Mercer Island, WA May 2023

2023 Women of Influence

FOOD + BEVERAGE DIVE INTO DELICIOUS

THE TIPPING POINT

Kelly represented us on the sale of our house and the purchase of our next one and she was a 100 on a scale of 1-10. Without question, the best broker we have worked with in 25 years of buying and selling houses...I wish there were more stars to give because she and her team were remarkable.

-D.W, Mercer Island

WWW.GALLAGHERCO.NET

WWW.GALLAGHERCO.NET

WWW.GALLAGHERCO.NET

architect

Ripple Design Studio

architect

Ripple Design Studio

interior design

interior design

architect

Lisa Staton

Lisa Staton

Ripple Design Studio

photography

photography

interior design

Michael Clifford Photography

Michael Clifford Photography

Lisa Staton

photography

Building Quality on Mercer Island Since 2005

Michael Clifford Photography

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Chris Ishii | chris.ishii@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Michael Stein | michael.stein@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Heather Sittig | heather.sittig@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joci Besecker

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Flora Latifi of Flora Art Life, Premier Catch, Flying Lion Brewing

In this edition, we’re excited to feature influential female business owners in the community. There are several reasons for this.

First, it’s important to highlight the achievements of women in business. Despite facing unique challenges and obstacles, these women have succeeded in their fields and are making significant contributions to our local economy.

By showcasing their stories, we hope other women will be inspired to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.

We also believe it’s crucial for the community to support these businesses to ensure that they continue to prosper as the pandemic wanes.

Finally, our readership includes many women who may be interested in starting their own business. We hope that this article will provide them with valuable information and inspiration.

All the women selected for the article manage their own business and have a special interest in the community. Behind each business is a caring woman with a special tie to Mercer Island. Collectively, they support each other and the community at large. In their respective niches, they provide a unique ambiance and prioritize customer experience and satisfaction.

Please support and celebrate these business owners as well as the numerous other female-owned businesses in the community. Visit them during the month of May and learn more about their stories.

We have also included Seafood recipes, authored by Joci Besecker of Premier Catch, and an article about Flying Lion Brewing in Columbia City.

We hope you love this edition and your feedback is always welcome!

To all of the Mothers in the community, best wishes for a Happy Mother's Day!

Cheers,

CHRIS AND MIKE, PUBLISHERS @MERCERISLANDCITYLIFESTYLE

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: MIVAL Artists’ Champagne Reception, hosted by Island House, February 22, 2023

2: Artists Zeynep Alev and Pat Taylor at MIVAL Artists’ Champagne Reception, hosted by Island House 3: Anne Hrizay and Mac McQuade at MIVAL Artists’ Champagne Reception, hosted by Island House 4: 5 Chamber Networking Event at University House Issaquah 5: Chris Ishii, Brent Jordan, Jen Dean, Olivia Tipton at Chamber After Hours hosted by Osteos 6: Artist Zeynep Alev at MIVAL Artists’ Champagne Reception, hosted by Island House 7: Purim Festival at Stroum Jewish Community Center, March 5 Photography by @mercerislandcitylifestyle

8: Purim Festival at Stroum Jewish Community Center, March 5 9-14: Coffee & Conversations with Mayor Salim Nice and Deputy Mayor Dave Rosenbaum. Photography by @mercerislandcitylifestyle

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @mercerislandcitylifestyle

Gala Auctioneer, Graham Crowe getting ready to set a Gala Fundraising record! 17: Cast of “Heathers the Musical: High School Edition” directed by YTN Artistic Director, Mimi Katano 18: Keynote message from actor Billy Burke of hit new drama, “Fire Country” 19: (L-R) Shana Kitchen, Daniela Melgar of MIHS Drama and Megan Atkinson of NW Lifestyle Homes 20: YTN History delivered by Seattle Arts veteran, Manny Cawaling, Executive Director for Inspire 21: Mike Burke and Megan Atkinson of NW Lifestyle Homes, lead sponsor of this year’s gala Photography by @mercerislandcitylifestyle

15: 2023 Youth Theater Northwest Gala Masquerade Fundraiser at Emerald City Trapeze 16: 2023

HERE COMES THE SUN

As we drove to the Roanoke Inn, the sun broke out. It was an omen for what was coming.

