, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and luxurious bathrobes. With no televisions or alarm clocks, Comforts of Whidbey is the perfect place to reset to island time.

In the mornings, guests begin the day with a delicious farm fresh breakfast featuring seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. While the winery is open Thursday through Sunday, the bed and breakfast is available every day. Guests who arrive between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. receive a complimentary flight of wine with a cheese plate. Stay for Sunday Jazz or help pick grapes at the annual community harvest.

THE VINEYARD HOUSE AT DANCING FISH VINEYARDS Set on six private acres, the Vineyard House is steps away from the tasting room at Dancing Fish Vineyards. Inspired

by Italian decor, the renovated house accommodates up to six guests and features two bedrooms, a bathroom with a clawfoot tub, a dining room table for six, a stylish living room where you can sip a glass of wine around the gas fireplace, and a courtyard and deck to take in the lush landscape. Guests may prepare meals in the gourmet kitchen on the LaCornue range or walk to downtown Freeland for dinner.

In the evening, stroll along the hillside to admire the pastoral acreage that includes a historic renovated red barn and rows of grapevines. If you want to burn off some wine, head to the Loafing Shed and play a game of bocce ball.

The tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday, and the Vineyard House is available year-round. For a unique experience, plan to stay for live music on Fridays.

5219 View Rd., Langley 360.969.2961 | comfortsofwhidbey.com

1953 Newman Rd., Freeland 425.503.7655 | dancingfishvineyards.com

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EAT, DRINK, DO, & SHOP OTT & HUNTER WINES Overlooking Saratoga Passage, this wine bar has one of the best views in Langley and features hand-crafted artisan wines, wine flights, and a limited evening-only menu on Fridays and Saturdays with cheese plates and pizza.

204 1st St., Langley 360.221.7131 | otthunter.com

WHIDBEY PIES & CAFE No trip to Whidbey Island is complete without a slice of pie.

The loganberry is a must! The cafe opens daily at 11 a.m. and serves soups, salads, and grilled sandwiches.

765 Wonn Rd., Greenbank 360.678.1288 | whidbeypies.com

CHOCOLATE FLOWER FARM Featured on “Martha Stewart Living” and in the Food Network Magazine, this shop specializes in chocolate flowers as well as chocolate products and gifts.

5040 Saratoga Rd., Langley 360.221.2464 | chocolateflowerfarm.com

LANGLEY WHALE CENTER To learn more about Washington’s resident orca whales and the latest whale sightings, this is the place. If the whale bell rings, head to the shoreline one block from the center and search for whale spouts in the water.

105 Anthes Ave., Langley 360.221.7505 | orcanetwork.org

GREENBANK FARM WINE SHOP For wine gifts, wine accessories, and to sample more local wines, this shop has everything you need, including the area’s famous loganberry wine, jams, and syrups.

DANCING FISH VINEYARDS

Bottle It Up

U

pcycling with wine bottles or corks is in trend right now, and why not? It’s inexpensive, convenient, and creates fun decor for any oenophile’s home or garden.

Check out these simple yet beautiful ways to reuse empties after your wine escape weekend.

GARDEN EDGE Creating a garden edge with empty bottles is super easy and fun. First, ask your friends to save and even sign their wine bottles. When you have enough, fill each bottle with glass beads or marbles and burry neck-down to create your edging or border.

Burry at different depths and alternate colors to give the pattern some flair.

765 Wonn Rd., A101, Greenbank 360.222.3797 | greenbankfarmwineshop.com

FOR THE BIRDS Drill holes near the bottom of an empty bottle for birdseed to spill out. To build a perch and feeding dish, glue a plate or wooden round to the bottom of the bottle. Wrap the bottle’s neck with copper or other ornamental wire to hang.

SEA GLASS Paint your favorite wine bottles with sea-glass-effect paint. For clear glass, simply paint the outside with sea glass spray paint.

For colored glass, try Martha Stewart’s etched glass effect paint. For a coastal vibe, wrap the bottle’s neck with twine and tie-off with a dangling seashell.

Add fairy lights or a sprig of your favorite flowers to complete the look. JENN BACHTEL

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ome to Oliver, B.C., which has been dubbed the “wine capital of Canada,” the Okanagan Valley is a mecca for fans of Rieslings, Chardonnays, sparkling wines, Pinot Gris, and even reds.

The area is hot and the summers are short, so it might seem like unideal conditions to grow Syrah, Bordeaux, or other red wine grapes, but lucky for us, this isn’t the case.

The long daylight hours in the summer make up for the short season, and the 83-mile-long Okanagan Lake regulates temperatures throughout the valley during extreme seasons.

The Okanagan area has a rich history of agriculture, with roots in the peach, cherry, and apple industry. This infrastructure paved the way for the area’s wine country.

Here are a few places to go if you’re hoping to experience the Okanagan valley from inside the vineyard gates.

QUAILS’ GATE The Stewart family is the third generation to farm their parcel of land in West Kelowna. The Stewarts have used the now-vineyard since the early 1900s, and have been active members of the community for the last century.

Quails’ Gate offers unparalleled wines, with 10 options in both red and white varietals.

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If you’re looking for a place to un-wine-d, Quails’ Gate offers two overnight accommodations. The first is the Lake House, which boasts a large kitchen, a dock on the lake, and enough space for 14 people. The second is a cozy beach-front cottage called the Nest, which sleeps up to seven.

3303 Boucherie Rd., West Kelowna 250.769.4451 | quailsgate.com

THE INN AT THERAPY VINEYARDS If rest and relaxation are just what the doctor prescribed, head to Therapy Vineyards. The tasting room, which sits on the edge of the vineyard, is called the Farmacy, and boasts wines with names like “Freudian Sip” and “Pink Freud.”

If you’re in need of some Divine Intervention, the inn has recently undergone a lengthy remodel. The semi-private balconies offer breathtaking views of the vineyards below and the lake beyond. All rooms have access to the outdoor hot tub as well as the dining room, where you’ll find a gourmet breakfast spread each morning. Guests of the inn receive free tastings and a discount on purchases.

940 Debeck Rd., Naramata 250.496.5217 | therapyvineyards.com

EAT, DRINK, DO, & SHOP WATERFRONT Winner of Best Okanagan Restaurant at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, Waterfront is known for their extensive wine list. This high-end dining room is perfect for a formal night out.

1180 Sunset Dr., Kelowna 250.979.1222 | waterfrontrestaurant.ca

WATERFRONT

LAKE BREEZE WINERY PATIO RESTAURANT Grab lunch in the garden of Lake Breeze Winery. Sip on some wine and eat a hearty meal that’s local, ethically sourced, organic, and sustainable.

930 Sammet Rd., Naramata 250.496.5659 | lakebreeze.ca

MYRA CANYON ADVENTURE PARK Soak in the beauty of B.C. while testing your bravery. This adventure park offers nine different treetop challenge courses, so this activity is not for those who dislike heights.

4429 June Springs Rd., Kelowna 587.926.1176 | myracanyonadventure.com

LAKE BREEZE

SUMMERLAND ORNAMENTAL GARDENS Established in 1916, these 15 acres are the perfect place for leisurely strolls or longer outings. Pack a picnic and spend the day among the flowers.

4200 BC-97, Summerland 250.494.6385 | summerlandgardens.org

DAVISON ORCHARDS COUNTRY VILLAGE If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering the streets of the Old West, dream no more. At Davison Orchards Country Village, shop produce, treats, and other handmade goodies. You can also take a tractor tour of the orchards.

3111 Davison Rd., Vernon 250.549.3266 | davisonorchards.ca

DAVISON ORCHARDS

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t’s no secret that Walla Walla is a great place for wine. In fact, just last year, Sunset magazine named it America’s best wine town. Since becoming the state’s second AVA in 1984, the Walla Walla Valley has quickly developed into a firstclass wine region home to more than 100 wineries.

ERITAGE

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What makes Walla Walla such a haven for winegrowers?

The answer is in the land.

The region spans a variety of climates, topographies, and soil types and is situated along the same line of latitude that runs between France’s Burgundy and Bordeaux regions. Compared to other major wine regions, it also boasts an extraordinarily high winery-to-acreage ratio.

“We have 120 wineries, but we only have about 3,000 acres of grapes,” explains Caleb Agee, marketing and communications manager for Visit Walla Walla.

For reference, Napa has around 400 wineries from a whopping 45,000 acres of planted vineyards. “We have wineries producing world-class wine, but it can sometimes be hard to find in the store. The easiest way to experience Walla Walla wine is to visit.”

Another thing to love about Walla Walla is the vibe, which one might define as casually luxurious. “For the variety and quality of wine we have, you can’t find a more laid back and enjoyable experience,” Agee says.

While the present is looking good, residents also anticipate the wine town’s bright future.

“We see our trajectory and know that, long term, we’re going to be a world-class wine destination,”Agee says. “We know it’s going to happen.”

To get the official scoop on the darling of Washington’s wine scene, I spent a harrowing weekend in Walla Walla, tasting wines, touring vineyards, and settling into an overnight winery of my own. Sounds terrible, I know. Follow me as I walk you through my experience of being literally wined and dined in Walla Walla.

8 A.M. HIT THE ROAD

The quickest way to Walla Walla from Bellingham is via I-90, which takes roughly six hours. To shake things up, my boyfriend and I decided to take Highway 20 on the way there and I-90 on the way back. If you have the time, I highly recommend making this loop, as it lets you see a greater swathe of the state’s eastern side. Although Highway 20 adds about two hours of travel time, you avoid Seattle and get a bonus drive through North Cascades National Park.

