Bellingham Alive March 2023

TOP REMODEL TRENDS 2023 Pros To Know Gardening Tips and Trends North Sound’s Iconic Eats

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Contents

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If your living space is overdue for a makeover, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve saved you the research by talking to some of our favorite home pros, and they’ve given us a list of styles and trends they’re excited to see more of in 2023. The final result is page after page of inspiration for four key rooms—the entryway, kitchen, bathroom, and living room— plus interviews and extras with local designers. Aesthetic opinions might vary, but one thing is certain across the board: Functionality never goes out of style.

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Photo by Nic Aston

Top Remodel Trends

MARCH 2023 STYLE

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Heard Around the Sound Babygreens Wings Over Water Festival For Goodness Cakes Ramen & Bowl Local Video Content Monthly Giveaway

20

Community Eryn Elyse McVay

32

Savvy Shopper Minted Method 34

Necessities Gardening Apparel

36

Local Find PHIA Handmade

Photo by Cocoa Laney

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80

Chef’s Corner Keenan’s at the Pier

81

Dining Guide

82

Local Find Soy House

84

Culinary Events

86

Mixing Tin Jack’s

87

Local Find Mariposa Taqueria

88

Sip Darach Brewing Co.

89

8 Great Tastes

AGENDA

Q&A Salon Bellissima

92

Top Picks Los Lobos 93

TASTE

22

Review Goat Mountain Pizza

Local Events

SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Since Time Immemorial Cu-se-ma-at Cathy Ballew Game Changer The AIROW Project

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25

Book Notes Reviews and Events

NOTES

25

This Month in Bellinghistory

4

Online Exclusive

6

Editor’s Letter

8

Contributors

11

Letters to the Editor

12

Meet the Team

96

Lasting Image

26

Spotlight Kristin Loffer Theiss

27

Community Her Connection Hub

28

5 Faves Rainy Day Distractions

Photo by Cocoa Laney

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76

Iconic Eats

Pros To Know

March 2023 3

Courtesy of Mount Baker Theatre

Gardening Trends

78

Courtesy of PHIA Handmade

16

Photo by Cassie Van Boven Photography

LIFE

Notes What’s Online

Online Exclusive

INSTAGRAM

Courtesy of Linnaea Jewelry

SPOTLIGHT ON SUSTAINABILITY: MOCERI CONSTRUCTION

“Before becoming a jewelry maker, Megan Kirkpatrick was a field botanist.

At first glance, these two professions might seem unrelated — but one look at Kirkpatrick’s creations and the overlap becomes clear.”

Welcome to the beautiful world of @linnaea_jewelry! This article, written

by Cocoa Laney with photographs courtesy of Linnaea Jewelry, explores the intriguing art of electroforming.

Photo by Cocoa Laney

Courtesy of Moceri Construction

“Everyone needs a place to live, and as more homes are being built, the more important it is to consider their impact for the sake of the planet and humans’ well-being and longevity.

Moceri Construction is one local company based out of Bellingham that is dedicated to creating well-made and sustainable buildings in Whatcom and Skagit counties.”

To read more about Moceri Construction and their building practices, read our online exclusive by Gaia Crans at bellinghamalive.com.

EVENTS CALENDAR “Since Time Immemorial is a new recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial... Siemum Jason LaClair is a 39-year-old artist of the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe.”

Be sure to check out our events calendar. If you have an event that you would like our readers to know about, bellinghamalive.com offers an events calendar where viewers can search by day, venue, event type, or city.

Go to bellinghamalive.com/events and submit your event today. Once your event has been approved by our editorial staff, it is live.

Sign up for our free entertainment e-newsletter to get the latest on upcoming events and more! bellinghamalive.com 4

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Photo by Cocoa Laney

BE IN THE KNOW

We’re so excited to start sharing these pieces with our online readers! There will be a new Since Time Immemorial each issue, with interviews conducted by the wonderful Julie Trimingham.

This month’s interview is with @jason. laclair.946, a local artist that we’re so pleased to feature!

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Notes Editor’s Letter

Designing for Joy

W

ELCOME TO OUR annual

home and remodel issue!

When putting together this month’s feature, I spoke to a variety of home pros about what they expect to see trending in 2023. Their responses were far-ranging, but if I had to sum them up in a word, that word would easily be “functionality.”

My sources all emphasized their clients’ desire for spaces that are both beautiful and useful, noting elements like custom cabinetry (p. 43), functional focal points (p. 50), or rooms that serve more than one purpose (p. 52). In other words, aesthetics are important — but livability trumps all.

As often happens, writing about other peoples’ homes prompted me to reflect on my own. It was built in the

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19th century, though of course it’s been through a series of remodels in the years since. While I wouldn’t describe its current design as cutting edge, per se, there’s no doubt that it’s been well cared for.

For starters, the bright yellow exterior of my house looks like something out of a Wes Anderson movie. Most of the inside is heated by a cozy gas fireplace, and I love my big windows, spacious bathroom, and clean white walls (which, of course, I continue to adorn with art and photos).

But the thing that I appreciate most about my own house has nothing to do with its aesthetics. Rather, it’s all about the kitchen. The kitchen in question is small, but its open floor plan spills into the living area, meaning that it’s easy for friends to make themselves at home and socialize with me as I cook. I couldn’t imagine a more ideal arrangement, because even though I write for a living, my love language has nothing to do with words — instead, I show my love through food.

I enjoy chatting while making dinner, and some of my fondest memories involve bantering with friends while stirring a pot of something delicious (usually mushroom risotto). Risotto is time-consuming but relatively unfussy, meaning it’s the perfect dish to make while entertaining. I’ve cooked said risotto for big dinner parties, for my best friends, and for intimate date nights at home. Because the division between my kitchen and living room is blurred, friends can make themselves at home on the couch while I cook — and thus, the living room/kitchen zone has also become my home’s gathering place.

Trends come and go, but in my opinion, the best design choices you can make are the ones that allow you

to live the life you want to live. For me, that life involves a lot of dinner parties — and it just so happens that my home is laid out perfectly for them.

For you, it might involve making a designated space for a hobby, or using a traditional fixture in an innovative way (like the cabinet-turned-bar on p. 45, for example).

Are you considering a remodel in 2023? If you take just one thing away from this issue, let it be this: At the end of the day, if your space brings you joy, then you’re doing the design process right.

In addition to the remodel content, this issue contains articles on the people and places that make our community a more joyful place to live. This includes a nonprofit for inclusive outdoor recreation (p. 24), a communityoriented coworking space (p. 27), and the return of a beloved pizza joint (p.

78). (If pizza doesn’t make you happy, then we are leading very different lives.)

On behalf of the whole team at Bellingham Alive, we hope this issue brings you inspiration as we move from winter to spring. Do you have something or someone you’d like to see us cover? Reach out to me at editor@ bellinghamalive.com — I’d love to hear from you. 

COCOA LANEY Editor In Chief

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Notes Contributors Emma Radosevich As a child, Emma developed a love of literature by reading chapter books with her dad; she made sure he got every character’s voice just right. She still appreciates a great narrator. Emma is a Collection Development Librarian for Whatcom County Library System, where she gets to work with fellow book lovers. When she’s not working, she likes walking on Bellingham trails while listening to an audiobook or NPR podcast.  p. 25

Kolby LaBree

The Reverend Shawn Amos Acoustic Trio

Friday, March 3

7:30pm

Kolby LaBree is owner/operator of Bellinghistory Tours with the Good Time Girls, purveyors of guided walking tours and other historical edutainment in Bellingham since 2011. The Good Time Girls are available year-round for private tours and virtual events. See Bellinghistory.com for current offerings!  p. 25

Jennifer Ryan

The Jeremiahs Friday, March 17

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 and memories you’ll enjoy for a lifetime. Jennifer Ryan Design has been voted Best of the Northwest 6 years running, Lux Life UK Most innovative Designer in Washington for 3 years, and Best of HOUZZ since 2016. jenniferryandesign.com.  p. 45

7:30pm

Tanna Edler

Sona Jobarteh Friday, March 31

7:30pm

mcintyrehall.org

360.416.7727

On the Mount Vernon Campus of Skagit Valley College 2 5 0 1 E C o l l e g e Wa y, M o u n t Ve r n o n

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Tanna Edler owns a full service interior design firm based near Yakima, Washington with projects nationwide, and she specializes in residential, commercial, new construction, and remodeling projects. Edler is the only interior designer in Washington State to have been awarded IDS Designer of the Year for nine years, and the first in the Pacific Northwest to have received the IDS Impact Award for charitable interior design contributions in her community.  p. 45

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PUBLICATIONS Bellingham Alive NSL Guestbook Welcome Newcomers Guide

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Lisa Karlberg

EDITOR IN CHIEF Cocoa Laney

ART DIRECTOR Dean Davidson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Amberleigh Brownson Andrew Forrest | Michael Roe

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mariah Currey | Erin James

EDITORIAL/MARKETING COORDINATOR Kristen Boehm

WRITERS Leigh Hellman | Savannah LeCornu Steven McCarragher | Julie Trimingham Jessamyn Tuttle

CONTRIBUTORS Allison Crandall | Tanna Edler Sean Hegstad | Dana Huggett Ashley Kovacevich | Kolby LaBree Nicole Miller | John Quirarte Emma Radosevich | Jennifer Ryan Nia Sayers | Glen Schiff | Kyle Weiss

OFFICE MANAGEMENT Jenn Miranda

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

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

COVER Photographed by Nic Aston.

Interior Designer – TANNA BY DESIGN. Artisan Inc – General Contractors – Yakima.

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Letters to the Editor Notes What an amazing article on a tribal legend [Jason LaClair] in our community! So many treasures hidden in the Lhaq’temish community. Can’t wait to see the next one!

Photo by Cocoa Laney

STEAKS, SEAFOOD, SEAFOOD, AND SIPS

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CHARCUTERIE & WINE PAIRINGS

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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 our editor at editor@bellinghamalive.com.

— Mr. Solomon, Bellingham

Hi Mr. Solomon, thank you for the feedback—and also, major thank you to Julie Trimingham and the Sacred Lands Conservancy for putting this recurring series together. You can catch this month’s installment on p. 22. —Cocoa L., editor in chief

I cannot believe such a sophisticated magazine is produced right here in Bellingham. Amazing work, I really love your publication.

— Ann G., Lynden

Hi Ann, that’s very kind of you to say! Our team works hard make sure that every issue is high quality. Big thanks to our art director Dean, our graphic designer Mariah, and our interim graphic designer Erin for making

the publication so aesthetically beautiful.

—Cocoa L., editor in chief

I absolutely loved the article on Stowes!

What an iconic couple and adorable shop, thank you for including them!

— Shannon P., Fairhaven

Thank you, Shannon! I was honored to be welcomed into the Stowes’ home away from home and to speak with so many family members about their business and community. They’re an absolute delight, so be sure to visit the store in Burlington if you can. —Kristen B., editorial coordinator

Waiting for someone to do a write-up on how delicious the new hot pot restaurant is that is on the back side of the Soy House restaurant... hidden gem!

— Leslie S., Bellingham

Hi Leslie, we’re on it! Check out our article on Soy House on p. 82. We couldn’t agree more—it truly is a hidden gem. —Cocoa L., editor in chief

Correction: The photo for the Padden Polar Bear Dip in our January issue was photographed

by Jim Williams but was incorrectly attributed to the City of Bellingham. This error was our fault, and we apologize to Jim Williams.

“We are proud to have been awarded BEST FURNITURE STORE the last 8 years in a row! What truly sets us apart is our great team and their dedication to making sure every customer receives exceptional customer care — from start to finish.”

Bob & Lori Dodge - Owners, Samuel’s Furniture 1904 MAIN ST. FERNDALE, WA 98248 360.384.3388 • SAMUELSFURNITURE.COM

Voted BEST PLACE TO BUY FURNITURE 8 Years in a Row

March 2023 11

Notes Meet the Team

Erin James What is your role at the magazine?

I have recently been hired on for a three-month contract position as a graphic designer at the magazine. Though, at this point in my life, I consider myself a jack-of-all-trades designer and artist, with expertise and skills in illustration, graphic design, motion graphics, photography, and UX design. I believe I can help Bellingham Alive Magazine while Mariah is on maternity leave.

What is your background?

I Do

The History of Weddings and how They Were Impacted by the Social Developments Throughout the Last Part of the 1800s Until Today SKAGIT COUNTY

HISTORICAL

MUSEUM

The exhibit will open with a grand party on March 23rd, 2023 and will be open until September.

Museum hours are 11 AM to 4 PM Thursday through Sunday.

Skagit County Historical Museum • 501 S. 4th Street, LA Conner (at the top of the hill) • 360 466 3365 www.skagitcounty.net/museum This project received funding from Skagit County • visitskagitvalley.com

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In my 30s, I decided to shift careers and am a late-blooming graduate from Western Washington University with a degree in design and a minor in user experience design. Before attending the university, I spent my 20s touring up and down the coast with my bands Black Beast Revival and The Whiskey Wailers. This unique experience gave me a perspective on how design can bring people’s dreams to life.

What are you most looking forward to working on at K&L Media?

I am incredibly excited to put my Adobe InDesign skills to use by designing and illustrating magazine layouts. There is something satisfying about fitting text and photos into grid systems perfectly. Additionally, I am eager to bring my love of photography to the table and capture great images for the magazine.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I am a proud papa to a 3-year-old boy.

When I am not spending time with him, I enjoy playing guitar, drawing, and working on my new freelance design business Erin James Design (erinjamesdesign.com, @erin_james_design). 

Members Michael F., Matt N., & Christa S.

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Gardening Trends 16 Cu-se-ma-at Cathy Ballew 22

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Her Connection Hub 27

Fabric Art

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Life

26 March 2023 15

Life Gardening

Go Green in 2023: Gardening Tips and Trends WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANNIKA MCINTOSH

P

NW RESIDENTS REJOICE:

Spring is just around the corner, which means longer days, milder weather, and blossoming gardens galore. Whether you’re rethinking your landscape or simply looking to cultivate a green thumb, this season is the perfect time to give your plants some TLC. To gather inspiration, we sourced advice and trends from three local gardening pros: Designer and Grower Annika McIntosh of Hazel Designs (hazeldesigns.com), Owner Paige Lanham of Garden Spot Nursery (garden-spot.com), and Owner Bay Renaud of Plantas Nativa, LLC (plantasnativa.com).

Pick plants based on your land’s unique microclimate.

“The most frequent request I receive for home gardens is for a ‘low maintenance’ planting palette, but

I find that that can be defined in many different ways depending on the individual or family, and their piece of land,” says McIntosh.

“I think what people are actually looking for are sustainable, functional landscapes.”

McIntosh goes on to define these kinds of landscapes as spaces in which “plants and soil support and respond to water and light conditions, the existing landforms, and intended uses.”

Whatcom County alone is home to many types of microclimates, so it’s important to choose plants wisely.

Rather than picking varieties based on aesthetics alone, consult with a professional and invest in plants that are most sustainable in your landscape’s one-of-a-kind conditions.

Plants that can establish quickly and have their needs met are more likely to stay healthy, low-maintenance, and adaptable for generations to come.

Pearl yarrow (Achillea ptarmica) is a delicate-looking perennial flower that’s easy to start from seed and blooms into the fall. I cut these for use in bridal bouquets, or as a dried flower.

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BellinghamAlive.com

Don’t give in to deer pressure.

When choosing landscape plants, McIntosh’s clients often request two conflicting qualities: deer-resistant and non-toxic. Unfortunately, most deerresistant plants are unsafe for human consumption too — but while that may sound scary, it doesn’t necessarily make them a threat.

“In actuality, there are very few poisonous landscape plants that would be appealing to a child or pet,” McIntosh says. “Once parents learn to identify the biggest threats (for example, poison hemlock, yew, or foxglove), they are much better prepared to let their children roam at home or in a park.”

Prioritize longevity and flexibility.

According to McIntosh, the COVID19 pandemic inspired homeowners to put more care into their gardens. There is a renewed desire to create flexible

Evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) is a favorite hardy, native shrub for sun or shade that provides structure and yearround interest.

gathering spaces and “outdoor rooms” that can accommodate a variety of activities, and for these spaces to grow and change with homeowners.

“As lifestyles change and children grow up, people often need to update their landscapes — and that is much easier if the spaces have been designed to be flexible and multifunctional from the beginning,” McIntosh says.

Think local whenever possible.

Looking to grow more fruits and veggies? Seek out plants that have been locally cultivated, as this cuts down on carbon emissions and supports the health of our community’s economy.

“Something we are really excited for this year is further expanding our veggie and edible selection, which we almost exclusively buy locally,” Lanham says. “Buying local has been so important to us, especially in the last couple years, so any time we find a new local supplier, we are over the moon!”

Eco-conscious home gardeners might also consider filling their gardens with native species, and the Bellingham-based Plantas Nativa is an excellent resource for indigenous plants. According to Renaud, their selection of PNW plants is one of the largest in the state.

Plant with pollinators in mind.

“One of the most common requests that [Garden Spot Nursery] gets is for pollinator plants and flowers to feed hummingbirds,” says Lanham. “So many people are interested in feeding the wildlife, taking care of the bees, and growing food for themselves and their families. This has been a really great shift to see gardeners of all ages interested in being more sustainable and being environmental stewards.”

This trend also holds true for Renaud at Plantas Nativas. He and his team are able to tailor their recommendations to a landscape’s specific growing conditions, as well as the customer’s preference for color and maximum height.

However, sourcing native plants isn’t possible for everyone — especially those with limited space. This is why McIntosh often creates hybrid plant palettes that are suited to her clients’ microclimate, are friendly to birds and pollinators, and provide plenty of visual interest.

Bonus tip: Show your local community garden some love.

Even apartment dwellers can embrace their green thumb with a little help from our community gardens. The

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is another easy perennial to start from seed, blooms most of the summer, and is much loved by bees. I leave the seed heads standing for the birds to forage from and to add some textural interest in the winter garden.

“So many people are interested in feeding the wildlife, taking care of the bees, and growing food for themselves and their families. This has been a really great shift to see gardeners of all ages interested in being more sustainable and being environmental stewards.”

Paige Lanham, owner of Garden Spot Nursery City of Bellingham alone oversees 195 community garden plots, and there are plenty more scattered throughout the city and county. Not sure where to start? For a complete directory of community gardens in Whatcom County, visit whatcom.wsu.edu. 

