Bellingham Alive | NSLife October | November 2015 by K & L Media

WHATCOM | SKAGIT | S AN JUAN

of the

2015

T S E B

H T R O N T

WES

October| November 2015 Display until November 30 $3.99 US • $4.99 CAN

plus 1 annual Art Invitational st

Dr. Brenda Kodama Cascade Eye and Skin Centers Dermatologist Northwest Master Gardener Pug lover

Each and every one of us is an original. Shaped by unique inuences that make us who we are today. Here at Heritage Bank, we think differences can build a better bank, too. That’s why we share the best ideas from across all of our branches and local communities with one goal in mind: to serve our customers better every day. By sharing our strengths, we’re able to offer customers like Dr. Kodama—and you—more than a community bank. But rather, a community oƒ banks.

W H AT ’ S YO U R H E R I TAG E?

HeritageBankNW.com | 800.455.6126

Now using the phrase sports sedan isn't an exercise in creative writing. The first true sports car that’s also a luxury sedan. Step on the accelerator and best in class performance and handling is undeniably present. But now, there’s a new source of exhilaration–executive class comfort. Elegantly crafted leather seats, a remarkably spacious cabin and curves everywhere you look and touch. With an endless amount of customization options. In short, the world’s most thrilling contradiction. Experience it for yourself, with a test drive.

The Porsche Panamera.

Porsche Bellingham 2200 Iowa St. Bellingham, WA 98229 (360) 734-5230 bellingham.porschedealer.com Showroom hours M–F 8:30AM–7:00PM Sa 9:00AM–5:00PM Closed Sun

Best Cocktail

5 years in a row!

of the

2015

BEST

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

Bellingham-hotel.com

entist

Best in Show Two Years in a Row!

of the

2015

BEST

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

Faith with BoCa

Sehome Professional Center | 405 32nd Street, Suite 100 Bellingham | www.drfaithbult.com | 360.715.3333

Community Art Invitational Welcome to our first annual Art Invitational in which we explore the idea of community — how local artists define their communities, and how community relates to their works.

48 77

66 45 Best of the Northwest It’s here again! Our readers voted, and these are the results. Some old favorites make the list, and some new faces emerged this year. Congratulations!

4 NorthSoundLife.com

october & November Contents

SHOP

93 Dining Guide 94 Mixing Tin The Rooftop Mojito

Village Books in Lynden

Necessities Artful Living

96 Meet The Chef Bellingham Pasta Company and The Table

Lifestyle 17 Producer Bob Goodwin 18 By the Numbers 19 Lasting Image 21 Calendar October | November

34 Savvy Shopper Miss May’s Creative Learning Store

100 Sip Red Wine and Soups 103 Seven Great Tastes

22 Wonder Woman Jessica Miller 23 In the Know The Racket 23 In the Know Apps We Love 24 In the Know Sculpture Northwest

WELLBEING

AGENDA

37 End-of-Summer Soup 105 Featured Event Justin Ver Burg 40 Races & Runs 41 Trail Review Waterfront Trail

FEATURE 45 Best of the Northwest 106 Around Town 42nd Street 77 Art Invitational 110 Out of Town Evil Dead The Musical 111 The Scene Anacortes Arts Festival

Notes 25 In the Know Kingfisher Craftsmen 26 Community Bellingham Theatre Guild 27 Book Reviews 27 Who Knew 28 Five Faves Area Galleries and Museums

8 Editor’s Letter 10 Contributors

DINE

13 Letters to the Editor 87 The Will’O Pub

14 Meet a Staffer Tina Ruff

90 Sips of the Season Keenan’s at the Pier

112 Final Word

October | November 2015

notes On the Web

Be sure to check us out at:

northsoundlife.com Submit your events on our new calendar! Do you have an event that you would like our readers to know about? Northsoundlife.com now offers an events calendar where viewers can search by venue, event type or city. Go to northsoundlife.com/events and submit your event today. Once your event has been approved by our editorial staff it is live.

Online Exclusive Bonus Recipe From the Table Written by Frances Badgett

Join us on

Fall Recipes

6 NorthSoundLife.com

Go green with a digital subscription.

for:

Halloween

Fall Decor

pinterest.com/northsoundlife

Wine, Spirit, Brew

Weekend VIBRATIONS

]

Come Experience The

Difference

BEST of the

2015

Thank You for Voting for Us!

NORTH

WEST

SILVER

Your Your Your Hometown Hometown Hometown Appliance Appliance Appliance Store! Store! Store!

juddblack.com juddblack.com juddblack.com

judd judd judd& & &black black black

BELLINGHAM 360-733-7722 BELLINGHAM BELLINGHAM BELLINGHAM | 360-733-7722 | 360-733-7722 | |360-733-7722 MOUNT MOUNT MOUNT VERNON VERNON VERNON | 360-336-6515 | 360-336-6515 | 360-336-6515 MARYSVILLE MARYSVILLE MARYSVILLE | 360-659-0822 | 360-659-0822 | 360-659-0822 EVERETT EVERETT EVERETT | 425-258-2591 | 425-258-2591 | 425-258-2591 LYNNWOOD LYNNWOOD LYNNWOOD | 425-742-2233 | 425-742-2233 | 425-742-2233 LIQUIDATION LIQUIDATION LIQUIDATION CENTER CENTER CENTER - Everett - Everett - Everett | 425-258-4557 | 425-258-4557 | 425-258-4557 *OAC.*OAC. Must *OAC. Must be Must be be paidpaid in full in paid within fullinwithin full within SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE CENTER CENTER CENTER | 425-258-4557 | 425-258-4557 | 425-258-4557 12 months. 12 months. 12Min months. Min Min Purchase Purchase Purchase $499. $499. See$499. See See Mon-Fri Mon-Fri Mon-Fri 9-5:30 9-5:30 9-5:30 | Sat-Sun | Sat-Sun | Sat-Sun 9-59-59-5 storestore for details. store for details. for details. ** By**aBy leading ** a leading By a leading Service Service Service & Liquidation & Liquidation & Liquidation Centers Centers Centers areare Closed are Closed Closed Sundays. Sundays. Sundays.consumer consumer consumer magazine. magazine. magazine.

S ALES SALES SALES • • SE •SERV RVIC SE RICE VICE E • • PA •PA RTS PA RTS RTS • • D•D EL EL DIEL VI ERY VIERY V ERY • • I•NI N SITA SNTA SLTA L AT LLAT LIAT OI O NIN O•N• WE •WE WE DO DO DO ITITALL! IT ALL! ALL!

Notes Editor's Letter

Sparking Creativity

n my other life, I write short stories, poetry, the occasional novel chapters, and I am always, as creative people are, looking for places that inspire me. That doesn’t mean these places must have soaring cathedral ceilings or heavy oak desks outfitted with quills and ink pots to get me into the next sentence — the places where I write are great little places you might overlook if you were passing through town from somewhere else. So when the votes rolled in for Best of the Northwest, I was thrilled to see so many of my own personal places of inspiration on the list, including The Black Drop, Village Books, and the Temple Bar. In each of these places, I’ve written or shared a poem or story that meant something significant to me. There is something sacred about places where creativity is invited in and encouraged, where an open laptop or book is a welcome sight, where people collect around shared passions. This quality is reflected often in our area, through the new Night Market, the new pop-up movement, kickball in Maritime Heritage Park, and this year’s first-ever wine walk. Around these parts, we aren’t afraid of what’s new, quirky, maybe a little unhinged. We gather, check it out, and have a blast.

8 NorthSoundLife.com

In this issue, we celebrate the original, the unique, the artful, and the special. From the sparkly ideas fueling the Downtown Bellingham Partnership to the inclusive creative community of Make.Shift to the decades of plays at the Bellingham Theatre Guild. In our Best of the Northwest contest, our readers name all the names of what is inspiring to them. Who hasn’t had a Big Mama margarita at the head of the Whatcom Waterway at Jalapeños and daydreamed about what could be on our waterfront? Who hasn’t attended an Art Walk and enjoyed the beauty of the Lightcatcher at night? Who hasn’t taken in a great show like Vacationeer at the Wild Buffalo? Our readers voted for the inspiration of beautifully plated food at Swinomish Casino and Lounge’s 13moons, the perfect sushi at Blue Fin, a cocktail dress for under twenty bucks at Labels, and the absolute perfect haircut at Kaur Lounge. We called upon our local artists to express their sense of community in our first ever Art Invitational, and the response is incredible. In our area, there are millions of ways in which we seek out and enjoy beauty, find inspiration, and celebrate what makes our area special. How lucky we are. 

Even Dorothy just wanted to find her way home. If only she’d had a really great real estate agent. Perhaps all the adventure of the munchkins and the yellow brick road, flying monkeys who were really scary when you think about it and the wicked witch of the west could have been avoided.

Don’t we all have a little bit of Dorothy in us? Running away from one thing hoping to find something better.

Welcome home to Semiahmoo–where

you start looking for a home and you end up with something much greater. From the Championship Arnold Palmer Golf Course to the Semiahmoo sandspit, you clearly know... you’re not in Kansas anymore. I’ve always known there was a better way to practice real estate. A better way to tell the story of the home and the magic of the place. I love this land and sharing its hidden secrets that draw you near and holds you fast. Glenda the good witch had it right all along...

There’s no place like home!