Fun fact, you also pass by two of the other wine areas covered in this feature: Lake Chelan Valley and Prosser.

4 P.M. ARRIVE AT JOHNSON RIDGE INN & VINEYARD Johnson Ridge Inn is situated northeast of downtown Walla Walla, where development gives way to stunning hills quilted with green and gold. The Inn is perched atop one of these hills, with four private suites tucked into the estate’s spectacular vineyard setting. At the center of it all is a heated outdoor saltwater pool.

When we arrived, another guest was floating on a giant inflatable swan, looking extremely blissed out.

As soon as we walked into the Guest House, we looked at each other and said, at the same time, “Wow.” The stunning open-concept house is spacious and bright, with multiple windows facing the vineyard and rolling fields beyond. Sliding doors open onto your very own patio with outdoor seating, a gas grill, and — wait for it — a private hot tub.

The modern house has everything you need, plus the extra touches that make you feel at home: a fireplace, a full-sized refrigerator (stocked with juice and two Coronas), and a flatscreen TV mounted furtively into the bar. Waiting for us on the counter was the trip’s raison d’etre: a bottle of the winery’s 2014 Estate Syrah.

My boyfriend’s immediate impulse was to put on one of the cushiony bathrobes hanging in the closet and flop down on the extra-comfy king bed. We then headed for the saltwater pool, whose water was crystal clear and exactly the right temperature.

JOHNSON RIDGE

Mark your calendars for Walla Walla’s Wine Release Weekend, happening November 1-3. Sample newly released wines and enjoy special wineryhosted activities such as live music and winemaker dinners.

If you’re hoping to book accommodations at any of these overnight wineries, do it fast. At some locations, reservations fill up a year in advance.

If you’re planning to hop from tasting room to tasting room, arrange your travel ahead of time. Many of the wineries are located several miles from the town’s center.

... continued on next page September 2019 51

JOHNSON RIDGE

... For dinner, we grilled on the patio and then, as night fell, headed to the hot tub, glasses of Syrah in hand.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a winery, this might be your chance. To fulfill their dream of travelling internationally, the Johnsons have put the beloved business up for sale.

254 Wheat Ridge Ln., Walla Walla 509.818.0200 | johnsonridgeinn.com

10:30 A.M. TOUR & TASTING AT ARMSTRONG FAMILY WINERY Refreshed from a pot of in-room coffee and a night of sound sleep, we headed north of town to Armstrong Vineyards, home of Tim and Jen Armstrong.

The Armstrongs met, in of all places, the beer-city of Milwaukee. As self-declared wine geeks, they started learning the trade through remote winemaking classes. “The more we learned, the more we [knew] this is what we wanted to do,” Jen explains. “We love the idea of creating something beautiful out of a natural product and preserving time in a bottle.” After establishing themselves in Kirkland, the Armstrongs moved to Walla Walla in 2017.

Guests stay at the Vineyard Cottage, which sits a stone’s throw from the Armstrong’s home and boasts spectacular views of the Blue Mountains. The warm and homey twobedroom house features a full kitchen, adorable wood stove, Jack and Jill bathroom, washer and dryer, and a patio with a grill, making it the perfect place for a weekend getaway or a more substantial stay. According to Jen, one couple 52

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stayed for three weeks, just relaxing, going for bike rides, and touring wineries.

The property is a nature-lover’s paradise, with frequent visitations from deer, hawks, owls, coyotes, and songbirds.

Guests are free to roam around, exploring the creek, irrigation pond, and a modest cliff where numerous birds have built nests into the soil.

After touring the vineyards and learning a ton about wine grapes from Tim (if you’re curious about viticulture science, this is your go-to winery), we followed Jen to the winery’s tasting room downtown. Although the Armstrongs plan to open a winery and tasting room on-site within the next few years, for now the tasting magic happens on Main Street.

We sampled a 2016 North Avenue Riesling, a 2016 Merlot, and a 2015 Scotsman Syrah. My favorite was the 2016 Bogie’s blend, a delicious mix of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon named for the family’s dog.

292 Van Ausdle Ln., Walla Walla 509.520.8975 | armstrongwinery.com

12:30 P.M. TAPAS & TASTING AT VALDEMAR ESTATES

After saying goodbye to the Armstrongs, we headed south of town, to Valdemar Estates, the area’s first non-American winery. The Estate is the newest venture of the Valdemar family, who have been making wine in Spain’s Rioja region for more than a century.

Driving up to Valdemar, you get an idea you’re in for something special. The brand-new location is large and imposing, with a second-story tasting room patio overlooking

ERITAGE

the fields below. When you walk in, you’re greeted with a 150year old barrel press that speaks to the family’s wine legacy. “[My family] started in the wine business the same year Washington became a state,” says CEO Jesús Martínez Bujanda Mora, who first came to the Pacific Northwest to study business at the University of Washington. “Maybe it was destiny we came here.”

We tasted many great wines during our weekend, but I have to say the wines at Valdemar were my favorite. The highlight was La Gargantilla, a 2016 Garnacha from the family’s Rioja winery. I also enjoyed the 2017 Component Trial, a Syrah from Walla Walla.

From the tapas menu, my favorite dish was the Bonito Stuffed Piquillo Peppers, whose peppers are shipped in from Spain. Also excellent was the Tortilla de Patatas, a dish I ate daily when I hiked part of the Camino de Santiago in 2013 and which lived up to its memory. Mora told us, with a look of pride, that the tortilla is his wife’s recipe.

Since opening this past April, Valdemar has been greeted with great success. While one might credit this success to five generations of winemaking, Mora kept returning to a central theme: his gratitude for the Walla Walla community.

“The rest of the wineries are promoting us all the time,” Mora says. “We are so grateful for that. Honestly, we are here today because of the support we’ve gotten from the rest of the industry.”

3808 Rolling Hill Ln., Walla Walla 509.956.4926 | valdemarestates.com

ERITAGE

6:00 P.M. TOUR & DINNER AT ERITAGE RESORT

Nestled on 300 acres of rolling fields and vineyards, Eritage Resort offers 10 lakeside bungalows — each with two rooms — and 10 King suites. Each accommodation comes with a private patio or deck, a fireplace, and an elegant spa-inspired bathroom with soaking tub.

At the heart of the new resort is a lovely irrigation lake where guests are invited to stand up paddle board or kayak.

The bungalows are also situated along this lake, so that when you step onto the patio, you have the sensation of floating on water.

Guests who don’t feel like recreating among the resident ducks can instead take a dip in the saltwater pool or participate in one of the resort’s regular activities.

Every Monday, guests enjoy Rosé and Croquet on the lakeside lawn. The resort has also invited yoga instructors to hold classes on the lawn and CrossFit trainers to guide runs through the vineyard.

Even if you don’t stay at the resort, do yourself a favor and visit Eritage Restaurant & Bar, which has become a must-try dining experiences for guests and non-guests alike. Chef Brian Price centers every dish around locally raised meat and fish, relying on strong ties to area farmers.

In addition to a glass of the Eritage Rosé, which was crisp, juicy, and sweet, I started dinner with an Eritage Manhattan, the bar’s signature cocktail. Because when in Walla Walla you must do as the Walla Wallans do, we also ordered a bottle of Saviah Cellar’s 2015 Malbec. ... continued on next page September 2019 53

ABEJA

... Our meal began with Wild Mushroom Toast and Spice Roasted Carrots — both excellent. I then moved on to the Smothered Buttermilk Fried Organic Half-Chicken, which was thinly coated in spiced batter and served with flavorful kale apple-bacon slaw and pureed potatoes. For dessert we indulged in a sumptuous Bourbon Soaked Bread Pudding.

1319 Bergevin Springs Rd., Walla Walla 509.394.9200 | eritageresort.com

9:00 A.M. BREAKFAST & TASTING AT ABEJA WINERY & INN Just east of downtown, Abeja sits on 38 acres of historic farmland. The farmstead’s original buildings have been meticulously restored into attractive cottages, suites, and rooms, many of which are named for their original purpose, e.g. the Chicken Coop Cottage and Hayloft Suite. Large parties can also rent the stunning five-bedroom farmhouse.

All guests of the Inn enjoy a wine tasting and gourmet breakfast. To experience these amenities first-hand, we sat down to enjoy breakfast on the charming outdoor patio. Our table overlooked a meticulously tended garden lush with 54

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colorful flowers and fat, happy bumblebees. Right away, we were given a glorious carafe of piping hot coffee.

Our first dish was a baked egg. Reader, I could write a whole feature on this egg. When the chef kindly shared the recipe with me, I was startled to find it contained nothing out of the ordinary — no secret oils or rare spices. The magic was a simple mixture of cream, truffle salt, and fresh herbs picked on-site.

After the egg came two generous slices of bacon and Meyer Lemon Ricotta Pancakes topped with local strawberries. Although these were also tasty, I would happily return to Walla Walla just for Abeja’s baked egg.

After breakfast we sat down at the tasting bar, where we sampled the winery’s 2017 Chardonnay, 2016 Merlot, and 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. My favorite was the 2017 Beekeeper’s Blend, a mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot with notes of vanilla bean and plum. It’s also the only wine on the menu you can’t get anywhere else.

2014 Mill Creek Rd., Walla Walla 509.522.1234 | abeja.net

Making an Entrance

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he logistics of traveling to wineries can be difficult, especially if everyone in your party wants to join the fun. While walking is a great way to avoid designating a driver, some wineries are too far apart. Besides, why not make your wine staycation an experience to remember?

Here are a few ways to really make an entrance.