Laurie Raisys of Island Books and Dorothy Reeck of the Roanoke Inn arranged a photoshoot including 12 female business owners to be profiled in Mercer Island City Lifestyle.

As each woman strolled in, there was a buzz in the "Rowie" that something was brewing. Charlie is a regular and he pulled us aside to ask what was going on and it was obvious that the community was rallying around something fun, interesting, and important.

The Roanoke Inn was the setting for the 2023 Women of Influence photoshoot.

Laura and Ed Reeck bought the Roanoke Inn in 1940. They had one son, Hal, who married Dorothy.

Laura worked at the Inn until she turned 88 and said that if she died, don't shut down, keep it open. Hal said the same thing. When Hal passed, people left his funeral and went straight to the Roanoke to drink. Dorothy knew then, she had to stay open for the community and it's been going ever since.

“It is unlikely that I would have purchased a restaurant or pub on my own. In the beginning, there was just beer, smoking, and old refrigeration. I had to learn and adapt quickly to keep things running. Fix the roof, upgrade equipment, revive the street sign, etc. Try to keep it the same yet evolve and stay current with the times. Now we have a full menu, beer, cocktails, wine, indoor and outdoor seating, the list can go on.” –Dorothy Reeck

Dorothy was won over. “It's been a lot of work and I'm happy to do it. We have the best customers and a hard-working staff that does their best to provide a great atmosphere and service.”

What was intended to be a celebration of the female business owner on Mercer Island became a reunion of friends that persevered through the pandemic because they knew the community needed them. Judging by the way they affectionately interacted with each other throughout the afternoon, they needed the community. Above all, they needed each other. It was amazing to observe how the women came together to celebrate their successes and support one another.

As the group gathered in the backyard of the picturesque Roanoke Inn, there was an air of excitement and anticipation. The women, who represented a diverse range of industries, were dressed in their normal business attire, i.e., fashionable yet suited for their typical workday.

ARTICLE BY MICHAEL STEIN AND CHRIS ISHII PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLORA LATIFI (FLORA ART LIFE)

"Employing

The photographers, Flora Latifi and Lisi Wolfe, captured each woman's unique personality and style, while also

BARB HOVSEPIAN

members of our community, serving members of our community, and supporting causes that help our community is incredibly rewarding."

KERRY DONNER

"I appreciate more than anything the daily positive gratitude and feedback I get from the community, my customers."

Laurie Raisys, Dorothy Reeck

showcasing the beauty of the Rowie’s outdoor space. Dorothy was the perfect hostess, displaying a warm and charming personality and doing her best to make everyone feel comfortable.

Throughout the shoot, the women laughed and shared stories about their families on the island, their businesses, the challenges they had overcome and everything under the sun. Each excited for the article that would soon be published. The highly supportive and collaborative environment of the shoot was a testament to the strength of Mercer Island’s female-led business community and the power of women supporting women.

The photoshoot was a great experience and showcased how special the article would be with photos showing the love and support they give to each other. It not only provided the opportunity for them to showcase their businesses, but also allowed them to come together in celebration of the community they helped build.

These ladies are the “sun in the sky” of Mercer Island.

ABOUT FLORA LATIFI

Flora Latifi is a Mercer Island photographer. Her company, Flora Art Life, is a product of her passion for photography and the way it captures the personality of her clients against the backdrops of mutual choice.

“WE HAVE THE BEST CUSTOMERS AND A HARD-WORKING STAFF THAT DOES THEIR BEST TO PROVIDE A GREAT ATMOSPHERE AND SERVICE” - DOROTHY REECK

STEPHANIE KING

"This is my home and community; opening my dream grocery store on Mercer Island was always a goal."

GINNY PIETILA

"We are all about Community, Clients, and Care."

Ann Peterson, Dorothy Reeck

FINDING RICHES IN NICHES

ARTICLE BY MICHAEL STEIN AND CHRIS ISHII

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLORA LATIFI, FLORA ART LIFE

CELEBRATING FEMALE BUSINESS OWNERS ON MERCER ISLAND

Kitchen & Market is a specialty food market and cafe. The business was founded in 2018 by Stephanie King, who wanted to create a space where customers could find high-quality, locally sourced food and ingredients, as well as enjoy delicious meals and coffee in a comfortable and inviting environment.