KATHY STAUFFER

Whatcom County...Even when it rains, I shine! Managing Broker 360-815-4718 kathystauffer.com

Notes Contributors

Marilyn Napier Marilyn Napier is a native of Western Washington so it was a no-brainer to take an opportunity to write about the area. She is a senior at Western Washington University and plans to graduate with a degree in news/editorial journalism. Marilyn loves to get outside and explore the Northwest whenever she gets the chance and hopes to continue combining her love for the region with her passion for journalism.  p.26

Featuring Brighton, Glassybaby, Sid Dickens and more!

Zacchoreli Frescobadli-Grimaldi

1134 - 10th Street, Bellingham

360.656.6588 Located next to Fairhaven Village Inn

Zacchoreli grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and has lived in Bellingham with his partner of 17 years and their two zany dogs. He is a Cordon Bleu Chef, has a master’s degree in English Studies from Western Washington University, and is a grant writer for a non-profit organization. He and his partner enjoy wine, traveling and anything that p.87 has to do with the culinary arts. 

Lisa Dills Lisa Dills was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest where she earned her teaching degree from WWU and taught for a number of years in Skagit County. She left teaching to homeschool her two sons and during that time began a photo a day blog project (onedayatatimeinphotos.org) and has never looked back. Lisa continues to make time for her photography while hiking and has even been known to search for Bigfoot on occasion.  p.49

of the

2015

BEST

NORTH

WEST

BRON

Arlené Mantha For Every Room in Your Home.

Jacqueline Scott, AKBD

360.927.4436

jacquie@legacykitchen-bath.com www.legacykitchen-bath.com Certified member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association

10 NorthSoundLife.com

Third generation baker, and professionally trained pastry chef from Los Angeles Ca. Arlené has taught classes for Bellingham Alive’s ‘Meet The Chef’ series as well as the Bellingham Gluten Information Group. Her passion for comfort food and modern aesthetic has manifested itself in her catering company, Twofiftyflora.  p.37

Slate. AN EFFORTLESS FINISH Slate’s matte finish hides fingerprints, holds magnets and goes with just about anything. It’s an easy way to make your kitchen stand out for all the right reasons. Thank you for voting DeWaard & Bode again as Best Local Appliance & Mattress Store of the Northwest!

Exclusively at:

Slate’s matte finish hides fingerprints, holds magnets and goes with just about anything. It’s an easy way to make your kitchen stand out for all the right reasons. 360.733.5900 • www.dewaardandbode.com • Main Showroom: 3944 Meridian St.

| Outlet Center: 4175 Hannegan Rd. Bellingham, WA 98226 | We Service What we Sell!

nsl northsoundlife

Publications Bellingham Alive North Sound Life North End Metro

President/Publisher Lisa Karlberg Editor in chief Frances Badgett Art Director Kelly Slater

ENERGY EFFICENT HEATING AND COOLING FOR YOUR HOME

Associate editor Kaity Teer

Account Executives Babette Vickers | Tina Ruff

Lead Designer Kelsey Wilmore

Graphic designer Billie Weller

inside sales | marketing & Events coOrdinator Devin Winsby

Writers Kyla Rohde | Dan Radil

Contributors Arlené Mantha | Lisa Dills Zacchoreli Frescobadli-Grimaldi

Editorial Assistant Marilyn Napier

Office Management Jenn Bachtel

ProofReader Pat Karlberg

Corporate Office

barronheating.com

K & L Media, Inc. 909 Squalicum Way, Ste. 110 Bellingham, WA 98225

Inquiries & Subscriptions

FERNDALE 5100 Pacific Hwy. (360) 676 1131 12 NorthSoundLife.com

MT. VERNON 3302 Cedardale Rd. (360) 424 4962

Info@northsoundlife.com northsoundlife.com 360.483.4576 x4

Letters to the Editor

NOTES

Say Cheese! I LOVE the article on cheese in the current issue of Bellingham Alive. I had no idea we had so many wonderful creameries around our counties. I have already tried 2 of them each were fabulous. Thank you for continuing to bring wonderful articles and information about the area. I look forward to each and every issue. Sharri Long Great Photos

Great Job! You are doing such a good job with Bellingham Alive. The latest issue is on fleek!

The photography in the current issue of Bellingham Alive is absolutely gorgeous. I love the wine and cheese, and that great fashion feature. It all looks amazing! Jane B., via email

Anne-Marie Faiola Correction: In our Into the Woods fall fashion feature, we neglected to credit jewelry design Jamie Williamsby Grace Designs. Her pieces can be found at Cheeks. We regret the omission.

COLOGNE . COSMETICS . MAKE UP. BATH & BODY

Large Variety! Reasonable Prices! Birch Bay Square Exit 270 off I-5 360 232 1234 perfumvalley.com

Octoberâ&#x20AC;&#x2030;|â&#x20AC;&#x2030;November 2015

Notes Meet a Staffer Every issue we highlight an employee of North Sound Life.

Compassionate · Professional · Local

Tina Ruff Account Executive

At Cascade Hypnosis Center we help people every day do amazing things that have lasting results — like lose weight, remove unwanted habits and behaviors, and feel better.

Hypnotherapist Erika Flint, BCH, CPHI

360.392.8723

CascadeHypnosisCenter.com 103 E. Holly St., Suite 403 • Bellingham

What is your role at the magazine & how long have you been with K&L Media? I joined the team at the start of my favorite season — summer — and this bright, beautiful, and exuberantly warm one has gifted me this new job. I take that as a sign of a warm and welcoming entrance to the new relationships that I will be building in my role as Account Executive. I am so excited about finding the right match for meeting the marketing needs with our local businesses. It is much like arranging a beautiful summer bouquet, adding all the colorful elements to be admired by the beholder. What is your background? Much of my appreciation of seasonal changes comes from being homegrown as a Bellinghamster most of my life. I wouldn’t want to consider leaving a place like this with so much to explore in all four seasons. My first life held a career in Parks & Recreation, which encompassed my love for teaching youth, the outdoors, and hosting year round family activities. With the change of economics in the debate of free verses fees, I took a right hand turn and was introduced to the food and beverage industry. I loved the process of meeting demands for exceptional service and decided to grow with the promise that hospitality is my passion. I learned more about sales and marketing in a very organic way. Finding my ability to become creative with promotional needs and staying up with the current trends has landed me in this full-circle ability to “sell” to my community. What is your favorite part of working for a regional lifestyle magazine? I have been watching this publication grow in style and success over the years

14 NorthSoundLife.com

and I am so excited to be a part of it. Everything is fresh and feeds my hunger for learning more about our community favorites in food, fashion, home & health. There is so much that happens to pull together the publication that I am giddy everyday to see what’s new and show it off to anyone who will put up with me. What are some of your hobbies and interests? In this area, who can find enough time in the day to get it all done? A part of my time is filled with life experiences in great adventures; up in the air, under water, and anything with a “zip” to it. Once the need for speed or adventure subsides, I love to be back at home having to keep up with our country garden that feeds my sweet dog her favorite broccoli and carrots. I love to share the other garden goodies throughout the year as I enjoy hosting family celebrations and to entertain with good friends. 

Semiahmoo

Beautiful homes...both inside and out!

MLS #743181 9132 Wigeon Ct.

$1,495,000

MLS # 781969 $499,000 9525 Semiahmoo Pkwy #A-103

$829,000

$689,000 MLS # 771722 5883 Normar Place

$670,000 MLS # 803437 9117 Shearwater Rd

$449,500 MLS # 831635 8609 Great Horned Owl Lane

MLS # 771315 9094 Pintail Lp.

KathyEven Stauffer when it rains...I shine! Managing Broker | Windermere - Whatcom 360.815.4718 | kstauffer@windermere.com | www.kathystauffer.com

Escape to Riverfront Tranquility at Twisp River Suites

Whatcom County Association of Realtors 2015 President

Cerise Noah

Realtor | Windermere-Whatcom 360.393.5826 cerisenoah@windermere.com

Luxuriously-appointed suites with full kitchens, f ireplaces and screened-in porches. Perfect for couples, families or groups. Steps away from dining and entertainment. Now running off-season rates. Ask about our pet friendly suites!

breakfast included, smiles guaranteed 855.784.8328 | 509.997.0100 140 W. Twisp Ave. |

TwispRiverSuites.com

Thank You to Our Patrons wilsonmotors.com Since 1960

Best Dealership 2015

Lifestyle In The Know · Calendar · Spotlight Artist · 5 Faves

Bob Goodwin WRITTEN By frances badgett

he role of a producer can be a strange one. You begin, as R.W. “Bob” Goodwin did, in the mailroom. You work your way up. You look back at each rung, and see that you have created a ladder that leads into clouds. You keep climbing until you’ve reached some vague sense of the top. But for Goodwin, that linear progression toward some Hollywood Vallhalla wasn’t in those clouds at the top rung — Bellingham was. Goodwin had produced Inside Moves, written by Barry Levinson and directed by Richard Donner. He had produced Star Trek: Phase II. He had also produced a lovely made-for-television movie called The Girl Who Spelled Freedom about a Cambodian refugee in the 1970s who went from knowing zero English to winning the national spelling bee. That was Goodwin’s first shoot in Vancouver, where he saw a lot of possibility for filmmakers long before Vancouver became Hollywood North. With the X-Files gearing up for a big return, it’s hard not to think of our local connection to the groundbreaking show — Goodwin is best known for producing, directing, and writing for the show. But it was hardly a sure bet for him. Goodwin left the smog and glamour of Los Angeles for Bellingham in 1993. He and his wife, actress Sheila Larken (who played Mulder’s mother on the X-Files), settled here and have grown deep roots in our area ever since. continued on page 20