STRETCH IT OUT What’s classier than a limousine? If you’re planning a trip to Walla Walla, grab some friends and let Walla Walla Wine Limo chauffeur you from one winery to the next. If you’re heading to the Lake Chelan area, Lakeside Limousine Tours will be your guide.

509.470.0333 | chelanlimo.com 509.520.5064 wallawallawinelimo.com

WINE DIVE If you’re planning to do some tastings in Chelan, why not literally drop in on your favorite winery? Skydive Chelan offers the country’s only tandem winery skydiving experience. They’ll pick you up at a winery of your choice and then, after a training, fly you into the clouds. Once you’re back on land, toast your flight with a bottle of wine.

201 Airport Way, Chelan 509.881.0687 | skydivechelan.com

GET IN THE CHOPPER For the ultimate arrival, book a three-hour Lake Chelan Wine Valley Tour with Lake Chelan Helicopters. You’ll stop at two wineries of your choice; whenever you’re ready to leave, just jump in the helicopter and let the pilot whisk you away.

509.860.9058 lakechelanhelicopters.com

ABEJA

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ituated along the Yakima River, the little town of Prosser rests in the heart of the Washington wine scene and is part of Washington’s oldest AVA, the Yakima Valley. With fewer than 7,000 residents, Prosser is home to more than 30 wineries known primarily for their red blends and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Just north of town, you’ll find Vinter’s Village: a collective of more than 12 wineries all within walking distance of one another, making Prosser the perfect place to visit for a weekend of touring and tasting. For those who prefer to sleep among the vines, these overnight locations are tucked right into the action.

INN AT DESERT WIND

INN AT DESERT WIND If you’re a fan of the southwest, the Inn at Desert Wind will spark daydreams of Santa Fe. Guests can stay in one of four southwest-inspired rooms located just upstairs from the winery.

Desert Wind Vineyards boasts more than 400 planted acres of Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition to a complimentary bottle of wine, guests also receive a breakfast delivered straight to their room each morning.

To relax even deeper, book an on-call masseuse whose services include hot stone, deep tissue, or Swedish massage, or add a romantic package featuring sparkling wine, flowers, and a private dining experience.

2258 Wine Country Rd., Prosser 509.786.7277 | desertwindwinery.com

ALEXANDRIA NICOLE CELLARS DESTINY RIDGE TINY HOUSES If you’ve ever wanted to explore a tiny home, here’s your chance. Located among the grapes of Alexandria Nicole Cellar’s Destiny Ridge vineyard, these tiny houses are just a short walk away from the tasting room, where you’ll find several wines on-tap.

Previously reserved for wine-club members, these four tiny homes — some of which appeared on HGTV’s “Tiny House, Big Living” — are now open to the general public. Each unique home comfortably fits at least two people and offers phenomenal views of the surrounding vineyards.

Enjoy a fireside glass of wine on the deck or watch for shooting stars from a second-story patio. These homes may be tiny, but they pack a big punch.

158422 Sonova Rd., Prosser 509.832.3877 | alexandrianicolecellars.com

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COZY ROSE INN BED AND BREAKFAST The name says it all. Located on family-owned orchards and vineyards, this inn will leave you feeling cozy and refreshed. Enjoy a romantic getaway in one of four luxury suites or bring the family and book the Irish House, a cottage-style house with a living room, dining room, and outdoor hot tub.

Each suite boasts a Jacuzzi, private entrance, and a private deck from which to admire the surrounding vineyards. After your in-room candlelight breakfast, explore the dozens of wineries within a 30-minute radius. Two world-class wineries are only a 10-minute drive away.

1220 Forsell Rd., Grandview 509.882.4669 | cozyroseinn.com

EAT, DRINK, DO, & SHOP HORSE HEAVEN SALOON This western-style gastropub serves up rustic dishes with a modern twist.

Order a beer at the bar or enjoy a glass of wine from a rotating list of local offerings.

615 6th St., Prosser 509.781.6228 horseheavensaloonprosser.com

INN AT DESERT WIND

BILL’S BERRY FARM Visit this family-owned-and-operated farm just north of Grandview for u-pick apples, peaches, and raspberries.

In October, come for pumpkins, gourds, and squash. You can also press your own cider or pop into the farm store.

3674 N. County Line Rd., Grandview 509.882.3200 | billsberryfarm.com

THE GREAT PROSSER BALLOON RALLY Watch the sky come alive with color as hot air balloon pilots from across the region gather for this event.

Weather permitting, take-off starts at 6:15 a.m. on September 27 at the Prosser Washington Airport.

111 Nunn Rd., Prosser 509.786.3177 | tourprosser.com

INN AT DESERT WIND

JADE’S BRITISH GIRLS TREATS Craving something sweet to pair with your wine? Head to this combined confection shop, bakery, and deli located inside Desert Wind Winery.

2258 Wine Country Rd., Prosser 509.643.9450 | britishgirltreats.com

SIXTH STREET ART AND GIFT GALLERY Tasting is hard work. If you need a break, check out this cute store in downtown Prosser, offering refurbished furniture, eclectic vintage items, home decor, and local art.

702 6th St., Prosser 509.781.6220

COZY ROSE INN

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THE GUEST HOUSE AT NEFARIOUS CELLARS

ake Chelan Valley is Washington’s 11th AVA, with most of its acreage dedicated to Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Riesling. While technically part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA, the area is unique in that it boasts a higher elevation and more temperate climate than other areas within the Columbia Valley. The region’s lake effect produces favorable temperatures that lead to fewer instances of frost and longer growing seasons.

Since the first production vineyard opened in 1998, the area has become home to more than 30 wineries and tasting rooms, many of which offer stunning views of Lake Chelan. Here are a few that also offer overnight accommodations.

THE GUEST HOUSE AT NEFARIOUS CELLARS Just steps away from the scenic vineyard, this two-story guest house comes with everything you need for a relaxing wine get-away. Formerly the home of Nefarious Cellars’ 58

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winemakers, this spacious, industrialstyle loft offers two bedrooms, an outdoor grill, and full kitchen. Share the outdoor patio and tasting room with visitors during the day, but have it all to yourself at night. With epic views of Lake Chelan, you can’t go wrong.

495 S. Lakeshore Rd., Chelan 509.682.9505 | nefariouscellars.com

THE VILLA AT SIREN SONG WINES This cute villa boasts two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and enough space to sleep six people. The best part? It’s located in the heart of the winery. Just steps away from the villa’s private entrance, you’ll find Siren Song’s tasting room, restaurant, and an outdoor veranda where you can sit back and relax with a glass of wine or a tasty pizza, all while admiring unparalleled views of Lake Chelan and the mountains beyond. Want to make your stay educational? Sign up for a two-hour private cooking class that includes a meal and wine pairing.

635 S. Lakeshore Rd., Chelan 509.888.4657 | sirensongwines.com

THE STONE HOUSE AT TUNNEL HILL WINERY The Stone House at Tunnel Hill Winery features three bedrooms and enough sleeping space for eight guests, making it the perfect getaway for a large group or family. With its own private golf practice area and sweeping views of surrounding mountains, lakes, and vineyards, this large, newly renovated house has it all.

Guests receive a complimentary tasting at Tunnel Hill Winery, which started in 2001 with three flagship wines: Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.

Since then, it has also put out Malbec and Viognier and, in 2018, released a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Another bonus: location, location, location. The house is within walking distance of four other wineries, a convenience store, and a gourmet restaurant, making it easy to leave the car behind.

37 Hwy. 97A, Chelan 509.682.3242 | tunnelhillwinery.com

Put a Cork in It

TUNNEL HILL WINERY

EAT, DRINK, DO, & SHOP ANDANTE Enjoy exquisite Italian food paired with fine wines from around the globe. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily with occasional live piano performances.

113 S. Emerson St., Chelan 509.888.4855 | andantechelan.com

THE VOGUE COFFEE & WINE LOUNGE Stop in for coffee and breakfast or swing by in the evening to enjoy a cheese plate and wine with friends. Live music happens every weekend from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

117 Woodin Ave., Chelan 509.888.5282 | chelanvogue.com

THE LADY OF THE LAKE Travel the waters of Lake Chelan by boat, soaking in views of the Cascade mountains. Day trips include a layover in the remote town of Stehekin.

1418 W. Woodin Ave., Chelan 509.682.4584 | ladyofthelake.com

SUNSHINE FARM MARKET Put some sunshine in your day with local fruits and veggies as well as gifts, specialty food items, and coffee. Press your own cider throughout September and October.

179 Hwy. 97A, Chelan 509.682.1350 | sunshinefarmmarket.com

CULINARY APPLE KITCHEN NECESSITIES & GIFTS Apple fans will be in heaven at this gourmet kitchen store.

Browse apple-inspired goods, homemade fudge, unique kitchen appliances, and, of course, local wines.

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s you pop bottles throughout your weekend, don’t let the corks go to waste! Here are some crafty ideas — some decorative, some practical — to reuse your corks. Pro tip: For more supplies and more fun, open a bottle of wine while you craft.

EARRINGS Cut the end of a cork so that you have two coin-sized pendants. Sand down the sides, add some hardware, and decorate with paint or rubber stamps.

WINE CORK DIARY When you’re finished sharing a bottle with friends, mark the cork with the date, who you were with, and something else to remember the bottle by, such as a joke or topic you discussed while drinking. Store in a large clear jar or vase.

CORK BOARD Fair warning: This project requires some serious drinking, so start saving up. For a cute, DIY bulletin board, glue corks side-by-side inside a funky picture frame. For a quirkier look, arrange the corks in a pattern, such as chevrons or diamonds.