Rudbeckia hirta (“Sahara”) is a variety of the eastern native wildflower, also known as black-eyed Susan, that’s been bred for fancier blooms. It is also started from seed that offers forage for both pollinators and birds, and is indispensable in autumn bouquets. ANNIKA MCINTOSH March 2023 17

Life Heard Around the Sound

Indoor Jungle Springs Up In Fairhaven

Cakes That Make a Difference

Babygreens

For Goodness Cakes

in Downtown Bellingham in April 2018, started by Owner Nick Meza after a lifetime of appreciating what plants can do for a home.

“Plants have always been a really great passion and hobby of mine,” he says. “[I love] plants from all perspectives; keeping them alive and caring for them, designing spaces with them, generally appreciating all they do.”

This passion and a desire to be a smallbusiness owner are what combined to become Babygreens, which brightened the corner of Chestnut and Cornwall until fall of this past year. Now, Babygreens has opened up in a shop twice the size of its old location in beautiful Fairhaven.

Meza says after having lived 11 years in Bellingham, he has love for Downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven, and hopes the move will allow growth for his business while sustaining the community they’ve built for themselves at the old shop.

“At our downtown location, truly the majority of our customers were destinationbased customers … who made it a trip to come and see us,” he says. “I’ve noticed tons and tons of our regular customers coming to see us [in the new location], which has been awesome.”

With customers both new and old and a lot more space to work with, Meza is excited to keep supplying locals with all their indoor plant needs, as well as some carefully curated home and wellness products. Keep an eye on their website and socials (@babygreens.co) for word on special events like guest vendors and educational workshops! 915 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.355.0759, babygreens.co KRISTEN BOEHM

Video Content Worth Watching WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY

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C

ABYGREENS ORIGINALLY OPENED

BellinghamAlive.com

Photos by River Porter

B

ALLING ALL BIG-HEARTED

bakers: For Goodness Cakes is a national nonprofit that assigns volunteers to bake and hand-deliver cakes to underprivileged youth, making occasions like birthdays and graduations even sweeter.

While the organization has chapters nationwide, its 25th chapter — and first-ever chapter in the state of Washington — is now active in Bellingham as of Jan. 2, 2023.

This brand-new Bellingham chapter is led by Meghan Gewerth, who is responsible for fundraising, coordinating volunteers, and communicating with foster agencies and shelters. Gewerth got involved for two reasons: She grew up baking with her mother, and she loves helping kids however possible.

“I come from a nonprofit education background, and ensuring children know they are smart, valued, and special is very important to me,” Gewerth says. “I hope that our awesome volunteers and agencies can work together to ‘bake a difference’ in our community and the lives of local kids.”

Bellingham marks For Goodness Cakes’ 25th chapter nationwide, and so far Gewerth says that the local response has been “amazing and truly heartwarming.”

Want to get involved? Donations are always welcome, but those with culinary prowess are encouraged to sign up as volunteer bakers. After all, every cake counts.

“Everyone deserves the experience of getting a birthday cake,” Gewerth says. “I can’t wait to spread joy, love, and frosting to Bellingham and our surrounding communities!”

To enroll up as a volunteer or partner agency, visit For Goodness Cakes online at forgoodnesscakes.org. COCOA LANEY

NEKO: A Cat Cafe

Make.Shift TV

It’s safe to say that audiences have a soft spot for these kitties — just ask their 340,000 TikTok followers. Visit these famous felines in Bellingham or keep up with all the cuteness on TikTok (@neko.cat.cafe).

Want to get to know the creatives that fuel the Bellingham community’s evergrowing arts scene? Check out Make.

Shift’s ongoing video journal, Make.Shift TV (@make.shiftartspace on YouTube), for exclusive performances, interviews, and art from Bellingham’s best.

ENTER-TO-WIN Monthly Giveaway

Meet the Birds Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival

W

ITH MARCH COMING back around and the seasons on the

verge of changing over, spring migration is in swing for the birds of Northwest America! With that comes the return of the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival! The festival, now in its 20th year, will take place March 17–19 around the coastal waters of Drayton Harbor, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo. There are tons of activities like guided field trips, speakers, live raptor shows, and more to enjoy, but we thought we’d give everyone a head start by introducing you to some of the birds you could spot during the festival!

E

ACH MONTH, WE give you the opportunity

to win a prize from local merchants. You can enter once per day on bellinghamalive.com. A winner will be chosen by random draw, and notified via email and/or phone. It’s our way of saying thank you for your support and for continuing to help encourage shopping and dining local. Below is the Enter-To-Win prize for March.

$50

Dunlin

These gray-brown birds are in the sandpiper family, and look a bit like little round seagulls with long black bills. They walk mudflats and beaches and use their bills to forage for food in the ground. Most of the time you’ll see them in large flocks, which makes spotting them extra fun. In the air, the flocks will appear to swirl and move in rippling patterns, almost like a huge synchronized ballet in the air.

Cosmos Bistro Bellingham’s Newest Spot for Noodles

Black Oystercatcher These crow-sized birds forage rocky shores in pairs. They stand out against their habitats, with all-black bodies, pale legs, and red-orange eyes and bill. These guys are like flying otters; they find mussels and will sometimes crack them open to feed on them, leaving behind the open shells.

Photos by Eric Ellingson

Double Crested Cormorant This larger, heavy-boned bird floats low in the water. It has a long neck and a wickedly curved bill, which it uses to catch fish as it dives underwater after them. Although almost matte-black from far away, through a good pair of binoculars you can see their orange faces and bright blue mouths.

KRISTEN BOEHM

Ramen & Bowl

I

F THERE IS a ramen-shaped hole in your heart

after the closing of Muto Ramen & Sushi, you’ll be pleased to know that you can now get your noodle fix somewhere new: Ramen & Bowl, a new restaurant located in Muto’s old space in Downtown Bellingham. The eatery celebrated its soft opening on Dec. 19, 2022, serving up ramen as well as donburi bowls with ingredients ranging from katsu to unagi (eel), short ribs, and even tofu.

As for the ramen, those who aren’t afraid of heat won’t want to miss their most popular menu item, the Spicy Negi Tonkotsu Ramen. There are also a range of sides and vegetarian options for folks who don’t eat meat. For a full menu, check online at ramenandbowl.com. COCOA LANEY

The Little Ferraro Kitchen

Building Bellingham Podcast

Freehub Magazine

Catch local chef Samantha Ferraro in action on her new YouTube channel (@FerraroKitchen). From chimichurri steak to Turkish spinach pie, Ferraro’s recipes are inspired by global cultures — and they can be made easily at home.

Building Bellingham is more than just a podcast — it’s also a YouTube channel!

Head to @buildingbellingham6747 to watch interviews with the city’s most prominent business owners and entrepreneurs. We bet you’ll recognize a few of the folks who are featured.

With shorts on topics ranging from gear reviews to biker profiles and more, Freehub Magazine (@freehubmag on YouTube) is a must-follow for mountain bike enthusiasts. Their videos are informative, entertaining, and always beautifully shot.

March 2023 19

Photo by Joel Stigliano

Photo by Clarissa Raybon

Life Community

Meet Western’s Most Buzzed-About New Playwright Eryn Elyse McVay WRITTEN BY SAVANNAH LECORNU

“

W

HAT THE GODS gave me” is a new horror play by

Eryn Elyse McVay that has only been produced twice: Once at Ohio University, where the playwright is attending grad school, and most recently at Western Washington University, where McVay completed her undergraduate degree.

McVay started working on “what the Gods gave me” during her time at Western. It follows the women of Nevermoore Inn as they prepare for the Rite and the magic that was promised to them — but with the arrival of an outsider, lies are uncovered and their way of life is threatened.

“A lot of my plays are inspired by some sort of image that comes into my head,” she says. “For this play, I had the image of a very isolated home on a cold stretch of barren, flat wilderness. I saw this parlor room with two siblings sitting by the fire and enjoying their evening when a wounded person shows up, knocking on the door for help.”

McVay wrote out the first scene but ended up shelving the idea for many years. She didn’t start working on it again until her first year of grad school in 2020. Finally, the play was chosen for Western’s season after it was suggested by current students. Kayla Adams, another alum, was then brought on to direct it.

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“Getting to see it at Ohio University and at Western is such an extreme gift,” McVay says.

It’s allowed her to understand the character threads and arcs better, and to see two different directors’ takes on it.

Even now, McVay doesn’t consider this play done and plans to start rewrites this summer.

When McVay began writing, she focused on plays that she herself would want to see. Given her own interest in horror and folk themes, her work naturally gravitated in this direction.

McVay has now become well-known for writing horror plays as they are not as popular or mainstream in the theater world.

And while writing horror is something she loves, she does sometimes have to remind herself that she is not constrained by genre. McVay doesn’t have to be the girl who only writes horror.

In addition, she can (and has) written comedy, different types of realism, and has started focusing more on screenwriting.

“I just want to use the genre that’s going to be most effective for the story,” she says.

McVay is currently working on her thesis play, which falls more under magical realism. It’s called “Imaginary Audiences” and will be produced later this year in Ohio.

McVay’s No. 1 hope for audiences who see her work is that they take more chances on new plays. She also hopes that “what the Gods gave me” will encourage audiences to go out and learn more about some of the topics that show up in the play. Biological essentialism (and why it’s problematic), intersectional feminism, the pursuit of knowledge, and dissemination of information are all things that McVay was thinking about when writing, and she hopes that audiences will continue to seek out other voices on these topics.

You can find McVay’s work on New Play Exchange under Eryn Elyse McVay. Her plays are available for production, staged readings, and classroom work. You can also find her on Instagram @eryn.elyse. 

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Life Since Time Immemorial

Since Time Immemorial Cu-se-ma-at Cathy Ballew INTERVIEW BY JULIE TRIMINGHAM | PHOTOGRAPHED BY COCOA LANEY

S

INCE TIME IMMEMORIAL is a recurring series

featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish (Lummi), Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about how to live in our shared home in a good, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when we need to restore our relationship with Mother Earth and with one another. We are grateful for these stories, told in the words of each featured individual.

Cu-se-ma-at Cathy Ballew is an enrolled Lummi tribal member with Sto:lo Nation and Jamestown S’Klallam family ties. She has been a lifelong activist working for Native rights, women’s rights, treaty rights, and environmental rights. She currently serves on Lummi Nation’s Housing Board, Budget Committee, and Lhaq’temish Foundation Board.

Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?

we found a gunshot hole in the hull. People would drive through the Reservation with guns shooting at our homes, my grandmother’s was shot at on Christmas Eve. My family was threatened with guns. Nothing happened to those men threatening us. Nothing.

During this time, I loved watching and listening to Natives like the American Indian Movement fighting for tribal rights.

I loved listening to Gloria Steinem. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, they’ve all been inspirations.

Giving back to the community is part of our traditional way of life. I’ve been fortunate to travel to different parts of the U.S., Canada, South America, Paris, Papua New Guinea, wherever I can go to help with the work. The goal is justice.

I campaign and do what I must when I can, which includes speaking up for the nonverbal relatives, like the plants, animals, water, and air.

As a young girl, I loved playing on the banks of the Nooksack River and beach of Hales Passage, where we’d watch the killer whales traveling through. I lived part time in my Grandmother Sadie’s home. She was my teacher; we harvested fruits and other plants, preserved most of our food, made medicine, canned fish, smoked fish, butchered deer. We had the sandbars at our front door, so we harvested lots of shellfish. Salmon fishing was a way of life for us. We hunted waterfowl, wild duck is nothing like the duck you buy in a restaurant. We had wild gooseberries all the time, wild strawberries were the sweetest berries ever.

How do you spend time when you’re not involved with work and activism?

How did you come to be an activist?

Is there a story or a teaching that has been important to you?

I have witnessed so much hostility towards my people all my lifetime. When I was in high school, during an assembly they lined up some school coaches and bigger male teachers and out comes a line of Native boys. Big huge paddles were handed to the teachers, the boys bent over, and the men swatted the Native boys, it echoed in the gymnasium. Those boys dropped out of school. I can still hear in my mind that echo. Another thing — we used to have teen dances on Friday nights. One time the National Guard came in and shot tear gas on us at the dance.

I married into a fishing family when I was 17. During the Fish Wars, non-tribal people would throw boulders into our nets. One day our boat was full of water, and

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I love to spend my days near the water, sewing, art and crafts, clam digging, or just walking on the beach; I don’t fish anymore at my age, it is too hard for me now. I preserve our traditional foods for the off season. I harvest cedar for weaving. I gather native plants for tea and medicine. Alder was my grandmother’s all-time favorite. It is medicine, and also used for color, for dyeing wool or cedar whatever. My grandmother said alder and spruce, those were the two medicines that were good for just about anything.

My Grandmother Sadie used to say, if you haven’t learnt something new today, your day is not over.

Hy’shqe, thank you so much!

Julie Trimingham is grateful to make her home on traditional Lhaq’temish territory, and to work for the Sacred Lands Conservancy (SacredSea.org), an Indigenous-led 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the life, culture, and sanctity of the Salish Sea. 

March 2023 23

Life Game Changer

Adaptive Recreational Gear for All The AIROW Project WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE AIROW PROJECT

F

OR OUTDOOR RECREATION enthusiasts, Whatcom

County is a national treasure — and the region’s mountains, waters, and trails should be accessible to all. This mentality is the ethos behind the AIROW Project (Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation of Whatcom County), a local nonprofit working to provide adaptive recreation opportunities and gear for individuals with disabilities.

AIROW was founded by April Katz, a passionate disability advocate who also provides support and services through her business Adaptive Life Coaches. Upon moving to Bellingham, she couldn’t help but notice a lack of available adaptive gear for outdoor sports.

So what exactly is adaptive gear? In terms of biking, a child who struggles with balance might need a recumbent bike, which has two wheels in the front and one in the back.

Hand cycles are powered by arm strength and can be used by those who are paralyzed from the waist down, whereas someone with vision impairment could ride with the help of a tandem bike and a guide.

In response to the unavailability of such equipment, Katz was inspired to team up with a crew of behavioral and physical therapists to host an adaptive kayaking event. It was, unsurprisingly, a resounding success.

“We had 60, 65 people showing up from different parts of Whatcom County,” Katz says. “That’s where I was like, now I know it’s a need and people want it. And so, January of 2020 is when I made an official nonprofit.”

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BellinghamAlive.com

AIROW did not begin offering regular programming until March 2022 thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the setback, 2022 still proved to be a big year: AIROW began offering their “Riding is for Everyone” programming in two local Bellingham schools, held adaptive community biking events with Transition Bike Company & Outpost, and even hosted adaptive bike camps in the summer.

Katz notes that AIROW’s events aren’t just about providing adaptive gear — they’re about building community.

“The feedback and the way that [the kids] just lit up, and their smile, it just says everything,” Katz says. “That’s why all my coaches and volunteers return.”

While AIROW’s 2022 programming was centered around bikes, the organization plans to offer even more activities in 2023 and beyond.

“We’re really excited, because we’ve just been [focusing on] bikes to build a foundation for our nonprofit,” she says. “But now, our ultimate goal is to be in every outdoor recreation.”

For starters, AIROW has partnered with the YMCA to offer adaptive swim lessons and water safety classes. In the coming years, Katz also hopes to acquire adaptive gear for skiing at Mount Baker, as well as to find an indoor space to host activities like Zumba classes.

As the organization grows, the AIROW team aims to continue raising awareness about the importance of inclusive gear. They’ve already received support through organizations like the Whatcom Mountain Biking Coalition, and Katz encourages community members to get involved however possible. This could mean volunteering, donating, or even attending or hosting a pint night fundraiser at a local business.

After all, any contribution goes towards making Whatcom County a more equitable place to live and play.

“Inclusion is huge,” Katz says. “When you announce you’re doing a community ride, or a bike shop does a community ride, I love that we’re finally saying that all are welcome. It’s that word ‘all’ that I think the community gets really excited about.” Bellingham, 360.788.3099, airowproject.com 

Book Notes Life

Literary Events

Book Reviews WRITTEN BY EMMA RADOSEVICH

Small Game

by Blair Braverman

Patricia Wants to Cuddle

by Samantha Allen

Writer and dogsledder Blair Braverman has faced down nature on dozens of real-life adventures. After she became violently ill on an episode of “Naked and Afraid,” she wondered: What would have happened if the crew wasn’t there to pull me out? “Small Game” is Braverman’s answer to that question. In her debut novel, adventure guide Mara is cast on a new survival reality show called “Civilization.” She and four strangers are dropped into an undisclosed wilderness location and must work together to survive for six weeks, all in front of cameras. But shortly after they arrive, the crew stops coming to camp and the cast is left wondering: Is this part of the show? As time crawls by, the “Civilization” experiment becomes an actual survival situation. Braverman packs her writing with vivid details about the natural world that make Mara’s danger feel urgent and real. This tense, woman-vs.nature thriller will make you grateful to live in civilization.

“The Bachelor” meets Bigfoot in this wacky page-turner.

The cast and crew of reality dating show “The Catch” travel to a remote island in the San Juans to film an episode on location. The four remaining contestants all want very different outcomes from their time on the show, and it’s not necessarily a proposal from “the catch.” Ambitious production assistant Casey is determined to catch their squabbling on camera. But this production has more to reckon with than its sloppy host and uncooperative castmates. Someone thinks they saw a large hairy person in the forest, and isn’t this the same island where those hikers disappeared? “Patricia Wants to Cuddle” manages to pack multiple genres into its short length: satire, romance, horror. The narrative bounces between Casey, the contestants, love letters, and true crime forum posts. The result is both funny and a little gory, with surprisingly heartfelt messages about conservation and the human condition.

March 3, 11 a.m.

Whatcom Reads: The Art And Craft Of Writing With Jess Walter Village Books, 1200 11th St., Bellingham 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com

Whatcom Reads is an annual county-wide book club. Jess Walter is the author of this year’s pick, “The Cold Millions,” and he’s doing a series of events around the county! This talk at will be about how Walter approaches the craft of writing.

March 4, 2 p.m.

“The Waters Are Rising” with Author Carl Crouse

Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Dr., Everson 360.305.3600, wcls.org

During the floods of November 2021, Author and Pastor Carl Crouse’s church in Sumas became “ground zero” for disaster relief efforts. “The Waters Are Rising” is Crouse’s new book recounting the flood’s impact and the bravery and resilience of those it affected.

March 7, 6 p.m.

