Jami Peterson
Branch Manager
Bellingham - Barkley
NMLS# 1688652
jpeterson@ourfirstfed.com
Branch Manager
Ferndale
NMLS# 720584
jalvarez@ourfirstfed.com
Branch Manager
Bellingham - Fairhaven
NMLS# 422234
jranson@ourfirstfed.com
Mortgage Loan Officer
NMLS# 487561
tbergsmaevans@ourfirstfed.com
360-303-9540
Kitchens and bathrooms are complicated remodeling projects from start to finish. That’s why bringing in the professionals is almost always going to save you money, time, and angst in the long run! We reached out to the designers behind some of the winning projects from 2024’s NKBA Puget Sound Chapter Design Competition. They spoke to us about how they overcame challenges to achieve their clients’ wants and needs, the importance of individuality in home design, and which trendy ideas will outlive the hype. We hope you gain inspiration, and the names of a few professionals to call, for your next kitchen or bath remodel!
Ciscoe Morris is a local gardening legend whose love of plants and people has led to a more than 50-year career in radio, TV, and public garden talks. Go to p. 16 to read the start of his interview with Kristen Boehm, then head online to hear what he has to say about modern home gardening culture, the importance of bugs, and his upcoming garden tour trip to Japan (which you can join him for)!
Each month we give you the opportunity to win a prize from local merchants. You can enter once per day, each day of the month. A winner will be chosen by random draw and notified via submission email. It’s our way of saying thank you for your support and for continuing to help encourage shopping and dining local.
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, it is live.
Sign up for our free entertainment e-newsletter to get the latest on upcoming events and more! bellinghamalive.com
APRIL 4 - 6 , 10 AM -6 PM
• Booths and Activities from 200 Whatcom County Businesses!
• Fun Kids Activities
• Beer Garden
• Reptile Man, Lego Competition and Plant Sale Sunday!
BellinghamAlive.com
Editor@Bellinghamalive.com
BellinghamAlive
@BellinghamAlive
360.483.4576 x4
Until my current home, I've always lived in apartments—rentals, usually in big cities where I can only afford bland layouts, beige walls, and small square footage. But because I grew up with parents who've always remodeled their homes to fit their aesthetic and lifestyle, I've been cursed with an eye for beautiful spaces (an eye my income has never supported). Even if I could afford to make big changes to my space, when I was renting I wasn't allowed to.
So I learned to make my space mine in other ways: combatting the beige with brightly colored duvet covers and funky vintage pieces; working around my lack of an art budget by painting simple canvases myself; and getting creative with furniture placement to improve small spaces and crappy layouts.
My last apartment in London was a cavernous warehouse studio—they called it a one bedroom, despite it having no closet and zero walls, unless you count the plywood and plexiglass monstrosity the former tenants had constructed (I don 't). It was all concrete and white walls, and when we first viewed it it was occupied by no fewer than three twenty-something Aussie dudes, and all their miscellaneous stuff. It was dark and dingy and just awful.
But there was a wall of windows that included a door, and when I walked over to open it I saw that the flat looked straight down onto a branch of Regent's Canal. And in that moment, I knew that I wanted to live there, hideous trappings be damned. It took months of scouring secondhand and free sites and a lot of hauling furniture on our shoulders across
central London, but we made that flat a welcoming, comfortable, charming home. I still miss it sometimes.
If you’re ready for a change and you’re less restricted than I was (financially and logistically) why not glean some inspiration from the winners of last year’s National Kitchen & Bath Association Puget Sound Chapter Design Competition? We’re spotlighting twelve winning projects in this month’s feature (p. 48)—plus, we’ve got additional ideas and inspiration in the sidebars. If you’re a renter or working with a tight budget, why not pick up some locally-focused books to add interest to your shelves and stimulate your imagination at Seaport Books (p. 24), or grab everything from new bedding or curtains to a funky wall hanging at the recently reinvigorated Bellis Fair (p. 40). (While you're there, grab a coffee and an alfajor at Tinto (p. 86)!)
If the garden is where you like to focus your energy, you’ll definitely want to read our profile of master gardener and world’s nicest man Ciscoe Morris (p. 16) for tips, and make a plan to pick up some new plants at this month’s native plant sale (p. 32).
Not into home design? We’ve still got plenty of great content for you in this issue! Bellingham’s own small, woman-owned culinary business, Mr. Frank’s Kitchen, was a sponsor at this year’s Cayman Cookout—read more about that on page 82. Get to know the owner of beloved bakery Saltadena on page 88, or learn to make your own Gnocchi and Eggs a la Storia Cucina on page 94!
ANNE GODENHAM Editor in Chief
My Garden Nursery is the fun and colorful garden center on East Bakerview road with the big purple flamingo out front. My Garden has an enormous selection of colorful annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, berries, fruit trees, and indoor tropical plants! Plus everything you will need to keep your plants happy and healthy! You will find lots of fun items like fragrant soaps, socks, jewelry, and other unique gifts. There is even a food truck called the Purple Flamingo Café serving panini sandwiches and hot maple donut holes. Each month has something new to see, taste and experience! Details of all the fun and educational events at mygardennursery.com
Home of Mr. Dilly Pickles and the Purple Flamingo Cafe!
March:
• Ciscoe Morris & Mushroom Madness Month!
• Seminars on Foraging mushrooms
April
• My Garden Nursery celebrates 10 years!! April 1st is Party Day!!
THANK YOU FOR
TEN YEARS OF GROWTH, LOVE, AND SUPPORT 2015 - 2025
May, June
• Flowers, Flowers, Flowers!
July
• 35% OFF Ceramic Planters!
• 20% OFF Tropical plants like bananas and cannas.
August
• Frequent Flower Point Spending!
September
• Sasquatch September!
• FREE Mini Garden Consultations
October
• Clearance Carnival!
• Dilly and Dally’s Birthday party!
• FREE Cat Ears
November
• Christmas Trees, wreaths, paper white bulbs and Amaryllis.
• Santa pet pictures.
• Garden Artisan Market for local crafters and artists.
December
• Shop unique gifts and tropical plants in a twinkling magical Christmas setting.
Kolby LaBree
360-319-3280
nkenoyer@windermere.com natekenoyer.com
Kris Gray Photography LLC Bellingham I’m a WA-based branding, lifestyle, and wedding photographer (videography and drone work too!). My images are often described as moody and warm. I am drawn to capturing warm light and shadows, small details, and people in the moment. I’m always exploring different types of photography and styles—that’s what I love about it! I also adore being a mom and documenting my daughter’s childhood. To see some of my work, follow @kristinkins (IG) or check out kristinagrayphotography.mypixieset.com. p. 88
Kolby LaBree is owner/operator of Bellinghistory
360-319-3280
nkenoyer@windermere.com natekenoyer.com
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
Julie Trimingham
Mary Kinser
Growing up in Washington state, Mary learned early on that rainy days provided the perfect excuse to curl up with a good story. Mary is now a collection development librarian for Whatcom County Library System, where she gets to spend her days spreading the joy of reading. In her free time, she enjoys travel, board games, long walks, and baking delicious treats. She and her husband share their home with one son, one cat, and far too many books. p. 25
Julie Trimingham is a mother, writer, and nontribal member of the Sacred Lands Conservancy (SacredSea.org), a Lhaq’temish-led non-profit dedicated to protecting Native sovereignty, treaty rights, sacred sites, and the life and waters of Xw’ullemy (the Salish Sea bioregion). Her heart is filled by the work to protect and promote ancestral place-based knowledge so that we can all learn to live here, with one another, and with Mother Earth, in a good way. p. 22
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EDITORIAL
Bellingham Alive welcomes comments and feedback for our Letters to the Publisher 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.
I love your magazine! I come to the Home Show each year to get the show special, and extra copies of my favorite issues for my friends and family.
– Connie J., Lynden
Connie, thank you so much for being a loyal reader and subscriber, then sharing us with friends and family. It’s what keeps us motivated to provide unique, positive editorial.
—Lisa K., Publisher
Keep the recipes coming! I try everything you have done so far. So fun! I like it when you use chefs from local restaurants in your recipes. What a treat!
– Jaene Ann D., Ferndale
OOPS, We Missed It
We are so happy you enjoy the recipes provided, Jaene Ann. Our local chefs are amazing and we love highlighting them and sharing a piece of their knowledge and expertise.
—Lisa K., Publisher Yes! I can't get enough "joyful editorial," as your sign puts it. These days it is so necessary!
– Kale M., Bellingham Kale, we couldn’t agree more! This is one of our core mission statements and one we are defenitely passionate about. You can get your hard news from other outlets, and it is in the forefront all day long. We want our readers to be able to disconnect with the magazine, relax and learn a bit about the personalities, businesses, and areas we serve.
—Lisa
K., Publisher
Please note: an advertisement for Kerri and Matthew Boudousquie that ran in our November/December 2024 and Welcome 2025 issues included Matthew's BONW badges—we'd like to clarify that those awards were for his work in the culinary industry, not the real estate industry.
We’ve been freshening up our store to give you the best shopping experience possible! Come see our large La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio selection. All “in-stock” and available for immediate delivery!
Bob & Lori Dodge Owners, Samuel’s Furniture
If you could pick one room in your home to make over, which room would it be?
Honestly, the garage! I would love to incorporate floor to ceiling cabinetry and epoxy sealant on the floors.
The main bedroom. I would create my own oasis, relaxing and filled with plants!
I’d want to turn the living room into a flexible activity room for hanging out, crafting, and partying!
I’d turn our half-bath into a ¾, and maybe open it up to the main bedroom if budget allowed.
My office space. I’d upgrade my desk, monitor/mic stands, add some much needed greenery around it, and have a nice heated blanket on my chair
My home office/music room! I would upgrade my electronics and desk.
The kitchen. I would make sure there are enough cupboards with lighting and plenty of counter space.
My bathroom. I’d add a jacuzzi tub to take self care nights to the next level!
WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM | PHOTOS COURTESY OF CISCOE MORRIS
DEPENDING ON YOUR local chops, you may need no primer whatsoever before reading the following interview. However, if you, like me, haven’t been living in Washington for too long, I’d like you to stop reading this magazine—just for a second! Do me a favor: open up a search browser and find a 1-minute clip from “Last Week Tonight” titled, “You Wish You Loved Anything as Much as Seattle Gardening Expert Ciscoe Morris Loves Everything.”
Did you do it? Good. You’re now officially enamored, just like everyone else in the PNW, with Ciscoe Morris. On top of being a delight, Morris is a living legend in the Pacific Northwest gardening scene and has been giving
horticultural advice in-person, on the radio, and on TV for decades. He’ll be giving a gardening talk in the flesh at this year’s Whatcom County Home & Lifestyle Show, which is sure to send at least some of the members of the Gardening with Ciscoe Fan Club on Facebook (which is 7,500 people strong) rushing to the Northwest Washington Fair & Event Center.
With that important context, read on for an excerpt of my interview with Morris, where we discuss his over-50-year-career and his plans for the Whatcom County Home & Lifestyle Show! Afterwards, head
to bellinghamalive.com for the full interview, where we talk about bugs and organic gardening, modern garden culture, and his upcoming garden tour in Japan (which you can join)!
Kristen: You usually need no introduction, because you are a beloved icon, but I like to ask folks to introduce themselves. Would you mind introducing yourself in your own words?
Ciscoe: Oh boy, that’s a hard one! Well, I’m Ciscoe Morris, and I have the most fun life of anybody I ever
met. I totally somehow lucked out and got to do over 30 years of radio. I'm still doing a live radio show, by the way. It’s in Sequim, Washington, it’s on this little non-profit, you have to stream it. It’s on KSQM, every Saturday morning at 9 a.m.
I have just had this great good fortune of having been able to do radio and TV for years and years. I got to be the director for grounds care at Seattle University, a wonderful place where I went to school while I worked there. So that was great! I still do so many garden talks, have fun, and lead garden tours all over the world. You name it, I do it!
Kristen: So, it’s 2025, another New Year’s down. That marks almost 55 years since you came to Seattle and began your “Gardening with Ciscoe” journey. Does that ever kind of hit you, that you’ve got this 50-year career behind you and you’re still going strong?
Ciscoe: Well, I am kind of surprised that I'm still going strong because TV and radio is not a geezer place. But somehow, that energy has never left me, and I just love giving garden talks… When that camera aims at me, the ham comes out, you know? There’s no way to control it. I’m so happy that I’m still doing it, because it just adds a huge dimension to the fun of my life.
Kristen: What is it that you love about doing your talks and public appearances?
Ciscoe: I love giving garden talks because I love the interaction with people. I love the chance to have some fun with humor. One of the things I love with the Whatcom Home [& Lifestyle] Show is you never know where it's going to go. I generally do a “Stump the Chump” type thing, where I try to stump them with my hard questions, they try to stump me, and people win fun prizes if they can solve my tough, tough Ciscoe Garden Stumper questions. [The questions] throw people into tizzies of nervous
anxiety, they’re so hard… even though I’ve never stumped anyone! This could be the first time.
So…those stumpers are really fun, and then a lot of the questions [people ask me] are really interesting. So it’s fun for people to learn…it’s great and interactive. It’s almost like a sport to me, doing a garden talk.
Kristen: Do you know what kind of talk you’ll be giving when you come to the Whatcom Home & Lifestyle Show?
Ciscoe: We’ve named it “Spring is Finally Here,” which I hope it will be by then. I think I’ll probably bring some really cool plants, and I’ll be giving those away if people could solve my stumper questions. … I’m gonna take questions from the audience, and I always like to warn the audience that I do throw Brussels sprouts at anyone that stumps me. So, be ready to duck!
Listen to Ciscoe on KSQM 91.5 FM every Saturday at 9 a.m., on the radio or streamed online. Every Thursday, he and Nita-Jo showcase plants on the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society’s Facebook “Plant of the Week” live stream. Every other Wednesday, Ciscoe does a garden segment on KING 5 New Day. Purchase Ciscoe’s two books, “Ask Ciscoe” and “Oh, La La!” from Village Books and Paper Dreams, or online. Watch past episodes of “Gardening with Ciscoe” for free on KING 5’s YouTube channel. Find more information at ciscoe.com
Here’s a list of amazing things happening at the Whatcom County Home & Lifestyle Show this year, which will be taking place April 4-6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. each day, at the Northwest Washington Fair & Event Center in Lynden. Make sure to look for specific days and times when you get your hands on the program! biawc.com
• The Master Gardeners will be holding their annual plant sale at the show.
• A LEGO Competition and “Brick Pit” with LEGO Masters competitor Brad Bergman.
• Come make a project with Alex Brede of Woodworking with Kids at a free, hands-on woodshop area for kids.
• A huge Pacific Northwest BBQ Association professional sanctioned BBQ competition with sampling for attendees.
• HGTV’s “Unsellable Houses” twins, Lindsay and Leslie, will be speaking at the stage and then doing a meet and greet with fans after.
• The Reptile Man will present eight to twelve live reptiles in a demonstration.
• Ciscoe Morris will give one of his live garden talks, complete with a Q&A and cool plant giveaways!
• A “Home is Where you Park It” Conversion Van Rally with Freedom Vans.
• Delicious seafood cooking demonstrations by Kevin Forrester of Bellingham SeaFeast.
• A heartwarming art walk with art from local kids titled “What Home Means to Me.”
• Saturday is Family Day! Celebrated with face painting, character visits, and balloon animals.
• Tons of tasty food trucks. Live music for all you movers and shakers!
• Browse a Young Entrepreneur’s Market showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Whatcom County kids.
• And, last but not least, a beer, wine, and cocktail garden by Ferndale’s Outlaws Saloon.
WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM | PHOTO COURTESY OF SPARK MUSEUM OF ELECTRICAL INVENTION
THERE ARE BIG changes underway at everyone’s favorite Bellingham science museum, SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention! The popular educational museum is working on a new rotating gallery, due to open in late spring; a major remodel of the space was recently completed by local design-build firm Highline Construction.
In a press release earlier this year, the museum announced that the new gallery would “provide the flexibility to explore additional stories, moments, and themes that enrich the museum’s narrative,” pointing out that the permanent galleries are firmly focused on historical milestones in the technology space.
Director of Programs Abby Whatley adds, “Adding a rotating gallery gives us the opportunity to showcase more of our collection in the future,” noting that, in addition to SPARK’s vast collection, the new gallery will provide an opportunity to showcase some of the interactive displays gifted to SPARK by Mindport Exhibits when they closed last year.
And the team at Mindport did more than just give SPARK new exhibit material— they also contributed funding to the expansion project. The first exhibit at the new rotating gallery will pay homage to Mindport’s legendary displays, featuring the work of “local artist and tinkerer” Kevin Jones.