FIRE STARTER You can’t spend every weekend at a luxurious winery. For nights spent tent-side, keep a cork fire starter handy for a quick and easy campfire.

All you have to do is soak a cork in alcohol for at least a day. To avoid a smoky mess, make sure the cork is real and not plastic.

109 E. Woodin Ave., Chelan 509.682.3618 | culinaryapple.com

September 2019 59

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HABITAT Home Remodel Tips and Tricks ¡ Featured Home

Blanchard Mountain Farmhouse Gets a Second Chance WRITTEN BY JEFF MACK PHOTOGRAPHED BY C9 PHOTOGRAPHY

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lanchard Mountain Farm, a small certified organic vegetable farm, sits in an idyllic location: where the Chuckanut Mountains meet the Samish river basin. The owners found and fell in love with the land and knew it was the right place to start their farm, but realized the existing farmhouse was riddled with water damage, poor energy efficiency, and ill-conceived additions. ‌ continued on next page

HABITAT Featured Home

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… Our remodel team — Bellingham Bay Builders, Deborah Todd Building Design Services, and Bourne Engineering — focused their efforts on returning the farmhouse to its craftsman roots, while addressing the structure’s issues, salvaging building materials, and upgrading the home’s performance.

Despite removing the roof and taking the entire home down to the studs, we were able to preserve the original fir floors and repurpose much of the original roof framing as rustic wainscoting and paneling.

The indoor air quality and heating efficiency were vastly improved with the additions of a heat recovery ventilator and ductless heat pump. The building envelope was upgraded with focused air-sealing, new insulation, and the installation of a ventilation cavity behind the cedar siding. All of these details work together to create an efficient, highly durable home that preserves all the charms of a centuryold farmhouse.  September 2019 63

HABITAT Remodel

Inside Out Creating Functional Outdoor Spaces WRITTEN BY JENNIFER RYAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATHERYN MORAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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he Northwest is all about spending time outdoors, so it’s no surprise that creating outdoor spaces to enlarge your home’s footprint is in trend. The good news is that even the smallest of yards can be transformed into an inviting retreat. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

THE WALLS

THE ROOMS

THE CEILING

There’s no rule about what kind of spaces you can create outdoors. Consider a dining room, reading nook, hot tub area, work space, or fire pit. Remember to consider how the sun or shade affects the area. You can also connect multiple living spaces with paths or stepping stones.

If you need shade or weather protection, a covered deck or patio is a great solution. Pergolas add shade while also serving as a structure for climbing plants such as wisteria, grapes, or clematis. For extra class, you can even hang a vintage chandelier. … continued on page 67

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A living fence creates a great privacy screen while also enhancing a space’s color and texture. Other options include interesting fencing, decorative gates, or concrete walls. Pots of varying sizes can also define a space while adding color.

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… THE DECOR Use durable, mildew-resistant outdoor linens and throw pillows to infuse color and add a cozy touch to your space. You can also use found objects to give a garden room personality.

THE FLOOR There’s no rule that says you must have grass!

Your base could be flagstone, pavers, bricks, sand, or decks of differing heights. To spruce up an existing wood deck, simply add a new coat of paint. Outdoor area rugs are another amazing solution for adding pizzazz while defining a space’s perimeter. Just make sure to choose an outdoor rug made from hearty, weather-resistant materials.

THE LIGHT Installing low-voltage outdoor lighting, solar lamps, or even candles will add ambiance to any Northwest evening. Proper lighting will also help extend your outdoor time as long summer days give way to fall and winter. 

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DINE

8 Great Tastes · Dining Guide · Mixing Tin · Sip

No Reservations A New Drayton Harbor Oyster Company WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY LINDSEY MAJOR

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n the 30 minutes I spent chatting with owner Mark Seymour on the patio of Drayton Harbor Oyster Company in Blaine, I watched one of his boats farm fresh oysters in the bay, haul them on land, and deliver them to the restaurant for same-day service. This level of freshness means oysters so good that people come from all over the globe to taste them. As a result, Mark’s business has boomed so fast in the last four years that he’s already outgrown his first location and cut the ribbon on the second, right on Peace Portal Drive. … continued on next page

… A board inside Drayton Harbor Oyster Company tracks when the last oyster delivery was made and how long it takes the oysters to get from the ocean to the kitchen. The record? 13 minutes. A single farming trip can return 100 dozen oysters, delivered fresh during operating hours.

“Our customers are able to verify that these just came out of the water,” Mark says. “Loving seafood, I know that freshness makes or breaks it.”

The Oyster Company’s story is a bit complicated. Mark’s dad, Steve, owned the business in the mid-‘80s, but the bay was shut down in the ‘90s due to pollution. Steve’s business partner, Geoff Menzies, worked with Puget 70

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Sound Restoration Fund and their manager, Betsy Peabody, to restore the shellfish beds. The pair succeeded, and the bay reopened in the early 2000s.

Menzies kept the operation going until 2013, when Mark returned to the area and took over the business.

In 2015, Mark opened a small oyster bar, but quickly realized he would need more room. “2016 was like, holy sh*t, this is working,” Mark says. “2017 was like, ‘Oh God, we need a bigger place.”

The new oyster bar, just next-door to the first one, opened May 18 of this year.

Drayton Harbor’s unique location — less than a quarter-mile from the Canadian border — attracts guests from all over the world. With

tourism peaking in the summer, people come from as far as Singapore or Burgundy to enjoy Drayton Harbor’s oysters. “Talking to people that call themselves oyster connoisseurs, that have had oysters all over the globe, [hearing them] tell you that our product stands above everything else is pretty awesome.”

“I don’t want this to ever be called a restaurant,” Mark says. He takes pride in the Oyster Company’s relaxed atmosphere. “The reason that I have fun with this is because we don’t have a full menu. We’re like a really casual oyster bar. No reservations. Only a couple of tables,” he says. “I love having it feel like you’re at your friend’s house.” 

DINING KEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to $9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10–19 . . . . . . . . . . . . $20–29 . . . . . . . . $30 or greater . . . . . . . . . . . . Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brunch

9 is tailor-made for those seeking a place to grab a bite before heading back down the highway. The building is spacious, with two stories of seating and a colorful variety of snowboards decorating the wall. Their pizza is crafted on house-made artisan dough and cooked classically in a wood stone oven. The restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere and delicious menu make it a destination to try on your next trip to the slopes.

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DRAYTON HARBOR OYSTER COMPANY

. . . . . . . . . Family-Friendly . . . . . . . . . . . . . Takeout

685 Peace Portal Dr., Blaine 360.656.5958, draytonharboroysters.com

. . . . . . . . Outdoor Seating . . . . . . . . . . Reservations . . . . . . . . . . Happy Hour . . . . . . . . . New Review 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.

Seafood, Regional NW

11TH HOUR TEA & COFFEE BAR Tea, Coffee 833 N. State St., Bellingham 360.788.4229, 11thhourteaandcoffeebar.com 11th Hour Tea & Coffee Bar has an extensive menu of drinks around $3–5, with a variety of teas, golden milks, tea lattes, superfood lattes, and a full line of espresso items. The intimate space is cozy and encourages conversation between friends and strangers alike. The energy, menu, and location attract everyone from college students and families to healthminded folks.

BAYOU ON BAY Cajun, Creole 1300 Bay St., Bellingham 360.752.2968, bayouonbay.com Bayou On Bay serves a wide variety of classic Cajun/Creole dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boy sandwiches, and hush puppies, to name a few. A house-made remoulade, which accompanies many of the dishes, is worth the trip alone. The bar offers an extensive list of drink options. Bayou on Bay is a must for foodies as well as people just looking for a satisfying meal.

A board inside Drayton Harbor Oyster Company tracks when the last oyster delivery was made and how long it takes the oysters to get from the ocean to the kitchen. The record? 13 minutes. This level of freshness means oysters so good that people come from all over the globe to taste them. The intimate, casual setting will make you feel like you’re at a friend’s house.

CHAIR 9 WOODSTONE PIZZA & BAR American 10459 Mount Baker Hwy., Glacier 360.599.2511, chair9.com After a long day skiing or snowboarding from Mount Baker Ski Area’s eight chairlifts, Chair

Fireside is out to make a name for itself.

Their menu changes on an almost daily basis and uses only fresh, local ingredients.

Cocktails are based on in-house infusions of spirits, a collection found only at Fireside, and their beer options range from local to obscure to international.

HILLTOP RESTAURANT American

KEENAN’S AT THE PIER Northwest, American & Seafood

804 10th St., Bellingham 360.392.5510, thechrysalisinn.com Located inside the Chrysalis Inn & Spa in Fairhaven, Keenan’s at the Pier features fresh, local cuisine and a full bar. Keenan’s highlights the beauty and style of the Pacific Northwest with fresh ingredients that are seasonal and regionally sourced. Enjoy Bellingham Bay views from every table. Reservations are highly recommended.

LEADER BLOCK WINE CO. & EATERY Italian 2026 Main St., Ferndale 360.306.8998, leaderblock.com Leader Block pairs their extensive wine list with an Italian, from-scratch menu that emphasizes flavors of the region.

This upscale menu makes it a perfect spot for a date or special occasion, while the friendly Ferndale atmosphere and kids’ menu keeps it appropriate for family dinners as well.

THE MILL French 655 Front St., Lynden 360.778.2760, themilllynden.com The Mill is the type of place where one could spend a full afternoon grazing on cheeses, sipping cocktails, and enjoying a good book.

