7580 SE 71st Street
4 BD | 2.25 BA | 3,610 SF | SOLD FOR $3,675,000
6021 W Mercer Way
5 BD | 3.25 BA | 3,850 SF | SOLD FOR $2,380,000
3350 97th Ave SE
4 BD | 1.75 BA | 2,380 SF | SOLD FOR $2,370,000
Savoring Community: Celebrating Mercer Island Tastemasters and Artistic Visionaries
We’re thrilled to bring you this month’s issue, celebrating the culinary and artistic talents that make Mercer Island extraordinary.
Our cover story pays tribute to some of our community’s finest Tastemasters: Shiro and Ed Kashiba, Merrisa Claridge, Jason and Robin Farrish, and Jody Elsom. These individuals have shaped the Northwest’s dining, drinking, and cultural scenes for decades, all while maintaining a deep commitment to community. Their work is about more than just business— it's about creating moments of joy and making a positive impact on those they serve.
We also had the pleasure of exploring Aegis Living’s unique approach to food and nutrition. In our conversation with Ashleigh Pedersen, VP of Culinary Services, we discovered a philosophy that goes beyond sustenance, bringing comfort and a sense of home to every resident.
Adding to the mix, we’re featuring Northwest Spirits, one of Merrisa Claridge’s ventures, and their delicious Torino Sour as our Premiere Pour of the Month . It’s a taste sensation you won’t want to miss!
We also wanted to share some of our personal plans for Hallo-Week! Sharon's meal plan and Chris' favorite eats.
We’re also excited to highlight Julie Hsieh, a well-known figure in our community who continues to bridge Eastern and Western cultures through her Yuan Ru Art Center in Bellevue and Yuan Ru Gallery in Taipei. Julie’s approach to art is deeply personal—she believes that seeing art in your own home transforms it in ways a gallery never could. Her work as an abstract artist and her dedication to fostering artistic expression make her a tastemaker in her own right.
Mercer Island is blessed with a rich culinary scene. From the ribeye at Mioposto to the sashimi salad at Sushi Joa, our dining options are as diverse as they are delicious. With new openings like allister, Asa, and the Crawlspace Gastropub on the horizon, our local food scene is only getting better!
Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to all our Tastemasters—those featured in this issue and those working tirelessly in kitchens and studios across our community. Your creativity and passion make Mercer Island a truly special place. Here’s to the flavors and art that bring us together and the people who make our community shine!
Cheers!
CHRIS ISHII AND SHARON PEREZ
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Chris Ishii | chris.ishii@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sharon Perez | sharon.perez@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Laura Ohata, Northwest Spirits
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
J Garner Photography, Northwest Spirits, Laura Ohata, Julie Hsieh, Feed it Creative
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
A sampling of Mercer Island’s delicious tastemakers: Ed Kashiba, Takai by Kashiba; Jason and Robin Farrish, The Crawlspace Gastropub; Jody Elsom, Elsom Cellars; Merrisa Claridge, Von’s 1000Spirits & Northwest Spirits; Shiro Kashiba, Sushi Kashiba.
Kelly is just the very, very best! She helped us sell our house in 4 days. Her knowledge of what is required is 100% spot on. No issue is too small or too big and she has a team that can handle it all. She is an expert negotiator and will make it happen for her clients. She is so personable and joyful that it rubs off on everyone involved. The consummate professional!!” - J.H Mercer Island
city scene
1: Welcome to the August Kids & Pets Issue Release Party at Island Animal Hospital! 2: Fan Yuan, MI Chinese Association, Sharon, Brenda El-Ghazzaway, LUXXE Travel, Mizan Howard, Asa Social Club 3: Chris, Anthony Perez and Adam Harper of Northwest Spirits enjoy the Issue Release Party 4: August Kids & Pets Issue, National Champion cover photo, Gabby Frederick, with family and friends. 5: Nicki & Ari Sherr family stop by the Island Animal Hospital party in kitty style 6: DJLamar39, Amanda Hoang Miss Bellevue, and MICL partners and friends enjoy MICL party 7: Brenda and Zach El-Ghazzawy and Ed Kashiba at MICL Kids & Pets Issue Release Party Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle
8: Andrew and Nikki Baklinski, Baklinski Home Improvement, and Fan Yuan, MICA at MILS Release Party 9: Joey Osborne, Ethan and Inna Wickersham, Sir Grout, and Peter Brown, Island Animal Hospital 10: Joey Osborne, AOME Architects, Megan Atkinson, NW Lifestyle Homes and Mark Elster, AOME 11: Chris, Sharon, Adam Harper Heritage 1904, Mark Harrington BMW, enjoy Mostly Music in the Park 12: Merrisa Claridge and AnneMarie Zarba of Von’s 1000spirits at flagship Von’s Seattle 13: Chris, Joe Vogel, Yvonne Willard, Anne Hritzay at Mostly Music in the Park 14: Amy Payton’s First Friday Sip & Shop at Hip Zephyr and Allen Gregorios, Elsom Cellars Photography by @mercerislandcitylifestyle
Ginny Clarke at First Friday Artwalk 18:
gets the pep ready for a new school year with band camp 19: A highlight of every summer. Mercer Island Farmers Market’s live music and local foods. 20: Boating to summer dinner: Sharon, Paulette Denman, Christie McGrath and captain Barb Di Re 21: Henry, Brad, Julie and Caley Newcomer enjoy the 2024 Sunday Blue Angels Show lakeside. Photography by @mercerislandcitylifestyle
15: Cindy Leung and Melanie Sanchez, Aegis Living Mercer Island, at MICL booth for Mostly Music 16: Book Club at Mercerdale - Jami, Jackie (and Teddy), Jodie, Marnie, Lois, Melanie, Leslie, Lisa 17: Dan Woodman and Rachel Schindler with
MIHS Marching Band
TREATS Not TRICKS
OCTOBER MEAL PLANNING FOR HEALTHY FALL MEALS AND PUMPKIN DELIGHTS
Pumpkin Pancakes taste like fall
ARTICLE BY SHARON PEREZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TABLE365
It’s an exciting month. The house is decorated, the costumes are waiting, the classroom parties organized, and we are gearing up for a slew of fall fun.
In a busy holiday month, it is especially important to plan ahead and have groceries ready for the week.. Prep easy and healthy meals, knowing that this month will have a lot of sugary treats.
Sharon’s dinner plan for Halloween week:
• Monday: Teriyaki chicken thighs, brown rice, Napa cabbage salad
• Tuesday: Spaghetti, green salad
• Wednesday: Tostadas with pico de gallo
• Thursday: Pulled pork and polenta, sautéed kale
• Friday: Chicken noodle soup, cheddar cheese, apple slices
Make one or more of these pumpkin recipes for the health benefits of pumpkin, and the delicious fall flavors.
• Pumpkin pancakes
• Roasted pumpkin seeds
• Pumpkin pasta sauce
• Pumpkin pie
Start the day with a hearty and healthy breakfast:
• Oatmeal
• Breakfast Sandwich
• Breakfast burrito
• Eggs, scrambled, poached, hard-boiled
Have a spooktacular October!
Savoring SENIOR LIVING
CHEFS AND NUTRITIONISTS ARE REDEFINING THE DINING EXPERIENCE
ARTICLE BY CHRIS ISHII
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AEGIS LIVING
Stuart Noyes, Culinary Services Director at Aegis Living Mercer Island
Shrimp Garden Salad with Avocado and Champagne Vinaigrette
Ashleigh Pedersen, VP of Culinary Services
In case you ever wondered, here’s an inside look at the vibrant dining experience at Aegis Living’s Mercer Island community. At the heart of this culinary journey is Ashleigh Pedersen, the Director of Dining and Nutrition Services, who is on a mission to nourish both the bodies and souls of the community’s senior residents.
“Food is comfort. Food is the way we connect with one another,” Pedersen explains. Under her guidance, the Aegis culinary team crafts menus that balance health needs with the joyful celebration of diverse cuisines and cultural traditions.
Residents at Aegis Mercer Island are treated to an ever-evolving array of international flavors, from Thai green curry to Mexican-inspired dishes. Pedersen works closely with the community’s chefs to introduce new ingredients and recipes that expand the palates of the residents.
“We want our dining rooms to be places our residents are excited to gather, not just for the nutritious food, but for the whole experience,” says Pedersen. This exchange of culinary traditions helps foster a true sense of community, as residents bond over the personal stories and memories evoked by the food.
Pedersen is spearheading new community-wide celebrations that invite the broader Mercer Island population to join in the culinary fun. From farm-to-table dinners to chili cook-offs, these monthly events aim to de-stigmatize aging and showcase the vibrant, food-centric culture of the senior living community.
“We want Aegis to be a place that’s welcoming to everyone, not just our residents,” Pedersen says. “Food has this incredible power to bring people together, to share stories and traditions. That’s what we’re hoping to cultivate here - a true community centered around the joy of eating and celebrating life.”