…

LIFESTYLE By the Numbers

8,000

Make.Shift has

square feet of gallery, studio, and performance space. p. 22

Village Books is celebrating years of business in Bellingham. p.32

ArlenĂŠ's Stone Soup simmers for

Poppe's

minutes

360

won Best Cocktail in our annial Best of the Northwest contest. p. 51

Christen Mattix started knitting her line in

2012

Dave Reera's Chocolate Lava Cake requires

18 NorthSoundLife.com

ounces of callebraut chocolate. p. 98

Lasting Image

LIFESTYLE

"I praise the fall: it is the human season." from Immortal Autumn by Archibald MacLeish

October | November 2015 19

…

At the time, their move seemed pretty eccentric to their Hollywood connections. “I had told everyone we were leaving L.A., and everyone — my agent, my lawyer, my friends — thought I’d never work again.” Shortly after his move north, he and Larken were on vacation in London when he got the call from Fox about a new series. He couldn’t refuse. He crafted a very specific aesthetic for the show, with inspiration from the painter Caravaggio, whose painting The Calling of Saint Matthew is the driving aesthetic force behind the unique look of the X-Files. And it was Goodwin’s. “That painting is what I showed the cast, the production designer, the cinematographer, everyone.” The first season was rough. “We had a different director for each episode, and I had to follow them, re-shoot what they messed up and shoot what they missed.” It was an exhausting first season, but Goodwin stuck with the show, and with his vision. “It’s like doing a major movie every eight days.” When outlining the recipe for the success that the X-Files followed, Goodwin points to one underlying theme: talent. He is proud of the great actors, great directors, and a great script with a talented, energetic writer attached to it that created the X-Files world. Chris Carter and Goodwin interacted well, despite what sounds like some pretty heavy tension — Chris Carter would dream up wild scenarios involving large equipment like nuclear submarines or trains, and Goodwin would have to make it happen without being able to rely on special effects. The crew built everything, from box cars to submarines. “A director was in the script room one time, and he asked Chris, ‘But how are you going to do that in three days?’ Chris answered, ‘Oh, don’t worry. Bob will figure it out.’” Only once did Goodwin have to say no to Carter’s wild vision. The two worked well together, and though Goodwin doesn’t miss the stress of running multiple film crews and puzzling through how to make a submarine break through a polar ice cap, he does miss the people. “I miss the camaraderie of working with everyone.” 20 NorthSoundLife.com

After he left the X-Files, he took an offer from his friend Jim Swift to direct Alien Trespass. Swift is the owner of Acme Farms, Rocket Donuts, and Fat Pie Pizza. A fun throwback to sci-fi B movies, Alien Trespass stars Jenni Baird, who has worked in film and television, and Erick McCormack of Will & Grace fame. “I told Jim that people were going to laugh. He said that was okay, so I agreed to do it with him.” But that appears to be Goodwin’s last big cinematic venture. “I never say never,” he said. “But yeah, it’s too stressful.” Through the X-Files and all the work he’s done since 1993, Goodwin has also worked hard for the community. He has taught filmmaking and television production at Western Washington University. He served as the executive director of the Northwest Discovery Project, which was founded in 1992 to create and promote educational opportunities in the area of environmental stewardship. The centerpiece of their mission was the TerrAquarium, a highconcept facility that would give the public access to marine life, both actual and virtual. The giant Orca Auditorium would be a massive virtual display that would immerse visitors in Orca habitat. He is currently on the board of the Bellingham Festival of Music. He is particularly proud of the Festival, and the quality of the musicians that it attracts every year. “Sheila and I have been going since it started in 1993. The first time we went, we couldn’t believe it. Our jaws dropped.” The key ingredient, again, is talent. “Michael Palmer is just so talented, and his orchestra is the cream of the crop. There isn’t a weak link in the group.” His dream is to market the Bellingham Festival of Music to a national — or even international — audience. “We want to build it and create it as a destination event.” Whatever becomes of it, with Goodwin on the team, it’s sure to succeed. He’s brilliant at taking the raw materials and scattered pieces and building something lasting and meaningful. 

Calendar

LIFESTYLE

October & november o c to b e r

5Point Film Festival Kickoff Party Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham October 16, 6 p.m. 5pointfilm.org

Stash Bash Wild Buffalo, Bellingham November 5, 8 p.m. wildbuffalo.net

The Final Days of Melville Malloy by Glenn Hergenhahn-Zhao iDiOM Theater, Bellingham November 12, 7:30 p.m. idiomtheater.com

november

5 november

o c to b e r

Ben Franklin LIVE Spark Museum, Bellingham October 17, 1 p.m. sparkmuseum.org

The Island Chicks Holiday Vintage Market Transit Shed Event Center, Anacortes November 14, 9 a.m. facebook.com/island chicks

o c to b e r

Winemaker Gordy Venneri Dinner with Hellams Vineyard Oyster & Thistle, La Conner October 23, 6:30 p.m. hellamsvineyard.com

o c to b e r

november

Make.Shift Spooky Cover Show Make.Shift Art Space, Bellingham October 30, 7 p.m. makeshiftproject.com

Aha! After Hours: Salvaged Book Event Lightcatcher Building, Bellingham November 19, 5:30 p.m. bisonbookbinding.com

Octoberâ&#x20AC;&#x2030;|â&#x20AC;&#x2030;November 2015 21

Jessica Miller

Wonder Woman Written By Frances Badgett

here’s a new creative energy swirling in downtown Bellingham. Sustainable Connections, the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, and Make. Shift are all harnessing that energy and putting it into projects that benefit the entire county. “I think Bellingham is just ready for these things like the Night Market and the Kapow! presentations at the Mount Baker Theatre,” said Jessica Miller, executive director of Make.Shift. Being ready is just one component of the successes of these new ventures — it's also essential to have bright, creative people like Miller fostering the off-beat and inventive artists at Make.Shift. Growing up near Seattle, Miller was always in love with the art and music scene on the Northwest. She moved to Bellingham to attend Western, worked at KUGS, and wrote the music column for Take 5 and What’s Up. “I’ve always been inspired by Bellingham. It’s such a creative community.” Though she calls herself an appreciator, rather than an artist, she played violin for years, writes, and paints. “But I’m really a facilitator. I like providing a space for the creatives.” And provide, she does. Make.Shift has 8,000 square feet of gallery, art studio, music studio, and 22 NorthSoundLife.com

performance space for local artists to rent at affordable prices. Accessibility for artists is a key piece of Make.Shift’s philosophy, and something that sparks Miller’s passion as well. “We are open and inclusive. There are two artists per space, and all of our spaces are full. We keep our rents cheap, and offer a shortterm lease option.” Miller has overseen the expansion of Make.Shift. They’ve started a radio station, KVWV Radio, which has just moved to a space on Commercial Avenue, and they have taken over the former Maniac Roasting space. “Margot Myers creates boutique fashions and has an etching press. Her business is exciting.” Mark Landvik has also taken a space nearby, filling it with art and crafts from locals, including tribal art. Make.Shift is also partnering with the Whatcom Museum and the Pickford on some major projects, as well as collaborating with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership and Sustainable Connections on the Night Market. “It used to be there were these circles that orbited each other, but there was very little overlap. Now we’re here in the Arts District, collaborating with the Whatcom Museum, and doing some co-shows with them.”

Miller also oversees all the programming at Make.Shift, which is fairly extensive. In addition to Art Walk and their own rotating schedule of musicians and artists moving through the space, they also have a new classroom space, a Battle of the Bands showcase coming up, their annual Holiday Make Sale, their annual Block Party, and a new afterschool workshop for youth called Experience Art Project (or XAP). “We want to have enough access points for people to come in and create.” The work Make.Shift artists produce trends toward the edgy and off-beat, which Miller sees as a complement, rather than a contrast, to other, more established galleries. “The Arts District has this great range of galleries.” Nonprofits run on the passion and dedication of their executive directors, and for Make.Shift, that is doubly true. Miller’s work began with Make.Shift several years ago, when she joined as a board member and volunteer. Now, Miller is in her first year as executive director, she’s bringing a volunteer’s passion and energy to the executive role. For a decade, Miller has been a part of downtown Bellingham, and has seen the landscape shift. Now she’s a big part of the next wave. 

[ Apps We LOve

Color Splash Pocket Pixels $ 0.99 This app converts photos to black-and-white and then lets you select one element for a splash of color. Think a red balloon floating over a blackand-white crowd, or a pink beach chair on a grayscale shore, and you’ve got the idea.