The bistro-like atmosphere gives the restaurant a European vibe without losing the welcoming small-town service of Lynden. The menu is full of bistro plates like fresh salads, paninis, soups, and, of course, meats and cheeses.

5645 Guide Meridian, Bellingham 360.398.2462, hilltopcooking.com Three years after Hilltop Restaurant opened, the small cafe turned into a classic diner open 14 hours a day, seven days a week, with delicious takes on all the classic diner eats. It’s the type of place where you’ll hear Ariana Grande’s music softly playing in the background while a waitress in a white apron asks if she can top off your still half-full coffee.

JALAPEÑOS MEXICAN GRILL Mexican 1007 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.656.6600 501 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.671.3099 2945 Newmarket Pl., Bellingham 360.778.2041, jalapenos-wa.com

DINE

416 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.738.1000, firesidemartini.com

Jalapeños Mexican Grill lures you in with promises of a cheap lunch special, but after looking at the menu, you won’t stop there.

There’s a variety of flavored mojitos and margaritas, and the “Big Mama” alone is proof that Jalapeños doesn’t play around with their drinks. The glasses are huge, and the drinks are good to the last drop.

Dining Guide

FIRESIDE MARTINI & WINE BAR Eclectic, Bar

WHATCOM

NICKI’S BAR AND GRILL/ NICKI’S BELLA MARINA American, Seafood

2615 S. Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham 360.332.2505, nickisbellamarina.com 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 Wet-Naps on the table), and flavorful.

PEPPER SISTERS Mexican, Pacific Northwest 1055 N. State St., Bellingham 360.671.3414, peppersisters.com Customers have been diving into their plentiful plates of comforting burritos, quesadillas, and other specialties since 1988. The spunky atmosphere only elevates the already upbeat mood of the place. With bright booths, samplings of art, and lively

September 2019 71

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music, it’s nearly impossible to feel sour.

Regular patrons groove to Stevie Wonder as they plunge their forks into massive burritos filled with red chili pesto, sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, potatoes, green chilies, and cheese.

RIFUGIO’S COUNTRY ITALIAN CUISINE Italian 5415 Mount Baker Hwy., Deming 360.592.2888, ilcafferifugio.com Rifugio’s brings fine dining to the “wilderness.”

Fifteen miles out on Mount Baker Highway, just past Deming, sits a funky old cafe that has been transformed into an oasis for foodies and coffee-lovers alike. Menu items befit their Italian name and the dinner menu changes weekly, begging for a second trip. A small covered deck with colorful lanterns sits adjacent to the dining room for your al fresco pleasure. Just beyond, in a meadow, sits a red deck used as a stage and centerpiece for special dinners under the stars.

SAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE Food truck See satm360.com for schedule and location 360.988.1800 If you haven’t yet heard of Sage Against the Machine, you will soon enough. Believed to be Bellingham’s first from-scratch, dairyfree, meat-free, and mostly gluten- and soy-free food truck, Sage Against the Machine has the power to convince the meatiest of meat-eaters that eating plant-based food can actually be enjoyable.

THE VAULT WINE BAR Bistro 277 G St., Blaine 360.392.0955, thevaultwine.com Incredibly fresh ingredients make this winecentric restaurant, located in a former bank building, a treat for the senses. Teller cages and desks have been replaced with a sleek marble bar top and custom-made tables.

Among many other delicious menu items, the talented kitchen produces flatbread-style pizza served on thick wooden trays, which helps keep the pie hot.

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

WAKE ‘N BAKERY American 6903 Bourne St., Glacier 360.599.1658, getsconed.com Wake ‘N Bakery is a staple rest stop along Mount Baker Highway. If you’re in need of a sweet treat and hot coffee to bring the feeling back to your numb fingers, this will fit the bill. Whether you’re traveling to or from the mountain, watch for its signs as you pass through Glacier — the cafe is about a block off the highway.

Dining Guide

DINE

SKAGIT A’TOWN BISTRO Regional NW

CULINARY EVENTS

418 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.899.4001, atownbistro.com A’Town Bistro’s careful sourcing of ingredients, creative approach to food and drinks, and comfortable atmosphere is why it’s about to become your new go-to restaurant. Pair your meal with something off the ever-changing cocktail menu. Bitters, shrubs, and syrup are made in-house and the creative cocktails are composed by staff or sourced from a collection of vintage bartending books.

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BOB’S CHOWDER BAR & BBQ SALMON Seafood, American

3320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.299.8000, bobschowderbarandbbqsalmon.com Treasured for its fresh and local seafood, Bob’s Chowder Bar & BBQ Salmon has long been a favorite dining destination in Anacortes.

The restaurant specializes in all-things seafood, from fried calamari to oyster burgers and grilled wild prawns. Pair your meal with a huckleberry or sarsaparilla soda, wine by the glass, hard cider, bottled beer, or a featured beer on tap.

COA MEXICAN EATERY Mexican 102 S. 10th St., Mount Vernon, 360.840.1938 214 Maple Ave., La Conner, 360.466.0267 coaeatery.com One bite of a taco or one sip of a margarita and you’re hooked.

This eatery offers frequent customer appreciation days, offering 50 percent off food if you pay in cash. Deals and good food — what more could you want? Even on a different night, with the choice of fajitas, burritos, chimichangas, or flan, you won’t be disappointed.

Farm-Infused Beer Tasting September 8, 5 P.M. As part of Whatcom Farm Tour Weekend, drop by Aslan Depot to try a flight of farm-inspired beers. Each brew is infused with seasonal produce locally sourced from farms in Whatcom County. These beers are limited, so try them before they disappear. A food truck will also be on site.

Aslan Depot 1322 N. State St., Bellingham aslandepot.com

Natural Wine Tasting & Bites September 8, 5 P.M. Keep Farm Tour Weekend rolling with a trip to Camber for their wine tasting fete. If you’ve ever wanted to try a wine that’s sustainably and organically farmed, this is your chance. A ticket gets you a tasting of natural, local wines as well as hors d’oeuvres and desserts.

Camber 221 W. Holly St., Bellingham cambercoffee.com

Mark Ryan Winery Winemaker Dinner September 20, 5:30 P.M.

ENCORE* Epicurean Dining 5984 North Darrk Ln., Bow 360.724.0124, theskagit.com/encore 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.

SALT & VINE French 913 6th St., Anacortes 360.293.2222 An international cheese, wine, and charcuterie shop, Salt & Vine offers the best of both worlds. It’s a boutique artisan grocery where you can sit down and enjoy the offerings, and then, if something tickles your fancy, you can take it home to enjoy later. While some choose to grab-n-go, others decide to stay a while. The cozy, intimate environment works great for a date night or happy hour with friends.

This five-course dinner event kicks off with a glass of wine or bubbly and appetizers. Each course then comes with a carefully selected wine — if you fall in love, bottles are available for purchase at a steep discount. Winemakers will be in attendance to answer questions and provide information.

Semiahmoo Resort 9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy., Blaine semiahmoo.com

Truffle Making Class September 27, 6 P.M. Master chocolatier Karen Neugebauer and her team of chocolate artisans teach a variety of chocolate classes, including this one on making truffles. Learn how to create traditional, rolled, and molded/dipped truffles. The best part? Everyone takes home a box of truffle goodies.

Forté Chocolates 1400 Riverside Dr., Suite D, Mount Vernon fortechocolates.com September 2019 73

SHAMBALA BAKERY & BISTRO American 614 S. 1st Ave., Mount Vernon 360.588.6600, shambalabakery.com Crack open Shambala Bakery and Bistro’s menu to find all-day breakfast options and an array of sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and lighter fare items such as quiche and soup.

Their daily specials take advantage of what’s in season.

Swim Club Bramble Ingredients: Gin, house-made cranberry mulled wine syrup, lemon, pebble ice. $10

SKAGIT VALLEY’S FARMHOUSE American 13724 Laconner Whitney Rd., Mount Vernon 360.466.4411, thefarmhouserestaurant.net Craving home-cooked food but don’t want to make it yourself? Skagit Valley’s Farmhouse may be what you’re looking for.

When first entering the building, you walk past a mouthwatering pie showcase and through a gift shop that has the perfect items for Ma and Pa. The decor is reminiscent of country living. Even though their breakfasts are famous, try their lunch and dinner menus as well — when you eat here, you’re home.

THIRD STREET CAFE Mexican 309 S. 3rd St., Mount Vernon 360.542.5022, csquare.coop Third Street Cafe stands out from the many other restaurants serving locally procured, organic dishes. The menu offers a range of dishes from simple to fancier options. Burgers and fried oysters are listed alongside pork belly lollipops and roasted beet salad.

TRUMPETER PUBLIC HOUSE Gastropub

© Kelly Pearce

416 Myrtle St., Mount Vernon 360.588.4515, trumpeterpublichouse.com

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undle up against the early fall chill and take a high dive into this rich, spiced cocktail that you can cuddle up with all evening. Swim Club Wet Bar, Fairhaven’s south-of-Francethemed lounge, offers a year-round beverage whose flavor and name will have you ready for autumn. The Bramble is as gorgeous as it is tasty.

It’s full-bodied and flavorful, but the ice and lemon add a lightness that guarantees you’ll finish it feeling refreshed. Strong cinnamon, sugar, and clove notes come through from 74

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their house-made syrup, which is the best way to welcome fall.