Kitchen & Market offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, baked goods, and specialty pantry items. The market is unique in its focus on providing customers with the freshest and highest quality products possible, with a commitment to sourcing from local and regional farmers and producers. Kitchen & Market also hosts a variety of events and workshops, including cooking classes, wine tastings, and guest chef dinners.

Stephanie told us that Kitchen & Market meal kits and recipe ideas still originate in her home kitchen. “Sure, we have commissary kitchen where ideas are refined and scaled up, but endless ideas start here.”

Stephanie is known to friends as a Salad Slayer of sorts. “I can dream up salad compositions you'll be thinking about long after you've devoured them. What's in your fridge and pantry? Let's do this! If there was a TV competition built on the premise of ‘salad superiority’ – as much as I lack the desire to see myself televised – this would be my kind of gameshow!”

Stephanie King

Kitchen & Market

Barb Hovsepian Au Courant Salon

Au Courant Salon is a full-service hair salon. The salon was founded in 2001 by Barb Hovsepian, who wanted to create a space where customers could receive high-quality hair services in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Au Courant Salon uses high-quality, ecofriendly hair products that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Additionally, the salon offers a variety of amenities, including complimentary beverages and a relaxing atmosphere, to help customers feel comfortable and pampered during their appointments.

We asked Barb why she located her business on Mercer Island. “Mercer Island is our home. It’s a wonderful community Allen and I are proud to be a part of. The fact that the right salon to fit the business model I had in mind, was in our hometown, was truly a blessing. …”

Barb says her superpower is a genuine care for others. If she weren’t running Au Courant, she would be doing more yoga and increasing her volunteer work for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Photos from a fun time enjoying fellowship and sunshine at the Roanoke Inn.

The Boutique Lounge is a unique clothing and lifestyle store. The business was founded in 2016 by Kerry Donner, who wanted to create a space where customers could find unique and high-quality clothing, accessories, and home goods. The store offers a wide range of products, including clothing for men and women, jewelry, handbags, candles, and more.

In addition to offering a wide selection of unique and sustainable products, MI Boutique Lounge hosts a variety of events and workshops, including trunk shows, fashion shows, and DIY workshops. The store is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is always happy to help customers find the perfect item or offer styling advice.

Why did Kerry choose to open her business on Mercer Island? “Opening a retail shop was a goal of mine for 15 plus years. I knew the Island needed something new and when I was ready, I went for it!”

Kerry thinks her superpower is choosing and coordinating gifts for just about anyone. If she were not doing this, she thinks she’d focus on rescuing animals. In addition, Kerry is a book and information nerd. She loves to learn and absorb as much information as she can on a variety of topics, such as health and wellness, animals, human behavior, and how the world works.

Kerry Donner The Boutique Lounge

Bova Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers a wide range of dental services to patients of all ages. Dawn, her husband, and their daughters are Mercer Island residents and enjoy being members of this amazing community. When Dawn opened her Mercer Island practice in 2006, she started from scratch. “When I started, I only had two patients -- my husband and my infant daughter -- and only one of them had teeth!”

Dr. Bova and her team are committed to providing compassionate, personalized care to each and every patient. One unique aspect of Bova Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is their focus on patient comfort and satisfaction. The practice offers a variety of amenities, including blankets, headphones, and TVs in each treatment room, to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable during their appointments.

What is Dr. Bova’s superpower? “Combining art and science to give my patients beautiful smiles.” Her favorite memories include those of her helping patients who have had dental injuries (like tooth fractures or teeth knocked out) regain their original smiles and seeing the sparkle come back to their faces.

CONTINUED >

Dawn Bova, DMD

Bova Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Laurie Raisys Island Books

Island Books is an independent bookstore founded in 1973 by a local couple who wanted to create a space where people could find a wide range of books and connect with the community. In 2015, the business was purchased by Laurie and Victor Raisys.

Island Books offers a vast selection of books, including fiction, non-fiction, children's books, and more. The store is unique in its focus on providing customers with personalized recommendations and a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The staff is knowledgeable and always happy to offer advice and suggestions to customers.

In addition, Island Books also hosts a variety of events and author readings throughout the year, as well as book clubs and other community events. The store is known for its strong community focus, with a commitment to supporting local authors and connecting readers with each other.