Also under construction and due to benefit from Mindport’s generosity: Wonderlab, a second-story space for interactive exhibits. When the rotating gallery exhibit turns over, some of the Mindport displays will head upstairs to help “foster learning through hands-on exploration and community programs.”
So keep your eyes peeled for the grand opening announcement, and get ready to have your interest SPARKed! 1312 Bay St., Bellingham, 360.738.3886, sparkmuseum.org
WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM
On your way into town, make sure to stop at The Store for a coffee and one of their famous muffins—and note any wines or cheeses you might want to grab on the way home.
WRITTEN BY WILLIAM MORTON
ANEW
opened its doors for a soft launch on Jan. 16, followed by a grand opening on Jan. 29.
This is the first La-Z-Boy located in Bellingham—previously, the two closest stores were in Ferndale and Mount Vernon. La-Z-Boy, predominantly known for its patented “La-Z-Boy” recliners, sells a wide variety of furniture and decor, including loveseats, couches, and sectionals, but also lamps, plants, and tables.
“Everything you see is for sale,” David, manager of the Bellingham La-Z-Boy says.
Boasting 15,000 square feet of floor space, the new La-Z-Boy is spacious and breathable. The store seems designed for browsing, with carpets helping to guide customers through various recliner-and-sofalined walkways. The new store is also conveniently located in the same business complex as a Dollar Tree, a Ross Dress for Less, and The Home Depot, making a perfect addition to the home furnishing and remodelingthemed stores of the surrounding area. 222 Telegraph Rd., Bellingham, 360.812.7005, la-z-boy.com
Head to Cap Sante Park for a hike or just to commune with the water, then stop by the Maritime Heritage Center to learn more about the history of the waterfront in Anacortes.
WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM
THE NEW HEADQUARTERS of Dementia Support Northwest, Amy’s Place, is slated to open this spring, adding another vital community hub to Bellis Fair mall.
Dementia Support Northwest is a Bellingham-based organization serving Northwestern Washington since 1983. Their mission is to support caregiving partnerships and educate people about dementia-related diseases.
Thanks to their work in respite, they were awarded a $240,000 grant from the Alzheimer’s Association Center for Dementia Respite Innovation in August 2024. Amy’s Place has also been made possible thanks to generous gifts by Amy Chan Wolsdorf, after whom the new center is named.
In terms of dementia-related caregiving, respite means giving the caregiver a break from their routines and time to attend to their own needs. It’s a dearly needed resource in the community.
Judy Davis, executive director of Dementia Support Northwest, has headed the Amy’s Place initiative.
“It’s going to be everything that you need or want for dementia,” she says. “All [of our] programs, head office, everybody will be centralized there… When you come in, you’ll be able to have someone to talk to right away.”
Inside the 4,700-square-foot-space, there will be a cozy lounging area, three conference rooms, and offices where the dressing rooms used to be, an inventive restructuring of the existing space.
“Dementia Support Northwest is excited to partner with Northwest Regional Council, who offer specialized services, care consultation, memory screenings, and dementia friendly activities in our community,” says Davis.
In addition to these services, their usual support groups for caregivers, and their Good Times Club Social Respite Program, being located in the mall will allow for new initiatives.
“The grant allows us to offer five 2-hour [respite] sessions to each family, free of charge,” says Davis. “We’d like to become a dementia-friendly mall, where we will offer training to all the retailers for their staff. … The community, our volunteers, everybody is super excited about it.” 1 Bellis Fair Pkwy., Ste. 362, Bellingham, 360.671.3316, dementiasupportnw.org
ON FEBRUARY 17, 1993, Kent Taylor opened a restaurant in Clarksville, Indiana called Texas Roadhouse, working off the cocktail napkin on which he’d drawn his original vision and rough blueprints. More than 30 years later, the restaurant has become famous for their handcut steaks, chicken dinners, and homemade southern-style food— the fresh-baked bread rolls and honey-cinnamon butter have a cult-following of their own.
The original Texas Roadhouse has spread, too: there are now more than 500 locations in the US, as well as multiple restaurants in foreign countries. The famous chain has even line danced their way into the state of Washington, with the latest restaurant (their fifth in the state) opening right here in Bellingham in early October of last year. So mosey on down to get yourself that falloff-the-bone ribs or that juicy prime rib from our new, local world-renowned restaurant. 4331 Meridian St., Bellingham, 360.685.9059, texasroadhouse.com KOTA SATO
When you’re ready for brunch or lunch, break out of your French toast rut with dim sum at MaMa Wing—the steamed dumplings are excellent, as are the Pan Fry Chive Dumplings.
Take a wander on Commercial Avenue and do a little window (or real) shopping, then stop at the Anacortes Public Library to browse the stacks. Grab a free bag of mystery titles on the way out!
Watch the sun go down over Guemes Channel while you refuel your body with a couple of cocktails—one shrimp—at Secret Cove. The perfect way to end a beautiful day!
Tino Kurtz
AND PHOTO
BY JULIE TRIMINGHAM
SINCE TIME IMMEMORIAL
is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish, 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.
Na-tak-ul-tan Tino Kurtz is a Lummi tribal fisherman who also works for Lummi Nation’s Cultural Resources Department, the mission of which is to “Preserve, promote, and protect our Sche Lang en.” Tino was also part of the Lummi creative team behind the bilingual children’s book Sa’le Q’ewet Netse’lh / Our Hearts Beat as One, which tells the story of the captive orca Sk’aliCh’elhtenaut / Tokitae / Lolita. The book features a translation key and other educational materials, and is currently being taught in Bellingham schools as part of the Since Time Immemorial curriculum.
Now’ Si’am, Nat’tak’ul’tan tse’ ne sna, che’ Xwlemi Sen—that's saying Good day. My name is Na-tak-ul-tan, and I am from the Lummi Nation.
I grew up on the water, fished all my life. My dad's a commercial fisherman, we fished herring and salmon up in Alaska, squid in San Francisco, sardines in Ilwaco. I do crabbing here at Lummi for the tribal fishery. I used to do shrimping and halibut, but the fishery has gone down, not much profit in it anymore.
And now you also work for the Cultural Department at Lummi?
Well, like I said, I was a commercial fisherman all my life. My oldest daughter is 15 now, she got to see some of that
fishing life with me, she came up to Alaska once. But seeing me gone for most of the year was kind of tough. When I had my second daughter, I realized that I don't want to be gone almost half the year away from my family. So I decided to find work closer to home. One thing led to another, and I ended up in the Culture Department.
What is the work that you do there?
I've been working in the Lummi language department for six years now. I’ve been helping us get into a more digital age. A lot of the recordings we have are all reel-to-reel or tapes. So most of my job these past few years is digitizing material and finding more ways to get our language out there to our people.
What kind of recordings?
Mostly of tribal elders. Al Charles knew the language, and there are recordings of him speaking, repeating phrases, translating. Also the late Tsilixw Bill James, a lot of recordings of him as well. Before he passed, I was able to do a few interviews with him. It was really awesome to hear his stories.
How many fluent speakers are there out at Lummi?
For speaking proficiently, I want to say five to ten. Not too many. I know of probably four for sure, but there's others out there, I’m sure. But we’re always teaching, learning, bringing the language back in schools, through the recordings, through classes that are really helpful for our people.
And you just translated “Sa’le Q’ewet Netse’lh/Our Hearts Beat as One”, which I think might be the first bilingual Xwlemi Chosen / English kids book, or any kind of book.
Yes, translating that book was a very, very fun process for me. Having our language out there for the people to see is a huge step for us to get our language thriving again. It's important for our people to know our language, because it’s part of our culture. If we know our language, we are closer to our people.
What is your dream for Xwlemi Chosen?
To have everybody speak it more fluently, similar to, I want to say, Navajo culture and Hawaiian culture. I was able to visit an immersion school on Maui and see how they had the language going. There were classes from kindergarten up to eighth grade. In eighth grade, they’re just speaking their language. They're not even speaking English. I want that for our people.
Do you have a favorite phrase in the language, or something you like to say, or something you like to teach?
I don't really have anything like that, but having the language around my house and having my kids say things in it really brings joy to me.
A silly example is when my kids are being too loud or talking back I say, “Semexw,” that’s quiet. Like, “shut up.” That’s a funny one. And they’ll say it sometimes, like, “Semexw!” And probably everyone at Lummi knows Mexwia, that’s belly button. Everybody knows that, they always tease, they’ll be like, “Where’s your Mexwia?” And a little kid will lift up their shirt and share their mexwia.
I think one phrase or word that a lot of non-tribal people know just from being around is hy’shqe, which is thank you but it’s also more than that, it’s thank you for your time and, like, thank you for everything that you've done.
Hy’shqe, Tino.
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHLOE NELSON
NESTLED ALONG THE Swinomish Channel lies Seaport Books—the only bookstore in La Conner. The location in the Seaport Landing Building gives one the illusion of stepping back in time, with its light mint paint color and white trim that has the aesthetic of the early 20th century. While the building may look antique, the bookstore’s co-founders, Marion Melville and Janna Gage, celebrated its eighth year in 2024.
Gage grew up in La Conner and spent her childhood without books, until the first time she visited the public library in 4th grade.
“I had to find the library, I didn’t know where it was, but my teacher sent me down,” says Gage. “I came all the way down here, and [was shown] where the children’s books were. I said, ‘Could I take any books from over there,’ pointing to the adult [section]. I took those books home.”
One of the books she ended up checking out depicted a trip to New Guinea, which opened her eyes to traveling for perhaps the first time in her life.
“That’s the beauty of libraries and the power of books,” says Gage. “Whenever you can put books into the hands of people it’s a good thing.”
After discovering the library, Gage made a pact with herself to read all the books inside, according to Melville. From that moment on, Gage had a fierce, undying love for books and reading. Without it, Seaport Books might not exist today.
In 2017, Melville and Gage realized that they wanted to open a bookstore selling new inventory. It was perfect timing: the town’s previous bookstore had just moved. The bookstore has received much kindness from the community since opening in April 2017.
“I love working here and meeting the customers; the stories are unbelievable,”
says Melville. “When someone comes into the store and says, ‘It’s amazing, the books you have, how do you do it?’ It’s such a fun question to answer.”
Their customers are loyal in part because of the store’s personal atmosphere and curated collection.
“We’ve already established our fan base, really,” Gage says. “We do a lot of customer orders, and it’s worked to some advantage for us that some people are getting kind of tired of Amazon. They are, I think, very tired of big box stores. Where’s the village? Where’s my store? We’re just the opposite of Barnes and Noble; we are the bookstore you always wish you had.”
Gage and Melville handpick every title sold in Seaport Books, from vintage leather-bound classics to the newest releases. They may not have a ton of books on each subject, but they have the best of the best, according to Gage.
While the store sells a wide range of books, “our focus is on Northwest authors, history, fiction, and nonfiction,” says Melville. “We had a customer tell us we had more on the subject than he’d ever seen; he was blown away.”
Given their success, it might surprise you to learn that Gage and Melville are looking to sell the store by the summer of 2025.
“Both of us just felt, you know: ‘I believe we’ve done it.’” says Gage. “We established a destination bookstore in La Conner, and we’re feeling fat and happy about that. But we also have more things we would like to do, and one of them is the book I’m working on [a brief history of La Conner].”
The bookshop is profitable and supported by a large community of passionate people, Gage says. Anyone would be lucky to find themselves at the helm of Seaport Books. 106 1st St., La Conner, 360.399.1800, seaportbooks.com
WRITTEN BY MARY KINSER
To most people, Hana Babić is an unassuming librarian, easily overlooked. Only her friend Amina knows the truth: that Hana is a survivor of the war in Bosnia who garnered a fierce reputation as a militia fighter following an unspeakable personal tragedy. After fleeing Bosnia, Hana cast aside her history and remade her life in rural Minnesota. But when Amina is murdered under mysterious circumstances, the secrets Hana has buried for 30 years begin to seep forth. Hana decides to employ the skills she honed in wartime to protect her peaceful life and find Amina’s killer. The suspense builds as the two threads of Hana’s life come together and readers begin to wonder how far Hana is willing to go to put the past to rest. With its vivid depictions of the horrors of war, this novel isn’t for the faint of heart, but it raises thought-provoking
“Famous Last Words”
by Gillian McAllister
On a beautiful June morning, literary agent Cam Deschamps has just arrived at work when she receives shocking news. Her husband Luke is involved in a hostage situation—not as a victim, Cam soon learns, but as the hostage taker in a standoff with police. The news is unimaginable; Luke is steady and easygoing, devoted to Cam and their infant daughter. But when the situation goes terribly wrong and Luke disappears, Cam’s life is upended entirely. Years go by with no word from Luke. And then, just as she is ready to let him go, Cam receives a mysterious communication that reopens the case. Can Cam piece together these cryptic clues to find out what happened? And does she want to know the truth after all? Author Gillian McAllister once again serves up a story that never skimps on the twists and turns. Fair warning: this propulsive thriller is the definition of a can’t-put-it-down read.
March 8, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
THE LIFE CYCLE OF A BOOK
Village Books and Paper Dreams, 1200 11th St., Bellingham, 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com
Learn about all the stages of book publishing from professionals with years of industry experience. Melissa Vail Coffman, Jill Flores, and Chris Satterlund will walk you through the behindthe-scenes process.
March 14, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
THE ART AND CRAFT OF WRITING WITH ERICA BAUERMEISTER
Village Books and Paper Dreams, 1200 11th St., Bellingham, 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com
Erica Bauermeister, author of the Whatcom Reads book selection for 2025, will be sharing her tips and tricks on book writing to hopefully inspire others to craft some work of their own.
March 22, 5 p.m.
ROB CASEY, “PADDLING THE SALISH SEA” Village Books and Paper Dreams, 1200 11th St., Bellingham, 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com
Join Rob Casey at Village Books, with an admission fee of five dollars, to discuss his adventures from his most recent guidebook as a professional kayaker and stand-up paddler. The guidebook provides routes for all levels of paddlers, from beginner to advanced.
March 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
SUSAN MEISSNER, “A MAP TO PARADISE” BOOK LAUNCH
Lynden Library, 216 4th Street, Lynden 360.354.4883, wcls.libcal
Susan Meissner launches “A Map to Paradise,” which takes place at the height of The Cold War and follows three characters with vastly different lives, all searching for a sense of belonging. Join her and fellow author Cheryl Grey Bostrom to discuss the book.
WRITTEN BY
KOLBY LABREE
OF BELLINGHISTORY TOURS WITH THE GOOD TIME GIRLS
March 3, 1877: Spotted fever was reportedly developing in Whatcom County, and Scarlet fever on the Islands.
March 5, 1904: Henry Schupp, manager of the B.B. Brewery, gave a dinner party at the Hotel Laube in honor of Leopold Schmidt, president of Capitol Brewing Co. of Olympia and the Bellingham Bay Brewery.
March 16, 1945: Tavern and restaurant operators met to discuss the “meatless days problem” caused by wartime rationing.
WRITTEN BY NICOLE KIMBERLING
CEO Darryl Miller loves to talk about two things: coffee and people. I sat down with him at the main roasting facility in Burlington to find out more about this ubiquitous but quiet local brand.
“I’m really proud of the company and what we do, and that we put such a focus on making it as good a product as possible,” Miller says. We’re in the small meeting room adjacent to the retail store at the main roasting facility. The vibe is unpretentious and friendly.
Fidalgo Coffee started out as an Anacortes coffee shop founded by Gary Sawyer in 1992. Sawyer ran the company in Anacortes, and later Burlington, until 2007 when he sold it to the current partners David and Derrick Evans. The brothers knew they had what it took to expand Fidalgo’s reach, but they needed a third partner who knew the coffee business inside and out. Enter Darryl Miller.
Miller’s life in the hospitality industry started at 19 when he and a partner founded the Maltby Café in Snohomish, which became famous for its cinnamon rolls. After selling that business he moved to Bellingham, where he worked first as a sales rep for a food purveyor then took over as the head of sales at Tony’s Coffee, where he spent a decade developing the brand and product, including spearheading the Fair Trade coffee program.
It took the Evans brothers 18 months to woo Miller, but he eventually joined Fidalgo as a partner and together the three started to expand in earnest. Now, almost 20 years later, you can find Fidalgo Coffee in most major retailers, including Costco Puget Sound, Haggen, and PCC Community Market.
And Fidalgo doesn’t fall down when it comes to civic engagement. They whip up a special souvenir coffee blend to promote the famous Skagit
Valley Tulip Festival, participate in Tierra Nueva Farm’s program to sustain Honduran coffee farmers, and collaborate with Underground Ministries to produce their Underground Coffee line.