The Shakedown’s Sidebar

The Racket

Drawing Desk Liveperson Free

WRITTEN By Marilyn Napier

ellingham has been enjoying the Philly cheese steaks and great shows at the Shakedown since 2011. This year, the Shakedown has a new neighbor on State Street that is getting a lot of attention — The Racket Bar and Pinball Lounge. The idea was created by The Shakedown owners Marty Watson, Hollie Huthman, and Spencer Willows, who were looking for ways to expand a good thing they already had going. “A lot of music venues in Seattle have side bars where you can hang out before the show or during, and usually have longer hours,” Huthman said. “I thought it would be great to do that here and enhance what we are doing already.” Supplied by the Bellingham Pinball Collective, The Shakedown already had six pinball machines that were a hit. When the spot next to The Shakedown opened up, Huthman, Watson, and Willows took advantage of it. “I remember that moment of realizing that this could be more than just a side bar, that there is this whole other level we could do,” Willows said. The Racket’s pinball lounge features 14 pinball

machines, an arcade table, and a claw machine. Also featured all day are The Shakedown’s famous Philly cheesesteaks and falafels. The Racket’s grand opening was July 5, and the beginning has been promising with the goal of reaching a wide audience. “It’s running and working and people are receptive to it in exactly the way we had hoped,” Huthman said. “With this space, we really wanted it to feel like it was welcoming people across the board.” Huthman said she hopes that The Racket becomes known as a pinball destination and will be around for decades to come. There will be pinball tournaments in the coming year, including one on October 4. “The Racket has appeal all day,” Willows said. “It’s a warm sunny sport during the day and feels really comfortable for lunch, but you also get the feeling that it’s a hip bar at night.” Open 11a.m.- 2a.m. and serving food 12 hours of the day, every day, The Racket is a place worth checking out whether you’re there for the pinball or a place to gather with friends. 

Drawing Desk puts just the right drawing tools in your hands and lets you control the width, color, and medium for your art. Includes a Photo Desk, a Kids’ Desk, a Doodle Desk, and a Sketch Desk for all your artistic needs..

Sketch Master Zhu Yi Free This is a photofilter and sketch app with loads of in-app add-ons. User-friendly and meme-creating, this app makes it easy to play with photos, filters, and techniques.

Perlin Draw Mojocat Free A deeply satisfying, meditative app, Perlin gives you light, sound, smoky waves, and soothing music as your creative tools. Changes in color, line style, shape, and effects require just a single finger-tap.

October | November 2015 23

LIFESTYLE In the Know

Sculpture Northwest Opens Gallery WRITTEN By Frances Badgett

t could be a misnomer to call Sculpture Northwest a sculpture gallery. Yes, they certainly have one in downtown Bellingham on Prospect Avenue, but they are more than that. Under the leadership of George Drake and Deanna Lane — with significant energy and time from a dedicated board— Sculpture Northwest is a hub, a resource center, a community asset unique to our area. “We are the only gallery completely devoted to sculpture from Vancouver, B.C. to Seattle,” said President and C.E.O. George Drake. Drake also donated land to create the Big Rock Garden Park in Bellingham, and has been a community leader for many years. He and his board have an ambitious goal — to create a sculpture presence that draws national and international tourists. In other words, not only is the Sculpture 24 NorthSoundLife.com

Northwest gallery a part of their vision, but the entire four-county region is the greater gallery, the bigger venue. “Our vision is to promote the four counties as an international destination for outdoor sculpture.” The team at Sculpture Northwest is definitely onto something — venues for outdoor sculpture are Ann Morris’s Sculpture Woods on Lummi Island, Wescott Bay sculpture garden on San Juan Island, Big Rock Garden Park and Western Washington University’s campus in Bellingham, the Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden on Camano Island, and the Howe Art Sculpture Park on Orcas. With a growing market and a burgeoning interest in outdoor sculpture, the time is right for venues to work together and share resources. “Things like the Anacortes Art Walk uplift the communities that art is in as well as shares ours with

the greater world — this work is vital,” said Lane. “It’s such a wonderfully ambitious project, and it is completely within reach,” Drake added. Not only are the board and leadership of Sculpture Northwest interested in highlighting local and regional artists, they also have a plan to bring more international voices into the Bellingham art scene. Cuba. Iran. Places that we don’t think of as having vibrant sculptural traditions, but that certainly do. These are also places where cultural dialogue is both needed and appreciated. Sculpture Northwest will begin its second show on September 4 at their new space on Prospect. The theme is Emerge: An exploration of Northwest sculpture. And Emerge seems like the perfect word for Sculpture Northwest as they unveil their bold new plans to make our region a major sculpture destination. 

Lakeway Hotel is now Four Points Sheraton written By Frances Badgett

ou may have noticed when you saw the announcement for Bellingham Alive's Best of the Northwest Party, the Lakeway Best Western is no longer called the Best Western. On October 1, the Lakeway Best Western became Four Points Sheraton. This change follows on the heels of many investments Providence Hospitality Partners have made in the Lakeway location, including a massive renovation, an upgrade of the Chinuk Restaurant, and improvements at Poppe’s 360. Chefs Douglas Metzger and Jacob Hodgson revamped the menu to make it reflect the flavors and cuisine of the Pacific Northwest. Last October, Poppe's 360 underwent a similar revamp, bringing star power to their team with training from Kate Gerwin and Russell Davis, both of Bar Rescue. The guest rooms, indoor pool, fitness center, and lobby were also all revamped and updated. The entrance is being upgraded to reflect the sleek, modern interior of the hotel. The change will bring more jobs to the Lakeway hotel. Part of this upgrade and rebranding is a renovation of the conference spaces, which should be complete in mid-2016. Overall, guests will experience the same great service, with a rewards programs and all the quality the Sheraton name brings. 

In the Know

LIFESTYLE

Kingfisher Craftsmen written by Marilyn Napier

eff Carson and Christine Wallace are no doubt masters of their craft. Working in marine carpentry and shipwright services, the two specialize specifically in wooden boat repair and have just opened their own business: Kingfisher Craftsmen. Carson and Wallace have essentially built their new shop from the ground up. Situated on the Fairhaven waterfront next to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal at 817 Harris Ave., this is a place they can call their own. The couple has decades of experience between them and they really do it all. Everything from custom cabinetry, interior and exterior remodels, to caulking, painting and working on everything from large fish boats to classic motor yachts. Both spent time working on the Schooner Zodiac, a historic 160-foot vessel in Bellingham, before deciding to open their own shop. Their start however wasn’t exactly in boats. Carson and Wallace met years back while working in theatre in Seattle. Wallace was a painter and Carson was a carpenter for Seattle Repertory Theatre. “I found myself ten years ago starting to do the occasional repair on a boat and the next thing I knew it just started growing,” Carson said. “It was kind of this organic growth that just happened, once we moved up to Bellingham boats really just became the focus.” About five years ago they decided to make the move up from Seattle, and

it doesn’t seem like they will be leaving anytime soon. “We never really made the conscious decision to move to Bellingham and open a boat shop, we just decided to move to Bellingham and the rest happened on its own,” Wallace said. Wallace said one of the most exciting parts of Kingfisher Craftsmen for her is the opportunity to bring other partners in and to teach. “The shipwright skill for wooden boats is one that is kind of a dying art,” Wallace said. “I want to pass on that knowledge to people who want to work here and learn the older skills so that the trade continues, that’s important to me.” Carson said he hopes that Bellingham becomes a place on the map that people know they can bring their boats for repair. “Being on the 1-5 corridor, this is an ideal place to bring your boat and we are working hard to let people know Bellingham exists,” Carson said. To say the two love boats would be an understatement. The couple and their teenage daughter live on the marina on a 63-foot 1923 Ex-British Colombian Forestry Vessel, not the kind of home you see every day. “There is a debate sometimes whether or not it’s a passion or a stupidity,” Carson said. Eventually, they hope that their business is established enough to be able to cruise to different parts of the world and take their skills with them.  October | November 2015 25

LIFESTYLE Community

Guild Celebrates 87 Seasons written by Marilyn Napier

he Bellingham Theatre Guild is not just a place for theater. It is also a place people come together to share a love for the arts and, even more so, the sense of a strong community centered around keeping this all-volunteer organization thriving. Now in its 87th consecutive season, The Guild is the longest running community theater on the West Coast, and they have no intention of slowing down. In 1944, the organization moved into what was once the historic First Congregational Church on H Street and has called it home ever since. Built 110 years ago and now boasting standout colors of blue and pink, the beautiful building needs some renovation. The Guild has recently launched a public campaign to raise funds to replace the original foundation as well as install an elevator to improve access. Set construction, ushers, directors, actors, and the board of directors are all there on their own time, and the theater could not run without them. What you will notice about the people in this community is that many, if not most, have been involved in The Guild for decades. The passion for the theater has brought those from all walks of life together. In speaking about the theater, many of them say that it changed their lives. “When I first joined, I heard people say that The Guild was a tight-knit family and transforms people’s lives,” John 26 NorthSoundLife.com

Purdie, who served as president for three years said. “I have now watched that happen first hand.” The Bellingham Theatre Guild has seen its members go on to pursue successful careers in theater including Hilary Swank, who got her early start here. Purdie said one of the unique aspects of a community theater is the opportunity for residents to be able to get involved and perform, even if they never have before. “When we do a show there’s always going to be someone in the show who has never done theater before,” Purdie said. “That is the difference between us and a theater company, every director has an open audition that anyone in town can come out for.” Doug Starcher has spent most of his life in theater, beginning doing stage construction for The Guild 42 years ago and continuing to be involved today, even meeting his wife, Lynn, at The Guild. Starcher said that whether you come and do a show or help maintain the grounds and restripe the parking lot, the people who inhabit this place are a family. “The thing that is most delightful for me about this place is that it is everchanging,” Starcher said. “We just want to secure the foundation for the next 85 years.” The Guild hopes to raise their goal of $900,000 in the next year to ensure their place of residence can support the community far into the future. 