Book Launch: A Witch’s Guide To Fake Dating A Demon

Barnes & Noble, 4099 Meridian St., Bellingham, 360.647.7018, barnesandnoble.com

Join local author and former archaeologist Sarah Hawley as she celebrates the release of her debut fantasy rom-com, “A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon.”

According to Hawley, the event is sure to include plenty of “hugging, shrieking, and presumably signing books.”

This Month in Bellinghistory WRITTEN BY KOLBY LABREE OF BELLINGHISTORY TOURS WITH THE GOOD TIME GIRLS

March 1, 1905

March 6, 1880

March 23, 1926

March 26, 1948

One Mrs. Thompson refuted a story that her home in York was haunted: “The brain of the person who wrote the article was probably full of ‘spirits,’ and that is the cause of him ‘seein’ things.”

Michael Padden was murdered by 10-year-old neighbor Thomas Clark, whose mother “put him up to it” after a property line dispute. Lake Padden is Michael’s namesake.

50 property owners along Elk Street submitted a petition to change the name of the street to “State Street,” believing it would “fit better as a main artery for the Pacific Highway.”

Cap Hansen Tavern advertised their grand opening in their new location on Chestnut Street, where they moved after a fire destroyed the Albany Hotel on Cornwall Avenue.

March 2023 25

Life Spotlight

Locally Inspired: Fabric Art by KLT Works Kristin Loffer Theiss WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JESSAMYN TUTTLE

W

HEN KRISTIN LOFFER

Theiss started her own business in 2005, she had been looking for a career that would let her use her creativity and would also let her be a parent. She began by making nursery decor, including handmade mobiles, and the fledgling business immediately took off.

“I hit it timing-wise with the maker’s movement,” she says. With an MFA in studio art, Theiss has experience in a wide range of art media, so she chose the business name KLT Works to cover whatever she might do. “I would never outgrow that name, because it’s whatever I make.”

She currently focuses on fabrics, from tea towels to sweatshirts, printed with her own original designs. A native of Skagit Valley, she says her work is “very very locally inspired,” and the patterns and shapes she uses are taken 26

BellinghamAlive.com

from nature, from birds and insects to flowers and seedheads.

Many of her designs are created by using a sewing machine to “draw” on fabric. These pieces are made from a single strand of thread. She then converts those images to a screen for printing, so they can be available on T-shirts, hoodies, dish towels, or napkins. She also creates abstract patterns and prints them on large swathes of fabric.

When she began selling T-shirts, she was having them printed elsewhere, but then found that she could print her fabrics at home using water based ink.

“I do everything myself,” she says.

Sometimes that even includes delivery: During the pandemic she focused almost entirely on making masks out of her own fabric and sold them online, but hand delivered as many as she could as a way of staying in touch with people.

Theiss mostly sold wholesale for many years, but she has scaled back recently and is making more one-ofa-kind things. The online shop on her website can sometimes be empty during

her busy seasons, as most of her work is sold at local outlets in Skagit and Whatcom counties.

Currently her work can be found at the Lido Collective in downtown Mount Vernon year-round, while she and her husband Chris, also an artist, have a booth at Barkley Market and the Christianson’s Sunday Farmer’s Market in the summers, and at Gordon Skagit Farms on weekends in October.

She started selling her work at Gordon Skagit Farms 14 years ago, as part of the now famous pumpkin farmstand run by Eddie Gordon and his family.

“As his business grew, our business grew,” she says. “He’s my touchstone.”

Looking ahead, Theiss is currently focusing on learning digital design, and has her patterns available on Spoonflower, with the hope of further products to come. However her business may change and grow, she’s focused on her artistic process.

“I’m a creative person who likes to make things. It’s a creative way of life for me,” she says. “It allows me to use every part of my brain, every part of my personality.” kristinloffertheiss.com 

“I’m a creative person who likes to make things. It’s a creative way of life for me. It allows me to use every part of my brain, every part of my personality.”

Kristin Loffer Theiss

Q&A Life

Creating Community for Female Professionals Her Connection Hub WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY PHOTOGRAPHED BY KELSEY KURTIS PHOTOGRAPHY

I

T’S SAFE TO say that the Connection Breakfasts at

Her Connection Hub are unlike any other networking event I’ve ever been to — and not just because all the attendees are women. There are no awkward introductions or forced exchanging of business cards. Rather, participants engage in genuine conversations about their lives as both professionals and as people.

“We just really try to provide this container for … all of the other things that make us up as a person,” Founder Heather Simpson says. “And then, of course, the professional background comes into that too. We have over 60 different industries as part of our membership here.”

Simpson began offering these monthly Connection Breakfasts in 2018, and they proved to be the catalyst for something much bigger. As a business owner and strategist herself, Simpson is passionate about creating safe, collaborative spaces for female-identifying professionals to come together. The events resonated deeply with attendees, who then voiced their desire for a physical coworking space — and so Simpson turned that dream into a reality with Her Connection Hub. Her Connection Hub is a female-focused, gender-inclusive coworking community, but coworking isn’t all it has to offer.

The space allows women to build professional connections and friendships in an environment that’s both inclusive and inspiring. It opened to the public in 2021, but since then, Simpson says her business has already been through major changes.

“We’ve moved locations, we’ve grown our community, we’ve added new offerings,” Simpson says. “The membership [gives] people the opportunity to learn and grow whether they work for somebody else or they work for themselves — and then also be able to just continue to build relationships.”

Members come to the space for different reasons, but all are united by a desire for community, especially following

the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, Simpson says that her members’ diverse professions create plenty of opportunities for collaboration and growth.

“If you need somebody for something, we probably have that connection, and so that has been a very valuable thing for everybody here,” Simpson says. “It’s great to be able to offer opportunities [and] to say, ‘Hey, do you want to teach about what you do? Do you want an opportunity to get in front of people and share about a passion project, or career, or a side hustle?’ You can open the doors in so many different ways.”

Her Connection’s new space also includes amenities for a variety of professions and projects, from private offices to Zoom rooms and a soon-to-be-opened podcast studio. Other membership perks include special pricing and VIP access to classes, events, and — of course — the Connection Breakfasts that started it all.

The most valuable perk, however, is the opportunity to build community with like-minded women. Simpson notes that many members aren’t just running businesses; they’re running households and wearing many hats on a daily basis. Having a designated space to work in solidarity with others allows them to focus, recharge, and be productive sans distractions.

Above all, Simpson wants would-be members to know that “there is a place for you here.” Curious about coworking? Her Connection offers free day passes for those who’d like to try it out, and info on membership pricing can be found online.

“We’re on a mission to help people from where they’re at,” Simpson says. “We don’t have an agenda. … It’s just like, who are you? What do we have here that can get you plugged in? We’d love to be able to have those conversations and opportunities to connect with the awesome women of our community.” 315 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham, 360.526.0131, herconnectionhub.com  March 2023 27

Life 5 Faves

1

Get Lost at Henderson Books With stacks upon stacks of preloved books to peruse, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon browsing the shelves at Henderson. This Bellingham institution is as much a maze as it is a bookstore, making it the perfect hideaway on cold, rainy days. 116 Grand Ave., Bellingham, 360.734.6855

FIVE FAVES

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Rainy Day Distractions WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY COCOA LANEY

2

Discover a New Museum The Whatcom Museum is a no-brainer, but for something different, there are plenty of smaller, niche museums to explore in the North Sound.

We’re particularly partial to the dazzling quilts at the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum. 703 S. 2nd St., La Conner, 360.466.4288, qfamuseum.org

3

Practice Pickleball at Volli A rousing game of pickleball is always on the menu at Volli, rain or shine. Even if pickleball isn’t your sport of choice, this indoor entertainment center has other options including cornhole, darts, and shuffleboard. 4190 Cordata Pkwy., Bellingham, 360.733.3350, vollibellingham.com

4

Catch a Flick at the Pickford Savvy cinema lovers know that the Pickford Film Center is the place to go for blockbuster releases and hidden indie gems alike. With its cozy atmosphere, all-day show times, and buttery popcorn, we can’t imagine a better way to spend the day indoors. 1318 Bay St., Bellingham, 360.738.0735, pickfordfilmcenter.org

5

Lace Up Your Skates You don’t have to wait until the sun comes out to practice your roller skating prowess. Lynden Skateway has been a Whatcom County staple since 1946, and Skagit residents can head to Skagit Skate for a “rolling good time.” Skagit Skate, 390 Cedar St., Burlington, 360.755.5001, skagitskate.com Lynden Skateway, 421 Judson St., Lynden, 360.354.3851, lyndenskateway.com

It’s the perfect time.

With a great team on your side, you’re ready to take the next step. Whether you’re buying your first house, next house, or refinancing, visit RealEstate.wecu.com today.

HOME. MADE POSSIBLE BY WECU.

wecu.com 800-525-8703 | Insured by NCUA

March 2023 29

A Blast From The Past

We Care How You Look

Thank You for Voting Us Best Men’s Haircut

Pacific Bubbles & Lotions

by Penny Welch

Wally’s Barber Shop

314 E. Holly St. #100 Bellingham, 360.647.0807

Good Graces

by Saragrace Wyckoff

Thank you for voting us

Best Art Gallery three years in a row

Whatcom Art Market 1103 11th Street (Fairhaven)

360-738-8564

OPEN DAILY 11 am - 6 pm WhatcomArtMarket.org

• • • •

Gardening Apparel 34 PHIA Handmade 36

Photo by Cassie Van Boven Photography

Q&A: Salon Bellissima 38

Style

Minted Method

32 March 2023 31

Style Savvy Shopper

Ethical Clothes for On-Trend Tots Minted Method WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM PHOTOGRAPHED BY CASSIE VAN BOVEN PHOTOGRAPHY

The Shop Parents and caregivers to little ones in Bellingham can trust Minted Method to have stylish, carefully sourced, and durable products that will keep up with life’s thrills and spills.

While this storefront only opened in Fairhaven in August 2022, Minted Method has been a bustling online business for more than six years, creating and curating well-made clothes for children ages 0–12. Owner Sasha May started the business when she realized that the children’s clothing landscape in the U.S. didn’t live up to her wants and needs.

“When I had my first baby, it was hard for me to find cute boy clothes,” she says. “Six years ago [it] was very much primary colors and trucks and onesies with lobsters, stuff like that. Back then, monochrome [and] black and white stuff was impossible to find.”

What You’ll Find At Minted Method you’ll find the high-quality international brands May found herself purchasing for her own kids, but you don’t have to pay for world-wide shipping. There are also American brands like Orcas Lucille (based out of Washington) and Port 213, who fill out the store’s selection with on-trend clothes for older kids. May also creates her own pieces under the Minted Method label.

There’s everything from onesies to school clothes, and from resort wear to cold-weather teddy jackets. The colors trend toward neutrals or muted tones, giving a calming and stylish vibe, and have the added benefit of sustainability thanks to being gender-neutral and endlessly mix-and-matchable.

“It does make sense when you’re wanting to buy higherquality items,” says May. “If I wanted to go buy something …

I’m picking a neutral color in case the next kid wants to wear it.”

You can also pick up swaddling and bed muslins, silicone teethers and dishes, beanies and caps, some jewelry and accessories, and even some apparel for parents!

The Atmosphere After plentiful renovations to the space, May’s physical store reflects the nature of her brand as a whole. Elevated and practical, but still playful and fun!

The extra-tall windows and light color palette make everything feel airy and lifted. There’s a squishy brown leather couch where shoppers can steal a few minutes of relaxation, and most delightfully, a little picnic table with coloring pages for kids to play at while their parents shop.

32

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Key People May is heavily invested in taking a stand for the ethicality of brands she carries and against fast fashion, so the humans behind each garment she carries are extremely important.

“Mom-owned, small businesses … a lot of my stuff is made in L.A.,” she says, describing her stock. “I vet every manufacturer and make sure there’s no sweatshops, all the workers are being paid fairly, treated fairly.”

While May handles a ton of the business on her own, she has a social media manager that she sings the praises of (and with good reason, judging by Minted Method’s 98,000+ followers on Instagram). She’s also recently been able to hire a local teen to help out in the shop!

Favorite Things One of May’s favorite brands in the store is Bobby G, an Australian kids’ clothing company that produces organic cotton-blend clothes with “simple, minimal” designs. They create her collection of resort wear, which includes terry-cloth rompers and tees for days by the pool.

She’s also stocking up on bamboo fabric rompers and clothes, which can’t be beat for swoonable softness.

Keep an eye on Minted Method’s shifting collection via her website or her Instagram @mintedmethod. 910 Harris Ave., Ste. 107, Bellingham, 360.302.7137, mintedmethod.com 

March 2023 33

Style Necessities

1

2

3

4

5

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A Brief Guide to Gardening Apparel WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY

2 1 B E L LW E T H E R WAY, ST E 1 07 B E L L I N G H A M, WA 9 8 2 2 5

M

P. 3 60.7 78 .1 6 1 3

ARCH MARKS THE begin-

ning of longer days, and those longer days herald the return of spring. As your plants and flowers return to their full splendor, why not renew your gardening wardrobe as well? To jump-start your imagination, we’ve curated some functional-yetfashionable clothing that’s perfect for getting down and dirty in. 

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Blue Mint Plaid Button-Up Top

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Atlas 451 Therma Fit Rubber Coated Chore Glove

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Dovetail Britt Utility Thermal Pants

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Women’s Outscape Chelsea Muck Boot

Betty Be Good, $50 8125 Birch Bay Square St., Ste. 201, 360.441.7691, shopbettybegood.com

Whistle Workwear, $5 312 W. Champion St., 3908 Meridian St., Ste. 101, Bellingham, 360.676.7182, whistleworkwear.com

Yeager’s Sporting Goods, $120 3101 Northwest Ave., Bellingham, 360.733.1080, yeagerssportinggoods.com

The Muck Boot Company, $120 muckbootcompany.com

March 2023 35

Style Local Find

Handmade Colombian Artistry in Bellingham PHIA Handmade WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM PHOTOS COURTESY OF PHIA HANDMADE

V

IBRANT, INTRICATE, AND

informed by centuries of tradition — the products sold

by PHIA Handmade bring the art of Colombia to Bellingham. Heimy Gonzalez moved to the U.S. in 2021 with her husband, Oscar Quintero, and their three children. They left behind their life in Colombia to follow their dreams, which have taken off as two distinct local businesses: COF&, a Colombian coffee company with two cafes in Bellingham, and PHIA Handmade, Gonzalez’s apparel and accessory company.

For Gonzalez, jewelry is a form of expression, self-love, and self-advocacy.

“I want to empower women. My pieces are to empower women to feel strong, beautiful, sexy,” she says.

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BellinghamAlive.com

She studied classic gold and silver jewelry making (if you check out their Instagram, @phia_handmade, you can see her in action!), but was also taught beadwork by an artisan of the Embera Chami people. She fell in love with the geometric patterns, the centuriesold techniques, and the intimacy of handweaving each creation.

She makes each piece of PHIA Handmade jewelry using Miyuki glass seed beads, which are known worldwide for their quality and durability.

The designs are inspired by the techniques she was taught, but are also representative of her passion for color.

PHIA also carries handmade Colombian shoes like stylish sneakers and natural fiber sandals. Gonzalez’s family are among the many in their city of Bucaramanga that make shoes — after all, it is the “shoe capital” of Colombia!

And you can’t miss the Wayuu bags that PHIA brings in. The Wayuu are another Native people in Colombia, and the bags they create are extremely well-known within the country.

Gonzalez explains that Wayuu families create the bags together, and selling them allows the continued preservation of their culture.

These handmade crafts are appreciated for their beauty in Colombia, but Gonzalez and Quintero knew that the

U.S. would be the best place to pursue them as successful businesses.

“We love Bellingham for that reason,” says Quintero. “Here in Bellingham, if something is handmade, they value that. Because they know that there is a lot of work behind that, that it is unique.”

PHIA Handmade got their start at the Rebel Artists of Whatcom market, which Gonzalez describes as “my first market, my first love.” Since then, they’ve continued to grow thanks to local markets, their website, and the beautiful displays in the COF& locations.

Gonzalez is proud to have created a new collection of jewelry that tones down the vibrant, tropical colors in honor of the local penchant for subdued excitement.

“My inspiration now is Whatcom County,” she says. These newer pieces will feature elegant designs and colors that evoke the Pacific Northwest.

Even with being extremely busy as a wife, mother, and the driving force behind PHIA Handmade, Gonzalez loves her work and sees nothing in the way of her pursuit of their dreams.

“The language [barrier] is not a limit. The people here are friendly, respectful, and polite,” she says. “For me, [there are] no limits. My husband and I think nothing can stop us.”

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Style Q&A go too crazy. What would you recommend to them?

Fringe! This doesn’t have to mean directly-across-the-forehead bangs.

Shorter facial framing or curtain bangs are still on trend! They are fun and can change your whole look. Each person has a face shape that is suited for different types of fringe. A consultation with your stylist can help determine what suits you.

If you’re wanting to venture into the land of color, a flash foil around your face and/or along the hairline can add a bit of dimension and brighten your natural hair color as well.

Remember that “foils” doesn’t have to mean blonde!

Ask a Stylist: Trends and Transformations Q&A with Danielle Nederhood of Salon Bellissima PHOTO COURTESY OF SALON BELLISSIMA

As anyone who’s ever gotten a pixie cut can tell you, major hair transformations can be emotional. How can a client be certain that they’re ready to take the plunge?

Do you have any “golden rules” for drastic dye jobs?

in the last five years, we need to know your whole hair history for the best color service possible. Expectations can’t always be met on the first visit, so a thorough consultation is highly recommended.

Fashion colors are fun, but they are very temporary. Three weeks is the maximum life expectancy for the vivids, so make sure you are ready to maintain it at home, or schedule your next visit to keep the colors bright!

Bleach and tones have a rule of finger width, meaning if your new growth is longer than the width of your finger when you place it over the new hair, it’s too late. Your hair can get “bands” where the color doesn’t lift evenly. (P.S.: Hair grows half an inch a month on average, so expect to come in regularly at the five to six week mark!)

Hair color never “washes out” completely. Even if the color is faded, the structure of the hair is permanently altered. If you had at-home hair color

Let’s say that a hair client wants to try something new and exciting, but doesn’t want to

I always like to live by the motto, “If not now, when?” I believe everyone needs to shave their head at least once in their life. If you are unsure at all, I always recommend starting with shoulder-length hair or a bob to see if you like short(er) hair. Also, the key with a pixie is that it’s a pretty high maintenance haircut. If you are used to coming to the salon only two to four times a year, start budgeting six to 10 times for maintenance.