For those who do not know, Underground Ministries assists former prisoners in finding meaningful and steady employment after incarceration, as well as providing crucial re-entry support. Fidalgo Coffee was one of the founding partners of this program, and 5% of Underground Coffee sales still go directly to the organization.
As Miller describes the trajectory of his career, I can’t help but notice that every time he says a person’s name he tells me a little story about them—just two or three sentences, but this attention to detail and willingness to connect authentically with people shines through every minute of the conversation. Over and over it becomes clear what Miller and his partners are all about: care, craftsmanship, community, and coffee.
On my way out, I ask Miller if there’s anything he’d like me to make sure I mention, expecting him to add one more prominently successful local business venture to his long list of accomplishments.
His answer?
“I really like playing the bass,” he says with a bright smile “I’ve played my whole life and it’s important to me.”
You can find Fidalgo Coffee in many retail outlets across the Puget Sound region or, to order directly, go to fidalgocoffee.com
Thank you to our wonderful supporters that voted us into the Best of the Northwest! We really enjoy helping with your home and office improvements.
~ Window Fashions Your Way ~ 360-733-7956 shade-concepts.com
SPRING IS JUST around the corner, and the flowers aren’t the only things bursting with colors—the art scene is also blooming! From sculptures in a garden to art made out of fibers, there are all sorts of amazing pieces to explore in our artistic community.
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY KOTA SATO
1
Cordata Gallery
The Cordata Gallery displays the work of many different artists, with the space creating a very modern, contemporary environment for the work. With exhibits changing monthly, there is sure to be new art to catch your eye on each visit. 465 W. Stuart Rd., Bellingham, 360.746.8745, cordatagallery.com
2
Peter James Photography Gallery
The Peter James Photography Gallery is a great place to see art that really captures the “essence of Washington State,” with his landscape photos taken all around The Evergreen State. The building is hard to miss thanks to the giant orca sticking out of the side! 1211 Mill Ave., Ste. 202, Bellingham, 360.733.9377, peterjamesphotogallery.com
3
Big Rock Garden Park
Big Rock Garden Park is the perfect spot for nature and art lovers, with all the sculptures being built on a 2.5acre garden and trail. This is a great place to take a stroll or to just clear your mind while enjoying all sorts of unique sculptures. 2900 Sylvan St., Bellingham, 360.778.7700, cob.org
4
Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum
The Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum in La Conner is dedicated to highlighting the importance of fiber arts. Through their thoughtful displays, visitors can learn about the history and contemporary culture of this medium. 703 2nd St., La Conner, 360.466.4288, qfamuseum.com
5
The Whatcom Museum is a great place to see art that’s rich with Pacific Northwest history. With rotating exhibits and the interactive permanent exhibit “People of the Sea and Cedar,” there’s a wide variety of art that everyone will enjoy! 250 Flora St., Bellingham, 360.778.8930, whatcommuseum.org
WHATCOM READS PRESENTS AN EVENING WITH ERICA BAURMEISTER AND FRIENDS
March 14
Whatcom READS is an annual county-wide book club. This year’s selection was “No Two Persons” by Erica Baurmeister. In March, the author will visit various locations around Whatcom County. At this headlining evening at Mount Baker Theatre, Baurmeister will speak about the book, converse with the co-owners of Village Books and Paper Dreams, and announce the 2026 Whatcom READS title. 7 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com
March 15-16
This arts festival, organized by Allied Arts of Whatcom County, is a newer annual spring event celebrating the diverse cultures that make up Whatcom County. People from many different backgrounds exhibit “what makes their culture unique through fine art, craft, food, song, dance, storytelling,” or any such creative practice. A schedule with workshops, performances, and talks accompany craft and food vendors for an altogether illuminating event. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. both days, Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.676.8548, alliedarts.org
March 14-16
This annual birding festival takes advantage of the on-coming spring to view the birds migrating over the Pacific Flyway. Check out bird spotting locations around the waters of Blaine, Birch Bay, and Semiahmoo; go on guided field trips and birding cruises, and listen to speakers! There’s activities for avian enthusiasts and backyard birders alike! Blaine, 360.220.7663, wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com
by
March 16
For years, the Bellingham St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been a celebration not just of Irish-American culture, but of local safety personnel and ways to keep Bellingham green beyond one-day fashion choices! The Parade encourages the use of green energy, sustainable materials, and a clean-as-you-go mindset, asking participants to help keep the downtown parade route clean as they march from the Waterfront to Depot Market Square. 12 p.m., Downtown Bellingham, stpatsbham.com
March 28-30
Ahead of next month’s Whatcom County Home & Lifestyle Show, the Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association Home Show will hold their 43rd annual show at the Skagit County Fairgrounds! It’s the largest home and garden vendor event in the counties, plus food trucks, talks, and fun events for the whole family. Skagit County Fairgrounds, 501 Taylor St., Mount Vernon, 360.757.6916, sicba.org/home-show
We’ll be there too! Come visit us at the Bellingham Alive booth for a chat and some free magazines.
March 1
The annual Whatcom Farm Expo is back for its ninth year! This festival of all things agriculture is a wonderful way to learn about local resources, businesses, and community groups. This year, talks and demonstrations by local speakers include “Holistic Pasture Management,” “Getting Started with Beef,” “Intro to Small Farm Tractors,” “Winter Pruning in the Orchard,” and more! 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Northwest Washington Fair & Event Center, Lynden, 360.526.2381, whatcomcd.org
PAINTING WORKSHOP AT LYNDEN LIBRARY WITH WHATCOM READS
March 6
In this year’s Whatcom READS book, “No Two Persons” by Erica Bauermeister, water is present in various ways throughout the story. SeaFeast and Whatcom READS have teamed up to make this fun workshop! Each attendee will decorate a small buoy and discuss the book. The buoys will be collected and incorporated into a large art installation to be displayed at this year’s SeaFeast. 2-2:30 p.m., Whatcom County Library System - Lynden Library, 216 4th St., Lynden, 360.354.4883, wcls.org
“SUGAR’S BIG TOP!”
March 7
If you missed Sugar: A Cabaret’s debut on the Mount Baker stage last year, don’t make the same mistake this March!
Bellingham’s own Brie Mueller, a.k.a. Sugar herself, leads her troupe of dancers, singers, and the Sugar Band in this new show. “Sugar’s Big Top” follows Sugar through a slightly twisted circus dreamland. Enjoy a drink, live music, and acrobatics at this special cabaret experience at Mount Baker Theatre! 7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com
ENCHANTED SPRING DANCE
March 8
Shake off the dark and drearies and get ready to embrace spring! The Bellingham Queer Collective is throwing a whimsical adult-only costumed dance party at the Hotel Leo. During this Enchanted Spring Dance, the Crystal Ballroom will become a magical forest where all fantastical creatures and characters are welcomed. Find more information on their website or Instagram, @bellinghamqueercollective. 7:30-11 p.m., Hotel Leo, 1224 Cornwall Ave., 360.746.9097, bellinghamqueercollective.org
March 11
Join Skagit Valley Larder for an educational cheese pairing workshop at their recently opened Mount Vernon wine shop, cheese counter, and cafe. A representative from Garden Path Fermentation, a Skagit Valley hyperlocal producer that makes beer, wine, cider, and mead, will provide five 2-ounce pours of their unique drinks. Sip the drinks, try the paired cheeses and accouterments, and learn the stories behind them and why they work so well together. 6-8 p.m., Skagit Valley Larder, 513 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon, 360.982.2010, skagitvalleylarder.com
March 14
Would you consider yourself an artist? Can you hold a pencil, a pen, or a paintbrush? If so, the “Face-Off” portrait drawing competition may be for you. For a $25 entry fee, teams of two will have an hour and 15 minutes to draw portraits of each other. After the portraits are finished, participants will get a chance to vote, with the best and worst voted portraits winning a prize. 6 p.m., Bloedel Donovan Community Building, 2214 Electric Ave., Bellingham, 360.778.7000, bellingham.org
March 15
This festive run/walk offers runners of all ages and abilities an active way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! The race will start at the corner of West Laurel Street and Cornwall Avenue, follow either a 5K or 8k map, then finish at the 1000 block of Railroad Avenue, followed by awards at Boundary Bay Brewery. Festive green attire is heavily encouraged! 10 a.m., Bellingham, 360.778.8000, cob.org
March 16
This March, enter into the world of the mythical, magical, and downright terrifying. Heroes and monsters alike will be taking over Mount Baker Theatre in this display of fantastical puppetry. Nominated for the 2022 Olivier Award for Best Family Entertainment, this spell-binding adventure is the perfect experience for the whole family. 3 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com
March 16-17
Join Boundary Bay Brewery in celebrating its final St. Patrick’s Day weekend before closing down. There will be live music throughout the weekend, and after the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday, Boundary Bay will be serving its “Backyard BBQ” in the beer garden. Reservations are recommended for those who want to sit in the taproom or bistro. 11 a.m., Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, 360.647.5593, bbaybrewery.com
SKIING IN THE KOKANEE RANGE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
March 20
Guest speaker Gary Peniston will present a travelogue of a special trip to the Kokanee mountain range in British Columbia. He was flown in on a helicopter to a remote cabin amongst untouched slopes, where he was left to explore the pristine powder and majesty of the peaks. Join him and Bellingham Parks & Recreation for a “vicarious visual adventure” at the Rotunda Room of Old City Hall. 7-9 p.m., Old City Hall at the Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham, 360.778.8930, whatcommuseum.org
WRITTEN BY TRISTYN MACDONALD | PHOTOS BY WHATCOM CONSERVATION DISTRICT STAFF
AS WE PEEK around the corner into spring weather, it’s the perfect time to replenish your garden with plants “that have evolved and adapted to grow in this area,” says Whatcom Conservation District (WCD) Resource Specialist Emily Hirsch.
This year will mark the WCD’s 32nd Annual Native Plant Sale, held in Ferndale, where they will have 41 different species of native plants. Not only are native species easier to care for, but they also provide benefits for the surrounding environment. This event offers the community a chance
to get their hands on native plants on a smaller scale at a lower cost.
“It's all a bunch of Master Gardeners and/or our staff who are knowledgeable on soil type and light type and how to plant them, so you can get your questions answered,” says Aneka Sweeney, WCD outreach and education manager.
The sale also opens up conversations about other types of environmental organizations the Whatcom Conservation District engages in, such as wildfire risk reduction, stormwater benefits, and more.
“Folks are introduced to other aspects of land stewardship that they may not have thought of or understood could be a part of their life,” says Sweeney. “We celebrate what native plants can bring into a community, but it's also a gateway to have further conversations.”
Early native plant sales were held in the parking lot of WCD’s office building; now the event has grown so much that they need the outdoor space that places like Pioneer Park in Ferndale have to offer, where the sale will be held this year. Last year, they had over 800 customers and hope to continue growing. The sale is free and open to all to attend, and organizers encourage people with any (or no) knowledge of plants to come by!
10 a.m.-3 p.m., Pioneer Pavilion Community Center, 2007 Cherry St., Ferndale, 360.526.2381, whatcomcd.org
COZY COMEDY PRESENTS: SUSAN RICE
March 21
Following great success with her “Don’t Tell Comedy” special, Susan Rice is hitting the stage in Mount Vernon. Featured on “America’s Got Talent” and previously voted Portland’s Funniest Person, Rice has proven she’s got the chops to get us rolling, so don’t miss your chance to laugh along with her at Lincoln Theater! 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon, 360.419.7129, lincolntheatre.org
WOOL WAULKING WITH SLIGHE NAN GAIDHEAL
March 22
Members of Slighe nan Gaidheal, Washingtong’s Scottish Gaelic society, will be demonstrating the ancient tradition of waulking the tweed at Northwest Yarns & Mercantile. Clothworkers sit and sing as they work the wool by passing it between them and beating it rhythmically against the table, tightening and softening the fabric. You’ll have the chance to learn, observe, and participate! 2 p.m., Northwest Yarns & Mercantile, 206 W. Magnolia St., Bellingham, 360.738.0167, nwyarns.com
March 22
The Honeywagon Runs are a series of running events held at the Nooksack Valley Middle School. The events for the day consist of a half-mile marathon, a 4-mile run, and a kid’s fun run. Runs cost anywhere from $10 to $45 with the winner of the half marathon being awarded $100 and the winner of the 4-mile run being awarded $50. 9 a.m., Nooksack Valley Middle School, 404 W Columbia St., Everson, 360.201.5749, gbrc.net
March 22-July 27
Garth Amundson and Pierre Gour are Bellingham-based partners and artists who’ve collaborated to bring you their first major museum exhibit. “Not the Whole Picture” comprises 35 years of photography, painting, and mixed media installation, both from their own collection and those contributed by community members. The anchor of the exhibition, which explores queer identity, the artists’ lives, and the meaningfulness of everyday moments, will be large concentric rings of photographs
stitched together to awe-inspiring effect. Lightcatch Building at the Whatcom Museum, 250 Flora St., Bellingham, 360.778.8930, whatcommuseum.org
BSO: MAKING WAVES
March 23
The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra is bringing the wonders of the outdoors to the Mount Baker theatre with this nature inspired concert! Enjoy pieces such as John Williams’ “Jaws” theme and “Cantus Arcticus, Concerto for Birds and Orchestra,” and listen to guest pianist Jessica Choe of the Seattle Symphony. With tickets starting at just $15, you don’t want to miss this musical masterpiece! 3 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, bellinghamsymphony.org
PINE NEEDLE BASKETRY - A WILDCRAFTER’S WORKSHOP WITH NORTHWEST NATURA
March 30
The Pine Needle Basketry workshop aims to teach attendees how to identify ecological features of various pine tree
species, pine needle foraging techniques, and how to weave baskets from pine needles. Hosted by lifelong Pacific Northwest resident and professional wetland ecologist, Jazmen Yoder, the course takes place in the Chuckanut Center and costs $60. 1 p.m., Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Dr. N., Fairhaven, 360.927.9895, northwestnatura.com
Submission deadline: March 31
Affectionately named after Sue Crocker Boynton, a self-proclaimed amateur poet who inspired many Whatcom County residents, the Poetry Department’s 2025 Sue C. Boynton competition is open for submissions for the month of March. The contest is open to all Whatcom County residents and entails the submission of one unpublished poem under 28 lines with 55 or fewer characters per line. The winner gets their poem displayed outside of the Bellingham Public Library and/or inside Whatcom Transportation Authority buses. Bellingham, thepoetrydepartment.wordpress.com
WRITTEN BY WILLIAM MORTON PHOTOS BY TRISTYN MACDONALD
The Bellingham Folk Festival took place over four days from Jan. 23 to Jan. 26. Through sessions, jams, workshops, and concerts, the festival contained 66 events and had something to offer all sorts of folk fans. Some of the more unique events included a yodeling workshop, multiple square dancing workshops, and a Burns supper—a traditional Scottish holiday celebrating Scottish poet Robert Burns. Venues like El Capitan’s and Honey Moon Mead & Cider became warm dens for collaborative, expressive folk performance experiences. If you missed this year, don’t fret; the festival has been occurring since 2014 and is sure to be back and better than ever in January 2026! thebellinghamfolkfestival.com
Community Events
Skagit Symphony: Water March 15
Paci c Northwest Opera: Rusalka March 28 - April 6
Theater Arts Guild: Newsies April 18 - May 4
Skagit Valley College: Mariachi Festival May 7
Skagit Valley Chorale: Celebrating in Song May 10-11
Skagit Community Band: Stompin’ at the Savoy May 18
Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport
WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM
IF YOU’VE EVER looked into staying near SeaTac airport, you’ve probably prioritized proximity and free shuttle service over views or luxury—which makes sense for an overnight before an early flight. But if you’re planning to stay in the Seattle area for a few days and want to be near the airport or just get away from the downtown hubbub, may I submit for your consideration: the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport.
The ‘Lake Washington’ in the hotel’s name is more than just a location; the property sits right on the edge of the lake, and the amenities make the most of the view. In addition to 347 guest rooms, 140 of which face the water and four which even come with a lakeview terrace, the hotel also boasts 17 meeting and event spaces, most of which overlook the lake through floor-to-ceiling windows. The threemeal restaurant—aptly named Water’s Table—offers both indoor and outdoor seating year-round, with an enclosed, heated balcony to keep diners warm in the winter, and in spring and summer Dock & Drink, the restaurant on the concrete lakeside patio, can host up to 200 people for lunch or dinner. There’s a dock on the property where guests or diners can tie up their boats while they eat, and the seasonal Dockside Market sells sandwiches and snacks for boaters.