Book Reviews

In the Know

LIFESTYLE

written by Frances Badgett

This is the perfect time of year to make a cup of tea, curl up, and read something wild. Here are a couple of moving, exciting books to keep you company on chilly nights. The Female Complaint: Tales of Unruly Women edited by Rosalie Morales Kearns Shade Mountain Press, 2015

The Fall of Princes by Robert Goolrick Algonquin, 2015

The author of The End of the World As We Know It, Heading Out to Wonderful, and A Reliable Wife, Robert Goolrick is back, and as amazing as ever. His searing novel is about the meteoric rise of a Wall Street player, and his fast ride down. Rooney’s story is the story of the American economy, of addiction and recovery, and of the need for redemption in a pitiless world. Rooney is a poignant figure, a man who missed out on happiness, and is now left to sift the ashes of his life to find something worth saving.

November 14, 7 p.m. David Sedaris

This wonderfully spirited anthology of women, by women, is a needed and energizing force in the literary world. It is packed with gifted writers like Katherine Vaz, Heather Fowler, and Gina Ochsner. These are stories of women who forge their own paths and refuse to play by the rulebook they’ve been handed. Devilishly funny, wildly inventive, and deeply moving, this anthology includes stories of transformation, solidarity, and finding one’s voice in the world

Mount Baker Theatre 104 N. Commercial Ave., Bellingham mountbakertheatre.com Bestselling author and humorist David Sedaris will have you rolling in the aisles of the Mount Baker Theatre in this joint event with Village Books. Sedaris’s humor is both sharp and incisive, and has delighted readers all over the globe. Come see what all the fuss is about. November 16, 7 p.m. Poetry Night with Joseph Green Bellingham Public Library 210 Central Ave., Bellingham blog.poetrynight.org Spoken word poet Joseph Green has also published his own letterpress broadsides of his work. He is a retired college instructor and lives in Longview, WA. His work has appeared in The Bellingham Review, The Threepenny Review, ZYZZYVA, and Willow Springs.

Who knew? Old Town Café Ghosts According to hauntedplaces.org and local folklorists, Old Town Café in Bellingham is home to two ghosts. One of them is a woman who stares out of the upper story windows above the café, the other is downstairs in the cafe. Members of the waitstaff have reported dishes floating in mid-air and the sounds of a piano playing by the front door.

Ghost Hunting 101 In his book The Ghost-Hunter’s Guide to Seattle and Puget Sound, author Jeff Dwyer recommends that a ghosthunter remain quiet, still, and patient. He also recommends that members of the group communicate by hand signals to avoid chasing away their ghostly prey and suggests to leave the iPhone at home — the cellular signal upsets apparitions.

Northern State Hospital Partly because of phobia about mental illness and partly because mental institutions were so inhumane, old abandoned mental hospitals are among the creepiest sites, with or without ghosts. Northern State Mental Hospital in SedroWoolley opened in 1912, and was a center for botched and grisly lobotomies. It is now a rehab center and job corps center, and home to a few ghosts.

Angry Librarian Stern-looking Luella Howard was the first librarian at the Carnegie Library in Anacortes and is memorialized in a mural in the building. Today, the building houses the Anacortes Museum, but Luella still opens and closes the doors, walks along creaky floorboards, and searches for your unreturned library book. Luella apparently creates cold spots and strange sounds.

October | November 2015 27

LIFESTYLE Five Faves

Five Faves

28 NorthSoundLife.com

Museum of Northwest Art (MONA) 121 1st St., La Conner, monamuseum.org Whether exploring the relationship between humans and nature or the sleek, watery world of art glass, NOMA has world-class exhibits from local and regional artists, and a terrific location. Step off the crowded sidewalk in La Conner and into the cool, contemplative galleries filled with fascinating art.

area art museums & galleries

Lucia Douglas 1415 13th St., Bellingham, luciadouglas.com

Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, Lucia Douglas is a quiet gallery with big shows. A great place to see well curated art, to find work to collect, or to just appreciate the gifts of the locals, Lucia is a retreat for those who love beautiful images.

The Jansen Art Center 321 Front St., Lynden, jansencenter.org

Showcasing local artists is a big deal in our area — there aren’t a lot of exhibition spaces, and there are a lot of gifted, brilliant artists working in all media from the Canadian border down throughout Skagit and out on the islands. Not only does the Jansen have exceptional art on display, they host classes, workshops, and studios. The café is excellent, too.

San Juan Islands Museum of Art 540 Spring St., Friday Harbor, sjima.org

The islands have their own special feel, and the San Juan Islands Museum of Art seems to capture that flavor. A combination of buttoned-down relaxation and discerning about art, the SJIM is a beautiful, new addition to the local arts community, and a destination worth the ferry reservation. The exhibitions are thoughtfully curated and fascinating.

Fishboy 617 Virginia St., Bellingham, fishboygallery.com

Enter the dreamworld of bad boy Fishboy, who creates fanciful birdmen and cat-people with such delicacy and skill. Dreamlike and haunting, his paintings are labeled as folk art, but as with many things Fishboy, they transcend labels.

October | November 2015 29

every girls dream shoe closet ... and more!

of the

2015

BEST

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

MON SAT 10-6pm SUN 11-4pm 360.715.2046 1315 RAILROAD AVE Bellingham. WA mymishoes.com

Residential Lending Tools

At Banner Bank, we offer a comprehensive array of home loan products that suit your needs. Call us today to get started!

Carla Lee

Kim Erchinger

Tony Lalonde

Janele Haan

NMLS#: 176752 office 360.752.8286

NMLS#: 507131 office 360.650.5493

NMLS#: 518798 office 360.820.1310

NMLS#: 507139 office 360.354.2578

clee@bannerbank.com

kerchinger@bannerbank.com

tlalonde@bannerbank.com

jhaan@bannerbank.com

Madeleine Roozen Cook

Steve Snograss

NMLS#: 486657 office 360.757.8232

NMLS#: 420700 office 360.255.7090

mroozencook@bannerbank.com

ssnodgrass@bannerbank.com

Member FDIC

Shop Savvy Shopper · Necessities · Around the Sound

Village Books Opens in Lynden written By Marilyn Napier

nyone who lives in Bellingham knows the open, inviting, independent bookstore Village Books and its next-door neighbor, the gift shop Paper Dreams. Village Books is an anchor in the community, functioning as more than just a retail space. It is a gathering place that embodies what Bellingham is about: partnerships, community-building, and being locally focused. The large brick building in Historic Fairhaven houses three floors of new and used books, a café, and a gorgeous glass sculpture by local artist Christopher Morrison. One could spend all day here browsing the large variety of books that were chosen by Village Books’ buyers and staff, and sitting in the separately owned Book Fare Café that overlooks Bellingham Bay. Village Books’ goal is not just to sell books, but to connect with the area and be a place where residents, readers, writers, and visitors alike can have a meaningful experience. …

continued on the next page

…

“We build community and books are how we do it,” said Paul Hanson, general manager and leadership team member. “It’s a wonderful vehicle to bring people, organizations, and individuals together and drives a lot of the decisions we make.” With more than 350 events a year including author events, writing classes, writing groups, book groups, and hundreds of community partnerships, Village Books is no doubt a community asset. Celebrating their 35th year, Village Books and Paper Dreams has come a long way from when owners Chuck and Dee Robinson opened the store, which was only 1,500 square feet and was run by the couple by themselves. Now at ten times the space and with 30 employees, Village Books is expanding its outreach with a new location in Lynden planned to open in mid-November. “We have been sort of overwhelmed by the positive reception we have gotten from the people in Lynden, it’s a pretty exciting thing for downtown,” Chuck Robinson said. Hanson, along with Chuck and Dee Robinson and two other members of the leadership team at Village Books are all involved with the plans for the new location and transitioning to two stores. “We’ve always had a big customer base, we know from our subscribers and book members that a lot of them live on the north end,” Hanson said when talking about their choice to open the store in Lynden. Located in the heart of Lynden, the new location will be part of a remodel of the historic Delft Square building, which will be renamed the Waples Mercantile Building. The building will be oriented toward local businesses, including Village Books and Paper Dreams. There will also be a 35-room inn, a new Drizzle Olive Oil and Vinegar Tasting Room, a new Avenue Bread and a taproom called Overflow Taps. Robinson 32 NorthSoundLife.com

said the inn alone will bring a great built-in audience for the bookstore. The Waples Mercantile Building is now on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been vacant since a 2008 fire. Hanson said the building was built around 80 years ago as a department store and has been an intrinsic part of the community for a very long time, a perfect place for a community bookstore. “It’s an exciting stage right now,” Hanson said. “The new building is retaining its original character with a wonderful historic sense.” The Waples Mercantile Building is built with concrete walls, huge timbers, wooden floors and 19-foot ceilings. The mezzanine floor will have a conference room with windows overlooking the bookstore. This area will be intended as an event space for the community to gather in as a part of the many events and book clubs that Village Books hosts. Hanson said the new location only made sense, as the developers are community-focused, making it a natural continuation of the bookstore’s outreach and to keep and build more local partnerships in Lynden. The Lynden Public Library, schools, and senior centers want to get involved in the new location. “We aren’t even there yet and the community is already embracing us,” Hanson said. Bellingham-based RMC Architects will be designing the new building and have designed buildings throughout Whatcom County including the Lynden Public Library, Marina Square and the Squalicum Boathouse. The renovated Waples Mercantile Building is set to revive downtown Lynden and bring more people to the area. Based on their success in Fairhaven, Village Books, and Paper Dreams is an ideal addition. 