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What are some of the biggest hair trends you’re forecasting for 2023?

If hair trends follow fashion trends, I can expect that ‘90s trends are going to hit hard this year. Sharp angled haircuts, like the box bob, will make a big wave, as well as the deep side part with slick hair. I’ve heard whispers of the wet look coming back, so stock up on that high shine hair gel! Curly hair fringe has been slowly making its way into the salon as people transition back and forth between a shag and a mullet.

As for colors, warm honey blondes, expensive brunettes, and 50 shades of red are on trend to make a giant explosion in the new year.

Hailey Bieber is always on trend, so expect Gen Z to flock towards her hair color for sure! As for our Bellingham crowd, expect anything that is lived-in and makes our lives just a bit easier in the morning to win the hottest trend award.

Do you have any general tips for someone who’s preparing for a big hair change?

Always ask your stylist what looks good with your face shape, complexion, and lifestyle when you’re ready for a change. We are always excited to make your hair dreams come true — and the more inspo photos the better! 1215 Old Fairhaven Pkwy., Ste. B, Bellingham, 360.715.1052, salonbellissimabellingham.com 

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8. Bubble Tea & Iced Teas About $5 each The Spice Hut 131 W. Kellogg Rd., Bellingham 360.671.2800, thespicehut.com

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TOP REMODEL TRENDS FOR 2023 WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY AND KRISTEN BOEHM

Photo by Nic Aston

W

e’ve long since moved past the idea that every home needs to be identical to be in style. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter interior design! So when we asked local industry pros like architects, designers, and builders what trends they see for 2023, we received a variety of interesting answers.

As we embrace individualism in design, many emerging trends are about supporting your quality of life no matter the form they come in. Practicality is in — we see a lot of maximizing the use of space, functionality, and embracing the wonders of tech (like with home security and energy-efficient appliances).

Going hand-in-hand with that, though, is an appreciation for how you feel in your home. There are tips and tricks for finding what colors, shapes, and accents could make your interiors really click.

So as we go room by room, visualize how these trends can be put to work for you. Despite the array of advice, our experts all agree on one thing: You should love your space.

March 2023 41

ENTRYWAY Alcoves and Arches

As opposed to sharp corners and geometric shapes, Interior Designer Nia Sayers of Samuel’s Furniture (Ferndale, samuelsfurniture. com) says softer silhouettes are having their moment in 2023.

“Soft shapes are making their way into architectural elements through arched doorways, built-in shelves, and alcoves,” says Sayers.

“Especially in the entryway, an alcove can create interest as well as serve a practical purpose.”

For more ways to create interest, consider circular mirrors, abstract art, and accent pieces like runners, vases, and light fixtures. But be careful of going overboard: your entryway sets the tone for your home, and given that this area also acts as storage for coats and shoes, things can get cluttered quickly.

Try embracing the “less is more” route by choosing two or three meaningful accent pieces — these will act as visual anchors without overwhelming the space.

For those struggling to pick a color palette, Sayers has a simple piece of advice: look outside.

“Keeping paint colors and finishes natural is a great way to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors,” she says. “Try to echo the tones of your immediate outdoor environment to create cohesion.”

Here in Washington, this often means bringing in deep earth tones like forest greens, browns, and neutrals. Those

lucky enough to have a view of the bay might also consider the silvers and blues of the Salish Sea. If you go the natural route, take things a step further by accessorizing your entryway with house plants native to the PNW, such as ferns (we recommend looking online to see which varieties grow best indoors). As for where to source them, check out Plantas Nativa in Bellingham for a huge stock of native plants.

“

Soft shapes are making their way into architectural elements through arched doorways, built-in shelves, and alcoves.

Nia Sayers

Samuel’s Furniture

“

Keeping paint colors and finishes natural is a great way to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors.

Try to echo the tones of your immediate outdoor environment to create cohesion.

Nia Sayers

Samuel’s Furniture

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Bring the Outdoors In

ENTRYWAY Fashion and Function

Architect Allison Crandall of Highline Construction (Bellingham, highlinewa.com) stresses the importance of functionality, especially when it comes to entryways.

“In the design process, we like to plan on having a dedicated and well-designed place for jackets, shoes, and bags at the main entry,” Crandall

says. “This level of function has typically been reserved for a separate mudroom, but that can leave the main entry cluttered. A well-designed entry is functional for homeowners to use daily while providing a beautiful first impression for guests.”

Speaking of practicality, Jason Wheeler of Instinct

Builders (Bellingham, instinctbuilders.com) notes that the entryway is an excellent spot for custom cabinetry. This can take a variety of forms, from straightforward shelving to built-in shoe benches and even coat closets tailored to your home’s aesthetic.

Photo by Radley Muller Photography

In the design process, we like to plan on having a dedicated and well-designed place for jackets, shoes, and bags at the main entry.

”

Allison Crandall

Highline Construction

“

Some of the other trends include lighting control and doorbell cameras integrated with your home security system. Some of our customers use sensors to monitor safes or even pool gates.

Kyle Weiss

Premier Business Team

Remodels present an ideal opportunity to revamp your home security system — and perhaps make your life easier in the process. According to Kyle Weiss of Premier Business Team (Bellingham, premierbusinessteam.com), the latest innovations in home security include Internet of Things (IoT) technology, or in other words, gadgets (like apps, cameras, and sensors) that allow you to control multiple systems in your home. This could include managing your home security and thermostat from an app, or monitoring leaks using water sensors.

“Some of the other trends include lighting control and doorbell cameras integrated with your home security

Try New Technology

system,” Weiss says. “Some of our customers use sensors to monitor safes or even pool gates.”

March 2023 43

KITCHEN EnergyEfficient Picks

“

Americans tend toward extra-large fridges, but these use lots of energy.

So many foods don’t even need to be refrigerated, so we really can use smaller fridges and reduce our energy consumption.

Nicole Miller

TC Legend Homes

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BellinghamAlive.com

When it comes to selecting kitchen appliances, Nicole Miller at TC Legend Homes (Bellingham, tclegendhomes. com) looks for brands that will reduce both your utility bill and carbon footprint. As such, she only ever recommends Energy Star-rated appliances.

It’s also worth being honest with yourself about your household’s needs; for example, will you really use that oversized refrigerator?

“Americans tend toward extra-large fridges, but these use lots of energy,” Miller says. “So many foods don’t even need to be refrigerated, so we really can use smaller fridges and reduce our energy consumption.”

When it comes to cooking, Miller “always [recommends] induction cooktops and electric ovens. Induction cooktops are more energy efficient than standard

cooktops.” Gas appliances are less environmentally friendly and also create air pollution, thus decreasing indoor air quality.

Last but not least, Miller encourages her customers to invest in outside vented range hoods as opposed to microwave/vent hood combos.

Vented hoods filter much more efficiently and help to reduce the air pollutants produced when cooking.

Photo by Radley Muller Photography

Photo by Point 2 Studio

KITCHEN “Our kitchen clients are seeing double, many wanting two islands, twice the storage — leading to larger pantries and even duplicate appliances, like dishwashers,” says Tanna Edler of Tanna

by Design (tannabydesign. com). “So, when possible, I am either combining rooms or borrowing from another to expand the footprint.”

Your kitchen is essentially a work space, so embracing functionality here just makes sense. For those with smaller spaces, Jennifer Ryan of Jennifer Ryan Design (Bellingham, jenniferryandesign.com) is a big fan of integrated seating.

Integrated seating helps your dining area blend in seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen, and it’s also a great solution for smaller spaces.

With the right mentality, regular kitchen cabinets can also be a blank slate for creativity. If bar carts aren’t quite your style, Ryan recommends installing a designated bar area in your cabinets. This might include a rack for glasses, shelving made for bottles of wine, and drawers for mixology equipment like shakers and spoons.

Alternatively, remove the bottom of the cabinet directly above your sink and install a drying rack instead. This ingenious idea is an offshoot of a Finnish design concept called Astiankuivauskaappi and keeps your countertop clutter-free.

Combining Spaces

“

When possible, I am either combining rooms or borrowing from another to expand the footprint.”

Tanna Edler

TANNA BY DESIGN

March 2023 45

KITCHEN

Courtesy of Stone Pros LLC

Counters and Backsplashes

In an ideal world, we would enjoy our meals at the dining room table every evening, but it isn’t always reality — especially for folks on the go. As such, Crandall notes that counters and islands aren’t just for food prep. These unpretentious, accessible areas can also function as gathering spaces.

“Planning for ample counter space and including informal seating options, like bar stools at an island, is something we’re seeing across the board,” she says.

As for how to accent counters, our designers pointed to two trends: contrasting colors and neutrals. Principal Architect Sean Hegstad of Haven 46

BellinghamAlive.com

Design Workshop (Ferndale, haven-dw.com) says his customers are embracing more stark designs, such as black countertops paired with white cabinetry, whereas Crandall enjoys more neutral tones and stone counters and backsplashes.

In this vein, Owner Glen Schiff of Stone Pros LLC (Burlington, stone-pros.com) specifically cites high-end quartzite as a popular pick.

“Quartzite is a beautiful natural stone that dates over a billion years old,” says Schiff. “It has a lot of cracks and fissures, and is truly a picturesque work of art. It’s the kind of stone that you can hang on your wall as art. Most people are using quartzite for their kitchen islands.”

“

Quartzite is a beautiful natural stone that dates over a billion years old. It has a lot of cracks and fissures, and is truly a picturesque work of art. It’s the kind of stone that you can hang on your wall as art.

Glen Schiff

Stone Pros LLC

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BATHROOM Break the Rules

“

[The bathroom] can be a great place to try something fun with tile, wallpaper, or lighting.

Allison Crandall

Highline Construction

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BellinghamAlive.com

Love a color palette or unusual wallpaper, but don’t know how — or where — to utilize it in your home?

Try the bathroom. Even if the rest of your home’s aesthetic is subdued, the bathroom provides the perfect opportunity to experiment.

“This can be a great place to try something fun with tile, wallpaper, or lighting,” says Crandall. “It’s nice to tie a few of the finishes into the overall home palette, but it can be a fun room to break a few of the norms that you’ve set in other areas of the home.”

“

Bold colors and even patterns are showing up through paint choice, mosaic tile patterns, and even the oft-forgotten window treatment.

BATHROOM Color and Light

Nia Sayers

Samuel’s Furniture

In 2023 and beyond, our home pros are doing their part to make sure that drab color schemes and nasty fluorescent lights are a thing of the past.

“I think we are going to pay more attention to color and light in our bathroom spaces,” says Sayers. “Bold colors and even patterns are showing up through paint choice, mosaic tile patterns, and even the oftforgotten window treatment.

I’m especially excited to see more backlit bathroom mirrors make an appearance.

It’s a great way to add moody, flattering light.”

In addition to those backlit mirrors, Ryan cites lighted shower niches with dimmers as her “new favorite thing” for bathrooms. Shower niches remove the need for bulky organizers, and that splash of mood lighting goes a long way.

March 2023 49

Functional Focal Points

Say goodbye to the unstylish, cramped baths of yesteryear.

In 2023, homeowners are increasingly leaning on functional elements as staple pieces — think oversized baths and even vintage clawfoot tubs.

“We are going to be seeing statement, standalone bathtubs,” Sayers says. “As people are craving true relaxation and privacy, the bathtub will take center stage.

Innovations in materials and design are giving new life to established, classic forms.”

On the other hand, Hegstad notes that some clients are foregoing the tub completely, opting for large stand-alone showers instead. According to Edler, this move is consistent with her clients’ desire to get more bang for their buck in terms of storage space.

“With both kitchens and bathrooms I see the continued desire to gain more room in a remodel by adding space,” Edler says. “For example, removing the tub to install a larger shower for two, or increasing storage with a walk-in wardrobe.”

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BellinghamAlive.com

“

With both kitchens and bathrooms I see the continued desire to gain more room in a remodel by adding space. For example, removing the tub to install a larger shower for two, or increasing storage with a walk-in wardrobe.”

Tanna Edler

TANNA BY DESIGN

Photo by Point 2 Studio

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LIVING SPACES Work Meets Play

“

We’re happy to see clients being adventurous with their designs, creating spaces that are more aligned with their daily functions.

John Quirarte

Bellastro Construction

52

BellinghamAlive.com

The kitchen isn’t the only place in the home where functionality takes precedence. John Quirarte, owner of Bellastro Construction (Burlington, bellastro.com), notes that multifunctional living spaces are also widely requested.

“We’re happy to see clients being adventurous with their designs, creating spaces that are more aligned with their daily functions,” Quirarte says.

“This is including, but not

limited to, constructing more tiny spaces inside and outside of the house and designing spaces to share, as well as areas that allow people to find their own space within a home.”

As many workers continue their careers from home, living space/office hybrids continue to surge in popularity. Just remember to keep a degree of separation between these zones! We recommend working with a

pro to ensure that these spaces are integrated yet intentional.

Avoiding too much overlap allows you to fully unplug when you clock out.

“Design philosophies like Feng Shui or Japandi (Japanese and Scandinavian mashup) help create overall wellness in the home,” Sayers says. “Some practical ways to incorporate these principles could be as simple as creating intentional zones with more distance between each living area.”

LIVING SPACES

Courtesy of Wow 1 Day Painting

Dana Huggett of Wow 1 Day Painting (Bellingham, wow1day.com) is a big fan of one-tone painting, meaning that the ceiling, trim, doors and walls are all painted with the same color.

“One of my favorite rooms we have done so far this year was painted with Jasper by Sherwin Williams,” Huggett says. “We painted everything with Jasper: walls, ceilings, baseboards. It looked beautiful! Our client has an eye for color and accessorized the room with soft pinks.

The overall one-color look is definitely a trend that I am loving right now.”

For a subtler look, Wheeler notes that his team has been installing plenty of earth-tone plasters from the New Mexicobased company American Clay.

“It is a great option for accent walls or fireplace surrounds,” Wheeler says.

“These plasters create a nice textural variety without being overly ‘done.’ Natural pigments are integral to the clay, and it provides a lot of depth and subtle character.”

“

Play with Textures and Tones

One of my favorite rooms we have done so far this year was painted with Jasper by Sherwin Williams. We painted everything with Jasper: walls, ceilings, baseboards.

Dana Huggett

Wow 1 Day Painting

March 2023 53

“

LIVING SPACES Embrace Eclecticism

“

We like to see clients that stay true to themselves and who don’t shy away from the strong colors or designs if that is what they truly desire.

John Quirarte

Bellastro Construction

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BellinghamAlive.com

While minimalism and earth tones are seemingly always on trend in the PNW, these aesthetics aren’t loved by everyone. Trends come and go — so rather than settling for a look that feels forced, it’s more important to embrace the colors and styles that you truly love. From there, seek out designers and builders who can honor that vision.

“We like to see clients that stay true to themselves and who don’t shy away from the strong colors or designs if that is what they truly desire,” Quirarte says. “Designers and builders can then complement

this, and then trust the master plan.”

If you choose the eclectic route, you might try keeping paint, flooring, and finishes relatively neutral. From there, you can mix and match unique accent pieces throughout the space.

“I’m loving spaces that play with neutral colors and multiple textures spread across the room with rugs, furniture, and wall coverings,” Crandall says. “This works great with a combination of contemporary furniture, and antique or vintage finds, especially items with a focus on natural materials.”

I’m loving spaces that play with neutral colors and multiple textures spread across the room with rugs, furniture, and wall coverings.

Allison Crandall

Highline Construction

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We measure success differently.

We believe in democratic decision making and a fair distribution of profits.

We recognize and appreciate the

good will of our clients, the beauty and abundance of our Pacific Northwest home, the camaraderie and friendship of our coworkers, and the

Kristal Grimstead Luxury Specialist

Best Real Estate Agent

Broker 1318 12th St., Bellingham m: 360.441.2202 | kristalgrimstead.com

opportunity to express ourselves creatively through our craft.

We strive to reduce our environmental impact through conscientious business practices, thoughtful design, and building with respect for our limited resources.

We pursue our work because it brings us joy and satisfaction.

For a complete list of our Guiding Principles visit our website.

MEET YOUR DESIGNERS Allison Crandall

Nia Sayers

Architect, Highline Construction

Interior Designer, Samuel’s Furniture

What drew you to architectural design?

I was drawn to architecture because it felt like the perfect intersection between art and functionality. It’s a design-based field, but it is firmly based in reality. Architects need to know a little (or a lot) about many different subjects. Additionally, working with my hands has always been a passion of mine. While working as an architect is one step removed, it ignites the same spark.

What is your favorite tactic to use towards sustainable design?

One of the easiest and most sustainable things we can do is to design homes with efficient use of space. There are great building materials and construction methods available to support sustainable design, but our first step should be stepping back to ensure we’re making careful and efficient design decisions with the resources that we have.

Do you have a favorite room in a home?

I love a home with a thoughtfully designed dining area that’s integrated into the kitchen or living space in a way that facilitates daily use and large gatherings alike. Sharing meals with family and friends is my favorite way to make a house a home.

How did you become a professional upholsterer?

Back in 2003, I was looking to take an interior design class just to get out of the house after I had two kids in 14 months.

I couldn’t find a design class, but did find an upholstery course at Bellingham Technical College, loved it immediately, and ended up taking it about four or five times back-to-back. After doing projects for friends and family, I decided to give it a go professionally and got my master business license in 2005.

How does being a professional upholsterer play into your design consulting?

Having a background in upholstery complements my design consulting in that I understand furniture construction and materials. I can suggest pieces that will not just look good, but will last a long time, since good quality furniture is designed to be easily reupholstered.

You have previously suggested that everyone include an edgy element in their design schemes. What is your favorite edgy element to include in your own home’s design?

My own home is a converted pole barn that was once our garage. We switched the solid garage door to a glass and aluminum one instead. So now, our glass garage door in our living room is our edgy element.

It’s also wonderful to open for parties or glorious summer days and is a real conversation starter.

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MEET YOUR DESIGNERS Jennifer Ryan

Sean Hegstad

Owner, Contractor, Designer, Jennifer Ryan Design

Principal Architect, Haven Design Workshop

Do you have a favorite color or color combination to work with, and why?

If [my clients] mention a piece of art, a favorite place, plants, their favorite color, et cetera, I tend to run with that and use it in their house as it adds a personal connection to their home. As for me, I love using black and metallics in my own space. I think every room in a house should have a common thread to meld it all together, and in mine, it’s black.