“And then maybe Boeing will put a plane out for your stay,” says Marketing Manager Dana McKenzie, gesturing to the large aircraft driveway to our left. “And then we have the seaplanes,” she adds, noting that guests can actually arrive by boat or seaplane, and “in August…you can see a lot of Seafair from here, so it’s a great spot to be.”
So the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington is a great place to stay in the warmer months, but what about the winter? Well, I stayed with my family
Museum of Flight
9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, 206.764.5700, museumofflight.org
Kubota Garden 9817 55th Ave. S., Seattle, 206.684.4584, kubotagarden.org
Seattle Chocolate Factory 1180 Andover Park W., Seattle, 425.264.2705, seattlechocolate.com
Jimi Hendrix Memorial
Greenwood Memorial Park, 350 Monroe Ave. N.E., Renton, 425.255.1511, jimihendrixmemorial.com
IKEA (don’t laugh—we went to IKEA on our weekend and it was a highlight!)
601 S.W. 41st St., Renton, 888.888.4532, ikea.com
over a weekend in December, and we barely noticed the cold. Not only did our room’s enormous windows bring the view right to us (without the wind chill), but the indoor pool and hot tub area, complete with cabanas and locker room steam rooms, was definitely worth bringing our swimsuits out of storage. There’s also a spa where guests can get facials, massages, and body treatments. The large lobby was beautifully decorated for the holidays and the restaurant was hopping on Friday night—rightly so, if my tender roasted chicken and my husband’s juicy burger were examples of the rest of the menu.
The icing on the cake (or, really, the chocolate on the marshmallow) was the Daily S’mores Experience, for which guests can pick up a kit in the lobby market and roast their own marshmallows at the fire pits in the front drive from 6-8 p.m.
And, of course, all year long, the property has a strong sense of place in the Pacific Northwest, with its contemporary wood paneling and connection to nature. Just to the right of the hotel, Bird Island provides a rest stop for migrating Chinook salmon, and Bald Eagles and Osprey can often be seen flying over the lake. There are also strong elements of Feng Shui in the building, which was constructed in July 2017: its back is to Mt. Rainier and it faces the lake, and the large curve in the roof enables a smooth flow of ‘Chi.’ With some imagination, the symmetrical design also resembles a sitting buddha when viewed from the water. And then there’s the clear Seattle tie-in:
“Fun fact,” says McKenzie, “our hotel is 12 stories tall, which is a nod to the 12th man.” (The Seahawks training facility is just three miles away.)
So if you’re looking for a weekend in the Seattle area that’s not right in Seattle, the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport is a great choice! 1053 Lake Washington Blvd. N., Renton, 425.203.1234, hyattregencylakewashington.com
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRISTEN BOEHM
The Shop
Bellis Fair has been Bellingham’s onestop-shopping destination since the late ‘80s, but it wasn’t immune to the national dip in mall traffic that came with the rise of online shopping in the 2000s, followed by the 2020 pandemic.
In December 2022, 4th Dimension Properties swept in from the wings to buy Bellis Fair during an auction sale by its defaulted previous owners. These new dark horse owners went right to work reinvigorating Bellis Fair with a new approach.
The Atmosphere
“[4th Dimension’s] strategy is that retail is changing. A lot of the brands out there that have been mall staples for years are disappearing or changing their business models. As malls want to survive, they need to have a little bit more of a mix,” says Bellis Fair General Manager David Prince.
That means bringing in small businesses, nonprofits, and community-focused organizations alongside national retailers. By opening itself up to local businesses and providing access to resources, Bellis Fair has made itself a vital part of Bellingham’s ecosystem again. According to Prince, their occupancy rate has gone from 69% to around 88% over the past few years.
Small business owners like Stephanie Sherman of Cusp Creative, which moved to Bellis Fair from La Conner in 2024, benefit from the mall’s infrastructure, foot traffic, and location (which draws customers from not only all over Whatcom, but also from Canada). The Bellingham Public Library Bellis Fair Branch, which opened in April 2023, enjoys the ample parking their downtown location is unable to offer.
“One of the things I really like about [the Bellingham Public Library Bellis Fair Branch] is they’re a great partner in the community, because libraries are always a community hub. They bring in families for story time, and we’ve been able to partner with them to host their kids craft fair in a nice indoor environment,”
says Prince. “It's been a lot of fun to see the different ways that we can try and work with people.”
You will, of course, find anchor stores like Target, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and JCPenney. Other popular retailers like Torrid, Buckle, Forever 21, H&M, Claire’s, Victoria’s Secret, and Vans have more than enough options to dress you from head to toe.
Lifestyle brands like Hot Topic, Spencer’s, and Earthbound Trading Company, plus hobby stores like our own Mount Baker Rock and Gem Club and Brick Island can help express your personal style.
Working on your image? Ulta Beauty has everything you need, or you could leave it to the professionals of Bellis Fair’s many small beauty businesses: Bellingham Braids, Maxx
Studio, Made Men Cuts, Sola Salon Studios (which hosts individual providers). There’s even Northwest Barber Academy, where new barbers earn their stripes!
Continuing the educational and community-focused offerings are Bellingham MakerSpace, Whatcom Intergenerational High School, and Whatcom Wrestling Academy PawsWithCause is all about animal welfare, and Amy’s Place (see pg. 19) is the brand new hub of Dementia Support Northwest.
As for the food court, Bellis Fair boasts big name restaurants like Chipotle, Buffalo Wild Wings, Subway, and Panda Express, plus local vendors like Seoul Kitchen, Tinto Coffee (pg. 86), Natalino’s Pizza, Roman Artisan Bake, and Cultured Harvests. Right next to the food court, you can also find
IT’SUGAR, a candy store with prestigious locations in Times Square and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Another important part of the mall’s versatility is having offerings for all ages. In addition to the shopping, beauty, educational, and creative businesses, Bellis Fair is home to kid-friendly opportunities like indoor playground PlayDate, arcade The Ruckus Room, and Wishes Toys Books and Games.
“I love it, because I’ve got a 14-yearold and a 9-year-old. … As my kids get to be teenagers, [I’m] thinking about, ‘Well, where do I want them to hang out?’” says Prince. “It’s not the late ‘80s anymore. There’s other things that people do with their time now, but we still want to provide a good mix of options to shop and a fun place for people to go…. for you or your kids.” 1 Bellis Fair Pkwy., Bellingham, 360.671.5895, bellisfair.com
WRITTEN BY SOFIA BOUMA
THOUGH THE GLOOMY winter weather of the Pacific Northwest may linger, the new life of spring is just around the corner—along with garden fresh herbs, flowers, and vegetables. These gardening necessities are both stylish and functional, allowing you to take full advantage of the warming weather and get planting!
1 Digz Women’s Indoor/ Outdoor Planter Gardening Gloves Ace Hardware, $14 Multiple locations acehardware.com
2 Protection Sleeves in Antique Bloom Farmers Defense, $27 831.789.2001 farmersdefense.com
3 Rounded Raffia Sun Hat Terrain, $78 877.583.7724 shopterrain.com
4 Women’s 1-Size Country Blue Canvas Gardening Bib Apron Home Depot, $25 420 Telegraph Rd., Bellingham 360.715.0090 homedepot.com
5 Muck Boots Women’s Original Ankle Boots in Moss DICK’s Sporting Goods, $105 20 Bellis Fair Pkwy., Bellingham 360.305.3099 dickssportinggoods.com
Resilience Natural Medicine is a woman-owned naturopathic practice in Bellingham, led by Dr. Camille Koontz, a dedicated naturopathic doctor and registered nurse. We go beyond symptom management, addressing the root causes of health concerns to help you achieve lasting wellness.
Through naturopathic medicine and wellness coaching, we empower you with natural therapies and expert guidance to support your body’s innate healing. Our holistic, personalized approach prioritizes your unique needs—helping you build resilience for a vibrant, fulfilling life.
WRITTEN BY NICOLE KIMBERLING | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PINK DAHLIA
IDIDN’T KNOW WHAT to think when I walked into The Pink Dahlia. Was it an aesthetics center? A wellness center? A board-certified gynecologist’s office? Turns out it’s all three.
“It’s a place where women can get all of their medical needs met,” Dr. Russo says. “I can help with aesthetics like Botox, medically assisted weight loss, body contouring. But I can also help with things like fertility and incontinence as well as with sexual health concerns. Plus really any basic health concerns like high blood pressure where having an MD is necessary.”
Dr. Russo is a board-certified OB-GYN as well as Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine.
Smiling, charming, and dark-haired, Dr. Russo exudes a spritely energy as she explains the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine: Nutrition, Movement, Restorative Sleep, Stress Reduction, Social Connection, and Avoidance of Risky Substances. It’s a philosophy that emphasizes treating the whole patient.
“I wanted to create the kind of care center that I wanted as a woman, especially as I began to age. Most clients who come to me don’t want to just live longer—they want those extra years to be meaningful and vital.”
And there’s plenty of new technology that assists in doing just that.
There’s the EM Sculpt Neo which uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate weakened muscles, and the BTL EMSELLA, a chair which uses the same kind of pulse to activate the muscles pelvic floor to help reduce incontinence. (I was astonished and delighted to learn that you could use this FDA-approved device fully clothed!)
Then there’s the EMFemme 360, which helps with intimate wellness, and the O Shot, which uses platelet-rich plasma to improve . . . well, the hint is in the name . . .
“I want to normalize talking about sexual health,” Dr. Russo says with a warm smile. “It’s a big part of life and there’s so much we can do to improve the experience of people who might be struggling.”
And those are only a few of the aesthetic and medical options available.
An initial free consultation with Dr. Russo takes, on average, 90 minutes. During that time she aims to not only learn about a patient’s immediate health concerns but also their goals and concerns about their bodies—something that is impossible to achieve in the average 10-minute slot at the average health organization.
Because of the major inhibitions of working directly with medical insurance companies, Dr. Russo’s center uses a direct-pay model, but she does provide superbills that clients
can provide to their insurers for possible reimbursement depending on their individual plans; The Pink Dahlia also partners with Cherry Payment Plans. More information about both these payment options as well as extensive explanations of all services can be found on The Pink Dahlia Health Center website.
“I want to empower women to be active participants in their healthcare and be listened to,” says Dr. Russo. “I guess I just want to give women a better experience.” 1155 N. State St., Ste. 402, 360.637.6710, thepinkdahliahealthcenter.com, Instagram @thepinkdahlia_md
IN A BOOST to local women’s healthcare, patients no longer have to trek to Seattle for specialized cancer care. PeaceHealth has expanded its cancer services in Whatcom County, specifically breast cancer surgery and gynecologic cancer care. Now, patients can receive care for these types of cancer close to home.
Leading the expansion are two distinguished specialists whose arrival marks a new chapter in local cancer care, PeaceHealth physicians, Quynh Le, DO, and Molly Brewer, DVM, MD, MS.
Dr. Le, who joined the PeaceHealth team last October as co-director of the Breast Cancer program at St. Joseph Cancer Center, brings sophisticated expertise in breast surgical oncology. While at the University of Southern California, she trained with world-renowned breast and plastic surgeons, mastering techniques that remove breast cancer but maintain the breast’s natural appearance. Her surgical expertise includes a wide scope of procedures from biopsies to more extensive treatments, depending on the patient’s personalized plan. Dr. Le collaborates with regional plastic surgeons to support patients selecting breast reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Brewer brings an exceptional background in gynecologic cancer and is board-certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and in gynecologic oncology. She joined PeaceHealth in late January. Her expertise spans the full range of gynecologic cancer care, including treating cervical and ovarian cancers and those patients at increased risk for cancers of the female reproductive system. Dr. Brewer trained and taught at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, one of the leading cancer centers in the country.
There’s a lot to consider with a cancer diagnosis, but patients don’t have to navigate it on their own. Cancer specialists like Dr. Le and Dr. Brewer see themselves as partners and advocates for patients’ health, from diagnosis through recovery. They’re part of PeaceHealth’s comprehensive cancer care that includes nurse navigators, financial experts, social services, other cancer specialists and numerous support services to help patients, and their families, throughout their cancer experience.
The addition of medical expertise underscores PeaceHealth’s commitment to women’s cancer care and access to care. PeaceHealth’s expansion of comprehensive cancer care allows patients to focus on healing without the added stress of long-distance travel.
Patients can connect with Dr. Le or Dr. Brewer through referrals from their primary care providers, OB-GYN clinicians, general surgeons or medical oncologists.
Dr. Le sees patients at General and Breast Surgery at PeaceHealth Marble Clinic, 2980 Squalicum Parkway, Suite 302, Bellingham, 360-788-8608.
Through an affiliation with the University of Washington, Dr. Brewer sees patients at the PeaceHealth Squalicum Parkway Obstetrics, Gynecology and Midwifery Clinic, 3200 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, 360-752-5280.
1. Hydration & Nutrition IV Therapy | Price Varies
Peak Hydration IV Therapy & Wellness Lounge 1216 Bay St., Bellingham 360.526.2125, peakhydrationlounge.com
2. Lafont x Maison Sekimoto Ouvrage in black, hand embroidered pearls and embellishments | Call for Pricing
Binyon Vision Center 411 E. Magnolia St., Bellingham 360.647.2020, binyonvision.com
3. Honeycomb Candy Made with Local Honey | $18 Marie’s Bees 360.224.2387, mariesbees.com
4. Buy Local When Going Global! Meowci | Price Varies
Bellingham Travel & Cruise 1801 Roeder Avenue, #144, Bellingham 360.733.1270, travel@bellinghamtravel.com
5. Entire Store 15% Off
Dank of America - Now 2 locations 2530 Peace Portal, Blaine 5309 Guide Meridian, Bellingham Instagram: @ DankOfAmericaBellingham
6. Rambler Zip Ankle Jean in Cream Puffs, Mother Denim | $228
Quinn + Foster 1402 11th St., Fairhaven 360.671.2000, quinnandfoster.com
7. Wine/Food and Gifts | Prices Vary
Hela Provisions 2000 Franklin St #102, Bellingham 360.746.5678, helaprovisions.com
8. Bellingham Alive Subscription | $25 - $48 Bellinghamalive.com. 432 W. Bakerview Rd.., STE 101, Bellingham 360.483.4576
Written by Anne Godenham and Kristen Boehm
Kitchens and bathrooms are complicated remodeling projects from start to finish. We’re not trying to be discouraging, just realistic! With so many large appliances, the stress on functionality and longevity, plumbing and electrical needs, and thousands of options to consider for every material and finish, these projects are not to be approached willy-nilly!
That’s why bringing in the professionals is almost always going to save you money, time, and angst in the long run. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a leading organization in the industry, providing respected professional certifications, conducting proprietary research, and representing the interests of designers and firms. Our own Puget Sound chapter is large and active, and conducts its own Design Competition annually.
We reached out to the minds behind 2024’s winning designs and asked them to describe their projects, what these designs achieved for their clients, and any trends they saw going the distance in 2025. We hope that you take inspiration from these award-winning designs, and take note of a few professionals to contact about your next project!
Written by Andrew Mikhael
The most important thing that I find is finding the client’s personal definition of luxury. As this project illustrates, with well traveled clients who’ve encountered all kinds of high end designs, it wasn’t the fanciest or newest trends that moved the needle, it was creating the feeling that they loved in their favorite destination city. I’m not interested in following design trends and don’t think it’s a worthwhile way for anyone.
Don’t copy what your neighbors are doing. At best, if they’re doing it right they’re doing what works for them. At worst, they’re just copying what they think they’re seeing and you end up with a copy of a copy, with the point far lost in translation.
A better way is to work with a designer who knows all the tricks, and can deploy the most powerful ones to make your space uniquely yours with elegance.
What are some universal “tools in MY toolbox”?
Seamless detailing to make the materials stand out without losing practicality
Choosing products that make cleaning easier, i.e. skirted toilets
Heated floors in bathrooms to soften the cold winter edge, “Japanese”/washing toilets that save water while offering a luxurious cleaning experience.
Open, but not exposed, kitchens—visual connection and flow while maintaining some separation so you’re not staring at a mess when you sit down for dinner
“Garden-to-table”— forget farm to table, connecting your home garden to your kitchen is a priceless luxury
Andrew Mikhael of Andrew Mikhael Architect
Photographed by Brad Dickson
“When my clients needed a second bathroom for overnight guests—and to keep visitors from having to use their [ensuite] bathroom—they sought to balance luxury, privacy, and space efficiency while incorporating inspiration from their favorite destination, Marrakech. The limited footprint and building regulations posed constraints on the bathroom’s location. The design also needed to accommodate a larger kitchen and extra bedroom, requiring innovative use of space. We created a “wet bathroom” where the entire room serves as a shower, eliminating the need for separate enclosures. A subtle curb at the door manages water flow, seamlessly combining practicality and elegance. The bathroom comes alive with pentagon-shaped concrete tiles imported from Morocco and Moroccan Tadelakt plaster in a modern palette. High ceilings, subtle textures, and color blocking evoke the grandeur of Marrakech, making the space feel both expansive and serene. Radiant heated floors add a spa-like touch, while a hidden niche behind the vanity wall keeps toiletries discreetly stored, maintaining a clean, uncluttered look. Thoughtful details ensure the bathroom feels both functional and luxurious, creating a harmonious blend of modern design and Moroccan charm.”