Herschel Pencil case

Necessities

SHOP

$19.99, shop.herschelsupply.com

Black Felt Berret $18.00, urbanoutfitters.com

Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set $16.74, kmart.com

Studio 54 Glassy Baby $44, glassybaby.com

THE ART OF LIVING Who says life isn't beautiful? Embrace your inner Kahlo and draw inspiration from these gallery chic items. Bring a little art into your day.

Artist's Loft Fundamentals Watercolor Set $4.99, michaels.com

Royal Gold Short Handle Paint Brush Set $13.33, amazon.com

Sprz NY Umbrella (Keith Haring) $19.90, uniqlo.com

SHOP

Savvy Shopper

Miss May's Creative Learning Store Written and photographed By Kyla Rohde

Miss May’s Creative Learning Store 403 S. 1st St. Mt. Vernon Tue.–Sat. 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Closed Sun. & Mon. 360.336.5806 missmayscreativelearningstore.com 34 NorthSoundLife.com

THE SHOP Miss May’s Creative Learning Store is located along the Mayberry-like First St. in Mount Vernon. Opened in June 2012, this hotspot for teachers, homeschooling parents, and inquisitive minds alike, brings forth a trove of creative, educational tools for student learning. Offering area shoppers school-related items, from classroom decorations to subject workbooks, to educational toys, Miss May’s is a great source for that perfect mixture of learning and fun. Customers are encouraged to bring their wee ones to play, peruse, take an active role in choosing their educational tools

THE ATMOSPHERE Filled with brightly colored subject books, handson science projects, and chairs strategically placed around the room for impromptu reading sessions, Miss May’s Creative Learning Store incites a sense of excitement and wonder. With its many sources of available knowledge, and smooth classical music playing in the background, it’s difficult not to be inspired.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND What tools are needed to spark a desire to learn? Miss May’s offers an eclectic variety of materials for any learning style that are sure to inspire. For teachers looking to fill their classrooms with brightly colored magnets, posters, and whiteboard borders; parents, turned into homeschooling instructors, searching for workbooks, educational cards and puzzles; and parents and grandparents browsing for fun yet educational games, Miss May’s has them all. While wandering through the shop you’ll find an impressive

Savvy Shopper

SHOP

array of fun, bright, and some even fragrant stickers, colorful charts that help to track educational progress, cards, and games

KEY PEOPLE Each key leader of Miss May’s plays a unique, yet integral role in running the shop. Shop coowner and original visionary, Jana Flanary, brings years of experience running a preschool to the store. Through her passion for learning and experience with formal education, Jana manages the shop and selects the merchandise. Her daughter, shop co-owner Amanda Flanary, provides the retail knowhow and ordering of the products, while son John Howe, with his background in bank management, manages everything financial.

MANAGER's FAVOrite All of the key individuals of Miss May’s venture, Jana, Amanda, and John, share a love for the shop, yet a different appreciation for the merchandise. Jana’s favorite shop items stem from her professional experience. “I like the bulletin board products because that’s what I use.” These include a variety of border sets that offer amusing themes from owls to mustaches. As for Amanda and John, their interests spread in separate directions, Amanda favoring the versatile cut-outs that can be used for ‘scrapbooking as well as teaching,’ and John leaning toward the science section because of the tools that allow for a much more visual, handson experience. If you’re looking for something as simple as a page of stickers or as complex as a chemistry set, complete with test tubes, Miss May’s is the place to go. 

Green Coast Carpentry

Unique Landscape Structures

of the

2015

BEST

NORTH

WEST

BRON

360.224.6872 greencoastcarpentry.com

MeTV available on KVOS and over-the-air on KFFV

wellbeing Menu · Spa Review · Races & Runs · Beauty

Sea and Stone: End of Summer Soup written By Arlené Mantha

he Northwest | In the Northwest, the fall season is as romantic as it gets. Coming off of a ridiculously hot summer full of sun, hiking, and recreating, we took one last jaunt to a little San Juan Island with forty of our closest friends. The Northwest definitely delivers a landscape that is second to none. The Beach camping was stunning, the days were warm and bright, and evenings were cool and crisp. The light from the sun was at a slant, subtly making a shift that will intensify through the winter.

Water The bay water was saltier than usual. The seals and porpoises splashed and played with us as we paddle boarded, kayaked, boated and dropped crab pots over the weekend. We make this trip every year as an annual send-off of summer and a welcome celebration into fall. We do it all — we shuttle people by boat, providing cooking equipment, own drinking water, and, of course, soup ingredients. … continued on page 39

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Music washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life.â&#x20AC;?

(Quote by Berthold Auerbach)

Positive. Uplifting. Encouraging.

Stream | Mobile | praise1065.com

Equipment • 1, 5 Gallon pot • 1 Propane Burner • 1 Long Ladle • 2 Pot holders

…

Soup

Stones

We made a version of Stone Soup, from the children’s fable. This is a soup that we will all be dreaming of for seasons to come. This soup was exquisite and I don’t say this often. And I wondered what made it special — I could only come up two essential components: the love surrounding it and the fresh ingredients. Skill was a part of it, knowing when to add what items and when to take it off the heat etc, but it’s always the care we put into something that makes for a bang-up job. As with all great soups, the ingredients can change, but they they are best when local and in season. This year each person brought one ingredient to add to the community soup, which is symbolic of the unique flavor that each person brings individually to the community as a whole.

Every child brought a personally selected stone from the sea to add. They surrounded the pot with color, linking the children to the ocean and the soup in a way that was personal and endearing. One-by-one, dropping stones of many sizes, they hung onto the edges of their seats waiting to contribute. They key in this step is making sure that each stone is large enough to not get lost in the soup. The stones in the children’s story book (written by, Marcia Brown), are just the starting point for a traveling man to trick a women into creating a soup fit for a queen. The stones for us were a means to bring storytelling into our soup-making, and to add to our soup a piece of history, geology, and memory.

Salt This year’s soup consisted of a Mirepoix (diced carrots, celery, onions), sautéed in bacon fat and une pâte d’assaisonnement — commonly known as seasoning paste — that I made consisting of organic extra virgin olive oil, garlic, sea salts, pepper, garlic, and herbs Provence. This seasoning paste really does its due and allows flexibility with the ingredients in a soup. The paste provides a flavorful broth even if you don’t happen to have any pork belly lying around. Soup as a whole is forgiving, but salt is not. I rely on salt like a trusty best friend, and am equally endlessly mystified by its impact on everything it touches down to its ability to cause utter ruin. Used well, it is undetectable. Used poorly, and it’s unforgiving.

Vegetables | Herbs | Meats After sautéing the Mirepoix, I added the golden potatoes and tossed them over a high heat. Next, I added the sausage (pre-sliced and cooked), the quartered Brussels sprouts, green beans, and close to one bottle of white wine to deglaze. I added the water and bay leaves and brought it all to a rolling boil (one of my all time favorite cooking terms), then dropped the temperature to a stable simmer for about 15 minutes. When the potatoes are tender, add the Brussels sprouts for another 5 minutes with the lid off. I then added the shredded kale for the last 3-5 minutes of simmering. The parsley, basil, and lemon go in once the soup is off the heat — et fin!

People It took four of us to walk this hot pot of fall soup to the other side of our sandy beach where children and friends laughed, dreamed, and watched the sun set in the most vivid color (partly due to the dreadful wildfires happening in Western Washington). We brought compostable bowls, spoons and some soup toppings and enjoyed stone soup on the sandy beach. I have decided during my years as a chef that loving food means loving people and all that comes with the territory. 

Seasoning paste • 1/2 Cup Olive Oil • Course Black pepper (To taste) • 1 Whole Garlic (Small Dice) • 1 Whole Jar of Better than Bouillon Chicken Broth • 1 Tbl Sriracha Salt • 1/4 Cup Sea Salt • 1/8 Cup Grey Salt • 1/8 Cup Black Salt • 1/4 Cup Sumac • 1/4 Cup Cracked Rosemary Sea Salt • 1/4 Cup Herbs de Provence • 5 Bay leaves • Combine in a 2 cup container and seal. Ingredients • 3 Medium Stones from the sea • 2 Cups Bacon Grease • 2 Cups Yellow Onions Diced • 1 Cup Carrots (Small Dice) • 1 Cup Celery (Small Dice) • 8 Cup Golden Potatoes (Small Dice) • 1 Bottle White wine • 3 Gallons Water • 2 Lbs Brussel Sprouts (Quartered) • 12 Sausage Links (Medium sliced) • 4 Cups Green beans or Sugar Snaps (Quartered) • 4 Bunches Varietal Kale (Shredded) • 1 Bunch Flat Leaf Parsley • 1 Bunch Basil • 6 Lemons Soup Toppings • Sprouted Lentils • Red Cabbage shredded thin • Cooked Rice

October |November 2015

WellBeing Calendar

Races & RUNS october

3 25 30

Run Like a Girl Half Marathon Half marathon 9 a.m.  Fairhaven Park, Bellingham runlikeagirlbellingham.org

