Dining Guide Taste
8
DOE BAY CAFÉ American 107 Doe Bay Rd., Olga 360.376.8059, doebay.com
GREAT
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.
TASTES
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.
1
ISLAND SKILLET Homestyle 325 Prune Alley, Eastsound, 360.376.3984 Beloved by loyal patrons for its large portions and casual, customizable meals, Island Skillet is a must-stop for anyone visiting Orcas Island. A rustic metal rooster outside the entrance sets the tone. Start the day with a skillet breakfast complete with a bottomless cup of coffee. Sandwiches rule the lunch menu, and you can choose from a lengthy list of sides and customizations for most items, so you can totally have it your way.
2
SALTY FOX COFFEE American 85 Front St., Friday Harbor 360.622.2486, saltyfoxcoffee.com When owner Andrea Hampton put together her coffee shop’s food menu, she worked hard to create items that were easy to make, but still healthy and satisfying. She wanted to be able to serve ferry riders on a time schedule, along with locals who come in for breakfast or lunch. Guests can take anything to go, including sealed wine and beer, much of which is locally made on the island.
3
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.
4
The Finn pizza at La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza is one of my all-time favorite Bellingham slices. It’s a delicious treat after wandering the farmers market or grabbing a drink downtown. With shrimp, artichoke hearts, and pesto in place of marinara sauce, this pie is uniquely delicious. Skagit River Brewery offers up so much more than great beer. This beloved Mount Vernon establishment makes mean burgers and sandwiches, including the Hopback Chicken sandwich. Breaded or baked chicken comes on soft focaccia with all the fixings. Dragon River in downtown Bellingham specializes in family-style Sichuan and Northeastern Chinese cuisine. Diners would be remiss not to add a plate of the Honey Glazed Pork to their meal. Thinly sliced pork is glazed in honey sauce for a crispy and sweet experience. The next time you’re at Train Wreck Bar & Grill in Burlington, try the Cashew Chicken Salad. Asian slaw, mandarin oranges, chicken, and a generous portion of cashews combine for a refreshing salad that’s simultaneously light and hearty.
5 6 7 8
What may seem like a simple corn tortilla with filling is so much more at Bellingham’s Morazan Salvadorian Restaurant. Their Chicken and Cheese Pupusas are a heavenly experience sure to please your stomach. A truly authentic experience, the pupusas are made to order every time you come in. The Woolley Market in SedroWoolley has an incredible deli, offering tons of delicious sandwiches. The Market Cuban is by far my favorite. Served on Avenue French bread, it’s packed with house-roasted pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, ham, and crunchy pickles. If you’re craving sushi, make a beeline to Fujisan Sushi in downtown Fairhaven. Although every roll looks too beautiful to eat, the Rainbow Roll is especially appealing and is also easy to share. Start it off with a bowl of miso soup for a fresh, satisfying meal. There’s no better book browsing companion than a hot beverage. Evolve Chocolate + Cafe in Village Books offers a variety of options, including a Chocolate Latte. Made with 85% dark chocolate, it’s like drinking a brownie with a bold kick of espresso. THE EDITORIAL TEAM
March 2020 109