Grilled Salmon with Jasmine Rice and Sautéed Vegetables
Aegis Living Mercer Island Dining Room
Aegis Living Mercer Island Dining Room
Pan-seared steak with mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables
Aegis Mercer Island Demonstration Kitchen
Met
"Takai is the Eastside's center of sushi gravity" -Seattle
b y K a s h i b a
The Tastemakers
BY CHRIS ISHII | PHOTOGRAPHY BY J GARNER STUDIO
ARTICLE
Mercer Island City Lifestyle's Food and Beverage Ohana
Wine, food & friends found here!
Mercer Island City Lifestyle proudly presents this celebration of six individuals whose passion and dedication have shaped the local food and beverage scene.
CONTINUED >
Von's Northwest Spirits Scratch Manhattan by Merrisa Claridge
SHIRO AND ED KASHIBA: SUSHI PIONEERS
Before the name Ichiro became synonymous with Seattle, another son of Japan was making waves in the city—Shiro Kashiba. The man who challenged Seattleites to try eating raw fish over five decades ago has been a Mercer Island resident since 1977.
Shiro’s journey from a cramped Tokyo apartment to a home on Mercer Island with a Japanese garden and shoji screens is a tale of perseverance and passion. His love for his craft has not waned; instead, it has been passed on to his son Ed, who grew up on the Island during what he fondly describes as an “E.T. without the alien” kind of childhood—safe, fantastical, and filled with adventures on his BMX bike.
Ed’s path took him to Los Angeles, where he worked in the film industry for 20 years, but his roots in the family restaurant business never left his mind. After a short-lived retirement, Shiro decided in 2015 to open Sushi Kashiba in Pike Place Market. Ed returned home to help launch
The real deal. Takai serves only the highest grade Edomae style sushi. No fusion rolls.
Chef Mori, Shiro, Chef Jun
the new venture. The father-son duo has since continued to set the standard for Japanese cuisine, with their latest venture, Takai by Kashiba, quickly becoming a beloved dining destination in Bellevue.
For Shiro, who recently received the Order of the Rising Sun medal from the Japanese Emperor, the art of sushi is deeply connected to the concept of “Shun”—the appreciation of local, in-season ingredients. His signature Omakase experience reflects this philosophy, offering diners a curated journey through the best of what each season has to offer.
MERRISA CLARIDGE: “SPIRIT” OF TRADITION AND INNOVATION
Continuing a legacy that spans five generations, Merrisa Claridge is the CEO and driving force behind Von’s 1000Spirits and the recently launched Northwest Spirits Distillery in Woodinville. Missy has seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, creating a brand that honors her family legacy while pushing the boundaries of what a distillery can be.
Northwest Spirits is not just about crafting exceptional spirits; it’s about storytelling. The distillery’s flagship product, Savor Spear Bourbon, is a nod to Merrisa’s great-uncle Jake O’Shaughnessy, who enhanced his whiskey barrels with oak staves back in 1904. Today, Northwest Spirits carries on this tradition, infusing their aged barrels
Cheers to good times and even better flavors at Elsom Cellars!
with “Savor Spears” to create smooth, flavorful spirits that resonate with the warmth and geniality of the Pacific Northwest.
Under Merrisa’s leadership, Von’s 1000Spirits has grown into a new institution known for its scratch sourdough kitchen and the largest collection of spirits in both Seattle and Woodinville. Merrisa’s commitment to quality and community shines through.
As a certified woman-owned business, Northwest Spirits is part of a growing movement of female entrepreneurs who are not only shaping the future of the spirits industry but also ensuring that their businesses serve as pillars of the community.
Merrisa’s ties to Mercer Island run deep - growing up on the Island, she has carried the values of her upbringing into the heart of her businesses, ensuring that every decision reflects a dedication to the people who depend on her.
Savor Spear by Merrisa Firnstahl-Claridge
"We are so fortunate to live where all four seasons bring us wonderful food to enjoy,"
- Shiro on Shun
JODY ELSOM:
ARTISAN OF URBAN WINEMAKING
In a world where winemaking is often associated with sprawling vineyards and picturesque countrysides, Jody Elsom of Elsom Cellars has carved out a niche in the heart of Seattle’s SODO neighborhood. A graduate of Washington State University’s inaugural Viticulture and Enology extension program, Jody is not only a skilled winemaker but also a passionate advocate for her community.
Elsom Cellars is renowned for its small-lot, artisanal wines. For Jody, winemaking is about more than just the product; it’s about the journey—the relationships with growers, the careful selection of grapes, and the meticulous attention to detail at every stage of the process. “You don’t start a winery if you’re not passionate and maybe a little eccentric,” Jody admits with a smile.