Run Wild Bellingham Adventure race 10 a.m.  Whatcom Falls Park, Bellingham runwildbellingham.com

Night of the Running Dead Urban adventure run 7 p.m.  Downtown Bellingham skagitrunners.org

november

14 21 21

Fowl Fun Run 5K run & 10K run 10 a.m.  Mt. Vernon Christian School, Mt. Vernon fowlfunrun.skagitrunners.org

Girls on the Run 5K 5K run/walk 9:30 a.m.  Bloedel Donovan Park, Bellingham whatcomymca.org

GBRC Turkey Trot 5K run/walk 9 a.m.  Whatcom Falls Park, Bellingham gbrc.net

december

5 12 31 40 NorthSoundLife.com

Birch Bay Ghost Marathon Mega-half marathon (15.1 miles) & marathon 9 a.m.  Birch Bay State Park, Blaine runningintheusa.com

Jingle Bell Run/Walk Bellingham 5K run/walk & dog trot 9 a.m.  Bellingham High School, Bellingham jbr.org

Last Chance Marathon Half marathon & marathon 9 a.m.  Fairhaven Park, Bellingham runningintheusa.com

Trail Review

WellBeing

The Waterfront Trail Written by Frances Badgett

Length: 0.3-0.5 miles Elevation gain: flat Trail Condition: gravel, sand Directions: The trailhead is off of Roeder Avenue. Park on Bellwether Way behind the Coast Guard Station or at Hilton Street in the small parking lot.

arine industry, wayfinding, public access, view corridors, great trails — these were some of the many goals expressed by the public during the discussions for the reconstruction of the downtown waterfront at the former Georgia Pacific site. This summer, the City of Bellingham and the Port of Bellingham opened the first early action on the waterfront: the ASB Trail, for lack of a better name. ASB stands for Aerated Stabilization Basin, and was a wastewater treatment facility for GP. The flat top of the breakwater serves as an appropriate trail bed. It’s always a pleasure to see a familiar place through new vantage points. Climbing up the fire tower at Sehome Arboretum or biking to the top of the downtown parkade can give you new perspectives on this town you think you know so perfectly. But the beauty is, we as a community are always developing new parks, new access, new lenses through which we can see Bellingham. The new waterfront trail offers yet another cool vantage point, which has been closed off for decades. The history of Bellingham is linked so closely with the development of its waterfront, and we are finally getting a tiny glimpse into the past, and the potential of the future. Though one can begin at C Street, I entered the trail in the Port overflow parking behind Pacific Marine Electric. The trail has that lovely new trail smell — freshly milled lumber and new mulch. Passing boat storage and repair is a glimpse into a marine-driven port, a place where mariners

and fishers mix, mingle, and swap stories. It is very important to heed all the signage about staying on the trail. The Port of Bellingham is in charge of remediation, and this section of waterfront is still as contaminated as it was while GP was in operation. The areas around the ASB and the ASB itself are less of a concern than the other sections of the GP property on the other side of the waterway, but visitors should still use caution. The trail leads you out onto the ASB breakwater, a sight only a few intrepid Huxley students and a handful of activists have seen in the past decade. For an urban trail, it’s fairly narrow, so take caution if biking or traveling in a group. As long as you train your eyes to the right, you’ll take in some lovely views of the Bellwether Peninsula and Lummi Island. Looking left, you’ll gaze into the vast basin, broken pipes, old sheet metal, and strange weirs. The trail is soft, compact dirt with some sandy sections. As you approach the outer edge of the breakwater, you discover the view — on a clear day, a hundred miles down the sound, from Lummi to the Olympics. Islands unfold, one-after-another, in a beautiful display of what is magic about the Pacific Northwest. Turning the corner, you then gaze upon the old GP site, realize just how big that gigantic Horizon Line boat is, and you begin to get a sense of the connection of the Whatcom Waterway to downtown. And then it stops. The Port is set on the marina, and this is the spot in the breakwater where they want to cut to create one, preventing this from becoming a loop trail. Until then, there isn’t a lot to keep you from moving forward other than a low-slung No Trespassing sign that others before you have clearly ignored, though it would be irresponsible of me to suggest you should just step over the chain and keep moving. If you do, you’ll get a clear picture of the geography of the waterfront everyone has been talking about, from the much-contaminated Log Pond to the giant digester building to the shipping terminal. And from here you see the connection between this piece of our history with our historic downtown, a connection we’ve all missed for so long. 

WellBeing Special Advertising

October: A good time to consider breast health Written by Glenn Garo, MD

s of yet, there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in this country. Even so, there are clear steps women can take to reduce their risk. And October, which is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is the ideal time to take them. One key safeguard is for women to maintain a healthy weight, especially in midlife and later. After menopause, most of the hormone estrogen in a woman’s body comes from fat cells. Estrogen can spur the growth of many breast tumors, and being overweight or obese can raise breast cancer risk. Women may be especially vulnerable to breast cancer if extra pounds settle on their waist, rather than their hips and thighs. These additional steps may help women reduce their risk for breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS):

42 NorthSoundLife.com

• Avoid alcohol. Drinking is clearly tied to a heightened risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, your risk increases the more you drink. • Be active. A growing body of research indicates that exercise lowers breast cancer risk. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week. • Carefully weigh the pros and cons of hormone therapy. Hormone therapy that uses both estrogen and progesterone can increase breast cancer risk in as few as two years of use. The use of estrogen alone after menopause does not seem to raise the risk of developing breast cancer. If a woman and her doctor agree that hormone therapy is necessary to ease bothersome menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, it is best to take the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Since breast cancer can develop even with these precautions, the ACS advises women to have yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as they are in good health. Regular mammograms (breast x-rays) can detect cancer in its early stages and give women a head start on potentially lifesaving treatment. If you have a heightened risk of breast cancer — for example, if you have very dense breasts — ask your doctor if you need additional screening tests, such as an MRI scan. 

When one person beats cancer, we all feel better. Early detection of breast cancer allows treatment to begin before cancer has grown or spread, saving thousands of lives each year. Regular mammograms are key to ďŹ nding lumps early. Schedule your mammogram today.

BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP

NORTH WEST

GOLD WINNER

TWO LOCATIONS Best Kids Birthday Party

Best Family Friendly Activity

360.676.1210

3927 Northwest Ave.

and

360.738.0333

BEST of the

2015

BEST

NORTH

WEST

VOTED BEST CLOTHING STORE Thank you to all our consignors and shoppers of Labels Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Consignment. We love being a part of this community!

2332 James St.

LOCALLY OWNED AND LOCALLY GROWN SINCE 2004

Penny Lane

Antique Mall THANK YOU for voting Penny Lane Antique Mall Best Antique Store 3 years in a row!

2015

e of th

2015

T S BE

H T R NO

T S WE

Winners The results are in! Our readers have voted on their favorite businesses, services, restaurants, stores, spas and more, from Blaine to Anacortes. Looking for the go-to places to get the perfect haircut or find the best dentist? Look no further.

Best Casino

Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa Silver: Skagit Valley Casino Bronze: Swinomish Casino and Lodge From casual to fine dining, from slot machines and one-armed bandits to blackjack tables, the Silver Reef is the favorite gaming and resort destination for a reason — the gaming areas are staffed with friendly folks, the bar serves up some of the best drinks in Whatcom County, and the Events Center keeps it hopping with great live acts and sporting events. The Cigar Lounge is a great place to unwind at the end of the evening before heading to your room — the luxury accommodations are a great place to unwind after a long night of carousing. •• Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, 360.383.0777, silverreefcasino.com

Arts

& Entertainment

Best Live Theater

Mount Baker Theatre

Make.Shift

Silver: The Neighborhood Playhouse Bronze: Spectrum Dance Theatre With nationally important live acts like Joni Mitchell and Penn & Teller as well as locally relevant concerts like the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra, the Mount Baker is more than just a concert hall — it’s the heart of the Bellingham Arts District, and a landmark building that defines downtown culture. Constructed in 1927, the MBT also houses the Harold and Irene Walton Theatre, a more intimate space for productions and meetings, and the Encore Room for small performances and private parties. •• Mount Baker Theatre 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

46 NorthSoundLife.com

Best Gallery

Make.Shift Silver: Allied Arts Bronze: Jansen Art Center What began as a place for musicians to affordably record and perform, Make.Shift is now home to the greatest archive of local music known to the planet, some amazing shows of local art and photography, and the best block party in town. When KVWV went looking for a home, Make.Shift was there. Every year, Make.Shift grows and adapts to the needs of local artists and musicians, nurturing our lively arts community. •• Make.Shift 306 Flora St., Bellingham makeshiftproject.com

2015

Spark Museum

Best Festival

Best Live Music Venue

Northwest Washington Fair

The Wild Buffalo

Silver: Ski to Sea Bronze: Northwest Raspberry Festival

Silver: The Green Frog Bronze: Boundary Bay Brewery

The camels, Demolition Derby, wild rides, and fried butter are practically family traditions in Whatcom County. Combining the best of good old fashioned family fun and new acts, show-worthy livestock and high-flying rides, the Fair is the place to be in late August. Great for kids, fun for adults, the Fair is the most-anticipated event in our area every year. •• Northwest Washington Fair 1775 Front St., Lynden 360.354.1315, nwwafair.com