Charlene Mathew of Charlene Mathew Designs, LLC
Photographed by Jeff Milton
“Aristotle identified the three sources of love and affection as “good, pleasant, and useful.” These homeowners had no affection for the remodel completed by previous owners.
Being 5’3” and 6’5” tall, nothing about their original space felt good, pleasant, or useful. In fact, entering the shower was somewhat hazardous, necessitating a step up and over the curb while ducking below a tiled beam that only served as a high shelf for placing items. Ergonomically, the vanity and shower heads were too low and there was no place to sit or shave. Aesthetically, they wanted the space clean, updated, and stylistically suitable for this turn-of-thecentury home.”
2025 feels like it will be a mix of nature, light, and bold patterns.
“The space held some challenges, like the 74.5” ceiling height on one length of the room, which became suitable for the vanity, toilet, and shower seat. The next challenge was placing shower fixtures at heights for different users which was resolved with a higher fixed-mount shower head and a handheld on slide bar which works for a seated user shaving as well. Relocation of the sink p-traps allowed for u-shaped drawer storage at each sink. A perfect bathroom to win the love of Aristotle.”
Richard Landon of Richard Landon Design
Kirsten Conner of Kirsten Conner Interior Design
Photographed by Julie Mannell
“Our design team loved transforming our client’s guest bath into a welcoming, happy, and vibrant space. We answered their craving for color and energized their morning rituals with ripple textured tile, energetic wallcovering, and the soothing linen-like textures of the floor tiles and cabinet facings. Our clients love the result and enjoy having more storage, better ergonomics, and a safer shower to begin their days.
We believe that clients are moving away from white and grey bathrooms and are craving vibrant colors in their tile and flooring. The stunning robin’s egg blue of this tile is what caught our clients’ eye.”
Beth Brunner and Emma Deana of Quartz & Bone Interiors
Photographed by Kara Mercer | Contractor: A&R Construction
“Early in our conversations with our clients it became clear that light was a huge priority for their kitchen remodel. With a spectacular view of Lake Washington from the front of their home, the existing kitchen in the back was closed off, outdated, and dark.
We removed a major wall in order to flood the back of the home with natural light, but focused on maintaining a kitchen space that felt distinct and defined. As avid entertainers, our clients valued ample space to prep and cook in tandem, while hosting guests at the oversized island and serving drinks from the bar peninsula that separates the dining space.
Heading into 2025, we expect to see more clients with the same desire to bring the outdoors in, whether it’s an increase of natural light, a focus on outdoor kitchens and entertaining spaces, or selecting more natural and organic materials. Combined with a return to more classic, traditional details such as natural stone counters and backsplashes as well as warmer neutral and earthy color palettes, we expect to also see a drive to create distinct spaces in the kitchen realm, such as butler’s pantries and separated dining rooms.”
Written by Michelle Yorke
As for design trends looking ahead to 2025, I see a continued evolution of smart kitchen features. The integration of technology in the kitchen is becoming more seamless, from intelligent appliances that can adjust settings automatically to smart faucets that control water temperature and conserve energy. I expect to see even more innovation in this space, making kitchens not only more efficient but also more sustainable.
Another trend I predict will continue to gain traction is the use of two-toned cabinetry. The combination of wood and painted cabinets creates a dynamic look that blends warmth with a modern, clean aesthetic. The contrast between natural wood tones and bold, contrasting colors offers a lot of creative freedom. It allows designers to play with textures and finishes, creating depth and interest while still maintaining an overall sense of harmony in the space. I’m excited to see how these trends evolve as clients continue to prioritize both style and functionality in their kitchens.
Michelle Yorke of Michelle Yorke Interior Design
Photographed by Miranda Estes Photography
“This lake front home was dark, enclosed, and very outdated with old appliances, cabinets, and a layout that did not take advantage of the amazing lake views. We redesigned the kitchen by removing a wall that separated the kitchen and great room. This allowed for natural light, a large island, and the sink to be positioned with a beautiful view of the lake. A large island accommodates a prep sink, second dishwasher, storage, and functional seating for two. The best feature of this kitchen is the hidden walk-in pantry, cleverly concealed behind a cabinet panel door that blends effortlessly with the surrounding cabinetry. One of my favorite aspects of the project was working with our clients and transforming their dated 1990s kitchen into their dream kitchen. It was a true partnership throughout the process, as we worked together to bring their vision to life. The stunning lake view was central to the design, and we made sure to orient the layout to maximize the natural beauty outside, allowing the kitchen to feel like an extension of the landscape. We incorporated luxury appliances that are not only functional but also a joy to use, elevating the space to meet their passion for cooking and entertaining. The beautiful, luxurious quartzite countertop was another key element and it became the heart of the kitchen. It was incredibly fulfilling to help create a space that seamlessly combines beauty and practicality.”
Heather L. Kirk of Kirk Riley Design
Photographed by Julie Mannell
“A remodel in the adjacent kitchen sparked the update of a 1980s powder room trapped in a midcentury modern home.
Moody, nature-inspired materials were used throughout the space and finishes were mixed to represent the clients’ love of nature, especially the beach. From the handmade concrete sink in kale green that sits on a brass console, to the turquoise shelf it holds below, a magical mixture of colors and textures fascinate the senses. Satin brass plumbing fixtures and a mod-inspired wall sconce add a touch of dazzle to the organic tones.
We created a tiled feature wall in a stardust porcelain with a pebbled texture, making a welcoming visual impression.
The traditional appeal of a wall covering is completely reinvented with this attention-grabbing abstract pattern [which] yet achieves a subtle aura by its tone-on-tone coloring.
Mixing warm neutrals is a color trend that we are going to see continue growing in this year. Comforting earth tones with deep moody accents is a welcome combination for our homes.”
Heather L. Kirk of Kirk Riley Design
Photographed by Julie Mannell
“Our design directive was to remove all elements of the 1980s kitchen in this mid-century modern home. With roots in California and France, more natural light was at the top of the list for this young family.
The hurdles we jumped to remodel this kitchen began with enlarging the window. Adding storage proved impossible with the given conditions. The footprint of the kitchen could not be expanded or extended due to its location in a corner at the back of the house.
To allow the glorious west facing light into the space, we had to eliminate the inadequate fluorescent lighting and garden box window. A larger window that folds open increased natural light as well as the view into the backyard. Improved site lines were a bonus for watching kiddos and dogs at play in the backyard.
Textures and finishes in a mix of matte, honed, varied, and smooth create a welcoming space where nothing is too precious. Black cabinets in Italian laminate are super matte with antifingerprint technology and a velvety feel for elegant easy maintenance.
This is a kitchen for the clients to use, not just for show. The wife was so excited to use the new Miele range, she had sourdough bread baking in the oven prior to construction completion! Gray quartz countertops set off the high gloss handmade backsplash and add graphic pattern detail. All combined for a soothing backdrop with the polished concrete floors for a warm and sophisticated mix of colors.”
Gina Chambers of JL Remodeling
Photos courtesy of JL Remodeling
“In this transformative kitchen remodel, we took a dated space that lacked style and function, and not only updated the space—we reimagined it. Our mission was to create a design that was as functional as it was stylish. A well-designed space that not only exudes style but creates comfort and ease of use in everyday life.
We began our design journey by converting an under-utilized adjacent space into a fully equipped butler’s pantry. Both the butler’s pantry and main kitchen are packed with creative storage solutions from utensil pull-outs at the range to custom cabinets designed to store small appliances with easy access for daily use in mind. We wanted the kitchen to have a space for everything, eliminating clutter while maximizing both functionality and flow.
Visually we paired modern and traditional elements to create a timeless design. The result is an organized, easy-to-use space that caters to everyday life while also offering an ideal setting for entertaining and hosting gatherings.
The kitchen features Kingston Brass fixtures, Monogram appliances, shiplap ceilings, soapstone countertops, and custom oak French doors with cremone bolts. Full of sophisticated character and charm, this project is a testament to the transformative power of design.”
Written by Gina Chambers
In 2025 I anticipate we will see bolder design choices, warm woods, off-whites, and rich earth tones as we move away from the era of stark whites and grays. Mixed woods and metals are also in, adding layers of interest as we warm up our spaces. Leaning into classic eras of design, we will see more use of fun shapes, patterns, and natural or faux stone. I see more utilization of walls to elevate the design with rich colors, textures, and wallpapers, [plus] wood, tile, or stone features. Many opt to move away from quick-tofade trends and generic designs to incorporate personal touches in their spaces.
Photographed by Sumaira Amber
“The small bathroom in this traditional colonial style home had been “updated” by the former owners for resell; their style was bland and too modern for the home. The space was also lacking a tub, which the homeowners wanted to fit in.
By moving the door, altering the hall a bit, and changing the door to the shower, we were able to put in a petite Kohler freestanding tub. The vanities were updated to maximize storage space while still reflecting the style of the home. White marble was chosen as the main material in the bathroom for its timeless quality, and quartz countertops were easy maintenance and easy on the budget.
Small details like a mosaic floor, large mirrors, light finishes, and the vanities raised on legs make the space feel more open and trick the eye, making it appear larger without actually expanding the floor space of the room.”
Photographed by Alessandra Brescia Photography
“The remodeled kitchen was expanded into the former kitchen table space, and the wall between the kitchen and dining room was removed and replaced with large sliding glass doors that stack to one side. The idea for the glass doors came about to keep some audio separation in the spaces, when need be, as both homeowners work from home and one of the children does schooling from home.
The dining room was reorientated allowing for a small office on the opposite side of the wall, as well as a built-in buffet in the dining room. We reused some original stained-glass windows from the home in the dining room built-in cabinets.
The living room fireplace area was redone to add needed storage and TV space, and tie in with the rest of the newly appointed spaces. The new spaces feel updated and modern, but true to the PNW midcentury vibe.”
Written by Anna Popov
“Although we do not find ourselves following trends too often, we are loving the surge of added personality we see out there in kitchens and bathrooms. Where living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms have always been a favorite for adding character and personal touches, we are delighted to see people being brave when it comes to the more utilitarian areas of the home. Whether that be with a dramatic countertop stone or deep muted green cabinets, we are here for an extra level of design elements being brought to these spaces, whilst of course, in true IBP style, keeping practicality and function at the forefront.”
“The original living room, dining room, and kitchen were all closed off from each other and separated from the outdoor deck. By opening the wall between the living room and kitchen and installing the new full height window wall, we were able to improve the flow of the main floor tenfold.”
“WHAT’S COOKIN’ GOOD LOOKIN’”
“This kitchen was carefully designed with family in mind. Modern and functional, every square inch was utilized, with storage and ease of use at the forefront. Coupled with stunning materials and finishes, this kitchen sets itself apart as the dream kitchen the homeowners always wanted.
We opened the [main living space] to the kitchen by partially demolishing [a double height] wall, creating the perfect flow. We then brought the space down to a livable level with the introduction of a subtle but impactful horizontal line that encased the architectural elements that were overwhelming the space and made them feel part of the design scheme. Then, the piece de resistance, we designed a full height window wall. It creates a beautiful connection with the patio and mature yard as well as bringing in a flood of natural light to the newly freed kitchen space.
We designed a large island for the family to gather. Kids can eat breakfast or finish homework, and there’s a prep-sink and garbage pull-out for food prep whilst socializing with family or guests.
The custom kitchen cabinets were designed with the client’s needs and preferences in mind. Warm wood tones are balanced with a dark charcoal and stunning quartzite countertops and backsplash. We designed the main kitchen cabinet wall with a hidden door to a new walk-in pantry.
The goal for this pantry was to have a place for the dayto-day kitchen tasks to take place and be hidden away easily from the rest of the space. The full height door makes this pantry disappear when it’s closed for a seamless look whilst inside small appliances, dry goods, cookbooks, and kids’ snacks can be available.”
Shefali Thomas of Design & Elevate
Photographed by Derrick Louie of Clarity Northwest Photography
“Thoughtful design can transform even the smallest spaces. This remodel by Design & Elevate used a light color palette paired with metallic, reflective accents to make the space feel bright and inviting.
The champagne fixtures with a soft brass finish complement the gray and white marble mosaic arranged in a geometric chevron pattern behind the vanity. The small scale of the mosaic not only adds pattern but creates a focal point for the vanity wall. The mirror and light fixtures were chosen to have a sleek, modern profile—a refined contrast to the mosaic’s small scale.
To maximize storage space, the original sink base with double doors was replaced with U-shaped drawers to neatly organize essentials like hand towels and toilet paper. Champagne brass cabinet pulls tie the drawers to the room’s modern aesthetic.
Geometric metallic art, arranged in an organic layout on the wall behind the toilet, reflects beautifully in the mirror, enhancing the room’s sense of depth. Every design element prioritizes functionality and aesthetics, ensuring the powder room is sophisticated while easy to maintain. The result is a well-balanced, modern, and inviting space that complements the rest of the home.”
Written by Shefali Thomas
Natural finishes with subtle color accents: Kitchens are increasingly leaning toward softer hues, moving away from stark contrasts.
Softer metal finishes: Clients are opting for muted metal finishes, such as champagne brass or luxe nickel, over bold black or bright gold fixtures, for a more understated elegance.
Biophilic design in bathrooms: Nature-inspired elements are gaining popularity, creating a spa-like ambience. Soft patterns, natural textures, and soothing colors create an atmosphere where homeowners can unwind after a busy day.
When asked about what trends they saw coming in 2025, many of our designers hedged their responses by saying that they don’t actually recommend chasing trends. Instead, the move right now is towards individuality and expression, something we’ve often heard over the past couple of years in regards to interior design. So, while keeping that in mind, here are some current ideas to inspire you while you plan your kitchen remodel.
The kitchen is a prime candidate for bringing the outdoors in, as more and more folks are longing for a touch of nature in their homes. This can be done by using stone and wood, or maximizing the natural light to your kitchen with floor-to-ceiling windows, glass doors, and skylights. The kitchen also lends itself to blending your indoor and outdoor spaces—extend your cooking, dining, and entertaining areas with a covered patio or a deck.
“Heading into 2025, we expect to see more clients with the same desire to bring the outdoors in, whether it’s an increase of natural light, a focus on outdoor kitchens and entertaining spaces, or selecting more natural and organic materials.”
- Beth Brunner and Emma Deana of Quartz & Bone Interiors
People are beginning to desire a cleaner look without sacrificing the flow of an open floor plan. One way to achieve this is the “concealed kitchen,” a type of design where appliances are out of sight, cabinets and drawers are flush and push-to-open, and pantries are closed off. Another is varyingly called a back kitchen, a “dirty kitchen,” a butler’s pantry, and a scullery—essentially, a closed off area where storage and food preparation can be done without being on display.
“Open,
but not exposed,
kitchens—
Online sources report that backsplash is expanding to cover more and more wall space in kitchens. In addition to protecting walls from spills and smoke, the color and cut of the tiles you choose is another chance to inject your personality into the space. Combination or multipurpose kitchen islands are also gaining popularity; instead of being a solid shape, your island can house storage, seating, and appliances to save space and increase functionality. Continuing that idea of making your fixtures work harder for you, high-tech or smart appliances can be integrated into your kitchen remodel by a designer for seamless use.
visual
connection
and flow while maintaining some separation so you’re not staring at a mess when you sit down for dinner.”
- Andrew Mikhael of Andrew Mikhael Architect
“The integration of technology in the kitchen is becoming more seamless, from intelligent appliances that can adjust settings automatically to smart faucets that control water temperature and conserve energy. I expect to see even more innovation in this space, making kitchens not only more efficient but also more sustainable.”
- Michelle
The amount you’re willing to spend on countertops will definitely affect your options, and it isn’t just for the initial purchase. Different materials require different upkeep and repairs, so keep those long-term costs in mind.
Many top-performance countertops are made with synthetic materials. Organic materials like stone, wood, glass, and ceramic are more sustainable, but often more delicate.
Picking a heavy-duty or rare material means that you’ll be dependent upon the availability of specialists. For some, this isn’t a problem at all! Others may be more interested in countertops that can be installed or serviced by themselves.
First time buyers may not be expecting to be asked what edge they’d like on their counters! There’s many different kinds, from the classic square to the s-curve ogee. Different materials work better with different edges, and they have a big impact on style.