Use the outdoor seating on a sunny September day, or cozy up on their rose-colored booths. It’s classy and comfortable all in one: Perfect for taking yourself or friends out on the town. Swim Club is also eco-friendly, serving metal straws in every drink. Swim on over this September — you won’t want to leave. Kelly Pearce 1147 11th St., Bellingham swimclubbar.com

Trumpeter is an ideal combination of high-end, fine dining, and English pub fare. Try traditional pub selections or more unique seafood-style choices. Additionally, Trumpeter looks to accommodate all tastes with gluten-free dishes, and the option to make any dish gluten-free. Of course, a pub isn’t complete without beer and Trumpeter completes the dining experience with 18 taps of local and European brews.

THE UNION TAVERN — LOCAL 902 American 902 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.873.8245, theuniontavern-local902.com Patrons can get the perfect-size dish in a flavor profile to satisfy any craving. With plenty of beers on rotation, there’s the basics plus a surprise or two. Cocktails are another highlight — you won’t find Red Bull vodkas or overly sweetened Mai Tais here. The staff uses fresh juice, quality spirits, and house-made sours and grenadine. Staffers are encouraged to create their own cocktails, and the tastiest concoctions get a place on the menu.

Sip

DINE

Stemma Brewing Co. Joins Our Beer Family WRITTEN BY NEAL TOGNAZZINI | PHOTOS COURTESY STEMMA BREWING COMPANY

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decade ago, the greater Bellingham area was home to just four breweries: Boundary Bay, Chuckanut, North Fork on Mount Baker Highway, and FrankN-Stein Pub, which was in Ferndale but closed in 2012. Despite a comparatively modest population growth of about 10,000 people over those ten years, the number of breweries is now in the teens, with more on the way. Among cities in the Pacific Northwest, Bellingham has the third most breweries per capita, after Portland and Bend. Beer drinkers in this area are both thirsty and knowledgeable, which means that new breweries have the unenviable task of living up to high expectations.

Enter Jason and Kim Harper, who happily accepted this challenge when they opened Stemma Brewing Company in June. Stemma — a family-oriented company whose name comes from a Latin word translating to “written family genealogy” — has introduced itself to the community over the past nine months through collaboration brews and beer festivals, but its taproom at 2039 Moore Street is now up and running. Judging by the taste of their first seven brews — four IPAs, a milk stout, an amber, and a farmhouse brewed in collaboration with Atwood Ales in Blaine — the folks behind Stemma have easily risen to the challenge, and more delicious beers are on the way. Future brews will include a gose, a porter, a helles, and a hazy IPA. Jason, who is co-owner and head brewer, is no stranger to the beer world. In addition to his experience as an awardwinning homebrewer and beer judge, he comes from a job at Dickerson Distributors, where he gained access to the sort of data — on sales trends, for example — that can help a new brewery shape its portfolio. The romance of craft beer — as

a handmade, artisanal, hyper-local product — is often at the forefront of the consumer’s mind, but breweries are businesses too. Fortunately for Stemma, Jason knows which beers taste good as well as which beers sell well.

Stemma’s taproom is also shaping up to be a cool neighborhood hangout. Despite its location near I-5 and just blocks from the car dealerships on Iowa Street, the taproom has a low-key, peaceful atmosphere, with a few particularly notable features. For one, Stemma’s branding, which is reflected in the decoration of their taproom, is a breath of fresh, pastel-colored air. This may seem like a small thing, but in an industry dominated by an industrial and starkly masculine aesthetic, I really appreciate Stemma’s lighter touch.

Jason and Kim — who have two young children of their own — have also gone out of their way to create a family-friendly environment. The taproom is stocked with highchairs, changing tables, games, and even Dad’s root beer.

Not to mention the free Wi-Fi. Although Stemma doesn’t make any food itself, Mr. Frank’s food truck is on-site seven days a week, serving up wings, burgers, and sandwiches. You are also welcome to bring your own food into the taproom.

Perhaps the most charming feature of the taproom is Calypso, the resident cat whose animated likeness is part of Stemma’s branding, and who wanders the taproom, ready to purr contentedly in your lap.

If Bellingham continues adding breweries as well-conceived as Stemma, perhaps we’ll soon catch up to Portland for breweries per capita. Not that the statistic matters, though.

Regardless of where Bellingham ranks on that list, there will always be plenty of amazing beer to go around.  September 2019 75

DINE Restaurant Review

Miracles on the 11th Hour 11th Hour Tea & Coffee Bar WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY SAM FLETCHER

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ridget Gallaghur opened 11th Hour Tea & Coffee Bar in January 2018. The shop’s name has personal meaning to Gallaghur, who has often felt the stress of life bubble to the surface during the 11th hour — the metaphorical last minute. It was her mother who inspired her to embrace the concept instead of fear it, suggesting that the 11th hour can be a time of miracles.

Since this shift in mentality, the number 11 has appeared regularly in Gallaghur’s life: in store sales, in tip dollars, everywhere.

“I’ll see 11, and 11 will remind me — you’ll be OK,” Gallaghur says. “Hang in there.”

For those seeking calm and refuge during their own 11th hour, Gallghur’s shop may be the perfect place to go. Large windows bathe the space in natural light, and the walls are decorated with local artwork and potted plants. The staff is warm and affable, creating a cozy and relaxed place to study, read, or share a coffee with friends.

The menu boasts an assortment of drinks around $3–5, with a variety of teas, golden milks, tea lattes, superfood lattes, and a full line of espresso items. The bar subscribes to Stumptown Coffee Roasters, for their commitment to third-wave artisanal coffee.

I had the Blue Chamomile, a new matcha beverage made from butterfly pea flowers, a caffeine-free herbal tea. The drink was foamy like a latte, but bright blue in color with a sweet and earthy taste.

Despite her dedication to making great-tasting beverages, Gallaghur views 11th hour Tea & Coffee Bar as more than a place to enjoy a good drink. To her, it’s about building connections.

“I love engaging with people, and I like the energy here,” she says. “It’s very intimate — that’s what I like. So I just throw in some beverages to go with it.”  833 N. State St., Bellingham 360.788.4229 | 11thhourteaandcoffeebar.com

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SAN JUAN

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CAPTAIN WHIDBEY INN American 2072 Captain Whidbey Inn Rd., Coupeville 360.678.4097, captainwhidbey.com The entire menu features down-to-earth items that are reasonably priced, locally sourced, and well-balanced. While the inn does serve as a special-occasion spot, folks dressed in shorts and a T-shirt are also welcomed. Built in 1907, Captain Whidbey Inn is a historical gem.

GREAT TASTES

DOE BAY CAFÉ American 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 mission of 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.

The following selections have made it past our taste bud test and into our top eight this issue. Step out and give them a try.

You won’t be disappointed.

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SAN JUAN ISLAND BREWING CO. American 410 A St., Friday Harbor 360.378.2017, sanjuanbrew.com At San Juan Island Brewing Company all the brews are named after San Juan-inspired concepts, and if you can’t decide what brew to try, order a sampler. If they weren’t in the business of brewing, San Juan Island Brewery would be in the business of pizza. Order one of their wood stone pizzas and you won’t be disappointed. The thin crust is crispy on the bottom, but still soft and chewy.

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VINNY’S RISTORANTE Seafood 165 West St., Friday Harbor 360.378.1934, vinnysfridayharbor.com Ciao! Vinny’s welcomes diners to their Friday Harbor Ristorante, mirroring the feel of this warm Italian restaurant. Dishes change monthly and reflect the desire to serve simple, gourmet Pacific Northwest seafood and modern comfort Italian. As well as a good selection of pastas, Vinny’s has seafood and meat entrees, many of them traditional favorites. The cocktail list includes the classics, along with some fun offerings.

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Treat yourself to a hearty breakfast at Homeskillet with their savory, mouth-watering Pulled Pork Tater Tot Hash.

Don’t forget to top off your morning feast with two large eggs — sunny side up!

The E’gg Salad Sandwich from Wild Oat Bakery & Cafe is so good, you’ll forget it’s vegan.

Topped with fresh sprouts and stuffed in a pita pocket, this sandwich makes for a satisfying lunch. A gluten-free bun is available for substitute.

For those looking for a healthy bite, stop by the Culture Cafe at Kombucha Town during happy hour for their yummy yam Town Tacos. The iconic pairing — cilantro lime cream and kombucha slaw — makes these tacos hard to forget.

In the picturesque town of Friday Harbor, enjoy a fulfilling lunch at the Cask and Schooner. The appropriately named Island Burger comes with the usuals — lettuce, tomatoes, and onions — but it’s the jalapeno aioli that makes this meal burst with flavor.

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Some mornings are sweeter than others. At Billy’s Cafe in Burlington, you can experience delight any day with a plate of their deliciously fluffy Cinnamon Roll French Toast.

With summer coming to an end, we must bid the warmth farewell. If you’re looking for a different kind of heat, visit Asian 1 for the spicy Pad Kee Mao, a perfect blend of wide rice noodles and sauteed veggies.

After a drink or two on an empty stomach, you’ll be in dire need of a quick bite.

Stop by the Redlight Bar for a taste of their hand-made Sesame Pork Wontons, served with a delectable sesame-ginger sauce.

There’s nothing more charming than an evening spent at Pacioni’s Italian Restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Mount Vernon. With fresh and locally sourced ingredients, the White Chicken Pizza is a delicacy that can’t be missed. Ray Garcia

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Featured Events · Listings · The Scene · Lasting Image

Prost! It’s Time to Celebrate Oktoberfest

© Kulshan Brewing Company

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n 1810, Bavaria’s Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.

Their wedding celebration took place in the fields near Munich’s city gates, with attractions including swings, horse races, and beer stands.

The party was so good, people decided to repeat the festivities the next year. Like this, Oktoberfest was born. Although the original celebration lasted only five days, the festivities continued year after year, eventually morphing into the two-week-long extravaganza we know today.