We asked Laurie why she chose to start her own business on Mercer Island. “After working at Microsoft for 14 years I was ready for a change. I spent the second half of 2014 volunteering quite a bit in the 3 schools my 4 kids were attending. I had always participated in the Island Books nights the schools put on but now I had the opportunity to help coordinate and really get involved. This allowed me to get to know the staff and then owner, Roger Page. We struck up a friendship, talked about business here and there and then I was just in the right place at the right time. We moved back to Mercer Island because we like the small community feel. When you enter Island Books you understand this community and you feel a warmth and sense of belonging. I've always been drawn to that feeling - and feel incredibly blessed that I get to walk through those doors every day.”

Dorothy Reeck

Roanoke Inn

Roanoke Inn is a historic restaurant and bar. It was founded in 1914 and has been a beloved gathering place for the community ever since.

Roanoke Inn offers a wide range of food and drink options, including steaks, seafood, burgers, and a variety of craft cocktails and beers, and is unique in its historic charm and welcoming atmosphere. The Roanoke has been fully restored, maintaining its original architecture and decor, which includes a beautiful mahogany bar and intricate woodwork throughout the space.

In addition to its food and drink offerings, The Roanoke also hosts a variety of events and live music performances throughout the year. It has a strong community focus and is committed to supporting local artists and musicians.

Ann Peterson

Island Treats

Island Treats is a family-owned candy and ice cream shop. The business was founded in 2000 by Ann Peterson, who wanted to create a space where customers could find delicious and unique treats in a fun and welcoming environment.

Island Treats offers candies, chocolates, and gourmet snacks, as well as a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings. The store is unique in its focus on providing customers with high-quality, handmade treats that are both delicious and visually appealing. The staff is friendly and always happy to offer recommendations and suggestions to customers. Island Treats also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including candy-making workshops, ice cream socials, and other fun activities.

Premier Catch specializes in providing high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood to the local community. (See the recipes in Joci's Dive into Delicious article in this edition.) The business was founded in 2017 by Joci and Ashley Besecker, who shared a passion for seafood and a desire to bring the freshest and most delicious seafood to the area.

We asked Joci the "why" question, i.e., why locate the business on Mercer Island and why seafood:

"For years, our friends and family had been urging us to launch a direct-to-consumer seafood brand, but it wasn’t until June 2020, at the outset of the pandemic, that we finally took the plunge. With access to some of the most incredible seafood in the world, we felt that this was the perfect time to share our passion with the wider community. Our goal was to make wild, sustainably caught seafood more accessible to families by providing convenient portion sizes and packaging, so they could savor high-quality, restaurant-grade cuisine while enjoying the convenience of cooking at home."

Premier Catch stands out from other seafood businesses because of its commitment to sustainability and transparency. They only source their seafood from trusted suppliers who use environmentally responsible fishing and aquaculture practices. Additionally, Premier Catch provides detailed information about the origin and quality of each of their products, enabling customers to make informed choices.

Joci Besecker

Premier Catch

Congratulations to these women and everyone that supports their contributions to the community.

Stevie Nicole Hagen

Creation Dance Studio

Creation Dance Studio is a dance school and performing arts center. The studio was founded in 2012 by Stevie Nicole Hagen and a group of experienced dancers and choreographers who wanted to create a space where students of all ages and skill levels could receive high-quality dance training in a supportive and creative environment.

In addition to offering classes in a wide range of dance styles, Creation Dance Studio also hosts a variety of performances and events throughout the year, including recitals, showcases, and collaborations with other local arts organizations. The studio has a strong community focus, with a commitment to providing scholarships and opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds.

According to Stevie, her dance journey began at the age of two and a half with Camille Chrysler of Mercerart Dance. Camille was the first of many teachers to inspire and shape Stevie into the dancer and person she is today. “It is an amazing gift to come full circle and to now have the opportunity to spread the joy of dance to dancers of all ages with the hope that they will be impacted for a lifetime just like I was.”

Stevie says her superpower is her faith. “The journey of Creation Dance Studio has been filled with beautiful and unexpected twists and turns, countless moments of joy, and leaps into the exciting unknown. As Creation Dance Studio continues to evolve and grow, my faith continues to be the driving force behind my passion to share the joy of dance with the wonderful community where I grew up.”