We read that you use a hunt-and-gather method to decorate your home. What’s your favorite find?

For sure my living room couch! It was on the side of the road, missing a leg, cushions, and some of the horsehair stuffing. I re-stuffed and recovered it in gray and black velvet with a tufted back, made new down cushions, and painted the wood black.

From a designer’s perspective, what do big graphic patterns on walls bring to a home?

I love pattern and have done many murals over the years. I find myself drawn to beautiful wallpaper, but can’t always find the right one… so, I just paint it. A custom painted wall is like a piece of art. [My own] has had three color changes over the years. There is a black bee in every point of the diamond that I have to paint around for every color change. It’s a love hate relationship, but I always love the end result!

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If you were going to build your dream home in the Pacific Northwest, would you prefer a forested area, waterfront, or an urban space?

Waterfront. That’s where I like to be. I like to swim, play in the water, and I like sunlight. Some of the forested sites are a little darker. My ideal would be something in between, but with those three choices, I’d pick waterfront.

For yourself, do you have a preference between contemporary or traditional design for houses?

My preference is contemporary, but [it’s] site specific. The house we just built five years ago is in a traditional neighborhood.

So [we went with] really crisp line traditional. We’re not trying to alienate the neighbors, that’s really important to me.

When you’re doing a remodel, would you rather expand vertically or horizontally?

It’s more affordable to go vertical if it’s beside the existing structure, but if you’re trying to go above the existing structure, it gets expensive. If I was in the middle of a farm or field, I’d tend to go horizontal, but if I was more in a neighborhood or urban setting, it would definitely be more vertical. Context is really key to that.

Thank you for voting us BEST ARCHITECT! Custom Design Projects • 360.223.3359 • morrisoriginals.com

PREMIUM COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL ROOFING SERVICE IN WHATCOM COUNTY Esary Roofing & Siding has been helping homeowners and contractors with their roofing and siding investments for 56 years. esary.com • 360.318.0604 License # ESARYRS175KE Whatcom • San Juan Skagit • King County

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Pros To Know We are pleased to share with you these select building professionals who can assist on your projects, whether you’re planning a small update or a major home construction project.

Start your project on a firm foundation.

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The Pros A+ Window Washing | p. 62 Alexei Ford Design Build | p. 67 Audio Video Excellence (AVX) | p. 68 Bank of the Pacific | p. 73 Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing | p. 72 Christine Cicchitti | p. 65 The Curated Home | p. 64 Freeland & Associates, Inc. | p. 62 The Glass Guru | p. 71 Highline Construction | p. 63 Homeport Interiors | p. 70 Jennifer Ryan Design | p. 68 Kent’s Garden & Nursery | p. 64 Mt. Baker Roofing | p. 65 Options Cabinetry | p. 70 Robinson Hardwood & Homes LLC | p. 66 Russell’s Window Coverings | p. 66 Western Solar | p. 69 Windsor Plywood | p. 72 March 2023 61

PROS TO KNOW \ WINDOW CLEANING

A+ WINDOW WASHING

Photo by Carson Artac

A+ Window Washing LLC has been serving Whatcom County since 2013. Leon Nishball and his team provide the highest quality window washing for their clients, with special attention to detail. Whether you choose to have all your windows cleaned or just those special view windows, A+ will make them shine! Our team is ready to do interior and exterior windows to meet their client’s needs.

If you are getting ready for a special event, putting your home on the market or finishing up a new construction project, A+ Windows is your number 1 choice for window cleaning. With over 10 years of experience you can expect quality work and results.

A+ Window Washing is also capable of serving your commercial space or storefront with individualized, regularly scheduled cleanings. Business owners can count on A+ to be professional, reliable and timely.

Call, text or email today for a free estimate.

360.927.9235 apluswindowswa@gmail.com LIC# 603297625

PROS TO KNOW \ ENGINEERING

FREELAND & ASSOCIATES, INC. Freeland & Associates, Inc. is a civil engineering firm based in Bellingham, Washington established in 2001.

We specialize in providing civil engineering design and planning services for residential, commercial, and industrial projects throughout Northwest Washington.

Our staff of ten civil engineers have been part of the design teams for projects ranging from the new Sehome High School to custom homes on Lopez Island. Whether it’s the utilities for a 400,000 square foot freezer facility in Lynden or protecting Lake Whatcom from phosphorous laden runoff, our team brings innovative ideas to solve the most complex challenges. Our technical support and creative ideas can be seen at over 2,300 sites throughout our community.

We give back to our community by donating to PeaceHealth, Bellingham Public Schools Foundation, Kulshan Land Trust, and Lydia Place.

220 West Champion St., Ste. 200, Bellingham 360.650.1408 freelandengineering.com

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CONSTRUCTION / PROS TO KNOW

HIGHLINE CONSTRUCTION Bellingham 360.746.5455 highlinewa.com

Three-time gold winner for Best Builder, Highline Construction consistently ranks at the top for quality customer care and expert level design, building, and excavation services. Founded in 2011 and locally owned and operated, Highline offers not just dependable building services, but also boasts an impressive in-house design team. Having an interior designer, a project designer, and a licensed architect on staff is part of what makes Highline so special.

Clients choose Highline for their endto-end service, knowing Highline’s design and production teams work together seamlessly to deliver on their clients’ unique dreams.

Known most for large-scale remodels, they now offer excavation services with the same commitment to quality. Their team comes with more than 20 years of experience in stormwater management, grading and

yard expansion, gravel driveways, and more.

In addition to providing exceptional customer care and craftsmanship, Highline is community-minded and donates to numerous local non-profit organizations each year.

Highline clients have deemed Highline a “first-class, five-star builder” who is “timely, pleasant, and responsive” resulting in a “fantastic experience from start to finish” that “exceeded all of [their] expectations.”

They have been described as “clear communicators” who are “honest, proactive, warm, and professional” providing “top quality, full service…”

They do business with a commitment to do right by others — including their customers, their employees, and the community.

If you want the best when it comes to a design-build team, call Highline.

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PROS TO KNOW \ FLOORING

THE CURATED HOME - FLOORING AND DESIGN CENTER Your number-one source for the best products and services The Curated Home is here to meet your flooring needs with the best products and services.

The Curated Home has design experts on hand waiting to help you determine your next steps in the buying experience. From high-end to budget-conscious buyers, we have products to help meet all of your needs. As a family-owned and operated business, we pride ourselves on taking good care of our customers. Come see us and we will treat you like part of the family.

We offer free in-home estimates. Contact us today and let us turn your house into a home!

3161 Mercer Ave., Ste. 103 Bellingham 360.543.4625 curatedhomedesign.com

PROS TO KNOW \ GARDEN SUPPLY

KENT’S GARDEN & NURSERY Experience KENT’S Plant Design Services & LOVE your yard.

LINDA      “Kent’s garden design services are excellent. A Kent’s designer came to my home, listened to my ideas and then a week later she gave me a wonderful hand drawn design for my backyard. Her plant choices were exciting and just what I was looking for. Not only does Kent’s have excellent plant choices, but they also have a topnotch design service. Try it! You won’t be disappointed.”

5428 Northwest Rd., Bellingham 360.384.4433 kentsgardenandnursery.com

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REAL ESTATE / PROS TO KNOW

CHRISTINE CICCHITTI Client focused. Community strong.

It has always been my philosophy to give 100% to my clients, community, and family.

Born and raised in Whatcom County, I’ve been in real estate since 2005 and have worked with hundreds of homebuyers and sellers as they began the next chapter in their lives whether to sell their home or to purchase the next one.

My experience in working with developers and builders on several different housing developments to create amazing communities has also given me the opportunity to become familiar with how our county building and planning processes work, as well as assist buyers as they build their dream home.

Helping to create a strong community, and focused on you, I’m here to help.

Christine Cicchitti Windermere Real Estate 360.296.3814 cicchitti@windermere.com cicchittirealestate.com

ROOFING / PROS TO KNOW

MT. BAKER ROOFING Mt Baker Roofing has served Whatcom and Skagit Counties for over 40 years. The company specializes in providing high-quality roofing services, including residential reroofing, gutter & skylight installation, and new construction roofs.

Based in Bellingham, all of our employees live and work in the communities we serve. We take pride in providing our community with quality roofs and aim to leave families with a sense of security in their homes. We operate year-round to ensure you stay safe and dry. Here at Mt Baker Roofing, we believe your home is one of your most important investments, and we want to give you the peace of mind that you will be taken care of, and your project will be done correctly.

We’ve roofed over 20,000 houses and many wellknown businesses within the area, including Semiahmoo Resort, Bellingham Golf & Country Club, and Hotel Bellwether.

Call us today to receive a free estimate.

928 Thomas Rd., Bellingham 360.733.0191 mtbakerroofing.com

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PROS TO KNOW \ WINDOW COVERINGS

RUSSELL’S WINDOW COVERINGS Locally owned and operated for more than 25 years Russell’s Window Coverings has been bringing you a huge range of options, styles, and designs for your home or office.

Russell’s brings to you a vast selection of window treatments perfect for just about any window imaginable. From our classic horizontal blinds to our timeless plantation shutters and motorized shades, we’re sure to have a look and design that meets your specific needs.

Specializing in Hunter Douglas products, which are well known for quality and customization options, we offer a variety of products and outstanding service, ensuring you get the personalized look that suits your lifestyle, décor and budget.

Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss the beautiful options available for your home.

873 Hinotes Court, A-2, Lynden 360.656.6579 RussellsWindowCoverings@gmail.com WindowShadesAndShutters.com

PROS TO KNOW \ HARDWOODS

ROBINSON HARDWOOD & HOMES LLC Robinson Hardwood & Homes is celebrating its 30th year of installing gorgeous flooring for the Bellingham community. Our family-owned business employs a team of incredibly passionate, hardworking, and knowledgeable craftsmen. Whether you need new floors or your existing floors need some TLC, our team is here to help you love your floors again.

Hardwood flooring is stunning, timeless, and low-maintenance, making it an appealing option for homeowners. We offer both solid and engineered hardwood. Luxury vinyl planking is also available for those seeking a scratch-resistant and waterproof option.

We understand that remodeling can be stressful and we are committed to clear and timely communication from project start through end.

Give us a call to schedule your free estimate or visit our newly remodeled showroom to see the beautiful floors we can offer you.

2100 Grant St., Bellingham 360.671.9663 robinsonhardwood.com @RobinsonHardwood

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GENERAL CONTRACTOR / PROS TO KNOW

ALEXEI FORD DESIGN BUILD 228 E. Maple St., Bellingham 360.220.5452 info@afdesignbuild.com alexeiforddesign.com WA State Contractor License# ALEXEFD792KC Office hours Mon-Thur 7:30am-5pm

Building Enthusiasts

Alexei Ford Design Build is a uniquely creative design-build company offering a full range of services from concept to completion. Our experienced in-house team of designers, managers and craftsmen are skilled at actualizing all types of construction projects, including highly creative and nontraditional designs. Alexei Ford, with his 35 years of professional experience in the building industry, leads his team with integrity, and always strives to get the best results for his customers.

You may be a first-time home buyer needing small repairs, preparing to build your dream home, or needing improvements to your commercial property. We can help you with all your construction needs. Alexei Ford and his team work hard to understand their

clients’ needs and dreams by attentively listening and getting to know what inspires them. Consistently being patient and available to our clients becomes the foundation of a project uniquely suited to you.

Our integrated and established systems will allow us to meet your specific goals and accomplish your project with greater ease. We are dedicated to establishing long lasting relationships with our clients, employees, subcontractors, and suppliers.

We are focused on design, construction and general contracting in the heart of Whatcom County. We would welcome the opportunity to bring our expertise, enthusiasm, and integrity to your next project. Let us make working with you our next mutual success.

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PROS TO KNOW \ HOME ELECTRONICS

AUDIO VIDEO EXCELLENCE (AVX) Audio Video Excellence (AVX) is your premiere provider of integrated Home Theater and Entertainment systems.

We have been working on smart home automation and home theater installation since 1984.

We are the professionals who will guide you through the design and implementation of your system, tailored to your specific needs and budget whether it be for home, office, or your boat. We are leaders in commercial installations, including corporate boardrooms, restaurants, bars, casinos, and government facilities.

We’re dedicated to total customer satisfaction, quality of work and superior attention to detail.

Call or email us today for a free estimate and to discuss your project, and we can show you how to make it a reality. To enjoy the pleasure of quality equipment, design & professional installation you need the experts at Audio Video Excellence!

360.398.8447 avxc.com

PROS TO KNOW \ INTERIOR DESIGN

JENNIFER RYAN DESIGN Jennifer Ryan Design is a Bellingham based interior design and remodeling company bringing sophisticated whimsy to your most treasured space. Jennifer has an uncanny ability to combine unexpected patterns, colors and textures making your home reflect your distinct personality.

From concept and design, to production, Jennifer Ryan Design projects run smoothly and professionally, with a high level of collaboration between clients, and subcontractors. Committed to exceeding expectations, Jennifer understands each individual clients wants and dreams.

Whether it be a kitchen, bathroom, home gym or office, even your entire home, Jennifer will realize your vision in ways you never imagined. Her hands-on approach assures that all elements are seamlessly executed, and your wishes and goals are met.

See for yourself why clients and design professionals alike rave about Jennifer Ryan Design. Jennifer’s impeccable design, attention to detail and easy work style will Design Your Way Home.

Jennifer Ryan Design 360.319.7092 jennifer@jenniferryandesign.com JenniferRyanDesign.com

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CLEAN ENERGY SERVICES / PROS TO KNOW

WESTERN SOLAR 360.746.0859 westernsolarinc.com

Western Solar has come a long way since late 2002, when retired WWU Professor Jack Hardy started the company out of his Bellingham garage. While Jack now enjoys his well-deserved retirement, our team at Western Solar continues to fulfill his vision of serving families and businesses in Whatcom County and beyond.

From early roots in passive solar home design, solar hot water systems, and navigating early solar adoption, our skilled team has established Western Solar as one of the top solar photovoltaic installers in the Pacific Northwest.

Panasonic has also twice named us Residential Installer of the Year for the Northwest region.

Under the leadership of General Manager Eric Blatz and Director of Sales Evan Bush, Western Solar sets the standard for premier-quality solar PV installations delivered

with a customer-centered focus on value. Our team manages the entire process of PV system adoption and integration, including system design and sales, permitting, installation, utility coordination, system monitoring, and post-installation support.

What started out with a few solar panels installed per year now exceeds 8,000, and each year we continue to set a new record. With your support over the past 20 years, we have installed solar for over 2,000 homes and small businesses!

We are also honored to be entrusted with the design and installation of multiple large-scale solar projects for the Nooksack and Lummi Tribes, Samish Indian Nation, King County, local schools and grocers, and other municipalities and nonprofits.

Thank you for joining us on our journey; we’re excited to see what the next 20 years will bring!

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PROS TO KNOW \ CABINETRY

OPTIONS CABINETRY You’ll find everything you need at Bellingham’s one-stop interior design center — Homeport Interiors and Options Cabinetry. Locally owned and operated with our in-house design team offering Interior Design, Kitchen and Bath Design, and Space Planning.

Options Cabinetry is focused on creating beautiful and functional cabinetry for every lifestyle, budget, and dream while providing original custom designs that allow our clients to set themselves apart. Let our designers at and Options Cabinetry help you get started today. No project is ever too big or too small; too long or too short.

Whether it’s your home or business, custom design is our specialty, and we can’t wait to help your dream become a reality.

KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN. INTERIOR DESIGN. SPACE PLANNING. FURNITURE DESIGN. CABINETS. CARPET. FURNITURE. KNOBS AND PULLS. HARDWOOD. LUXURY VINYL PLANK. TILE. LAMINATE. COUNTER TOPS AND MORE.

4071 Hannegan Rd., Ste. K, Bellingham 360.746.8759, optionsci.com

PROS TO KNOW \ TILE

HOMEPORT INTERIORS You’ll find everything you need at Bellingham’s onestop interior design center — Homeport Interiors and Options Cabinetry. Locally owned and operated with our in-house design team offering Interior Design, Kitchen and Bath Design, Furniture & Décor, and Space Planning.

HomePort Interiors is focused on creating unique designs while reflecting our client’s personality and lifestyle, by capturing their design dreams and making them a reality. We have a wide selection of choices from eco-friendly carpets, distinctive wood flooring, luxury vinyl and European tile that meet your personalized needs. Our broad selection of custom furnishings allows you to create a beautiful space. Let our designers help you get started today. No project is ever too big or too small; too long or too short. Whether it’s your home or business, custom design is our specialty, and we can’t wait to help your dream become a reality.

KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN. INTERIOR DESIGN. SPACE PLANNING. FURNITURE DESIGN. CABINETS. CARPET. FURNITURE. KNOBS AND PULLS. HARDWOOD. LUXURY VINYL PLANK. TILE. LAMINATE. COUNTER TOPS AND MORE. 4071 Hannegan Rd., Ste. K, Bellingham 360.392.8754, homeportinteriors.com

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WINDOW REPLACEMENT / PROS TO KNOW

THE GLASS GURU Bellingham 360.927.9395 theglassguru.com

Thinking about ways to update your home? Consider window replacements, custom mirror frames, shower and bath enclosures, glass insert upgrades to your doors, foggy window repair or more. Your favorite neighborhood glass shop, The Glass Guru of Bellingham can be the onestop shop you’ve been searching for.

Give your home more than just paint for a change; give yourself that beautiful shower enclosure you’ve been dreaming about. Maybe you want an updated patio door to complete a light and airy look to your living room.

If you’re looking to refresh your home, our glass professionals at The Glass

Guru can help you cross various services off your wish list. We aim to save you time, money and hassle, so you can be rest assured that you are getting the best deal and the best options for your home. So take a scroll through Pinterest (@glassguru), then set up an estimate with the glass pros, The Glass Guru of Bellingham.

We are only a phone call away, call us at 360-927-9395 and schedule a free estimate, your home dreams are closer than they seem.

You can also contact us via email, bellingham@theglassguru.com

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PROS TO KNOW \ LUMBER SUPPLY

WINDSOR PLYWOOD When plywood is in the name, it’s easy to assume that Windsor sells plywood. Well they do, and a lot of it for that matter, but you’ll find so much more than plywood when you walk through their doors. In fact, Windsor Plywood has been in Bellingham for over 50 years and in that time, they have evolved in to one of the Pacific Northwest’s premium building materials suppliers.