Kitchens and bathrooms are rich in cabinets, drawers, sinks, and handrails, which means they’re excellent places for hardware to shine! Any functional bit or bob that you install is another chance for a stylistic choice.
Locally, we have excellent places to shop hardware. In Bellingham, Interior Doors & More offers hardware from at least 11 top suppliers, plus doors, cabinets, trim, stair parts! Bellingham Millwork Supply Co. has been around for more than 30 years, and carries everything from hardware to countertops, to flooring and doors, to raw lumber. Hardware Sales was founded in 1962 and has become a trusted regional name. In addition to shopping for handles and pulls, they provide all sorts of services and goods.
For easy shopping, go to doitbest.com. Use their Store Locator to look through tons of local shops affiliated with Do it Best, a hardware, lumber, and building materials cooperative. That includes Anacortes Henery Hardware, Ekrem Hardware Do-it Center in Burlington, Mount Vernon Building Center, E & E Lumber Inc. in Sedro-Woolley, Browne’s Home Center in Friday Harbor, Nugent’s Corner Market Grocery & Hardware in Everson, Pacific Building Center in Blaine, Westside Building Supply Do-it Center in Lynden, and more!
Natural wood comes in many colors and finishes (not just the thick, honey-colored oak you might remember from a few decades ago). Pale woods like maple, white oak, beech, or birch can provide the airy feeling of white without the sterility. A medium-toned stain is great for a rustic or cabin-ey vibe. Dark brown and black on natural wood will seem distinguished. There are even vibrant color stains, so you don’t have to sacrifice that organic grain for a pop of color.
Timeless, simple, and ever-popular! A majority-white scheme for your cabinets will keep your kitchen feeling open and clean. It’s also the perfect canvas to decorate against without having your decor fight with your cabinets for the spotlight.
For a dramatic look, black cabinets portray modernity and sleekness. Famously easier to maintain than white, black is also flexible: against stainless steel appliances it will lend a state-of-the-art air to your kitchen; against marble it’ll be stately and luxe.
Painted cabinets allow you to express yourself with easily-changeable pops of color. Try a sage green with a neutral palette, a dusty blue against whites and greys, or your favorite color in pastel in the midst of a maximalist design. You also don’t have to stop at just one! While we recommend running the idea by any designer you might be working with, with an artist’s touch you can have cabinets be multicolored, in a gradient, decorated with a mural—the sky’s the limit!
The toilet is a non-negotiable part of any bathroom, from half to full, so why choose a bog-standard, well, bog? There are hundreds of options out there—whether you want something practical, something beautiful, or a combination of the two, here are some ideas to get you started!
One-piece toilets like the Kohler Reach are becoming more and more popular for their smooth appearance, space-saving shape, and unbroken, easy-to-clean surface (no more dusty feet or gunky side traps!).
Speaking of dusty feet, why not opt for a wall-mounted toilet and eliminate the problem altogether? Not only will you be able to clean underneath this toilet (and see more of your floor tiles or wallpaper), but the low-profile, tankless design is also great for small spaces.
Long considered the gold standard of toilets, TOTO is a Japanese brand that marries sleek, minimalist design with exceptional function and highend bidet features. This Drake Elongated model is surprisingly comfortable, and you’ll never want to use another toilet after trying the Washlet.
For something a little different, why not go for a color? Granted, when most of us think of colorful toilets, we either think of the matching pink or avocado sets of the 1950s or the black or gold toilets of the 1980s, but this one keeps it contemporary with a skirted design that’s beautiful and easy to clean.
Recovering goth? Fan of Star Wars? Just into big, masculine toilets? This is your throne. The matte black finish is infinitely cool, while the elongated seat and high back make it comfy for long, er, reading sessions.
The first time you see a toilet-tank sink, you’ll probably be grossed out—our brains have a hard time imagining washing our hands with ‘toilet water.’ But it’s worth checking that instinct, because these brilliant little sinks, which replace the top of your toilet tank and use the clean water that comes in to fill it up after a flush, are exceptional space- and water-savers. They’re especially good for tiny powder rooms or old homes where the toilet is in a separate room from the vanity and tub.
Much like with kitchens, designers stressed the importance of personal choices over trend-following when it comes to remodeling bathrooms. The way you choose to design your bathroom has everything to do with how you want to use it (besides the obvious, of course). Here are a few ideas for a range of priorities!
Do you love to take baths to unwind? You’re probably going to want to prioritize a deep soaking tub over a tub/ shower combo. Sleek, freestanding tubs are beautiful and practical, for those of us who will actually use them. To capitalize on the ‘luxury retreat’ vibes that a soaking tub brings, consider stone drenching, covering the walls, floors, and showers with the same stone material to create a spa-like look.
If you prefer a more practical space, with clean lines, monochrome color schemes, and clear countertops, focus on sourcing high-quality pieces for the fixtures and furniture that will stand out against the lack of clutter. Large vanities topped with beautiful stone, floating fixtures, and framed mirrors can all bring personality to a minimalist space. If you want to add a bit more interest, opt for textured tiles in the shower—they have 3-D elements that can bring a lot of depth and movement to walls.
Do you take forever to get ready, spending ages on your hair and makeup? You’ll want to prioritize the vanity area, making sure you have great counter space and storage for all your tools and products— and, of course, truly excellent lighting. You might also consider a warm color scheme, to bring out the rosy undertones in your skin: try incorporating natural materials like wood, bronze or gold metallic accents, or even a pale pink wall color.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to be surrounded by color and pattern at all times, your bathroom should be no exception! Bring joy and fun into this often-utilitarian space with bold, personalized features like a fun peel-andstick wallpaper mural, mirrors with organic shapes or interesting frames, floating shelves to display funky accessories, or a bright shower curtain. Just be careful with paint colors: yellow or green tones can make your skin look sickly when you look in the mirror.
We’re pleased to share these select industry professionals with you; they can assist on any and all projects, from small updates to major home remodels. Start on a firm foundation with these pros to know!
Windsor Plywood | p. 70
Samish Cabinetry | p. 70
Highline Construction | p. 71
Jennifer Ryan Design | p. 72
Solar by Barron | p. 72
Glass Guru | p. 73
Homeport Interiors | p. 74
Options Cabinetry | p. 74
Marr’s Heating & Air Conditioning | p. 75
Audio Video Excellence (AVX) | p. 75
A+ Window Washing | p. 76
Kent’s Garden & Nursery | p. 76
Devine Countertops | p. 77
WRS | p. 78
Whatcom Lawns | p. 78
Northstar Stone & Landscape Supply | p. 79
Russell’s Window Coverings | p. 79
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
At Samish Cabinetry, we build custom cabinets that blend beauty and function, making room for the moments that matter. Whether it’s gathering in the kitchen for family meals or hosting friends, we craft spaces that feel like home. Well-designed cabinetry isn’t just about storage—it’s about creating spaces where life happens. With in-house design expertise and precision craftsmanship, we collaborate with homeowners, designers, and builders to bring their visions to life. Every piece we create is more than wood and hardware—it’s a foundation for connection, a backdrop for life’s best moments. Proudly serving Whatcom and Skagit Counties since 2017, we create timeless spaces where memories are made.
Paul Brainard paul@samishcabinetry.com 360.815.3800 samishcabinetry.com
Five-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 end-toend service, knowing Highline’s design and production teams work together seamlessly to deliver on their clients’ unique dreams.
Their respected design-build team has long been known for their large-scale residential remodels and residential additions and new builds. In 2022, they brought on a team of highly experienced equipment operators and added civil construction/excavation services including site prep, stormwater management, grading and yard expansion, gravel driveways, block walls, and more.
More recent expansion places Highline as a business to lookout for in the commercial and multi-family construction arenas. With the same promise for high-quality, comprehensive, and timely service to commercial clients and multi-family housing developers, our community can expect to see an even broader portfolio from Highline in coming years.
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.”
They do business with a commitment to do right by others – including their customers, their employees, and the community. If you want the best in design-build, call Highline.
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
Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing is a fourgeneration family business serving Northwest Washington since 1972. While HVAC remains at our core, we now offer much more.
Solar by Barron provides WholeHome™ energy solutions, powering your home or business from the ground up. As a SIX-TIME award-winning clean energy company with 30+ years of experience, our certified solar designers combine energy-efficient solutions with solar power to help reduce your electricity bill. Now is the perfect time to go solar with a 30% tax credit!
We offer expertise in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, solar, fireplaces, indoor air quality, and more. Backed by 175+ employees, we are committed to our Mission: Improving Lives™.
Welcome to The Glass Guru of Bellingham, where expertise meets excellence in glass services! Serving Whatcom and Skagit counties, our team takes pride in being your premier destination for all things glass. With a rich history of serving the local community, we have earned a reputation for delivering top-notch craftsmanship and unparalleled customer service. As your trusted neighborhood glass specialists, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your every need, from residential glass repairs and installations to commercial glazing projects.
At The Glass Guru of Bellingham, we understand that each client is unique, which is why we prioritize personalized attention and customized solutions. Our team of skilled professionals boasts years of collective experience and is committed to exceeding your expectations at every turn. Whether you’re looking to enhance the aesthetics of your home with a stunning new shower enclosure or seeking energyefficient solutions for your commercial property, we have the knowledge and expertise to bring your vision to life.
We’re more than just your local glass experts – we’re your partners in transforming spaces and creating lasting impressions. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or contractor, we invite you to experience the unparalleled service and craftsmanship that have made us a staple in the Bellingham community. Get to know us, and discover why we’re the go-to destination for all your glass needs!
With over 40 years experience, we offer a unique blend of High Quality Flooring Products, cutting edge Visualization tools and personalized design services to ensure your dreams are turned into reality. Exclusive access to limited distribution brands offering our clients unique & stylish flooing brands not found in Big-Box stores. Veteran Family owned business with a personal touch! We’re a local business with a passion for design and a commitment to providing exceptional service to our clientele. You’ll find everything you need at Bellingham’s one-stop interior design center - Homeport Interiors and Options Cabinetry.
Options Cabinetry provides original, custom designs and products that allow our clients to set themselves apart. Our product offerings not only meet the needs of our homeowners but exceed expectations.Custom design is our specialty, and we can’t wait to help your dream become a reality.
“Without their unparalleled vision, relentless commitment, and innovative ideas, our dream home would have remained just that - a dream.” -Mason W.
Marr’s Heating, AC, Plumbing and Electrical has been providing top-of-the-line residential Heating and Cooling services to Whatcom County since 1965 — 60 years and three generations of local family operation! The Marr’s mission is clear: “To provide an exceptional customer experience by developing exceptional employees.” Simply put, when you do work on your home, you want a contractor who cares about every single little detail like it’s their own home. You want them to pick up the phone every time you call and create 100% clear expectations for the final result and solutions. We at Marr’s understand that and execute that everyday, as that is exactly how we would want to be treated. We put a special focus on installing high-efficiency heating and cooling options, such as forced-air Heat Pumps, Ductless Heat Pump systems and improved furnaces. These options have risen in popularity as homeowners make the move towards more efficient systems in newer and older homes alike. Additionally, we offer a variety of yearly maintenance plans to help homeowners keep their equipment operating at peak efficiency, and their energy bills low. If you’re looking to upgrade your system, Marr’s is pleased to offer free, in-home consultations!
Mount Baker Hwy. Bellingham 360.734.4455
& ENTERTAINMENT / PROS TO KNOW
Audio Video Excellence (AVX) has been in business offering audio video for over 40 years serving the Northwest as well as projects in Idaho, Hawaii and California.
For home theater, distributed audio/video, lighting control, motorized shades, and surveillance, Audio Video Excellence specializes in the integration and implementation of your A/V and smart homes, while at the same time creating value that will see years of return.
We offer our customers complete access to today’s most in-demand equipment, while assuring them they receive the most value for their dollars. Our staff is extensively trained in installation and automation. With emphasis on relationships with our customers, builders, and architects, we are uniquely qualified to bring your project to a successful and satisfying conclusion.
Let us be the professionals to handle your next custom home, supplying integration and audio/video needs. For more information visit our website: www.avxc.com or call us at (360) 398-8447.
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
Experience the ultimate oasis for all your gardening needs at our 5-acre plant nursery on 5428 Northwest Drive! With an unrivaled selection of plants, trees, shrubs, edibles, perennials, and more, we have everything you need to transform your outdoor space. Our extensive selection also includes garden art, planters, water fountains, and more!
Our amazing staff is ready to assist you, whether you’re a beginner, a master gardener, or a professional landscaper. Our experienced team can guide you with your specific needs.
If selecting plants is too overwhelming, we offer plant design services to include an in-home consultation, convenient jobsite delivery and even plantings. We love to make your gardening experience fun and enjoyable and can meet you wherever you are at in your plant journey.
Bring the kids and explore the largest nursery in Whatcom County! Discover why Kent’s has been a trusted source for quality plants for over four decades.
5428 Northwest Drive, Bellingham 360.384.4433
kentsgardenandnursery.com
kentsgarden@gmail.com
Devine Countertops is a trusted, family-owned business serving homeowners and contractors for over 10 years. More than just countertops, we’re your one-stop shop for home remodeling.
• Custom Quartz Showers– We offer elegant showers with quartz walls and quartz pans, providing a sleek, lowmaintenance (no grout!) solution for your bathroom renovation.
• Custom & RTA Cabinets – Our expertly crafted cabinetry is designed to maximize both style and functionality, tailored to fit your unique space.
• Flooring & Tile – From classic to contemporary, our high-quality flooring and tile selection adds beauty and durability to any room.
• Countertops – We specialize in premium countertops, including quartz, granite, and solid surface options, perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Personalized service – Our team works closely with you to create stunning, functional spaces while staying within budget.
• Free interior design services – We help bring your vision to life with expert design guidance.
• Award-winning reputation – With an excellent Google rating and the Silver Award in the 2024 Best of the Northwest, we’re known for quality and reliability.
Whether you’re upgrading your home or tackling a renovation, Devine Countertops is here to provide toptier products and expert advice. Let’s make your design dreams a reality!
4107 Strider Loop Road, Bellingham 360.656.5901 devinecountertops.com
At WRS, we’re proud to be your trusted problem-solvers as the Northwest’s specialty contractor since 1982. WRS offers a wide range of services in a number of industries – Asphalt Paving, Civil Construction, and Industrial Maintenance.
WRS was built on delivering quality with integrity. We’re proud to stand on a legacy of honesty, transparency, and doing the right thing – even when no one is watching. At our core, we’re problem-solvers. Our team members are experts in their respective fields, we think outside the box, and we’ve been doing it for a long time.
Our paving crews proudly offer quality asphalt services including residential and commercial paving, grading, seal-coating, striping, potholes, patching, and more.
We’re firm believers in a surprise-free approach. Our team meticulously reviews projects from start to finish to identify obstacles before the project even begins. Let’s get started! Visit wrsweb.com for more information.
2380 Grandview Road Ferndale 360.366.3303 wrsweb.com
One of the finest lawn care businesses in Whatcom County, Whatcom Lawns has been providing services in landscape maintenance to residential and commercial property owners since 1999.
We have a reputation for delivering these services at a high standard of quality and professionalism. Whatcom lawns, Inc. is owned and operated by Steve and Janine Kruyswijk.
We understand the challenges that landscape maintenance offers in the Pacific Northwest. Whether it concerns lawn care, irrigation system repair, or keeping your lawn healthy, we know how to face these challenges with experience and professionalism. All of us at Whatcom Lawns, Inc. look forward to serving you at your home or office. We promise to deliver the high standard of professionalism our clients have come to expect.
530 E Wiser Lake Rd, Lynden 360.354.5124 whatcomlawns.com
Northstar Stone & Landscape Supply has been a leading provider of Hardscape and Masonry supplies in Whatcom County for 22 years.
Northstar maintains a large inventory of Natural Stone, Retaining Wall Block, Pavers, Stone Veneer and Pond Supplies along with various gravels, soils and bark. We offer a large and diverse variety of products to fulfill your landscape and building needs. In addition, our showroom is filled with beautiful Amethyst, Fossils, Specialty Stones & Gems.
Northstar Stone & Landscape Supply is a destination shop for locals as well as our out-of-town visitors. Our friendly knowledgeable staff are here year-round 7 days a week to assist you with your home, professional and commercial projects. Delivery is also available if needed. We welcome you to stop by and see where your imagination leads you.
4840 Pacific Hwy
Bellingham, Wa. 98226
360.383.9090
Northstarstone.net
info@northstarstone.net
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 or scan the QR code to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss the beautiful options available for your home.