CONTINUED >

Suzanne Zahr

Salon NUR

Suzanne Zahr Interiors

SZ Build

Suzanne Zahr is the owner and creator of an Architectled, Design-Build practice on Mercer Island. Her firm takes a symbiotic approach to designing and building creative environments. The business was founded in 2010 by Suzanne Zahr. It’s unique because it offers a complete design and construction service, from initial concept design to final construction. This is a one-stopshop for clients who want a seamless design and construction process. They also host an art gallery featuring art from around the world.

We asked Suzanne why she chose Mercer Island as the home for her business. “Soon after settling into our family home on Mercer Island 10 years ago, my entrepreneurial ambitions grew stronger. Opening my Design | Build firm in the heart of Mercer Island’s Town Center offered me central access to clientele in Seattle, the Eastside & beyond. By fronting my professional services with an art gallery off a ground level plaza, I warmly welcomed the community in. Doing so allowed

me to connect socially & creatively, broadening my network both personally & professionally.”

Suzanne is highly skilled in several diverse areas. “I’m multilingual, in that I’m able to speak the many languages of Real Estate Development, Design, Art & Construction. In collaboration with my extended team of consultants and field experts, I have honed my ability to view each creative challenge from varying perspectives, reconciling potential conflicts along the way. The outcome is at times unexpected, but always rewarding.”

Finally, Suzanne recently co-founded a new venture called Salon NUR with Sharon Perez and Nikki Baidwan. In this collaboration, the women have found that their complementary skills and passions strengthen each other and their community. The goal for Salon NUR is to become a certified B corporation, offering GenX Women (and beyond) curated Salon events and experiences, promoting joy, self-care, in-depth discussions, and meaningful ways to connect, see and be seen, authentically.

Sharon Perez, Suzanne Zahr, and Nikki Baidwan

Tina Kennedy

Barrels Wine Bar

Barrels Wine Bar is a popular wine bar and restaurant founded in 2015 by Tina and Joe Kennedy, who wanted to create a space where customers could enjoy a wide selection of high-quality wines and food in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Barrels offers a vast selection of wines from around the world, including rare and hard-to-find bottles. The bar is unique in its focus on providing customers with a personalized wine experience, with a knowledgeable and friendly staff who are always happy to offer recommendations and guidance. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating options available. Barrels Wine Bar also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including wine tastings, live music, and special menu offerings.

Tina told us that she and her husband always wanted to open a wine bar/bottle shop since they were in the wine industry back in the late 80s and early 90s. They live on the island and have a perfect location for Barrels. Managing Barrels seems like a preferred fit for Tina. She’s highly organized and she enjoys all the interesting people that come into the bar. Also, she and Joe LOVE wine.

Ginny Pietila

IMPACT Fitness and Training

IMPACT Fitness and Training was founded in 2014 by Ginny Pietila, who wanted to create a space where people could receive high-quality and personalized fitness training. They offer a wide range of fitness services, including personal training, group fitness classes, and nutrition coaching. The studio focuses on providing customized and individualized training programs to each client.

In 1993, Ginny opened Club Emerald, her previous fitness studio, on Mercer Island. She fell in love with the Mercer Island community, and Ginny and her husband moved to the island in 1999. They have since raised their daughter here and continue to love and support tour community.

According to Ginny, her studio is unlike any of the franchised fitness studios that seem to be everywhere these days. “We have always prided ourselves on the individualized nature of the training we provide. There are no cookie cutter, pre-planned, corporate level fitness classes or sessions offered. We see YOU, the client, and your individual needs. Even in a small group class setting, modifications are welcomed and provided as needed.”

Delicious Dive into

Trying new seafood recipes can elevate your culinary experience and add a healthy variety to your diet. Wild seafood is a great source of essential nutrients, high-quality protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. For a palate pleasing experience, look no further than Premier Catch - a local, women-owned seafood business based in Mercer Island. Our culinary team offers an impressive range of seafood recipes that are sure to satisfy.

Nobu-Inspired Miso Black Cod

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 pounds Sablefish (4 x 6-oz portions)

• 1/4 cup mirin

• 1/4 cup sake

• 4 tbsp white miso paste

• 3 tbsp sugar

DIRECTIONS

2-3 Days Before Eating, Prepare & Marinate the Fish:

1. Bring the mirin and sake to boil in over med-high heat.

2. Boil for 30 seconds to evaporate the alcohol.

3. Turn heat to low, add miso paste and whisk until completely dissolved.

4. Add the sugar and whisk again until dissolved and mixture is creamy.

5. Remove from heat and cool to room temp.

6. Place fish in ziploc and pour cooled marinade over. Leave in refrigerator for up to two to three days.

To Cook Fish:

1. Preheat oven to 425.

2. Heat oil in oven-proof skillet on stove on high heat.

3. Remove fish from marinade but don’t rinse and place it skin side up in skillet. Cook until flesh side of fish is browned (approx 3-4 min).