Whether you are a professional builder or a true weekend warrior, Windsor will have the expert advice and quality finishing products you expect and deserve. You will find some of the latest trends like live edge lumber and shiplap as well traditional building materials from decking and fencing to lumber and mouldings, as well as the largest selection of domestic and exotic hardwoods in the area. Windsor also has the area’s longest running door shop where they pre-hang interior and exterior doors to your exact needs and offer custom milling and cutting of their products as well as prefinishing in their spray facility.

1208 Iowa St. Bellingham 360.676.1025 windsorplywood.com

PROS TO KNOW \ PLUMBING

Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing Home comfort goes WAY beyond just heating and cooling. Choose a company you know and trust for all your home performance needs with Barron Plumbing, the newest division of Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing.

Barron’s experienced team of licensed Plumbers offer a wide range of plumbing services like WholeHome™ Plumbing and Drain and Sewer Inspections, as well as water filtration systems, sump pumps, traditional and tankless water heaters, and more. Don’t get caught in hot water — or without! Let Barron keep your home or business safe and comfortable from the pipes on up.

As your Home and Building Performance Experts since 1972, Barron serves both residential and commercial customers in the I5 corridor from Blaine to Marysville, Oak Harbor to Concrete, and the San Juan Islands. At Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing, we stand by Our Mission: Improving Lives™.

barron-plumbing.com 360-685-5182 5100 Pacific Hwy, Ferndale

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MORTGAGE LENDER / PROS TO KNOW

BANK OF THE PACIFIC Everyone Has a Dream Whether yours is to buy your first home, remodel your existing home, or purchase that “level up” home you’ve been needing, Bank of the Pacific is in the business of dream fulfillment. Our loan officers get to know you and work with you to find the best loan options to fit your circumstances. Not only do you receive fast and accurate responses, but you can also count on us to be there after the loan has closed. This is the advantage of having a relationship with a local, full-service community bank.

Stop, call, or visit BankofthePacific.com – you can apply for your loan online or in-person!

NMLS# 417480

Lynden - Bellingham Hannegan - Anacortes 360.734.0544 BankofthePacific.com

Meet Your True North Team!

As Your True North Team, Robin and Traci strive to ensure their clients feel as though they are getting twice the attention, twice the resourcefulness, and twice the creativity in guiding their clients through either the buying or selling process.

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yourtruenorthteam.com Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

360.757.2195, chuckanutlighting.com 938 Fountain St., Burlington WA Exit 231

Monday - Friday: 9am - 5:30pm Saturday: 10am - 5pm

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Your Local Hunter Douglas Gallery Dealer Serving Whatcom, Skagit, and Island counties Family Owned Since 1992

Custom Interior Blinds, Shades, and Shutters Exterior Sunscreens and Awnings Storm Shutters

Complimentary On-Site Design Consultations Ultrasonic Cleaning Service Authorized Service Center for Repairs

Thank you for voting us Best Window Coverings 2022.

4131 Hannegan Rd., #104, Bellingham, WA 98226 360.676.5223 wallsandwindowsinc.com

Goat Mountain Pizza 78

Taste

Chef’s Corner: Keenan’s at the Pier 80

Photo by Cocoa Laney

Mariposa Taqueria 87

Iconic Eats

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Boundary Bay Mac and Cheese

The Horseshoe Cafe Chicken and Waffles

Courtesy of The Horseshoe Cafe

Photo by Cocoa Laney

Taste Iconic Eats

The North Sound’s Most Iconic Eats WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY

Breakfast What: Biscuits and Gravy Where: Old Town Cafe Why: As far as cafes go, Old Town Cafe is basically a church — and breakfast is their religion. Any of their dishes would start your day off right, but the Biscuits and Gravy ($12.75) in particular could tempt us out of bed on even the chilliest of mornings. Accidentally slept in? We have good news for you: Old Town serves up breakfast all day long.

What: Everything Bagel Where: The Bagelry Why: Whether you like your bagels topped with egg, cream cheese, or lox, the Bagelry has what you’re craving. This cozy eatery has been a Bellingham breakfast staple since 1984, and while their bagels come in almost every flavor and style imaginable, you just can’t go wrong with classics like the Everything Bagel & Cream Cheese ($3.65). Pair it with a cup of drip coffee and you’ve got the makings of an excellent morning.

Lunch and Dinner What: Prime Rib Where: Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse Why: Named in honor of Fairhaven’s notorious founder, Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse has been serving up special occasion-worthy meals for nearly half a century. They’re one of Bellingham’s oldest established restaurants, and with one taste of their iconic Prime Rib ($34–$93), you’re sure to 76

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understand why. These slow-roasted, melt-in-your-mouth cuts can be ordered in portions ranging from 6 to 24 ounces, and they come served alongside your choice of starch and veggies plus a horseradish cream.

What: Fondue Where: The Black Cat Why: With its French bistro-esque atmosphere and windows overlooking historic Fairhaven, the Black Cat is one of Bellingham’s most elegant eateries. In addition to a can’t-miss happy hour, they’re perhaps best known for their Fondue ($13) — and rightfully so. If you ask us, this dish is what makes Black Cat such a perfect place for date nights. What’s more romantic than sharing a pot of rich, melty cheese with someone special?

What: Boundary Bay Mac and Cheese Where: Boundary Bay Brewery Why: Bellingham’s flagship brewery is most famous for its beer, but the food at Boundary Bay shouldn’t be slept on.

More specifically, their Boundary Bay Mac and Cheese ($16) is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. It’s made with three types of cheese (monterey jack, cheddar, and parmigiano reggiano), and yes, it pairs well with IPAs. What: Bow Burger Where: The Old Edison Why: The tiny town of Edison wouldn’t be Edison without, well, The Old Edison. Since its establishment around

1900, this storied eatery has moved between (at least) four locations, gone by many names, and served a gathering spot for generations of Skagitonians. Nowadays, their Bow Burger ($19.99) is perhaps most emblematic of the Old Edison’s Skagit-centric ethos. It’s made using PNW meat, cheese from Bow’s own Golden Glen Creamery, and a bun from just down the road at Breadfarm.

What: Phad See Ew Where: Rachawadee Thai Cafe Why: At Rachawadee in Mount Vernon, dishes like Phad See Ew ($16.95–$20.95) are choose-your-own-adventure meals, as diners get to pick a spice level between one and four. Dear readers, please heed our warning: Level four is spicy. It’s so spicy, in fact, that you’ll be advised against ordering it unless you’ve already tried level three. Moreover, Rachawadee’s menu requests that new diners disclose their first-timer status to the staff because, and I quote, “we are known to be spicy!”

In summary, their chef doesn’t play around when it comes to heat — hence Rachawadee’s notoriety.

What: Oysters Where: The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive Why: Nestled in the trees on Chuckanut Drive, the Oyster Bar is iconic for more reasons than one. First of all, its uberscenic location makes it a destination for folks across the North Sound. Secondly, their lengthy oyster menu is second to none. Diners pick their oysters by origin, which might be as far-flung as Virginia or as close as Samish Bay. The menu also states each variety’s tasting notes as if they were fine wine; for example, the Cranberry Creek oysters from Pickering Passage are characterized by “mild brininess, crisp and clean with a slight honeydew finish.”

Jalapeños Restaurant Big Mama Margarita

Late Night What: Russian Dumplings Where: Pel’Meni Why: When the night is dark, the bars are closing, and you’re in desperate need of a late-night bite, there’s only one place to go. The Russian Dumplings ($9) at Pel’Meni are a Bellingham cult classic, mostly because they’re delicious (but also because they’re available to order until 2:30 a.m.). They’re made from just meat and potatoes and topped with a dusting of curry, cilantro, and hot sauce — but don’t let the simplicity fool you. These bite-sized, doughy balls of joy are what late-night cravings are made of.

What: Chicken and Waffles Where: The Horseshoe Cafe Why: We’re not exaggerating when we say that the Horseshoe is a veritable Washington institution. Both a diner and a bar, this “night-and-day cafe” is the state’s oldest continually operating restaurant, as they’ve been a local landmark since 1886. The Horseshoe’s most iconic dish is arguably its Chicken and Waffles ($14.95 sweet/$16.95 savory) and, depending on your preference, this unique treat can be enjoyed at brunch or as an after-hours indulgence.

Bonus: Libations What: Big Mama Margarita Where: Jalapeños Restaurant Why: The good folks at Jalapeños are generous with their portions and their tequila. Margaritas are available in four sizes — Mini, Chica, Big Mama, and Big Papa — but the Big Mama ($12) has garnered the most infamous reputation of them all. Stop in on a Monday to get yours at half price (and make sure to order plenty of nachos to balance out the booze).  March 2023 77

Photo by Kelly Pearce

Photo by Kristoffer Arestol

The Oyster Bar Oysters

Photo by Beau Bodner

Photo by Beau Bodner

Taste Review

The Return of Gourmet Pizza That Outshines the Herd Goat Mountain Pizza WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM

After several years of hiatus, a community favorite for upscale pizza has returned to Holly Street in Downtown Bellingham. Goat Mountain Pizza, which previously closed in 2019 to make room for the then-expanding Black Sheep, has opened again in the space left behind by Bar 542.

This smaller location is exactly what they needed to reopen Goat Mountain, according to General Manager Chris Rapp.

“This space lends itself to doing pizza,” he says, comparing it to the large open space of Black Sheep’s location next door.

“Trying to do this pizza for hundreds of people in a couple hours is really difficult.”

Goat Mountain is flanked on either side by cousin restaurants Black Sheep and Lorikeet Bar. All three have the same owners, which creates a sense of community between them.

“We all work with each other and move around to the other bars,” says Rapp. “You see your other co-workers throughout the day, it’s fun.”

Each location focuses on a different spirit, and for Goat Mountain, that spirit is gin. I ordered an intriguing cocktail, the Mushroom Old Fashioned ($10), made with Warfield barrel-rested gin and house-made shiitake mushroom syrup.

Rapp, who tended bar at Black Sheep before managing Goat Mountain, was an integral part of creating the gin and shrub drink selection.

“Gin is a lot different than most spirits in how you taste it … you’re trying to figure out exactly what was put into that gin and what it was distilled with,” he says. He notes that it 78

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pairs well with their pizza due to the abundance of botanicals found in gin, and how it can play off their ingredients.

Goat Mountain allowed me to taste all four of their pizzas, which was a total flavor journey. The first pizza I tried was the Pepperoni & Sausage ($11 for half/$21 for full), an extremely tasty version of the classic. The pepperonis were large and the edges crisped to perfection, and the sausage was sweet and spicy. With the red sauce, mozzarella, and finely shredded parmesan, it’s a combination that can’t be beat.

Next I tried the Potato & Bacon ($9/$17). The sliced Yukon gold potatoes were essentially scalloped in the shiitake-thyme cream sauce and white cheddar cheese, with applewood smoked bacon cooked down into it for a mouthwatering savory, creamy dish. Rapp pointed out that my Mushroom Old Fashioned, which was sweet, refreshing, and had a deliciously earthy mushroom flavor, was designed to complement the shiitake cream sauce in this pie.

Then came the Roasted Mushroom ($11/$21), which was truly a pizza like I had never tried before. They are not skimping on the namesake — oyster mushrooms tossed in herbs and sherry vinegar are plentiful in each mouthful, as is truffled garlic confit (which is aromatic and full without being overwhelming). Fontina cheese is sharp and stands up to the rich umami flavors, and chives ensure an herbal element for pairing with gin.

My favorite pizza was the Caramelized Onion ($9/$17).

Stilton blue cheese, a creamy English blue with a distinctive funky flavor, makes every bite melty and gooey. Golden caramelized onions burst with sweet and savory flavor, and roasted walnuts add needed crunch. Topping the whole thing off is a generous layer of fresh, crisp arugula. The peppery bite of this green is a great contrast to the other heady flavors.

Even if you’re not huge on pizza, there’s the large Goat Mountain Salad ($13), and two exciting veggie plates, the Oven Roasted Broccolini ($13), and the Gochujang Carrots ($11). Altogether, Chef Matthew Brady cross-utilizes ingredients for a menu of unique dishes that pair wonderfully.

215 W. Holly St., Ste. 103, Bellingham, 360.306.8491, @goatmountainbham 

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Photo by Jessica Bylin

Photo by Jessica Bylin

Photo by Beau Bodner

Taste Chef’s Corner

Duck Confit Chef Ashley Kovacevich of Keenan’s at the Pier PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEENAN’S AT THE PIER

S

PRING MIGHT BE around the corner, but we’re not

out of the winter woods just yet — and on nights that feel extra blustery, warming dishes like duck confit are just what the doctor ordered. Most people associate duck confit with fancy restaurants, but luckily we have a recipe that uses simple ingredients and is easily whipped up at home.

The following dish was created by Chef Ashley Kovacevich of Keenan’s at the Pier, a local gem known for their elevated and seasonal Northwestern fare. To keep in line with their ethos, we suggest serving your duck confit alongside mashed sweet potatoes, grilled broccolini, and sauteed cabbage.

Meet the Chef Kovacevich has worked at Keenan’s for nine years total and served as executive chef for four. As a born-and-raised Bellinghamster, Kovacevich honed her craft in Bellingham Technical College’s culinary program and in restaurants from Hawaii to the San Juan Islands. She is the first and youngest female head chef at Keenan’s, and many of her dishes are inspired by the bounty of our local farms.

Ingredients 2 duck legs 2 tablespoons kosher salt 2 oranges, zested 6 green onions ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 2 cloves garlic ½ inch peeled ginger 4 cups rendered duck fat (can substitute lard) 80

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Instructions • Blend all ingredients except duck legs and duck fat in a blender until smooth to form a cure mix.

• Rub duck legs evenly with cure mix, set on a wire rack on a sheet, and let cure in the fridge for 24 hours.

• After 24 hours, rinse the cure off the duck legs under cold running water, making sure the legs are rinsed well. Pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

• Preheat oven to 210 degrees.

• In an oven-safe baking dish, place dried duck legs in a pan. Fill the pan with duck fat until legs are completely submerged.

• Bake at 210 for 4 hours or until the legs are very tender. 

Dining Guide Taste

DINING KEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to $9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10–19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20–29 . . . . . . . $30 or greater . . . . . . . . . . . . . Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dinner . . . . . . . . . .Family-Friendly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Takeout . . . . . . . . Outdoor Seating . . . . . . . . . . Reservations . . . . . . . . . . . Happy Hour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vegan . . . . . . . . . . . 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 Local restaurants need you now more than ever! However, due to COVID-19, some restaurants may be temporarily closed. Remember to call ahead or check online for delivery and pick-up options. * Review provided by restaurant.

WHATCOM 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.

ACCOMPLICE American 1232 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.778.2336 If you’ve been to Carnal in downtown Bellingham, you know meat is their forte. For even more protein-forward goodness, head to the restaurant’s burger offshoot, Accomplice, located right next door. Originally created as a destination for casual takeout during the pandemic, the space was remodeled to include a

quirky dining area plus variety of sandwiches and house-made sauces.

Located inside the Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham, it’s perfect for a family on the road, a business lunch, or an intimate dinner out.

AMBO ETHIOPIAN CUISINE Ethiopian

EVOLVE CHOCOLATE + CAFE* Farm to Table

902 N. State St., Bellingham 360.756.1627, amboethiopian.com If you’ve never had Ethiopian food before, get ready — you’re in for a treat. Ambo has something to offer meat eaters and vegans alike, and it’s the best kind of comfort food: Hearty, healthy, and warming on a soul-deep level.

BIG LOVE JUICE American 1144 10th St., Bellingham 360.383.5336, biglovejuice.com Cold press juices make up the bulk of the menu at Big Love Juice. However, these aren’t your average juices. Big Love Juice uses a hydraulic press, rather than the traditional high-heat methods that eliminate much of the vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables.

Customers looking for something a little heartier can also pick from a multitude of smoothies, soups, salads, bowls, and loaded toasts.

BLACK SHEEP Mexican 215 W. Holly St., Ste. 101, Bellingham 360.526.2109, blacksheepbellingham.com Co-owners Charlie Pasquier and Chas Kubis opened Black Sheep with the same approach they took to Goat Mountain Pizza years earlier, with a devotion to scratch-made, fresh ingredients. With homemade tortillas, fresh garnishes, and slow-braised meats, each taco tastes and looks like a small masterpiece just waiting to be demolished.

CAFE VELO Coffeehouse, Deli

1200 11th St. (upstairs on the mezzanine), Bellingham, 360.220.1898, evolvefairhaven.com In September 2018, Chef Christy Fox along with wife Shannon Fox opened their dream cafe within Village Books in Historic Fairhaven. Bringing in locally sourced protein, produce, dairy, coffee and chocolate, the kitchen has become a wonderland of baked goods, savory hot food & locally roasted coffee and house chai!

FAIRHAVEN POKE Hawaiian 1102 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.922.7494, fairhavenpoke.com You’ll be taking a personal trip to the islands when you bite into Fairhaven Poke’s poke bowl concoction. The iconic raw fish, doused in a unique blend of sauces, along with a variety of other topping options are piled onto a bed of homemade sushi rice or salad. Customers then garnish their bowls with additional condiments such as furikake, a Japanese nori seasoning.

FAIRHAVEN VILLAGE TACOS Brazilian, Fusion

1020 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.746.8247, facebook.com/fairhavener Frequent visitors of Bellingham’s historic Fairhaven district are sure to have noticed the bright red landmark known as the “Fairhaven Village Bus.” You can find delicious Brazilian barbecue treats such as tacos, soups, tamales, and bakery goods.

120 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.392.0930, cafe-velo.cc Cafe Velo is a European-inspired cafe with a twist — in addition to serving fresh espresso, the cafe also doubles as a bike shop.

With plenty of outdoor seating — and bike racks — customers can bask in the fresh air while enjoying a beverage or sandwich named after one of the owner’s favorite climbs from bicycle racing. This is more than just a place to quickly grab a bite; it’s a place to build community.