873 Hinotes Court, A-2, Lynden
• Dinner Monday-Thursdays 4PM-9PM (Reduced menu pricing coming soon.)
• Dinner Friday & Saturday 4PM-10PM (Reduced menu pricing coming soon.)
• Closed Sundays; Opening Sundays Winter/Spring 2025
• Free perimeter parking and adjacent lots
• Special Occasion Specialists...All events including most Holidays
• Happy Hour Monday-Thursday 4PM to 6PM
• Wine Dinners in effect now & held every 2nd or 4th Sunday of the month
• Weekend Brunches resuming this Winter/Spring of 2025
• Casual attire, kid friendly. Dietary restrictions sensitive
• On-Premise/Off-Premise catering. Restaurant Rental, Bottle wine to go
by
Tunnies Fish & Chips 87
Saltadena Bakery 88
Storia Cucina Chef de Cuisine Helen Lofton 94
CEO & FOUNDER of Mr. Frank’s Kitchen Lisa Postl Russell has always known the value of her products. She’s proud of the legacy she’s built and the six seasoning blends that have sprung from her recreation of the Original Seasoning her father, Frank Postl, came up with—all of Mr. Frank’s Seasonings prioritize flavor and joy right alongside health.
“We’re kosher, non-GMO,” she says, “there’s no junk in our spices. Everything’s pure and good for you and good for your kids, good for your family. I always say: If it’s good for my kids, it’s good for your kids. We are the company you can trust with your family.”
That dual goodness has built Mr. Frank’s a loyal customer base, one that has followed the business wherever it goes.
In early 2023, after seven years working to get and keep her seasonings in large retail chains, Russell was fed up with the large distributors’ “unethical and greedy business practices that…sucked the life out of [her] and stole [her] passion and happiness for the why behind what [she] was doing.” Her principles and integrity led her to pull the brand from retail stores—she rebranded as Mr. Frank’s Kitchen, pivoted to food service, and began networking with corporate chefs on LinkedIn.
But, in her wildest dreams, Russell didn’t anticipate her networking endeavors to result in Mr. Frank’s being invited to sponsor the prestigious Cayman Cookout, a massive weeklong culinary festival held at The RitzCarlton, Grand Cayman and featuring world-class chefs and mixologists.
Russell connected on LinkedIn with Chef Tony Biggs, of Certified Angus Beef, and sent him some of her spices
to try; Biggs loved them, and he and Russell began talking about her goals.
“He’s like, ‘What’s your idea of success?’” Russell recounts. Her answer: “When I can donate my spices to José Andrés and World Central Kitchen and…do a fraction of the good [they do] and give back.”
Biggs sent Russell some photos of himself with Andrés, telling her he was going to see Andrés the following week at the Cayman Cookout. And Russell, “not knowing all that was involved,” said she would love to sponsor the Cookout with her seasonings. Biggs introduced her to Frederic Morineau, the Ritz Carlton’s corporate executive chef, “and away we went!”
Alas, Russell had to bow out of sponsoring the 2024 Cookout to care for her mother, who had AML. “Being able to be her caregiver in her final days was the hardest thing I have ever done,” she says, “but it was an honor.”
Nonetheless, Russell was ready and raring to go when plans for this
year’s event began to form. Mr. Frank’s was one of the smallest sponsors and might have been dwarfed by big names like Moët & Chandon and private jet charter Wheels Up, but Russell put an immense amount of thought and energy into making sure they were “small but mighty!” Her effort paid off.
“I did these really nice swag bags for all 73 talent and chefs,” she says. The bags included Mr. Frank’s Seasoning shakers, of course, but also a branded apron and a range of high-end products from other PNW-based businesses, like a handmade cutting board from Chris Gellys of Garage Woodworks PNW and butter-infused rye whiskey from Chris Collier, a fabulous local bartender from Langley. “I wanted to bring something special and local from my hometown as well…It was amazing because when I would go up to the chefs and introduce myself…they’re like, ‘Oh my God, the swag bag!’”
The week was non-stop—“It’s the pinnacle of decadence in the culinary world,” Russell says, adding that she’ll
Taste Mr. Frank’s Kitchen at Cayman Cookout
have to prepare her liver in advance for next year. And beyond the incredible food and drinks she enjoyed, and the stunning setting, the community and visibility the festival offered her small, woman-owned business are invaluable.
Russell was especially touched that Chef Frederic Morineau placed Mr. Frank’s Seasonings center stage at the Bon Vivant Chef Competition Brunch and Chef Bernard Guillas who represented the brand at the Cookout, using their blends exclusively at all of his events.
“I was like: ‘Wow, that’s my name out there—that’s my dad’s name,’” Russell says of seeing her products displayed at a dinner by French chef Bernard
Guillas. “I cried, not going to lie.” She adds: “Both Chef Bernard and Chef Fred went out of their way to make sure that this small, woman-owned business had an extra special experience at her first Cayman Cookout and I am eternally grateful to them both.”
While the sponsorship was clearly worth the investment, both from a business perspective and a personal one, Russell’s goals for Mr. Frank’s go beyond corporate revenue.
“One of the things that is so important to me is education and teaching people how to have fun with food, and especially kids,” she says. “Just having fun with flavors and not being afraid to mix and match, and just having
fun with food…I think that’s the most special thing to me is just seeing people enjoy the flavors of food.”
The chefs that Russell met at the Cayman Cookout certainly seem to be aligned with that goal. Mr. Frank’s Kitchen is looking forward to being a sponsor again in 2026, and Russell is already making plans:
“We’re going to go back next year with hopefully a bigger presence and possibly a team of high level, global chefs to better showcase the diversity and quality of our seasonings.”
Given how much Russell got out of this year’s Cookout, I can only imagine how incredible the experience will be with a whole team behind her! mrfrankskitchen.com
Irish Coffee
$12
Ingredients: Irish whiskey, dairy, sugar
IN THE SPIRIT of St.
Patrick’s Day, try an Irish coffee (at Uisce, if you’re in Bellingham)! This warm, comforting drink pays homage to its namesake through its rich flavor and Irish whiskey. Irish coffee has a long history; variations of coffee and spirit cocktails have been around more than 100 years, with some early versions coming from Austria, Germany, and Denmark. The Irish coffee we know today is usually traced back to Joe Sheridan, head chef at a coffee shop at Ireland’s Foynes Airbase. It’s said he crafted the drink on a stormy night in 1943, to warm up passengers of a flight that was forced to turn back due to bad weather. WILL STORY
WRITTEN BY KOTA SATO
Ingredients
6 ounces hot freshly brewed coffee
1 tsp maple syrup or brown sugar
1 ½ ounces Irish whiskey Partially whipped cream
Instructions
Pour hot water into a glass to heat it up and start brewing the coffee.
Pour out the hot water and pour in 6 ounces of fresh coffee.
Then mix in maple syrup/brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Add Irish whiskey and stir.
Partially whip the cream to where It’s just starting to hold its shape but still liquid. To float cream on top, place the back of a spoon on the surface of the coffee and slowly pour the whipping cream onto the spoon, letting it drift from there out onto the surface.
Choose the right grade
Consider the type of cheesecloth you use prior to your projects. Each grade of cheesecloth has a specific thread count, with grade 10 cheesecloth being the thinnest cloth and grade 100 being more durable and thicker.
WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM
THE SPANISH WORD tinto can mean a deep red color, and is often used in reference to red wine (vino tinto). But in Colombia, everyone knows that tinto means piping hot, inky black coffee. Tinto is made from affordable beans and sipped at cafes with friends or in the kitchen with family—it’s a part of Colombia’s culture and love for coffee.
Tinto Coffee brings the spirit of its titular drink to Bellis Fair. It opened in October 2023, filling the empty kiosk in the middle of the food court where there used to be a Starbucks. Instead of mass-produced recipes, this local small business makes their own syrups from scratch! The Tinto Latte comes with a double shot of espresso, house-made panela sauce (panela being unrefined brown cane sugar), and a brown sugar garnish. Their house blend Colombian coffee, Sierra Nevada, is brewed for drip, cold brew, and Cafe de Olla (Sierra Nevada drip infused with brown sugar and cinnamon). Familiar with Abuelita Mochas and Horchata? They’ve got that too!
In addition to their craft coffee, they also carry sweet and savory treats. They often have original, chocolate, and marble coconut alfajores (indulgent cookie sandwiches), milhojas (thin flaky pastry and dulce de leche), flan, peruvian danish, cakes, arepas, ham and cheese butter bread, Jarritos and Colombian sodas.
Drinks at Tinto are made with care and patience. Freshly-ground beans, attention to measuring, espresso extraction, and ingredient distribution, and an overall lack of shortcuts guarantee that each drink is made to Tinto’s high standards. On your next visit to Bellis Fair, start at Tinto to fuel your shopping spree, or hit them last for a drink to relax with. 1 Bellis Fair Pkwy., Bellingham, tintocoffee.us
Go beyond cheese
Cheesecloths are a good tool for making dishes that aren’t even cheese-related! You can use these to make an assortment of different foods such as tofu, yogurts and labneh, jams and jellies, and much more.
WRITTEN
PHOTOGRAPHED BY KOTA SATO
TUNNIES FISH & Chips is a great stop for all seafood lovers! Located at the entrance to downtown La Conner, this restaurant offers crispy and tasty snacks for anyone looking for a quick bite. At Tunnies, they serve seafood in a quick-service style: customers order at the walk-up window and get their meal made ready-to-go. The restaurant itself is fairly small, being inside a restored historic building, but the retro aesthetic and the big “Fish & Chips” sign is sure to catch the eye of anyone driving into town.
The menu is short and simple, with the core offering being fried halibut or cod served with a handful of fries. If you’re looking for a meal other than fish and chips, Tunnies also offers clam chowder and rotating weekly specials like crunchy butterfly shrimp, breaded scallops, and deep-fried soft shell crabs. If you don’t like seafood, Tunnies is probably not the restaurant for you, but if you find yourself there at a friend’s request you should know that they also offer milkshakes and seasonal desserts made from locallyfarmed fruits and berries.
Whatever you order, the friendly staff greeting you upfront at the window—plus, the flavors and crunch of the fried cod—will make any non-seafood lover come back for seconds. So make sure to stop by Tunnies the next time you’re visiting the beautiful city of La Conner for some of the crispiest fish and chips around! 720 Morris St., La Conner, 360.854.4002, tunniesfish.com
Cheesecloths are great for making alternative milks like nut milk. If you don’t have a nut milk bag, you can just use a cheesecloth to strain the mixture. Cheesecloths can also be used to infuse coffee grounds with water to make a homemade cold brew that will go perfectly with your homemade almond milk!
From easy-to-make cheeses like paneer and mozzarella to more complicated recipes suited for veteran cheesemakers, these simple tools are essential to the final steps of perfecting your cheeses. Instead of prepackaged cheese, homemade cheese will add a fresh new flavor to any dish you use it in!
Enhance the way you cook
Cheesecloths can be a handy alternative if you don’t have a sifter or strainer, but there are so many other ways you can use them, such as enhancing the flavors of your holiday turkey by baking it with a butter blanket (a cheesecloth that’s coated in butter).
WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM | PHOTOS BY KRIS GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY
HAVE been calling on Nancy Stuart for creative celebration cakes and delicious piles of scraps and frosting—the beloved Lil’ Scrappies—since December 2016, when she started Saltadena Bakery as a cottage food business out of her home kitchen.
“I started with mostly weddings,” Stuart says, adding that the Scrappies were a way to use up the scraps from large wedding cakes. “Instagram was my best friend…I would give people a little heads up [that a Scrappies flash sale was coming], and then I would post the flavors and it was madness.”
But the Scrappies were more than a business opportunity. Stuart was new to Bellingham at the time, and selling sweets out of her home was a gateway to building connections in the community. Wedding cakes were fun and challenging, tapping into Stuart’s visual creativity as well as her baking creativity, but the process was pretty isolating and the projects were sporadic.
“I wanted to open a bakery because I wanted to be way more accessible; I just wanted more people to have my stuff,” Stuart says.
“I
wanted to open a bakery because I wanted to be way more accessible; I just wanted more people to have my stuff,” Stuart says.
When a storefront became available on West Holly Street downtown, Stuart jumped on it. As the sole owner with no investors, she relied on her own savings, plus some help from family
and friends via Kickstarter. She poured everything into the space—sweat equity as well as financial.
Saltadena’s brick and mortar opened in August 2019; Stuart’s marriage ended a few months later, and a few months after that COVID-19 hit.
“You know,” Stuart laughs, “I thought of every way the business could fail. And I tried to go into it with some wisdom of: ‘this is going to be tough and you're going to have to keep your eye out for all these things going wrong.’ But…one thing I didn't anticipate being a possibility was a global pandemic.”
But if anyone was set up to move their business online, it was Stuart. In March 2020, she closed the storefront and took a month off, then came back with online sales that sold out immediately (in a throwback to the days of Scrappies flash sales). And while the initial swell of support for small businesses did eventually ebb, Stuart made it through, thanks in large part to her willingness to be flexible and pivot—though she adds, “if I never hear the word pivot again, I'd be fine.”
That flexibility has served Stuart well in more than just handling global crises. It’s also led to a thoughtful management style, great customer service, and (most importantly) an exciting, fresh take on baked goods. On any given day, customers can expect to find the display case full of cakes and Lil’ Scrappies, yes, but also cream puffs, macarons, and cookies, in flavors that range from elevated-expected (salted caramel, vanilla bean) to surprising and compelling (black sesame, salt and pepper). Stuart has also turned her flavor creativity to specialty drinks, like the Salty Fog (a London Fog with cardamom, salted caramel, and salted cold foam) or the Black Sesame Latte.
The joy Stuart takes in what she does is more than just a means to an end—it’s the reason Saltadena exists.
“I try to really strike a balance between what I want to do and what people are demanding of me,” she says, “because the moment that I'm not enjoying it anymore, what's the point?” 111 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.393.3111, saltadena.com
under $20
$20–34
$35–49
. . . . . . . $50 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 Taste tab at bellinghamalive.com
* Review provided by restaurant.
ANTHONY’S HEARTHFIRE GRILL
Steak, Seafood
7 Bellwether Way, Bellingham 360.527.3473, anthonys.com
The Hearthfire menu speaks to the everyday eater, not just the special occasion treat of Anthony’s. Seasonal items, such as peaches or huckleberries in the summer, complement salads, entrees, and drinks. Steaks, seafood, and items on the Woodfire rotisserie round out the selections.
ASHURI BAKLAVA AND CAFE
Turkish
103 Grand Ave., Bellingham 360.318.3030, ashuri.co
Ashuri Baklava and Cafe is introducing Bellingham residents to the traditional Turkish coffeehouse experience strong coffee, decadent pastries, and a place to enjoy good company. The owners, brothers Kristofer and Lukas Konutgan, were both born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey. They opened the shop as a way to create a space that felt a bit like home.
AVENUE BREAD & DELI Deli
1313 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 1135 11th St., Bellingham 2301 James St., Bellingham 444 Front St., Lynden 360.715.3354, avenuebread.com
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 health-minded 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 a variety of sandwiches and house-made sauces.
With several convenient locations in Bellingham and a location in Lynden, Avenue Bread is a favorite lunch spot for many. Fresh ingredients make these sandwiches unusually good the bread is made by their bakers, and the vegetables and meat are all of the highest quality. Avenue Bread also offers some of the freshest, tastiest breakfast sandwiches around.
B-TOWN KITCHEN AND RAW BAR Seafood, American
714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham 360.392.6520, btownkitchen.com
If fresh shellfish is your gastronomic highlight, you’re in the right place at B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar. Items from the Small Plates menu make terrific appetizers or adult-beverageworthy snacks. The heated patio provides an urban vibe suited for parties or gatherings.
BANTAM American, Southern 1327 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.788.4507, bantambellingham.com
A bantam is a type of small chicken. At Bellingham’s newest southern-inspired chicken rotisserie, you get what the name promises. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken has breading that’s thick, crispy, and somehow not greasy at all. While the downstairs is family-friendly, the upstairs is reserved for those 21 and older.
THE BIRCH DOOR CAFE American 4192 Meridian St., Bellingham 360.306.8598, birchdoorcafe.com
The Birch Door Cafe does not fall short on charm, variety, or serving size. Brunch enthusiasts will be delighted by the three pages of breakfast options. Dishes include traditional pancake breakfast platters, French-style baked omelets, egg scrambles and Benedicts, and plenty more. Listen for the ringing of the kitchen bell every time one of these massive breakfasts is served.