Traditionally, the festival always concludes on the first Sunday in October. As it grew over time, people chose to start the action earlier, in September, when the weather is typically warmer and the days are longer. This is why, despite its name, the majority of Oktoberfest takes place in September. To set your calendar for all things hoppy, here is a list of places to lift a celebratory pint this month. … continued on next page

AGENDA Events

… CHUCKANUT OKTOBERFEST SEPTEMBER 14, 1 P.M.–10 P.M.

Bring the kids to the family-friendly Chuckanut Oktoberfest at North Nut. While listening to oom-pah bands and savoring a refreshing pint, play giant Jenga or cornhole with the kids. Beer, brats, and pretzels are available for purchase. Be sure to don your dirndl or lederhosen and enter the costume contest. Entrance is $1 per person; children 10 and under are free.

601 W. Holly St., Bellingham chuckanutbreweryandkitchen.com OKTOBERFEST AT KULSHAN SEPTEMBER 21, 3 P.M.

Do you have the strength to hold up a liter stein? Find out at Oktoberfest at Kulshan Brewing Company’s Roosevelt location. Sit at long brew-house tables decked out in blue and white and toast your tablemates with festival beers, including pints from other Bellingham breweries. Polka music, brats, and pretzels complete the Bavarian mood. Adults over 21 only.

1538 Kentucky St., Bellingham kulshanbrewing.com SAN JUAN CRUISES OKTOBERFEST CRUISES SEPTEMBER 27 & 28, 6:30 P.M.

Hop aboard the Victoria Star 2 with San Juan Cruises for an Oktoberfestinspired jaunt around the bay. Sip a pint of Boundary Bay Brewery’s fall and harvest beers while dining on delicious German bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato salad, and more. Tickets are $49.

355 Harris Ave., Bellingham whales.com BELLINGHAM OKTOBERFEST SEPTEMBER 27, 6:30 P.M.–10 P.M.

Held in the Depot Market Square, Bellingham Oktoberfest benefits the Opportunity Council and the Volunteer Center of Whatcom County. The Bavarian bash includes around 20 beers, a cider tasting, live music, costume contest, and games. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and come with five tasting tickets and a souvenir glass.

1100 Railroad Ave., Bellingham oppco.org/oktoberfest

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CASINOS

CLASSICAL

THE MICHELLE TAYLOR BAND

ALASDAIR FRASER AND NATALIE HAAS

SEPTEMBER 6–7, 9 P.M.

SEPTEMBER 19, 7 P.M.

Performing at back-to-back shows, the Michelle Taylor Band visits the Swinomish Casino for two rockin’ nights filled with music ranging from bluesy, country tunes to contemporary music. Having released their first original album “Dirty Love” in fall 2018, the band offers upbeat songs such as “One Foot in the Gutter” and “Trashy Queen.”

Alasdair Fraser — Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame inductee — and Natalie Haas — Juilliard School of Music alumna — offer a high-spirited partnership between fiddle and cello that blends the lines between classic chamber music and lively dance tunes. The duo was awarded the Scots Trad Music “Album of the Year” in 2004 for their debut recording, “Fire & Grace.”

Swinomish Casino & Lodge 12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes 888.288.8883 swinomishcasinoandlodge.com

Sylvia Center for the Arts 205 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.739.7027, sylviacenterforthearts.org

CRUISE-IN

AN EVENING WITH GEORGE WINSTON

SEPTEMBER 7, 9 A.M.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2 P.M.

Take a leisurely stroll down memory lane at the Northwood Casino’s car show, featuring a variety of old-fashioned vehicles sure to stir up a sense of nostalgia. There is a $200 cash prize for the winners of the Peoples’ Choice and Best in Show awards — you must register to be eligible.

Celebrating the release of his 15th solo piano album, “Restless Wind,” George Winston brings his U.S. tour to McIntyre Hall for a lovely afternoon of musical solace. For more than 40 years, Winston has inspired both fans and musicians with his compelling compositions that evoke feelings of adventure and wanderlust, giving listeners the opportunity to experience momentary bliss in their busy lives.

Northwood Casino 9750 Northwood Rd., Lynden 877.777.9847 ext. 7111 northwoodcasino.com NIGHT RANGER

McIntyre Hall 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon 360.416.7727, mcintyrehall.org

SEPTEMBER 13–14, 8 P.M.

Want a legendary night with rock stars?

Skagit Casino is hosting the iconic band Night Ranger for a performance of a lifetime. With more than 17 million albums sold worldwide and a radio audience of a whopping one billion, the band earned its place as a rock and roll powerhouse.

The Skagit Casino 5984 North Darrk Ln., Bow 877.275.2448, theskagit.com AIR SUPPLY SEPTEMBER 21, 8 P.M.

Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock met in 1975 during a rehearsal of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Since then, the talented trailblazers of Air Supply left their mark in the music industry, having sold more than 20 million copies of their albums “Lost in Love,” “The One That You Love,” “Now & Forever,” and “The Greatest Hits.”

Tulalip Resort Casino 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip 888.272.1111, tulalipresortcasino.com

MUSIC IN MOTION SEPTEMBER 29, 3 P.M.

Experience the start of the symphony season with this energetic and highlydynamic concert at Mount Baker Theatre. The internationally-renowned pianist Jon Kimura Parker partners with the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra in a powerful performance showcasing the classical works of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, ‍Jules Massenet, and ‍Arturo Márquez. A pre-concert lecture will be held at 2:15 p.m. in the Walton Theatre — space is limited.

Mount Baker Theatre 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.756.6752, bellinghamsymphony.org

CONCERTS MAILE MAE SEPTEMBER 7, 9 P.M.

Maile Mae has returned from Ashland, Alabama with a self-titled album debut to share with the Pacific Northwest.

Drawing inspiration from artists such

• • • •

Charles Dickens’

A Christmas Carol Directed by Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey Tickets: Adults $23 Students $12 Student Rush $5 (at door only) *Thursday is Pay What You Can

(360) 378-3210 sjctheatre.org

December 14 (Lopez Island) December 15 (Orcas Island) December 19*-22 (San Juan Island)

AGENDA Events as Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert, and Ashton Shepherd, the country singer has toured through Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada. Catch her at Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon!

Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood 360.629.6500, locobillys.com SVER SEPTEMBER 10, 7 P.M.

SVER, a Norwegian folk band, has found a way to make grand electric sounds with strings, an accordion, and hand drums. Their genre fusion of pop, reggae, and hip-hop—with an overall folk vibe—means there is something for every listener. Their music is groovy and fantastical, grounding you in the pub scene while lifting your dreams to the clouds overhead.

Wild Buffalo House of Music 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net TWRP WITH GUESTS SEPTEMBER 15, 8 P.M.

The Shakedown 1212 N. State St., Bellingham 360.778.1067 shakedownbellingham.com HARPDOG BROWN ALBUM RELEASE PARTY SEPTEMBER 21, 7 P.M.

Vancouver-based electric blues musician Harpdog Brown returns to The Conway Muse for an exclusive debut of his new album. Experience an original twist of a classic New Orleans Blues sound with harmonica, piano, and brass instruments from a band who considers blues the truth and can’t help but spread it.

The Conway Muse 18444 Spruce St., Conway 360.445.3000, conwaymuse.com

THEATRE THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR SEPTEMBER 1, 11 A.M.

Enjoy a late morning filled with laughs at this film screening of William 82

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© Mount Baker Theatre

TWRP — or Tupper Ware Remix Party, but pronounced “twerp” — is a Canadian rock band. Their real identities may be unknown, as they always don brash, futuristic costumes, but their comedic rock style is far from bashful. Come for a night you won’t forget!

Rent 20th Anniversary Tour

Shakespeare’s English comedy. With humorous innuendos and elaborate disguises, the play follows Sir John Falstaff as he attempts to woo the wealthy Mistress Page and Mistress Ford — both of whom catch on to Falstaff’s intentions, deciding to get revenge on the suitor for their own amusement.

Revolution — with notable performances

by Maria Ewing as Blanche de la Force and Régine Crespin, in her final Met appearance, as Madame de Croissy.

Pickford Film Center 1318 Bay St., Bellingham 360.738.0735, pickfordfilmcenter.org

RENT 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

DIALOGUES DES CARMELITES SEPTEMBER 8, 2 P.M.

The San Juan Community Theatre provides an enriching experience with their screening of Francis Poulenc’s only full-length opera as performed

by New York’s Metropolitan Opera.

The theatrical performance follows the tale of a group of nuns caught in the chaos surrounding the French

Whittier Theatre 100 2nd St., Friday Harbor 360.378.3210, sjctheatre.org

SEPTEMBER 23, 7:30 P.M.

The Mount Baker Theatre will be hosting Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning show, RENT. Returning to the stage for its 20th anniversary, the touring production celebrates friendship and love, providing audiences with an inspirational message that champions hope in the face of adversity.

Mount Baker Theatre 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS SEPTEMBER 29, 1 P.M.

CULTIVATING MINDFUL COMPASSION WEEKEND WORKSHOP

Don’t miss Lincoln Theatre’s screening of “One Man, Two Guvnors,” which is sure to fill your day with smiles and laughs. Starring James Corden, the host of “The Late Late Show,” the audience will follow Corden in his Tony awardwinning performance while enjoying the cheery musical production of Grant Olding.

SEPTEMBER 14–15, 9 A.M.