GRAHAM’S RESTAURANT American 9989 Mount Baker Hwy., Glacier 360.599.9883 Graham’s Restaurant is the classic, rustic stop for a good burger and brew in Glacier, especially for hungry travelers. Built in 1904, the building represents a long-gone era in the Mount Baker wilderness. Connected to an oldtimey grocery store, the cabin-like restaurant is made complete by black-and-white photos of the cast from the 1935 film “Call of the Wild,” starring Clark Gable and Loretta Young,

CHINUK RESTAURANT Steak, Seafood 714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham 360,392.6520, chinukbellingham.com Chinuk’s menu contains many specialties, but its biggest attribute is its versatility. The menu features delicious Northwest-inspired cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

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Taste Local Find

Hot Pot is Good for the Soul Soy House WRITTEN BY LEIGH HELLMAN PHOTOS BY KRIS WASHOE

Y

OU’D BE FORGIVEN for walking into the main

entrance of Soy House — a Vietnamese restaurant that’s been a staple in town for almost a decade — instead of the side entrance specifically reserved for hot pot seatings. But once you’re inside, it’s impossible to miss the vibrant decor, warm atmosphere, and enticing aromas of the bubbling dishes.

The original Soy House location was opened in 2008 on Bakerview by Tony Nguyen and expanded to its current Downtown Bellingham location in 2013. In order to adjust to the changing restaurant market, the two locations were ultimately consolidated into the downtown location, and the new hot pot expansion opened in July 2022.

“It’s always been a family business,” says Tam Bratt, front end manager and Nguyen’s sister. “Tony is the owner and our mom prepares all the traditional seasonings and sauces. My other brother and I also work here, so we want the customers to feel welcome like family too.”

That family philosophy was what led to them deciding to add hot pot to their menus. They noticed that the local community was looking for more options when it came to dietary restrictions. Hot pot is gluten- and dairy-free and can be made vegetarian or vegan. Additionally, a single order can accommodate both a meat and a vegetarian/vegan option with their pot dividers.

The Soy House style hot pot offers personalized options from a pick-and-choose menu. You choose your soup base ($5 per person) from pineapple coconut, tom yum (sweet and sour), red curry coconut, spicy Sichuan, house marrow broth, and house vegan broth. They also offer their Best of Both Worlds soup choice that allows for two different soup bases to be cooked side-by-side in a divided pot, letting you sample a variety of flavors and combinations. Then you choose as many meat, seafood, noodles and rice, vegetables, and tofu/ vegan meat add-ins as you want, with prices set per item. A trio of dipping sauces — anchovy, sweet bean, and housemade BBQ — round out the setting.

Then it’s time to start cooking and dig in.

I selected the split tom yum and spicy Sichuan soup bases with Bone-in Roasted Duck ($15), Sliced Beef ($15), Egg Noodles ($3), Pork Wontons ($5), and the Combo Veggie Platter ($12). The flavors were delicate but distinctive and the dish was more than filling, with the experience feeling like a delightful mix of comfort food and fancy-night-out fare.

That was followed by a delectable chef-selected meat platter for the grill — including Rib-Eye ($35), Wild Caught Shrimp ($10), and A5 Japanese Wagyu ($25 per ounce) — and was rounded out with samples of the heavenly Coconut Cherry Panna Cotta ($10) and Vietnamese Creme Caramel Flan ($10). 400 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.393.4857, soyhouserestaurant.com 

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Dining Guide Taste warming their hands over the little stove oven which still sits there today.

GUUD BOWLS American, Ready-to-Heat Bowls

2625 S. Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham, 360.510.4880, guudbowls.com Guud Bowls is unlike most food services because they don’t have a storefront. Every weekday, owners Mike Duncan and Meredith Steven cook and chill bowls of food in a commissary kitchen and hand-deliver anywhere in Whatcom County. Choose from a rotating menu of gluten-free bowls filled with colorful, fresh ingredients. Pop the ready-to-heat bowls in the oven, microwave, or saute in a pan.

LOCUS American, Eclectic 120 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.306.8556, locusofbellingham.com Ever tried a wine latte? Or a stout with cold brew and Irish cream? How about a smoothie blend of espresso, berries, ice cream, and tahini? These one-of-a-kind creations are all available at Locus, where you’ll find classic and curious offerings of coffee, wine, beer, and food. Breakfast is available all day, and includes sandwiches, bagels, and wraps.

LORIKEET Tapas Bar 215 W. Holly St., Ste. 101, Bellingham lorikeetbar.com Designed to feel like a seaside resort bar, the atmosphere at Lorikeet is beachy, relaxing, and transporting. Food offerings rotate daily, but staples include small plates like ceviche and skewers. The extensive cocktail menu features numerous rum- and tequila- based creations.

ete’s Auto Repair, LLC

r o f e s s i ona l Ca r Ca re

115 Samish Way, Bellingham Daily 3:30–9PM 360.756.0058

ete’s Auto Repair, LLC

rofe ssiona l Ca r C are

ete’s Auto Repair, LLC

r o f e s s i o n a l C a r C a re

Locally owned and operated by Pete and Nita Harksell

Locally owned and operated by Pete and Nita Harksell

6209 PORTAL WAY FERNDALE, WA | CALL 380-CARS | 360-380-2277 WWW.PETESAUTOREPAIR.NET Locally owned and operated by Pete and Nita Harksell www.petesautorepair.net

MidTown Barber

Experience 5 Star Service

www.petesautorepair.net www.petesautorepair.net

MILANO’S ITALIAN SEAFOOD Italian, Seafood

1210 11th St., Bellingham 360.599.2863, milanosrestaurantbar.com Formerly in Glacier, the Milano’s in downtown Fairhaven is your destination for fine Italian dining and seafood. Wine lovers will feel especially at home, as Milano’s boasts the largest wine list in Whatcom County. Despite being a high-end restaurant, it’s also informal.

You don’t have to dress up, and everyone is welcome.

NEW MEXICO TAMALE CO. Tex-Mex 4151 Meridian St., Ste. 106, Bellingham, 360.389.8841, nmtamale.com From flavor-packed handmade food to a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder this Southwest-inspired eatery landed on Yelp’s “Top 100 Places to Eat in 2020” list. 95% of

@aminahladybarber 360-595-7556

Book Online

midtownbarber.booksy.com

March 2023 83

Culinary Events

Taste Dining Guide the restaurant’s menu is vegan and 100% of items are gluten-free and lard-free.

CHUCKANUT MANOR Pacific Northwest THE NORTH FORK BREWERY Eclectic, Bar

Date Night: Bar Cicotti and Curator Tour of Katazome Today March 8, 5–8:30 p.m.

Enjoy a three course prix-fixe meal from Chef Jonathan Cicotti at Bar Cicotti in the Lightcatcher Building of the Whatcom Museum. After your delicious dinner, Museum Curator of Art Amy Chaloupka will lead you on a tour of the new exhibit, “Katazome Today.” This exhibit showcases the modern iterations of an ancient Japanese textile art.

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

Cooking Seasonally March 21, 6:30–9 p.m.

This detailed class will teach you how to take advantage of our local bounties, sourced nearby and in season! Chef Kai Despain (currently chef for Banter’s dinner program) will lead students in preparing some delicious seafood dinners: local clams with chorizo and pickled peppers, and trout with seasonal veggies. Become a better Whatcom County chef!

Community Food Co-op Connections Bldg., 405 E. Holly St., Bellingham, communityfood.coop

Vegan Beer and Cheese Tasting

March 26, 1–3 p.m., 4–6 p.m.

Brought to you by the Bellingham Veg Fest, an all-vegan tasting event! Vegan cheeses will be paired with local beers and ciders, and there’s even a no-alcohol option for every cheese. With two time slots to choose from this can be a great lunch or early evening time out with friends. Proceeds will go to fund the upcoming third annual Bellingham Veg Fest, planned for September.

V GO’s, 1213 Cornwall Ave., Ste. 102, Bellingham, bellinghamvegfest.org 84

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SKAGIT

6186 Mount Baker Hwy., Deming 360.599.2337 Pizza and beer is a pairing that truly stands the test of time. At Deming’s long-running North Fork Brewery, which opened in December of 1997, the two remain as strong as ever. The North Fork’s brews are made in small batches by their longtime brewer and his custom draft system. The old-style pub feels homey and familiar, with quirky decorations like a glass wall encasing rows and rows of beer bottles.

It’s a warm, inviting place to escape the biting temperatures outside.

3056 Chuckanut Dr., Bow 360.766.6191, chuckanutmanor.com Tucked along Samish Bay, Chuckanut Manor has been serving flavorful Pacific Northwest fare for more than 50 years. Open for lunch and dinner, including a daily happy hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the restaurant is known for its mouthwatering seafood dishes, burgers, steaks, stellar service, and breathtaking views of Samish Bay. The dining room and bar are expansive and feature white tablecloths, nautical decor, and rows of windows that show off the magnificent views. In the summer, guests may also dine on the outdoor patio. While the tablecloths might allude to fancy attire, the vibe is casual and everyone is welcome just as they are.

PEL’MENI RESTAURANT Russian 1211 N. State St., Bellingham 360.715.8324, restaurantwebx.com/pelmeni Step off busy State Street after your late night festivities for an inexpensive and satisfying fill of plump dumplings. Stuffed with either meat or potatoes, these dumplings are piping hot and sprinkled with cumin, paprika, and cilantro. Because they pair so well with tasty libations, Pel’meni manages to consistently have a line out the door as soon as the sun goes down.

Smother them with vinegar, sour cream, and hot sauce for the full effect.

THE PURPLE FLAMINGO CAFE American 929 E. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, mygardennursery.com Longtime customers of My Garden Nursery are in for some exciting and delicious news: Your next visit to the nursery can include flowers, fruit trees, flamingos, and food. The menu features a selection of soups, sandwiches made from Avenue Bread bread, salads, and “flaminis,” a.k.a. paninis. You can also find coffee from Bellingham Coffee Roasters and select desserts.

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.

THE FAIRHAVEN Deli 100 N. Burlington Blvd., Burlington, 360.746.3183, fairhaventogo.com Offerings at The Fairhaven are diverse enough to please every palate, and the flavors of each ingredient are carefully considered. Rotating specials and seasonal dishes make each visit unique and exciting.

GREEK ISLANDS RESTAURANT Greek SWEET AS WAFFLES Waffles 2039 Moore St., Bellingham sweetaswaffles.com Sweet As Waffles offers a wide variety of both sweet and savory waffles, all created from house-made ingredients. They like to get “weird” with the recipes and experiment with unique combinations of toppings.

2001 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.293.6911, greekislandsrestaurant.shop Some of the very best Greek food in our area comes from this versatile and excellent menu, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and glutenfree options. They serve both authentic food, such as classic gyro plates and spanakopita, while also mixing in American and seafood options, such as pork ribs and fish and chips.

NELL THORN Seafood 116 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.4261, nellthorn.com Nell Thorn is seafood-heavy, so trying one of their seafood dishes is a must. Their daily specials take into account the freshest catches, but

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you’ll also typically find a seafood pasta, filettopped salad, and oysters on the menu.

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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.

TERRAMAR BREWSTILLERY Craft Brewery and Pizza

5712 Gilkey Ave., Edison, 360.399.6222 terramarcraft.com Producing thoughtfully crafted, small-batch beer, cider, spirits, and pizza from farmed and foraged ingredients of Skagit Valley.

The brewery taproom is all ages and dogfriendly. The distillery’s “Speakeasy” is 21+ and highlights Terramar’s spirits in creative cocktails. Patio dining surrounded by views of Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains.

TRUMPETER PUBLIC HOUSE Gastropub 416 Myrtle St., Mount Vernon 360.588.4515, trumpeterpublichouse.com Trumpeter is an ideal combination of high-end, fine dining, and English pub fare. Try traditional pub selections or more unique seafood 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.

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VAGABOND STATION Southern 2120 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.421.4227, vagabondtrailerfood.com Vagabond Station is known for its mostly Southern-style menu with a few curveballs.

Dig into a prime rib sandwich, a meat-lover’s dream that is difficult to find in this day of well-done meat. Try a bowl of Vagabond Chili, the Santa Fe cornbread, or a wiscuit — biscuit dough cooked in a waffle maker. Of course, there’s crispy fried chicken and waffles, and their signature sandwich, the Yard Bird: chicken, cheddar cheese, and gravy piled onto a fresh, fluffy biscuit.

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March 2023 85

Taste Dining Guide

ISLAND COUNTIES

Jack’s

CAPTAIN WHIDBEY INN American

Morning Don

2072 Captain Whidbey Inn Rd., Coupeville 360.678.4097, captainwhidbey.com

Ingredients: Mezcal, Génépi liqueur, pear brandy, St-Germaine $12

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.

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

DOE BAY CAFÉ American

Photo by Cocoa Laney

107 Doe Bay Rd., Olga 360.376.8059, doebay.com

W

ITH ITS DELICATE

color and crisp finish, the Morning Don is a springtime spin on the classic Negroni. Sweet pear notes combine with a smoky undertone from the Mezcal, resulting in a drink that’s fragrant, lightly floral, and just stiff enough.

Like most memorable libations, the Morning Don is also the result of an experiment gone right.

Bartender Kyle Maurer says one of his regulars (whose name, I should note, is Don) stopped into Jack’s on a regular weeknight, just two days before our interview. Given his rapport with Don, Maurer then offered to whip up something wholly original using two

seemingly opposite — yet extremely compatible — ingredients.

“I saw him and was like, ‘Pear and Mezcal is super delicious. Do you trust me?’ He’s like, ‘Yes.’ And so I made him a version of that,” Maurer says. “[Don] said it’s the perfect springtime drink.

Do you agree?”

The answer, of course, is yes — I agree with Don wholeheartedly. But you don’t have to take our word for it: the Morning Don has been lauded by the other mixologists at Jack’s too. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up on a rainy spring night, I recommend ordering one for yourself, preferably while the cherry blossoms are still in bloom. 219 W. Holly St., Bellingham, drinkatjacksbar.com COCOA LANEY

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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.

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.

Local Find Taste

Food, Family, and Fresh Tortillas Mariposa Taqueria

HE SMALL ELBOW that makes up Bow-Edison can

seem ethereal to the uninitiated. This rural community contains a bevy of artisanal businesses delivering incredible experiences: Have a whiskey or cider at Terramar, visit one of the galleries, catch a game at the Longhorn, or have an absolutely enlightening Mexican brunch at Mariposa Taqueria.

At the far end of the elbow lies a small bungalow with a lawn dotted by picnic tables. If you arrive at the right time, the painted sign reads “abierto” with an oddly inviting skull. Don’t be fooled by Mariposa’s humble outside appearance — inside, patrons are greeted by Mexican fare made with love and authenticity.

It’s clear that the Mariposa lives and breathes community.

As I arrive with a Texan friend (who has felt forlorn by PNW Mexican offerings), we’re immediately followed by an avid regular here. She’s a photographer and knows everybody’s name inside. Sara Jacobson, the front operation, knows her order and already has started her latte. This particular regular asks about what we’re doing and informs us we are in for a treat. That was clear from the start, but a little human reinforcement never hurts.

Dried marigolds and Lady Guadulupe look over us as we sit to chat with Jacobson and another of the driving forces behind Mariposa, Hilda Rodriguez. Jacobson had described Rodriguez as a “quiet power,” though Rodriguez was perfectly open to talking at length about what brought her to Mariposa.

After coming to the U.S. in 1982, she was the founding owner of El Cazador, a local chain that reached from Oak Harbor to as far as Sequim. After many years running both restaurants, she took a step back to focus on her own health. Meanwhile, her sister Carmen Carillo was cooking for Tweets Cafe when Owner David Blakesly expressed his interest in opening a Mexican style cafe. Carillo reached out to Rodriguez and together they built (and still constantly innovate) the menu at Mariposa.

I lament that I wasn’t able to meet Carillo when her sister was so lovely. According to Jacobson, Carillo works the comal making hundreds of homemade tortillas, soups, stews, and salsas. Rodriguez is hard at work slicing veggies, making sauces, and cutting meats. Jacobson is face forward serving, handling cash, and working as a barista.

(She tells me she never worked as a barista before this job.

Reader, I worked as a barista for two years and never made a milk flower in a latte. I saw the one Jacobson sent out; maybe some people are just born with it.)

Photo by Krista Liana Carter

T

Photo by Steven McCarragher

WRITTEN BY STEVEN MCCARRAGHER

My friend and I order both a breakfast and a lunch plate.

The Nopales con Huevos ($13) arrive with housemade tortillas and actual whole black beans. I’m taken aback by both the depth of flavor and obvious love in the dish. Our lunch order is a Burrito Colorado ($19) with slow cooked pulled pork smothered in a red sauce. We eat until we are far past full. My Texan friend is satisfied. Still, Lady Guadulupe looks on; she’s happy as well.

These three women have become family through their tireless and beautiful work together. The menu is ever changing and evolving. As Jacobson says, “We don’t like to get bored, and there are so many delicious things to make.

We love having the ability to change the menu at any time.”

Due to this changing menu (and occasional odd hours), please don’t enter with any expectation — except to leave happy, full, and grateful. 14003 Gilmore Ave., Bow, 510.295.9904, facebook.com/mariposataqueria  March 2023 87

Taste Sip

Not Just IPAs: Bellingham’s New Home for FarmhouseStyle Brews Darach Brewing Company WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY COCOA LANEY

I

F YOU STOP into State Street’s newest brewery

expecting West Coast classics, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for — but IPAs are just the tip of the iceberg at Darach Brewing Company. Their diverse beers will please most palates, with offerings including dark beers and even several guest taps. However, the heart and soul of Darach are their farmhouse ales and wild ferments.

Darach (pronounced dar-rock) means “oak” in Gaelic, and its name references the spirit barrels used to age beer.

Co-owner and Brewer Shawn Vail has been in the beer industry for a decade, but it wasn’t until he joined forces with his now-partner, Co-owner Emily Nichols, that this idea of owning a brick-and-mortar turned serious.

“Her dream was to open a tap room,” Vail says of Nichols.

“And so we started talking more and more about that, and then just decided to go for it. So in 2019, we started doing research, and then 2020 put together a business plan, and then started searching for a location.”

Vail and Nichols toured several buildings, and the location they landed in is likely to be familiar to those in the Downtown Bellingham music scene. 1015 N. State St. was once home to the Green Frog and the Firefly, the latter of which closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Installing a brewery in the basement of an ex-music venue was no small feat, but Nichols and Vail pulled it off.

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While the welcoming ambiance of the upstairs pays homage to its predecessor, its new incarnation is also wholly unique. Darach is both family- and dog-friendly, and while they do offer limited snacks, patrons are encouraged to bring in food if they so wish.

As for the beers themselves, Vail says they fall into three loose categories: farmhouse, hoppy, and dark. Nichols is herself a lover of dark beers, and so she makes sure to keep them on tap no matter the season.