THE BLACK CAT American
1200 Harris Ave., Ste. 310, Bellingham 360.733.6136, blackcatbellingham.com
Tucked away in the heart of Fairhaven, this iconic Bellingham eatery serves up craft cocktails and American fusion eats on the third floor of the Sycamore Square building. Come for happy hour and stay for the delicious food and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
BAYOU ON BAY Cajun, Creole
1300 Bay St., Bellingham 360.752.2968, bayouonbay.com
Bayou On Bay serves a wide variety of classic Cajun/Creole dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boy sandwiches, and hush puppies, to name a few. A house-made remoulade, which accompanies many of the dishes, is worth the trip alone. The bar offers an extensive list of drink options. Bayou on Bay is a must for foodies as well as people just looking for a satisfying meal.
CARNAL American, Barbecue
1234 North State St., Bellingham 360.306.3587, eatcarnal.com
Carnal offers hyper-local ingredients that highlight the bounty of the season, with an emphasis on slow-cooked meat entrees. The menu will always feature a chicken, fish, and veggie option, as well as their signature short rib. The covered eating area is perfect for a romantic dinner.
COA MEXICAN EATERY Mexican
1065 E Sunset Dr., Bellingham, 360.526.2108 1810 Riverside Dr, 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.
COLOPHON CAFE American 1208 11th St., Bellingham 360.647.0092 | colophoncafe.com
Established in 1985, Colophon Cafe is a Fairhaven favorite, offering a delicious selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, and pastries. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty bowl of their classic African Peanut Soup or their famous Peanut Butter Pie, this café has something to satisfy every craving.
D’ANNA’S CAFE ITALIANO Italian 1319 N. State St., Bellingham 360.714.0188, dannascafeitaliano.com
If you’re looking for good Italian food without having to resort to a national chain, D’Anna’s may be the place for you. The emphasis here is on the food, not the frills. The restaurant stands out in many ways, but D’Anna’s delicious, homemade pasta is what really makes it special.
FAT SHACK American
414 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.366.8752, fatshack.com
Fat Shack offers a variety of burgers, wings, and their specialty: densely packed sandwiches. The typical “fat” sandwich is some combination of grilled steak and fried chicken, along with cheese and a host of sides, all pressed inside a fresh hoagie roll. It is not for the meek, or for someone looking for a salad bar. Along with its unapologetic embrace of deep-fried food, Fat Shack serves up some surprises. Its hamburgers are handpressed, hand-seasoned, and never frozen.
KEENAN’S AT THE PIER
Northwest, American & Seafood
804 10th St., Bellingham 360.392.5510, keenansatthepier.com
Located inside the Chrysalis Inn & Spa in Fairhaven, Keenan’s at the Pier features fresh, local cuisine and a full bar. Keenan’s highlights the beauty and style of the Pacific Northwest with fresh ingredients that are seasonal and regionally sourced. Enjoy Bellingham Bay views from every table. Reservations are highly recommended.
LOMBARDI’S Italian
21 Bellwether Way, Ste. 112, Bellingham 360.714.8412, lombardisitalian.com
This waterfront bistro pairs classic Italian eats with a standout wine list and idyllic views of the Squalicum Harbor. Their menu features ingredients both local and imported, with items like sauces, dressings, and desserts made in-house from scratch. Keep an eye out for events including wine dinners and monthly wine club meetings.
THE LOFT Northwest, American & Seafood
1801 Roeder Ave., Ste. 120 Bellingham 360.306.5668, theloftbellingham.com
In a world of freeze-dried and processed prepackaged foods, The Loft strives to be an exception. From the fresh, locally caught salmon and halibut, to the cage-free organic eggs, they believe the ingredients make the dish. Their dressings, sauces, and seasoning are all from scratch, with original recipes using fresh, local, organic products as often as the seasons allow.
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 the restaurant’s menu is vegan and 100% of items are gluten-free and lard-free.
NICKI’S BAR AND GRILL/ NICKI’S BELLA MARINA American, Seafood
2615 S. Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham 360.332.2505, nickisbellamarina.com
Harborside visitors can grab a bite at Nicki’s Bar and Grill or rent out the floor above, Nicki’s Bella Marina, for private events with spectacular views of Bellingham Bay. Once you’ve had a chance to check out the water, take your first glance at the large menu. The burgers are big, juicy (there are even Wet-Naps on the table), and flavorful.
NORTHWATER Regional NW
4260 Mitchell Way, Bellingham 360.398.6191, northh2o.com
From breakfast to late night dinner, northwater’s 185-seat restaurant features a diverse menu of Pacific Northwest dishes made from locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The restaurant’s waitstaff is personable and enthusiastic eager to answer our questions about ingredient sources and what desserts they’d recommend.
Red, $20.99
Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants
COURTESY OF SEIFERT & JONES WINE MERCHANTS
BIG BLUE IS back and we're so happy! We have been enamored with this Woodinville producer since its inception. Kevin brings the true sense of Rhone Valley-style wines to Washington. This is an annual spring release and we sign on for as much as we can fit into this tiny shop because it sells out from both the winery and our supplier in a matter of days. This year is no exception—GOING, GOING, GONE!
This wine is a lively blend of Bing cherry, plum, and blueberry with floral and spice elements throughout. These flavors wrap around a medium body with soft tannins and a lovely finish. Pair this wine with food any night of the week! We especially like Doug’s Burgers with this wine.
"Kevin White Winery is currently making the best quality-to-price ratio wines in Washington." - Sean P. Sullivan, Washington Wine Report
42% Syrah, 38% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre
OISHII Asian
424 W. Bakerview Rd., Ste. 101, Bellingham 360.671.6007, oishiiteriyaki.com
The next time you find yourself craving Asian fusion, head to Bakerview Square for sushi, teriyaki, noodles, and more. “Oishii” means “delicious” in Japanese and as any of their longtime regulars will tell you Bellingham’s Oishii Teriyaki & Rolls more than lives up to its name.
SUGAR & CO. American
1210 11th Street, Bellingham 360.392.8738, EatSugarandCo.com
Sugar & Co. is an American Bistro in historic Fairhaven that blends familiar comfort foods with unexpected flavors and high-quality ingredients— classic dishes with a creative twist and a touch of sophistication. With outstanding service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s perfect for a casual night out or a special occasion.*
SUPER MARIO’S Salvadorian
ÖVN WOOD-FIRED PIZZA Pizza
1148 10th St., Bellingham 360.393.4327, ovnwoodfiredpizza.com
The clean lines and urban upscale atmosphere of this pizza restaurant promise some very good food and they deliver on that promise. They also serve crispy salads and excellent cocktails. Dining here is the perfect way to spend an elegant lunch or intimate dinner.
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.
RED GINGER ASIAN CUISINE Asian
1208 E. Maple St. Bellingham, WA 98225 360.306.8629 redgingerbellingham.com
Newly opened this summer, Red Ginger offers traditional authentic asian cuisine at a great price point . Their take on mongoian beef, Seven Flavor Beef, is exceptional. Dine in or take-out, give them a try.
3008 Northwest Ave., Bellingham 360.393.4637, super-marios.com
Serving fresh, healthy meals with the customer in mind is what Super Mario’s is all about, and it’s the consistent flavor and quality of the food that keeps bringing people back. The veggies are chopped fresh daily, nothing is frozen, nothing is cooked until it’s ordered, and nothing is deep-fried.
THE STEAK HOUSE AT SILVER REEF
Steak, Seafood
4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 360.383.0777, silverreefcasino.com
This award-winning restaurant offers elegant dining and an intimate atmosphere. Prime-grade steaks are broiled at 1,800 degrees to lock in the natural juices and finished with a special steak butter. They also have an extensive wine list. This dining experience rivals any of the big-town steakhouses in quality and service without the big-city price tag.
TEMPLE BAR Bistro, Bar
306 W. Champion St.,Bellingham 360.676.8660, templebarbellingham.com
Continually recognized for their craft cocktails and small plates, Temple Bar aims to please. In between delicious bites made from locally sourced ingredients, sip on a unique cocktail with house-made infusions and bitters.
STORIA CUCINA AND BAR CICOTTI Italian
109 Grand Ave., Ste. 102, Bellingham 202 Grand Ave., Bellingham 360.734.1929 | 360.656.6802 storiacucina.com | barcicotti.com
Storia Cucina & Bar Cicotti are local Italian restaurants keeping the classics alive! Every dish, cocktail, and wine has a rich connection to Italy’s food and beverage history while adding Pacific Northwest flair. We have rotating daily specials and a daily happy hour.
13MOONS AT SWINOMISH CASINO & LODGE Seafood, Steak
12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes, 360.588.3525, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com
Located on the waterfront within the casino, 13moons is sure to catch your attention. The menu offers a wide variety including first plates, entree salads, seafood, and steaks. Give this go-to place for locals a try and you will be walking away satisfied.
BASTION BREWING COMPANY American 12529 Christianson Rd., Anacortes 360.399.1614, bastionbrewery.com
On the Bastion Brewing Company menu you’ll find classic salads, an array of interesting burgers, and crispy chicken wings drenched in your choice of sauce. Food arrives impressively quick, and even more impressive is the quality of the food.
BOB’S CHOWDER BAR & BBQ SALMON Seafood, American 3320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.299.8000, bobschowderbarandbbqsalmon.com
Treasured for its fresh and local seafood, Bob’s Chowder Bar & BBQ Salmon has long been a favorite dining destination in Anacortes. The restaurant specializes in all-things seafood, from fried calamari to oyster burgers and grilled wild prawns. Pair your meal with a huckleberry or sarsaparilla soda, wine by the glass, hard cider, bottled beer, or a featured beer on tap.
CALICO CUPBOARD American
901 Commercial Ave., Anacortes,, 360.293.7315, 720 S. 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.4451, 121-B Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon, 360.336.3107, calicocupboardcafe.com
Since 1981, Calico Cupboard has been serving the purest, most heart-healthy, and high-quality ingredients. Using freshly milled, organicallygrown, whole grain and unbleached flour, the cafe aims to promote its local farmers and gratify your body in the process. Sit down for breakfast or lunch, or just order from the bakery and grab an espresso to go. Calico Cupboard will leave you full, but feeling homey, healthy, and happy.
IL GRANAIO Italian
100 W. Montgomery St., Ste. 110 Mount Vernon
360.419.0674, granaio.com
Il Granaio is a practice in the intricacies of cuisine, displaying the best flavors Italian food has to offer. With more than 30 items on the entree menu, the list can be quite daunting and the dessert menu is also impressive. The wine menu is also expansive, and the beer menu features several local craft brews. Their grappa selection does the Italian cordial the justice it deserves.
LA CATRINA TACOS & TEQUILA Mexican
517 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.5566, catrinastacostequila.com
Catrina Tacos & Tequila is known for their take on Street Tacos with a multitude of meat fillings to choose from, double tortillas, cilantro, and onions but that’s certainly not the only mouthwatering option. With plenty of drinks to sample, there’s always another reason to visit again.
Photo by Kristen Boehm
Greene’s Corner is a great spot to grab some food and enjoy local events, from live music to open mics—whatever the entertainment, the Korean Fried Chicken Slider is one thing you don’t want to miss out on!
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The Shrimp Shack has been serving up seafood in Anacortes next to Deception Pass State Park since 1973. You can’t go wrong with the classic Popcorn Shrimp Basket, served with crispy fries and tartar or cocktail sauce.
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Pel’menis is the go-to restaurant for late-night cravings, serving Russian dumplings until 2:30 a.m. The menu is simple, affordable, and really good—try the Half-andHalf, equal parts potato and beef Russian dumplings, topped with homemade hot sauce.
With an elegant menu, The Black Cat in Fairhaven has something for everyone. When going in for lunch, the Dungeness Crab Mac & Cheese is a flavorful dish you’ll want to check out!
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Looking for a breakfast spot to fix your sweet tooth? Look no further than Sweet as Waffles in downtown Bellingham! If you’re stopping by with a group, go in on a Shotski.
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If you’re in Skagit County, stop by Tacos & Tequila at Skagit Valley Casino for Mexican-inspired cocktails and cuisine. Keep the Birria Burrito all to yourself, or share the Carne Fries or Shrimp Ceviche with a friend.
Cedar’s Restaurant & Lounge in Ferndale is the spot for classic diner food. Their Big Cedar Omelette is the perfect way to start your morning; at night, grab a cocktail in their lounge (and maybe join in on poker night).
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DownTime Taps is the first pour-it-yourself taproom in Washington, serving local beers and fusion food inspired by Germany, Japan, Italy, and more. Enjoy your cold one with their Bavarian Pretzel, served with dijon mustard and cambozola cheese.
Storia Cucina Chef de Cuisine Helen Lofton
WRITTEN
BY
ISABEL HYDE | PHOTOGRAPHED
BY
TRISTYN MACDONALD
STORIA CUCINA HAS been serving downtown Bellingham with delicious Italian staples since opening in 2020. The restaurant is known for many things, including its house-made pasta and bread, locally sourced ingredients, and the openkitchen design that invites customers to witness the hard work behind every dish. If you time your visit right, you may even get to meet the woman running the kitchen: Chef de Cuisine Helen Lofton.
Lofton joined Storia Cucina as a prep cook in 2021, drawn in by its focused Italian menu and vibrant team atmosphere. With many years of experience under her belt, a degree in culinary arts, and a tendency to lead, Lofton quickly moved her way to the head of the table. Over the years, Lofton has cemented herself as an integral part of the restaurant, becoming more than the chef; she’s a mentor to many of her cooks, helping them grow both in and out of the kitchen.
When asked what keeps her excited about working in the industry, Lofton’s answer is short and to the point: “I love food and I love cooking.” 109 Grand Ave., Ste. 102, Bellingham, 360.734.1929, storiacucina.com
RECIPE BY HELEN LOFTON, STORIA CUCINA
This recipe is a version of Storia Cucina’s popular brunch special, Gnocchi and Eggs, which perfectly combines the light, pillowy texture of homemade ricotta gnocchi with the richness of eggs and cheese to create a comforting yet elevated dish. It’s a simple, satisfying meal fit for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner.
Gnocchi:
1 pound ricotta
2 large eggs + 3 egg yolks
1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
2/3 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra to dust surfaces
Pinch of salt
¼ cup salt
Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon sliced shallot
4 ounces cooked Italian sausage
½ cup halved cherry tomato
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup fresh arugula
2 eggs
• Create your dough. Stir ricotta, eggs, and egg yolk together, then mix in Parmigiano Reggiano, flour, and a pinch of salt until combined.
• Roll and cut the gnocchi. Lightly dust your surface with flour to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into four balls, and roll each ball into an even rope, approximately ¾ inch wide. Using the curved back of a fork press into the rope to obtain the traditional gnocchi shape. Cut the rope into 1-inch, bite-sized pieces, and lightly dust with flour.
• Cook the gnocchi. Bring a six-quart pot of water with ¼ cup of salt to a boil, and then add your gnocchi. It will take about four minutes for them to start floating. Once the gnocchi are floating, they are ready. Make the sauce. In a sauté pan, heat up olive oil on medium heat. Add garlic and shallots and cook for about one minute until they bloom. Add sausage, tomato, butter, and
For more recipes from our local chefs go to BellinghamAlive.com
a little bit of the gnocchi water to create a sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in gnocchi and arugula.
• Serve. Top the dish with two eggs cooked your way, and sprinkle with Parmigiano Reggiano.
THE OYSTER & THISTLE RESTAURANT & PUB Seafood, Steak
205 E. Washington St., La Conner 360.766.6179, theoysterandthistle.com
The Oyster & Thistle Restaurant and Pub takes the time to prepare food with care. Their pastas are handmade and hand-cranked using semolina flour and an egg-rich dough. You’ll also find plenty of fresh, expertly shucked oysters and perfectly seared sea scallops.
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.
CAPTAIN WHIDBEY INN American
2072 Captain Whidbey Inn Rd., Coupeville 360.678.4097, captainwhidbey.com
The entire menu features down-to-earth items that are reasonably priced, locally sourced, and well-balanced. While the inn does serve as a special-occasion spot, folks dressed in shorts and a T-shirt are also welcomed. Built in 1907, Captain Whidbey Inn is a historical gem.
DOE BAY CAFÉ American
107 Doe Bay Rd., Olga 360.376.8059, doebay.com
Whether you’re heading toward the San Juan Islands or don’t mind taking a trip for an unbelievable meal, be sure to make reservations at the ever-popular Doe Bay Café. This iconic cafe has stuck to its mission of providing world-class seafood and vegetarian dishes.
FRIDAY HARBOR HOUSE Regional NW
130 West St., #101 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.
“Spring passes and one remembers one’s innocence. Summer passes and one remembers one’s exuberance. Autumn passes and one remembers one’s reverence. Winter passes and one remembers one’s perseverance.”
— YOKO ONO