Lincoln Theatre 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon 360.419.7129, lincolntheatre.org

Samish Center for Mindful Compassion 10641 Samish Island Rd., Bow amypatteecolvin.com

MY FAIR LADY

RUN WITH THE CHUMS 5K FUN RUN & 1K SMOLT SPRINT

In this classic musical, phonetics professor Henry Higgins takes on the task of transforming the working -class Eliza Doolittle into a noblewoman within high society. Despite Higgins’ pompous persona, he and Doolittle build an unexpected bond — one that is put in jeopardy by an aristocratic suitor. The show is rated G with an estimated running time of two hours and 30 minutes.

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

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

MON SEPT 23 S PONSORS

SEPTEMBER 14, 10 A.M.

BP Highlands Between Jackson Rd. & Whitehorne Rd., Blaine 360.526.2381, whatcomcd.org

SAT NOV 23

ORCAS ISLAND ÖDYSSEY SWIMRUN SEPTEMBER 22, TIMES VARY

S PONSOR

The Bellingham Senior Activity Center hosts regular hikes for the beginning stroller to the seasoned athlete. Journey out to Little Cranberry Lake to exercise, socialize, and enjoy the scenery.

Bellingham Senior Activity Center 315 Halleck St., Bellingham 360.733.4030, geezerhiker.com

Camp Moran 3572 Olga Rd., Olga odysseyswimrun.com

SEPTEMBER 3, 8:30 A.M.

Kate Riordan

What’s better than celebrating both personal and environmental health in a beautiful area? This run — or walk, if you prefer — traverses a scenic loop above the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve and Point Whitehorn. Move through dense forest, the open coast, and farmland while focusing on orca recovery and the overall livelihood of our region and people.

Inspired by island-to-island races in Sweden, the Ödyssey SwimRun is an intense combined swimming and running competition on beautiful Orcas Island.

Compete in the 20-mile-long course as a team or in the 10-mile course, either solo or as a team. This race is for strong open water swimmers and confident runners.

HAPPY WANDERERS HIKE

Photos: Amy Guip

DATES AND TIMES VARY

Come to a weekend workshop designated to strengthening resilience, embracing kindness, and ridding yourself of judgement and criticism. The course explores Taoist meditation, mudra meditation, and guided meditation, and will feature large group discussions and smaller paired activities.

ROMANCE! ADVENTU RE!

GERSHWIN!

SUN JAN 19

WANT YOUR EVENT POSTED? Events are posted on a first-come first-serve basis. Submissions must be received four weeks prior to the event with all the necessary information.

Please submit event name, dates, times, short 40-word description, cover charge or ticket price, event venue including street address, a phone number, and a website. Any event from Seattle to Vancouver will be considered with priority placed on listings from Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties.

Bellingham Alive is not responsible for errors in submissions. Please email all submissions to events@bellinghamalive.com.

Condi-

tions Always Perfect

S PONSOR

Lois & Bob Nicholl

Season Sponsor

360.734.6080 MOUNT BAKER THEATRE.COM

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AGENDA Top Picks

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER

Archipelago Collective’s Chamber Music Festival San Juan Island archipelagocollective.org

Playwrights Festival Gubelman Theatre, Friday Harbor sjctheatre.org

19–28

© Dana Jackson

© San Juan Community Theatre

6–8

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER

8

SEPTEMBER

Patti LaBelle and The Pointer Sisters Tulalip Resort Casino, Tulalip tulalipresortcasino.com

Almost Equinox Sunset Walk Turtleback Mountain Preserve, Eastsound sjpt.org

SEPTEMBER

15

21 SEPTEMBER

Diana Krall Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham mountbakertheatre.com

Pecha Kucha Night: Untold Stories of Strong Women Museum of Northwest Art, La Conner monamuseum.org

21 SEPTEMBER

21–22

© Mount Baker Theatre

Bellingham SeaFeast Zuanich Point Park, Bellingham bellinghamseafeast.org

18–28 84

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DjangoFest NW Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, Langley djangofest.com

© SeaFeast

SEPTEMBER

SPECIAL EVENTS SH’BANG! A FESTIVAL OF IDEAS SEPTEMBER 6–8, 12 P.M.

Looking to find a soapbox derby, circus, dozens of live bands and performers, art installations, dance parties, and pirates, all in one event? Look no further than Sh’Bang! A Festival of Ideas. Hosted at the Lookout Arts Quarry, be prepared for a busy weekend of music, arts, and fun in the outdoors.

Lookout Arts Quarry 246 Old Highway 99 N., Bellingham shbangfest.com

Whatcom Artist Studio Tour

COME SEE WHERE CREATIVITY BEGINS!

IMAGINE MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 12–15, TIMES VARY

The 5th Annual Imagine Music and Arts Festival is almost here! The fourday event will feature wellness, yoga, movement, and dance workshops and cover a breadth of genres in its musician and DJ lineup. Located at Doe Bay Resort on beautiful Orcas Island, this weekend festival isn’t one to miss.

Doe Bay Resort 107 Doe Bay Rd., Olga imagineorcasisland.com

First 2 weekends in October ✽ Oct. 5,6 & 12,13 A FREE SELF-GUIDED ART TOUR

Visit our website for additional information and Google Maps with easy locators for all the studios!

For more info: studiotour.net facebook.com/WhatcomArtistStudioTour

WINE, CHOCOLATE, & CHEESE AFTERNOON SEPTEMBER 15, 2 P.M.

Enjoy local cheeses, wines, and chocolates hosted at the family-owned Samson Estates Winery in the Nooksack Valley. Special selections and pairings will be featured at this 2nd annual event.

Samson Estates Winery 1861 Van Dyk Rd., Everson 360.966.7787, samsonestates.com OYSTER RUN MOTORCYCLE RIDE SEPTEMBER 22, 9 A.M.

Join thousands riding their motorcycles to Anacortes for a day of food vendors and community. See performances by the Seattle Cossacks Motorcycle Drill Team and the Whidbey Island Roller Girls and hear blues and Americana music by the Jelly Rollers. Don’t miss the 38th year of “the largest motorcycle run in the Pacific Northwest.” Ride safe.

Downtown Anacortes Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.435.9103, oysterrun.org

An Acoustic Evening with Al Stewart #1 Hits

“Year of the Cat” “On the Border” “Time Passages” “Nostradamus”

“Finessed with distinctive, old world sound and history-minded imagery” — Knight Rider Newspaper

Thursday, November 7, 2019 7:30 pm

100 Second Street, Friday Harbor sjctheatre.org | (360) 378-3210

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© Fremont Oktoberfest

AGENDA Events

OUT OF TOWN SEATTLE TONY BENNETT SEPTEMBER 7, TIME 8 P.M.

At 93 years old, Tony’s still kicking it.

Experience an evening of the best from the illustrious career of a man who has won 19 Grammy Awards and performed for 11 presidents. It’s sure to sell out, so act quickly!

Paramount Theatre 911 Pine St., Seattle 206.682.1414, stgpresents.org FREMONT OKTOBERFEST SEPTEMBER 20–22, TIMES VARY

Celebrate the coming of autumn with a selection of more than 100 craft beers at Seattle’s biggest fall beer event. On Sunday, check out “Dogtoberfest,” and don’t forget the pup! Need a stretch with your beer? There’s a yoga class on the main stage.

© Vancouver International Film Festival

Fremont Oktoberfest

Fremont Phinney Ave N., Seattle 206.633.0422, fremontoktoberfest.com

VANCOUVER ELTON JOHN’S FINAL TOUR SEPTEMBER 21, 8 P.M.

Elton John is saying farewell to the yellow brick road with a four-year tour spanning five continents. This concert will reflect on and celebrate his 50-year music career which earned him the Grammy Legend Award and sold over 300 million records. Fans, don’t miss it.

Rogers Arena 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver 604.899.7400, rogersarena.com VIFF OPENING NIGHT SEPTEMBER 26, 7 P.M.

Join the cinephile community on the red carpet for the opening night of the 38th Annual Vancouver International Film Festival. Enjoy over 300 works of the best of world cinema from over 70 countries at one of North America’s largest cinematic festivals. It’s ongoing in multiple venues until October 11.

VIFF Opening Night

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The Centre for Performing Arts 777 Homer St., Vancouver 604.683.3456, viff.org

The Scene

AGENDA

BACON & KEGS FESTIVAL On August 11, Depot Market Square filled with the smell of sizzling bacon.

The cause? Whatcom Center for Early Learning’s second annual Bacon & Kegs Festival. Despite a rainy start, more than 500 people showed up to enjoy baconcentric items from vendors and sip brews from various PNW breweries and cideries.

The event featured live music from Black Water and Baby Cakes, pig-themed games, a photo-booth, and a 50-50 raffle. Whatcom Center for Early Learning helps children up to three years old who experience developmental disabilities and delays. Last year, proceeds from Bacon & Kegs helped establish a new location in Ferndale. This year, the event raised roughly $12,000.

Becky Mandelbaum Photos Š Cooper Hansley

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© Mark Kienzle

NOTES Lasting Image

“I’ve always been fascinated by passenger trains, with their distinct reflection of nostalgia and mystery. Distant silhouettes framed in Lionel-sized picture windows glide along the rails with plumes of the past in their wake and the unreachable vanishing point ahead.”

MARK KIENZLE, SUDDEN VALLEY

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.

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S I P. T A S T E . S A V O R . R E P E A T.

C A S IN O• R E S O R T

The new Panamera GTS Sport Turismo Courage changes everything

Porsche Bellingham 2200 Iowa Street Bellingham, WA 98229 Tel: (360) 734-5230 www.porschebellingham.com Š2019 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times.

European model shown. Some options may not be available in the U.S.