As for Vail, he’s passionate about wild beers that are spontaneously fermented from yeast in the air. He feels that this genre is often underrepresented in Bellingham, and while not all of Darach’s brews are spontaneous or farmhouse, he does take care to keep offerings consistent.

“How I tie in the non-farmhouse beers is I still use farmhouse strains [of yeast] to ferment those,” he says.

“Particularly, we do a lot with the Kveik strains, which are Norwegian farmhouse strains.”

Some folks come to Darach specifically for the funkier ferments, like the Trip to the Farm. This unique brew is pasteurized, not boiled, a process that leaves the character of the grain intact. Others stumble into the tap room with no expectations — and for Nichols, seeing the surprise on new patrons’ faces is one of the highlights of the job.

“I’ve had so many people walk in and be like, ‘Oh, you have hazy IPAs? I don’t want a hazy IPA. Let me try this,’” says Nichols. “And they’re like, ‘Oh. Oh, you guys know what you’re doing.’”

Going forward, Vail and Nichols are excited to begin releasing spontaneously fermented beers as well as brews aged in bourbon barrels. But even ahead of these more experimental brews, Darach has quickly garnered a name for itself in the Bellingham brewing scene — and beer lovers of all stripes are invited to stop in and find out why.

“The words getting out and around,” Nichols says. “And it’s really exciting to see new people come in and be really excited about what we’re doing.” 1015 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.778.1596, darachbrewing.com 

Dining Guide Taste

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PRIMA BISTRO French

A quintessential South Whidbey dining ­experience in the heart of Langley, Prima Bistro marries gourmet French cuisine and classic Northwest ingredients. The selection of red and white wines offers options for connoisseurs of every stripe, along with a full bar. For fabulous food, elegant ambience, and world-class views, be sure to visit Prima on your next visit to Whidbey Island.

GREAT

Courtesy of Gateway 1890 Taphouse and Grill

201 1/2 First St., Langley 360.221.4060, primabistro.com

TASTES

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.

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.

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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The Deep-Fried Pickles at Gateway 1890 Taphouse and Grill are everything you could want out of a fried indulgence. They’re crispy, perfectly golden, and come served with a creamy cayenne aioli for dipping.

On your next trip to San Juan Island, visit Blue Water Bar and Grill for dishes from both land and sea. We recommend their seafood-centric Pasta del Mar with lemon cream sauce (and a side of garlic bread, obviously).

Nelson’s Market and Marlins’ Cafe is a Bellingham institution, and their sandwiches aren’t to be slept on. Pair their hearty Reuben with a pint of whatever’s on tap and enjoy a perfect pit stop in the York neighborhood.

The Strawberry Rhubarb Pie at Lynden Dutch Bakery has all the makings of a memorable pastry. With a filling that strikes a delicious balance between sweet and tart, it’s sure to make you nostalgic for Grandma’s baking.

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The flavorful Chicken Satay at Chada Thai in Blaine is a must-try for Thai food lovers. Served alongside both peanut and cucumber sauces, this appetizer is savory, satisfying, and generous in portion size.

If you’ve been searching for authentic birria, look no further — Birreria Tijuana’s long-awaited Bellingham location is now open. Order the Cheese Tacos for melty queso and maximum flavor.

Fireside Martini and Wine Bar might be best known for, well, martinis and wine — but don’t forget about their food menu.

Their hearty, herb-forward Lasagna is very clearly made with love, and it pairs great with a bold glass of red.

Don’t let its name fool you: the Rotisserie Chicken Half Meal at Bantam is hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest of diners. It comes with your choice of side, but we’re partial to the thyme-spiced Parmesan Grits.

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Courtesy of Mount Baker Theatre

Agenda

Maria Muldaur and Her Red Hot Bluesiana Band

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Agenda Top Picks

MARCH WOOF AND WHISKERS AWARD LUNCHEON March 10, 12–1:30 p.m.

Courtesy of Mount Baker Theatre

You’re invited to the Whatcom Humane Society’s annual award luncheon. Every year, the WHS awards people or businesses who have proven to be outstanding animal supporters in the community. Attending the luncheon is usually free, but requires reservation. It’s a great opportunity to learn about and support the WHS! Bellingham Golf and Country Club, 3729 Meridian St., Bellingham, 360.733.3450, bellinghamgcc.com

WHATCOM CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL March 10–12, 12–6 p.m. each day

LOS LOBOS March 24, 7:30 p.m.

L.A. band Los Lobos have been spreading music that represents the spirit of their city for the past 50 years.

Their 2021 album “Native Sons” is a representation of the eclectic musical heritage of L.A. Performing with them is musician Gaby Moreno, an award winning Guatemalan singer-songwriter who creates Latin, folk, Americana, and more. Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

The goal of this three-day festival is to highlight and celebrate as many of the cultures that make up our community as possible. This year’s festival will be hybrid, with vendors, exhibitions, performances, and workshops both online and in-person. Participants will be showcasing unique arts, foods, stories, and more from their cultures, so be sure to join in for this educational celebration. Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.676.8548, alliedarts.org

BELLINGHAM ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE March 11, 12 p.m.

Join the rest of Bellingham down at the Waterfront for a very green day of cheer! Led by the Committee-selected Grand Marshall, the parade is open to all lucky citizens on foot, floats, marching bands, schools, and even horses (just be sure to register at their website). There’s focus on being green both in color and energy consumption, so no bead throwing, please! Bellingham Waterfront, 1211 Granary Ave., Bellingham, stpatsbham.com

WINGS OVER WATER NORTHWEST BIRDING FESTIVAL March 17–18 Courtesy of Jazz Center of Bellingham

This annual birding festival takes advantage of the on-coming spring and the birds migrating over the Pacific Flyway.

Check out bird spotting locations around Drayton Harbor, go on guided field trips and birding cruises, and listen to keynote speakers! There’s even a market on Saturday at Blaine Middle School. There’s activities for avian enthusiasts and backyard birders alike! Blaine, 360.220.7663, wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com

MOUNT BAKER ROCK AND GEM SHOW March 25–26 STEVE SMITH & VITAL INFORMATION March 31, 6:30 p.m.

Music lovers might know Steve Smith as a living legend from his time as drummer with rock band Journey, but he’s also operated his own jazz band, Vital Information, since 1983!

Now, they’re on the road for their 40th anniversary tour, and bringing their music to Bellingham right up top. This drum, keys, and bass three piece ensemble of top-tier musicians will definitely get you swinging. FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham, jazzcenterofbellingham.org

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This show is Mount Baker Rock and Gem Club’s annual twoday event where they come together to sell and swap with each other, and to “educate and amaze” the public! Kids are encouraged to come and explore the exhibits and fun things put together just for them. The Club sells rocks by the pound for cash, and vendors of all things rock-hobby-related fill out the market. Pioneer Pavilion Community Center, 2007 Cherry St., Ferndale, mtbakerrockclub.com

Events Agenda

CASINOS FIDALGO DANCEWORKS FUNDRAISING GALA March 4, 5–10 p.m.

Fidalgo Danceworks, an Anacortes all ages dance company, is holding their annual fundraising gala! They have a different theme each year, and this year it’s fashioned after everyone’s favorite international super spy.

Their “Casino Royale” party will include dinner, cocktails, live music, student performances, and dance competitions!

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

GIN BLOSSOMS March 18, 8 p.m.

Alternative rock band Gin Blossoms emerged from Arizona in the late ‘80s, gaining momentum with music fests and MTV performances. Their biggest album, “New Miserable Experience,” came out in 1992 and boasted four radio hits, most notably “Hey Jealousy”. After a hiatus, the band reunited in 2001 and has been releasing new music and touring ever since. Tulalip Resort Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip, 888.272.1111, tulalipresortcasino.com

TRACY BYRD March 24, 8 p.m.

Don’t miss your chance to catch Tracy Byrd live at the Rivers Run Event Center!

This country music star put out hits like “Holdin’ Heaven” and “Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo” in the ‘90s and 2000s, so you know you’ll have a boot-stomping good time at his show. Check out his 2016 album “All American Texan” for a taste of the classic country you’re in for! Angel of the Winds Casino Resort, 3438 Stoluckquamish Ln., Arlington, 360.474.9740, angelofthewinds.com

CLASSICAL BETWEEN TWO WORLDS March 11, 7:30 p.m.

The Bellingham Chamber Music Society returns for an evening of jazz/classical crossover, with BJ Block on guitar, Christian Casolary on drums, Roger Yamishita on bass, Erika Block on clarinet, Jennifer Weeks on oboe, and Pat Nelson on bassoon. This special evening is meant to celebrate the similarities of jazz and classical “languages,” as well as

how the genres differ. The Blue Room, 202 E. Holly St., Ste. 301–401, Bellingham, 360.742.2381, blueroombham.com

DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM March 21, 7 p.m.

The internationally-renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem is redefining what ballet can be in the 21st century, and you won’t want to miss their one-night-only performance at the Mount Baker Theatre.

This 18-member troupe performs not just neoclassical works but contemporary pieces celebrating African American culture today. Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

LIVE IN CONCERT: JONATHAN MCCUTCHEON March 27, 7:30 p.m.

John McCutcheon is lovingly known as the “rustic Renaissance man” of folk music, and if you’re lucky enough to catch him live, you’ll quickly find out why. Beyond his talent as a multiinstrumentalist, McCutcheon is a singer-songwriter, storyteller, author, and activist, and he’s released more than 40 albums since the beginning of his career.

Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon, 360.336.8955, lincolntheatre.org

CONCERTS FRAXIOM, WHOTF (FOLIE & FORGET BASEMENT), EMMA ECSTASY, NIKO HALEY March 4, 8–11 p.m.

If you haven’t been to a concert at Make.

Shift yet, you’re missing out on the cutting edge of underground music on both the local and regional scale. At their intimate venue, these four acts will show you something new and leave you with something to think about! These are allage shows, or as Make.Shift puts it, “no booze, no jerks.” Make.Shift Art Space, 306 Flora St., Bellingham, 360.933.1849, makeshiftartspace.org

LIVE! ON STAGE: JONATHAN RICHMAN March 8, 8 p.m.

Referred to by Nashville Scene as “one of America’s most unique and dynamic songwriters,” Jonathan Richman is an underground singer/songwriter legend.

His live performances are regarded for their intimate, authentic artistry, and Richman’s large roster of musical

influences span genres and cultures from around the world. Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon, 360.336.8955, lincolntheatre.org

ANDY FRASCO & THE U.N. March 10, 9 p.m.

Andy Frasco has been a touring musician since the age of 19, but after a decade on the road, he’s shedding his party-boy frontman image in favor of a new, more authentic direction. His upcoming album, “Wash, Rinse, Repeat,” will be released on April 8 via his own label, but before that happens, you can catch Frasco and his band performing these tunes live in and in person at the Wild Buffalo. Wild Buffalo House of Music, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net

3 TRACK MIND March 11, 7:30 p.m.

During their heyday, 3 Track Mind opened for names such as John Hiatt, Joan Baez, and Rosanne Cash, and sold out the stage of the Mount Baker Theatre performing their debut album “Mighty Big Therapy.” Now, every member of this beloved supergroup is a prolific solo artist, and they’ve reunited after nearly three decades for a small series of shows.

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

MATT DUSK SINGS SINATRA March 18, times vary Let multi-platinum musician Matt Dusk transport you to the swinging ‘60s with songs by his hero, the immortal Frank Sinatra. Audiences can expect classic tunes from the glory days of Las Vegas, from “Come Fly With Me” to “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Fly Me To The Moon,” and “One For My Baby.”

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

TROPA MAGICA AND MAUSKOVIC DANCE BAND March 27, 8 p.m.

What do you get when you combine a bombastic alt rock/cumbia duo from East L.A. with an Amsterdam music group known for their “danceable chaos”? The answer, of course, is a night to remember.

Join Tropa Magica and Mauskovic Dance band at The Shakedown this March for an evening of hypnotic, heartpumping rhythms, and don’t forget

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Courtesy of Wild Buffalo House of Music

Agenda Events

THEATRE

SPECIAL EVENTS

39 STEPS March 2–5, times vary

CREATE A COLOR PARADE March 2–3, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Join this cast of seven actors as they embody more than 150 different characters in this high-energy thriller.

Spanning locations from the music halls of London to the Scottish highland, the play follows the misadventures of an infamous fugitive, and it’s to please fans of both Alfred Hitchcock and Monty Python. San Juan Community Theatre,

In the dye studio at Jansen Art Center, kids ages 8–12 can spend two classes exploring how colors mix, match, and mingle by dying flags and ribbons of silk.

They’ll explore multiple dyeing methods and have fun getting a little messy while making beautiful art. Jansen Art Center,

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

CASA VALENTINA March 24–26, 30, 31 Joe Pug

to wear shoes you can groove in. The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.778.1067, shakedownbellingham.com

MARIA MULDAUR AND HER RED HOT BLUESIANA BAND March 30, 7 p.m.

You might know Maria Muldaur for her multi-Grammy-nominated 1974 hit, “Midnight at the Oasis.” In the five decades since, Muldaur has taken her genre-spanning repertoire to stages across the world and recorded a whopping 41 (!) solo albums. Now, she’s narrowed her focus to her favorite genre — the blues — and fans of Americana music are practically obliged to catch her live at the Mount Baker Theatre on March 30.

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

JOE PUG March 31, 7:30 p.m.

Joe Pug is a singer-songwriter who hit the music scene around 2010. His debut acoustic album has led to a successful career in folk, indie, and Americana worlds. His latest release, “Nation of Heat | Revisited,” is a total reworking of his first album, and features performances by members of bands like The Killers, My Morning Jacket, and more. Catch him at the Wild Buffalo this March! Wild Buffalo House of Music, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net

This show is set in the early 1960s in the Catskill Mountains of New York, where white collar heterosexual men go to dress and act as women. The show follows them as they consider whether to go public with their second lives and find freedom in their self-expression, or stay safe in secrecy. Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham, 360.733.1811, bellinghamtheatreguild.com

HEALTH AND WELLNESS RUNNIN’ ‘O’ THE GREEN 5K AND 8K March 11, 10–11 a.m.

This 60-minute run is put on by the City of Bellingham and celebrates Bellingham’s parks and green spaces! It’s fun for the whole family (but please, no pets), and begins and ends at Boundary Bay so that you can grab a celebratory meal after. It’s a week before St. Patrick’s day, so wear your best jogging greens and join in! Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro, 1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, cob.org/races

WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER COURSE March 20–24 Backcountry Medical Guides is a company made up of doctors, nurses, EMTs and other professionals who hold courses to teach you various aspects of wilderness healthcare. This course takes place over several days in Larrabee State Park, and during your scenic adventure you’ll gain your Wilderness First Responder certification. Bellingham, backcountrymedicalguides.org

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321 Front St., Lynden, 360.354.3600, jansenartcenter.org

WHATCOM READS ART CHALLENGE EXHIBIT March 3–25 Art and literature collide at this upcoming community arts event, presented in collaboration by Allied Arts of Whatcom County and Whatcom READS. Visit the Allied Arts Gallery to see artwork inspired by this year’s Whatcom READS! pick, “The Cold Millions” by Jess Walter. Allied Arts Gallery, 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 360.676.8548, alliedarts.org

FIRECRAFT NORTHWEST EARLY SPRING PLANT ID WORKSHOP March 11, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

With the help of Survival Guide Ryan Johnson, participants in this one-day workshop will learn how to identify key plant species of the Pacific Northwest at the Bell Creek Nature School. Not only will students use botany skills to forage (safely!) for edible species, but they will also use their newly acquired skill set to build a fire and brew wild tea at the end of class. Bell Creek Nature School, 5656 Mosquito Lake Rd., Deming, firecraftnw.com

DOCUMENTING GRACE: SIETE LEGUAS March 12, 4 p.m.

“Siete Leguas,” or “Seven Leagues,” will be screened as part of a film series called Documenting Grace. The series is put on by Kuntz and Company, a local dance and theater company, and the series focuses on films that show the crossroads of artistic performance and disability. In “Siete Leguas,” children with motor disabilities become dancers and actors, changing their lives for the better.

FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.510.4711, kuntzandco.org

Events

Agenda

30TH ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT SALE & CELEBRATION March 18, 10 a.m.

The Whatcom Conservation District is excited to present its 30th annual native plant sale, this year returning live and in person to Pioneer Park in Ferndale! The sale aims to promote both environmental stewardship and conservation, and experienced conservationists will be on-site during the event to answer any and all questions about indigenous plant species. Pioneer Park, 2004 Cherry St.,

LIVE! AT SAN JUAN COMMUNITY THEATRE LIVE! AT SAN JUAN COMMUNITY THEATRE

MELODIOUS NOTES OVER THE HARBOR

San Juan Singers

Ferndale, whatcomcd.org

INTRODUCTION TO FIGURE DRAWING FROM THE INSIDE OUT March 25, 4–6:30 p.m.

Does the thought of drawing the human body intimidate you? Well, here’s your opportunity to hone your sketching skills with Artist Trish Harding in this one-dayonly class. With the aid of a live model, Harding will walk students through a figure drawing session, covering key artistic concepts like gesture, volume, and shape. Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden, 360.354.3600, jansenartcenter.org

MARCH 25, 2023 Saturday 7:30pm

March 31 - April 1, 2023 Fri & Sat at 7:30 pm

WWW.SJCTHEATRE.ORG (360) 378-3210 100 SECOND ST. N. FRIDAY HARBOR, WA 98250

CREED BRATTON March 30, 8 p.m.

If the name Creed Bratton sounds familiar, it might be because of his work as a fictional version of himself on the cult classic sitcom “The Office.” But what you might not know is that Bratton also has a five-decade-long music career under his belt, and you’re not going to want to miss out when he takes the stage alongside special guest Sean Flikke at the Wild Buffalo this March. Wild Buffalo House of Music, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net

VISUAL ARTS KATAZOME TODAY: MIGRATIONS OF A JAPANESE ART February 11–June 11 Katazome is a historical Japanese textiledyeing process traditionally used for kimonos. It involves hand-carved stencil papers and a rice-paste resist technique.

Contemporary artists are increasingly applying this centuries-old process to modern expression. Visit this exhibition of works from seven different artists in Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building. Whatcom Museum, 250 Flora St., 360.778.8930, whatcommuseum.org

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Photo by Jeff Barclay

Notes Lasting Image

The blooming of daffodils is a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. One of the best places to view fields of these wonderful yellow flowers is in the Skagit Valley.

JEFF BARCLAY

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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