4. Flip fish onto skin side and place skillet in hot oven to bake until opaque and flakes easily (approx 8-10 min).

5. Enjoy!

PLEASE YOUR PALATE AND IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS

Nobu-Inspired Miso Black Cod

Joci’s Salmon Cobb Salad

INGREDIENTS

• 6oz (per person) Sockeye Salmon

• 8 cups field greens

• 1 avocado, diced

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• hard boiled egg (1 per person)

• 2-3 strips bacon, chopped

• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese

Dressing:

• 1/3 cup red wine

• 1 tbsp dijon mustard

• 2/3 cup olive oil

• salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, and oil and season with salt and pepper.

2. Season salmon with salt & pepper. Air fry for 7 minutes at 400 degrees or bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees.

3. While the salmon cooks, cook your bacon and hardboil eggs.

4. Add greens, cooked salmon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, hardboiled eggs, and blue cheese to a large bowl.

5. Add dressing and toss. Enjoy!

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOCI BESECKER

Joci’s Salmon Cobb Salad

Scallop Tacos

INGREDIENTS

• 25 pounds Alaska Weathervane Scallops

• 1/4 cup of basil pesto

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise (or substitute with plain greek yogurt)

• 2 cups shredded cabbage

• 8 x 6" flour tortillas

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 1/2 cup diced onions

• 12 slices cooked bacon, crispy

• Tony's Creole Seasoning

DIRECTIONS

1. Season scallops lightly on both sides with Tony Chachere’s Original Creole seasoning or your favorite seasoning.

2. In a small bowl, mix pesto & mayonnaise (or greek yogurt) together.

3. Heat a skillet until almost smoking. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil.

4. Add the scallops to the hot pan and sear on one side until a rich, dark brown, 1-2 minutes. Turn over and repeat on the other side.

5. While scallops are cooking, heat tortillas in a lightly oiled skillet.

6. Divide the pesto sauce between each warm flour tortilla and top each with the shredded cabbage.

7. Divide the bacon & seared scallops between each tortilla and garnish with cilantro & onions.

8. Serve and eat immediately!

Scallop Tacos

PNW Dungeness

Crab Rolls

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups Dungeness Crab Meat

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1-2 tsp hot sauce

• 5 green onions, sliced thin

• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped

• salt & pepper

• Brioche rolls (GF, if desired)

DIRECTIONS

1. Crack crab and loosely chop meat.

2. Mix all ingredients together in medium bowl. Taste - add any extra lemon juice, hot sauce or salt & pepper until it's just right for you.

3. Fill buns with crab mixture and serve!

PNW Dungeness Crab Rolls

ARTICLE BY MICHAEL STEIN

FLYING LION BREWING: HOLD MY BEER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLYING LION BREWING

THE TIPPING POINT

HOLD MY BEER

One of our favorite local businesses is Flying Lion Brewing , a craft brewery located just a short drive from Mercer Island in the Columbia City neighborhood of South Seattle. The business is co-owned by Griffin Williams and his family. It opened in 2014 and is now a cornerstone of the Seattle craft beer scene. The brewery is housed in a former grocery store, which has been renovated to include a taproom, outdoor patio, and production space.

THE TIPPING TRAP

Tipping is a tradition in the US but is now creating problems for both businesses and their customers. It has created a culture of uncertainty and inequality.

One problem with tipping is that it places the burden of paying workers on customers, rather than employers. As a result, workers’ wages are often unpredictable and unreliable, dependent on the whims of customers.

Tipping can also be awkward for customers. Payment systems that require customers to select an amount to tip can put the customer in an uncomfortable position of having to decide how much to tip. This can lead to stress for customers who don't want to under-tip and offend the service provider or overpay for the service. It can also create resentment if the service doesn't meet expectations, but the customer still feels obligated to tip.

Hence, we're caught in a tipping trap.