Elsom Cellars exemplifies the growing influence of women in the wine industry. Jody’s commitment to community is evident in everything Elsom Cellars does, from supporting local charitable
organizations to hosting events that bring people together. She says, “Wine is a way to connect with others, to share stories, and to give back!”
JASON AND ROBIN FARRISH: FUSION INNOVATORS
When Jason and Robin Farrish decided to open The Crawlspace Gastropub on Mercer Island, they weren’t just creating a restaurant; they were crafting a cultural experience. Inspired by Jason’s family history and the rich culinary traditions of Hawaii, The Crawlspace is a fusion of Hawaiian, Latin, and American flavors, brought together in a modern Pacific Northwest setting.
Hawaiian food was created with farm workers sharing lunch, blending their diverse backgrounds to create a unique culinary tradition that has endured for generations. “In the 1970s, my family was part of the massive Korean exodus that forever changed the Hawaiian plate lunch culture with the introduction of Korean BBQ,” Jason explains. Now, as the first American-born generation of his family, he is bringing that tradition to the mainland, incorporating new cuisines into the mix along the way.
Knockout American Cheeseburger with Bulgogi topping and Fries
Super Traditional Korean Kalbi Short RIbs
"We
- Merrisa Claridge
Robin says, “I always had a dream of opening a dive bar where my coworkers in construction could come get a drink after a hard day’s work called The Crawlspace. But we also wanted to build a restaurant that we always wanted when our kids were growing up. Where we could bring the family and the kids would like the food, but the adults could also get great food and a great cocktail. Just a fun place to hang out!”
Fortunately for Robin, the new restaurant is right next door to her office at Gallagher Co. A
What ties these six individu als together is their shared com mitment to excellence and a cool magazine cover !
PREMIERE POUR OF THE MONTH
ARTICLE BY NORTHWEST SPIRITS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNEMARIE ZARBA
Northwest Spirits Torino Sour
"I first had a similar drink at Claridge’s Hotel in London last year. I loved it so much that I recreated it with our Savor Spear Bourbon. It’s the perfect fall cocktail with rich, warm flavors and a smooth finish. I find myself ordering it every time I dine at Von's 1000Spirits!"
~ Merrisa Claridge, owner
ingredients:
• 1 1/2 shots Savor Spear® American Classic Bourbon
• 1 Egg White
• 1/2 shot Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
• 1/2 shot Lemon Juice
• Splash of Simple Syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange wedge for garnish
directions:
Step 1. Start with a large rock in your favorite rocks glass.
Step 2. In a shaker, combine bourbon, egg white, vermouth, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters.
Step 3. Dry shake to create a luscious foam (or use a milk frother).
Step 4. Strain into your glass.
Step 5. Garnish with a fresh orange wedge and enjoy!
Art Beyond the Frame
From Gallery Walls to Your Home
In Bellevue, the Yuan Ru Art Center serves as a unique cultural bridge, where Eastern art meets the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant artistic community. This connection is deeply personal for Mercer Islander Julie Hsieh, who also owns Yuan Ru Gallery in Taipei. Through her dual ownership, Julie brings the richness of Eastern and international art directly to her clients, offering more than just a chance to view art—it’s an invitation to experience it intimately, from gallery walls to the walls of your home.
Julie was a mezzo-soprano and aspiring opera singer in high school. Only to be dismissed as a hobby, her creative spirit once again emerged with art.
Today, Julie is dedicated to art and her work as an abstract artist is a testament to her rich cultural heritage and her commitment to fostering artistic expression.
“All my art conveys a sense of rhythm, which I think comes from my music background,” Julie explains.
This sense of rhythm extends to the way she curates art for her clients, ensuring that each piece resonates with the spaces it inhabits.
Julie’s approach to art is distinctively personal. She goes beyond the gallery, often bringing art directly to her clients’ homes to help them find the perfect piece. “Seeing it in your home is far different from seeing it in the gallery,” she says, understanding that art transforms a space in ways that are hard to envision within the confines of a gallery.
The Yuan Ru Art Center is also a hub for local artists, offering a platform for diverse artistic voices. With exhibitions planned through 2025, Julie continues to bridge artists to the collector community.
“Art is a journey to be experienced, and I would love to be part of that journey for my friends and clients,” Julie reflects. At Yuan Ru Art Center, this journey is about more than just acquiring art—it’s about making it meaningful to your life.