The taproom is a welcoming space with plenty of natural light and industrial chic decor. The bar is made from reclaimed wood and the walls are adorned with local art. There's a spacious outdoor patio for sunny afternoons. The taproom is open 7 days a week and is kid and dogfriendly. You can take a seat at the curved bar, enjoy the open air when the garage door is rolled up, or grab a spot on the heated patio. Although they don’t have a kitchen, guests are welcome to bring their own food from home or one of the numerous restaurants in the neighborhood.

As reported in a recent Seattle Times story, for Williams, the absurdity of our culture’s tipping trap hit him when he purchased a charging cable from an on-line electronics store. They had a tip option at checkout,” he said.

Williams had already become concerned that tipping was causing a big pay gap between the bartenders — who got all the tips — and the people who made the beer in the back of the house. As the cost of raw ingredients and overall production costs increased during the pandemic, he was forced to raise beer prices, which in turn resulted in higher tip amounts and an even larger pay gap between servers and back of house employees. The experience of being asked to tip for an on-line purchase proved to be a tipping point, and Williams acted.

Heated patio

They ultimately raised the pay rate of the bartenders from about $16 an hour to roughly $28 an hour. Then they raised the base price of the beer about 20% (from about $5.45 to about $7.25). The result is the servers and back of house employees now make similar wages. They also implemented a retirement savings program for all employees. To Williams, this felt fairer for employees and created a better customer experience.

Now, when the bartender presents you with an iPad screen to sign, the old suggested and custom tip buttons are gone. According to Williams, customers are happy not to see the tip screen.

In addition to brewing great beer, Flying Lion Brewing is also a community hub. They host regular events such as trivia nights, a weekly group run that starts and ends at the taproom, and an annual multi-day Dark Beer Festival.

Overall, Flying Lion Brewing is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves craft beer, sustainability, and community. And now, you won’t need to tip.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

APR 28TH – MAY 14TH

Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical Jr

STROUM JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER, 3801 E MERCER WAY

Rebellion is nigh in  Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the "revolting children" who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.

MAY 11TH - MAY 13TH

Upper Left Comedy Festival

2505 1ST AVE SEATTLE | 4:00 PM

Upper Left Comedy Festival is back with three days of stand up and performance events at multiple venues in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. Upper Left Comedy Festival will feature Pacific Northwest comedy favorites and nationally-known acts, including Nate Jackson, Amy Miller, Kermet Apio, Dewa Dorje, Emmett Montgomery and more.  This event is 21 and over

MAY 13TH

Medic One's 50th Anniversary Dinner

SEATTLE HYATT REGENCY, 808 HOWELL STREET, SEATTLE

6:00 PM

Celebrate the founders, paramedics, physicians, instructors, and community members who helped build Medic One into one of the world's leading pre-hospital emergency medical systems. 6:00 PM | Cocktail Reception 7:00 PM | Dinner

Everything Possible Together

MAY 13TH

Walk for Parkinson's HUSKEY OUTDOOR TRACK

10:00 AM

Walk for Parkinson's brings the Parkinson's community together to build solidarity and raise funds for FREE crucial resources for people living with Parkinson's.

YOU make all the difference!

Are you ready to get outside, get together, and  WALK for Parkinson's on Saturday, May 13 at 10am? Join to support the Northwest Parkinson's community and celebrate Northwest Parkinson's 25th anniversary.

MAY 14TH

Mother’s Day Brunch for Mary’s Place!

7635 SE 27TH STREET, MERCER ISLAND | 9:00 AM

Kitchen & Market is celebrating Mother’s Day with delicious brunch kits, all proceeds being donated to Mary’s Place. Celebrate the mom in your life while giving back to the community! Brunch kits include everything you need to make brunch along with plenty of add-on options. You can also donate a bouquet of flowers for a mom at Mary’s Place.

MAY 27TH

Northwest Folklife 2023 SEATTLE CENTER, 305 HARRISON STREET, SEATTLE

11:00 AM

The Northwest Folklife Festival is a celebration of the arts, culture, and heritage that make up the cultural tapestry of the Pacific Northwest. Prior to 2020, over 6,000 artists and culture-bearers brought cultural expressions to audiences across 25 stages alongside 200 food and craft vendors and 500 volunteers annually. The festival has been powered by donations for over 50 years.