OHATA & JULIE HSIEH
"Seeing
it in your home is far different from seeing it in the gallery"
Julie Hsieh
Julie and her ink art at Yuan Ru Art Center, Bellevue
MERCER ISLAND’S HALLO-WEEKEND TRICK OR TREAT IN TOWN CENTER
Friday, October 25 4 - 6pm
Look for the pumpkin decal in the window of participating businesses!
PUMPKIN WALK
Sunday, October 27
5 - 8pm, Mercerdale Park
Join a fun, family friendly walk along the Mercerda le loop. The path will be lined with a glowing display of carved pumpkins.
Carvers of all ages are encouraged to participate i n the display.
local experiences
Try these!
Metropolitan Market Deli’s go-to option is the Prime Rib Sandwich. Market priced. It is truly top-tier take-out.
Sushi Joa – Sashimi salad for $20 lunch or dinner is the greatest value I’ve ever seen in a Japanese Restaurant! House dressing is perfect for dipping or drenching and a nice bite of sashimi all the way to the bottom of the bowl!
L’Experience – The $14 Salade Nicoise has swirling French vinaigrette highlighted with bits of tuna, roasted potatoes, and hard-boiled egg in a bedding of baby lettuce and arugula.
Mioposto – delivers the best steak value in the area! Their 12 oz. Ribeye is roasted on an open flame with a balsamic finish. Savory and sweet. A meat lover’s dream at $50!
Mercer Island – dining for kids and the most sophisticated palettes One of the benefits of living here is the proximity to Seattle and the Eastside for dining. The local choices are about to get better. With the opening of allister, the Crawlspace Gastropub, and Asa, dining and drinking experiences on Mercer Island will continue to grow and improve.
Chris
Favorite Eats on Mercer Island
12 oz. Ribeye at Mioposto
PET OF THE MONTH
Meet Meatball, a brave and lovable dog who has captured the hearts of all at Island Animal Hospital with his incredible recovery story! Meatball came to us in need of a bilateral TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery due to a severe knee injury. This specialized procedure was crucial for stabilizing his knees and getting him back to his playful self.
After his surgeries with our Medical Director, Dr. Blanchette, Meatball faced a challenging recovery, but his determination shone through. With lots of love, physical therapy, and care from his supportive owners, Meatball is bouncing back stronger than ever. Soon he will be back to running, playing, and enjoying life to the fullest.
Meatball’s story is a testament to the power of veterinary care and the strength of the animals we love. His joyful spirit and boundless energy make him the perfect Pet of the Month. Celebrate with us and give a round of applause to Meatball for his incredible journey and happy recovery!
At Aegis Living, we see aging as a gift. Every second of it. Aegis offers support for all stages of senior care, including short-term stays for seniors when caregivers need a respite, memory care for residents with dementia, and transitional care to meet a resident’s changing needs. We’d love to meet you, answer your questions, and show you around.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
OCTOBER 3RD
Community Chili & Football Kickoff at Aegis Living
Aegis Living Mercer Island 7445 SE 24th Street | 4:30 PM
Mercer Islanders are invited to join the Aegis Living community for a Chili & Football Kickoff on Thursday, October 3. Wear your favorite team’s jersey and get ready to vote on your favorite chili prepared by Aegis Chef Stuart! Festivities from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Please RSVP to mercerisland.concierge@aegisliving. com or call 206-487-5290.
OCTOBER 5TH
Mercer Island High School Homecoming Parade
Mercer Island Town Center | 10:00 AM
Fall into Islander Spirit - the MIHS Homecoming Parade is coming back to Town Center after a COVID hiatus. Come cheer on the MIHS Marching Band, cheerleaders, dance team, class floats, homecoming royalty and other fun MIHS groups in the parade kids, bring a bag for tossed candy too!
OCTOBER 25TH & 27TH
City of Mercer Island
Hallo-Weekend Trick-or-
Treat & Pumpkin Walk
Mercer Island Town Center & Mercerdale Park | 4:00 PM
The City of Mercer Island invites all for a festive fall weekend!
Trick-or-Treat in Town Center, Friday, October 25, 4-6pm at businesses with a pumpkin decal in the window
Pumpkin Walk in Mercerdale Park, Sunday, October 27, 5-8pm. Walk the loop glowing with carved pumpkins, Food trucks, music and more! Carvers Bring Your Pumpkins! 12 –4pm, Oct. 27, Mercerdale.
Serving your Mercer Island neighbors since 1984
Embrace a home that reflects your unique essence, where technology and art harmoniously blend, creating a space that perfectly complements your lifestyle. Every day, wake up to a sanctuary where everything is thoughtfully placed, allowing you to thrive and flourish in an environment crafted just for you.
“We
Homeowner — Leslie