With a nice big dance floor, great drinks, fun local events like 90s Night and Funk Mondays, and national acts that are well worth the admission, the Wild Buffalo keeps everyone hoppin’. A great place to kick off your week or dance away the weekend, the Buff has something for everyone, every night of the week. •• The Wild Buffalo 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net

Best Museum

Best Local Artist

Spark Museum

Vacationeer

Silver: Whatcom Museum Bronze: The Lightcatcher

Silver: Lara Carter Bronze: Spaceband

A great place to explore the underpinnings of modern science, the Spark houses a Tesla Coil, a Theramin, and lots of hands-on activities that explore early technology, sound waves, and communication. The museum’s centerpiece is the MegaZapper, a 100-volt machine that shoots arcs of purple lightning through the air. Participants that are 18 and older can be “zapped” in the lightning cage after the show. Spark also hosts educational programs, seminars on robotics, and is home to KMRE radio. •• Spark Museum 1312 Bay St., Bellingham 360.738.3886, sparkmuseum.org

Atmospheric and spare, Vacationeer is a mix of indie and electronica with a mellow, minimalist sensibility. Their EP Chances is released on vinyl, and has the open, watery feeling of an afternoon in a garden. Appropriate, as they recorded a live set for Bellingham SoundCheck at the Zen Living Cooperative in September, 2014. You can watch the duo grooving among the bamboo and koi on YouTube. Or, better yet, go see them live. You won’t regret it. •• Vacationeer vacationeer.bandcamp.com

Kitchen & Bath Design Furniture & Interior Design Home Design | New & Remodel

of the

2015

BEST

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

Gold Winner 5 consecutive years!

Award-winning Residential Design Jan Hayes, CMKBD â&#x20AC;˘ Thea Stephens, CAPS, CGP

2015

Food &

mount bakery

Drink

Best International Cuisine

Best Bakery

Soy House

Mount Bakery

Silver: Asian 1 Bronze: Mykonos

Silver: Dutch Mothers Family Restaurant Bronze: Great Harvest Bread

Tony and Angie Nguyen have brought the flavors of their native Saigon to Bellingham, and aren’t we lucky for that? Soy House offers fresh, delicious appetizers and entrees with carefully prepared ingredients. The Pho, spring rolls, and stirfried noodles are amazing, and our readers agree. The downtown location has ample space for large parties and lots of free parking — a rarity for Bellingham. •• Soy House 414 West Bakerview Rd. #112, 360.393.3585 400 W. Holly, Bellingham, 360.393.4857, soyhouserestaurant.com

Whether you’re in for a cup of tea or coffee or enjoying a full breakfast, the European feel of Mount Bakery is always welcoming and delightful. From buttery, flaky, perfect croissants to delicious quiches and crepes, Mount Bakery creates some of the best baked goods in town. Mount Bakery has added a location in Fairhaven for extra convenience. •• Mount Bakery 308 W. Champion St., 1217 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.715.2195, mountbakery.com

October | November 2015

The Black Drop Best Coffee

The Black Drop Silver: Woods; Bronze: Cruisin’ Coffee

Best Steak

The Steak House at Silver Reef Silver: Dirty Dan’s Steakhouse Bronze: Cliff House Executive Chef Tom Hull and his team at The Steak House create the perfect dinners, from mouthwatering appetizers to, yes, the most amazing steaks. The dinner begins with Hull’s team sourcing the best aged beef they can find, then carefully preparing them with just the right temperature, taste, and texture. The results are amazing. The atmosphere is elegant and intimate, the wine list is deep, and the service is some of the best in Whatcom County. •• The Steak House at Silver Reef 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 866.383.0777, silverreefcasino.com

Best Burger

Boomers Drive-In Silver: Fiamma Burger Bronze: Bob’s Burgers and Brew Offering more than a dozen innovative and amazing styles of burger (pizza burger, anyone?) Boomers has been a favorite of Bellingham families for decades. It’s not hard to see why — great burgers piled high with fresh ingredients all for a great price. Their shakes and waffle fries are amazing, too, just so you know. Whether you dine-in or have charming carhop service, Boomers has your burger. •• Boomers Drive-In 310 N. Samish Way, Bellingham 360.647.2666, boomersdrivein.com 50 NorthSoundLife.com

The Black Drop is a family affair. Owners Stephanie and John Oppelaar have been part of the Drop for years, and they have retained several longterm employees — a testament to their commitment to doing the right thing. Their coffee and espresso are made from beans roasted by Maniac Roasting, owned by former Black Drop owners, Teri Bryant and Alexarc Mastema. The Level 10 Fireball will solve any crisis in your soul. Stephanie has taken to baking all of the treats (gluten-free and vegan options) for the shop, a huge and inspiring task at which she has succeeded so beautifully. The Black Drop 300 W. Champion St., Bellingham, 360.738.3767, blackdropcoffeehouse.com

Best Italian

D’Anna’s Café Italiano Silver: Mambo Italiano Bronze: Guiseppe’s Al Porto Fresh pasta is just a different beast from whatever comes out of a bright blue box, and D’Anna’s is proof. But quality at D’Anna’s doesn’t stop with the perfect al dente noodles — the sauces are rich and aromatic, the entrees like pan-seared Ahi tuna are perfectly prepared, and even the little side salads are incredible. The atmosphere is the perfect balance of intimate and casual, and the service is quick and friendly. D’Anna’s is a great place to gather with friends and mangia. •• D’Anna’s Café Italiano 1317 N. State St., Bellingham 360.714.0188, dannascafeitaliano.com

2015

POPPE’S 360

Best Mexican Restaurant

Best Happy Hour

Jalapeños Family Mexican Restaurant

New York Pizza

Silver: Lorenzo’s Bronze: El Gitano Whether you choose to dine by the water at the original Jalapeños at the head of the Whatcom Waterway, or the rooftop deck in Fairhaven, or the bright, spacious dining room at Barkley, a meal at Jalapeños is always a feast, and always delicious. And if you aren’t accompanying your meal with one of their signature margaritas — the Big Mama or the Big Papa — you are missing out. •• Jalapeños Family Mexican Restaurant Various locations in Bellingham, 360.671.3099, jalapenos-wa.com

Silver: Anthony’s HomePort Bronze: Keenan’s at the Pier With ample parking, gluten-free options, an extensive menu, and great deals, NYP won the hearts of our readers this year. There are several food options available for less than you normally spend on a drink. And the drink specials are great, too. With a comfortable, casual atmosphere, NYP is a great place to gather with friends and blow off some steam. •• New York Pizza 902 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.733.3171, nybarandgrill.com

Best Bar & Lounge

The Temple Bar

Best Cocktail

Silver: Daphne’s; Bronze: Uisce Irish Pub A favorite place to settle in with a happy hour special and a good friend (or companion), Temple Bar has the perfect atmosphere for lingering over drinks. Their craft cocktails and seasonal dishes are incredible, and the staff is knowledgeable about just the right drink and food pairings. It’s also a versatile space — if you want a lively bar, a quiet corner, or a table for ten of your best friends, there is a place for you. Owner Chelsea Farmer does an amazing job keeping the Temple classic and inviting. •• The Temple Bar 306 W. Champion St., Bellingham, 360.676.8660, templebarbellingham.com

Poppe’s 360 Silver: Temple Bar Bronze: Daphne’s Poppe’s 360 is crafting some stellar cocktails, from a classic martini, to a great old fashioned, to amazing creations of their own. Always inventive and tasty, Poppe’s works with fresh ingredients, including bitters and juices made there at the bar. This great team simply can’t make a bad drink, and our readers think that’s a great thing. •• Poppe’s 360 714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham, 360.746.6476, bellinghamrestaurant.com

October | November 2015

mmaguire@mollymaguirela.com (36O) 542-4O52

Thank you for your votes!

chetandjess.com 360.676.9229 THREE GENERATIONS SELLING WHATCOM COUNTY

ARE YOU IN PAIN? we can help, the Natural Way Body aches & Pain Old injuries Headaches Motor vehicle accidents Work, sport and play injuries OF THE

SILVER

of the

2015

BEST

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

Thank you to all our loyal clients for their continued support over the years, we are thrilled to be recognized year after year and could not do it without you!

Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Mt Vernon, Anacortes and Everett 360.671.1710 | Naturalwaychiro.org

2015 Best Takeout

Best Chopsticks Silver: Busara Bronze: Lakeway Teriyaki Delicious, fresh Chinese takeout can be tough to find in Bellingham, where Thai and sushi reign supreme. But Best Chopsticks is always there, a reliable standby when going out feels too much like work and there’s no food at home. With a comprehensive menu that includes all the favorites, Best Chopsticks has something for everyone. •• Best Chopsticks 121 Unity St., Bellingham, 360.647.2831, bestchopstick.com

Kulshan brewery

Best Brewery

Kulshan Brewing Company Silver: Boundary Bay Bronze: Wander Brewing

Best Sandwich

Not being a pugnacious town, Bellingham doesn’t engage in brawls over which beer is the best — rather, we celebrate all the breweries. With new breweries opening all the time, the Bellingham Tap Trail cheering them on, we are pretty beer-crazy in this town. And hopheads love Kulshan. Stop by K2, their new additional taproom.Complex beers with lots of depth and gravity, Kulshan really seems to understand what makes a great beer. And our readers agree. •• Kulshan Brewing Company 2238 James St.; 1538 Kentucky St., Bellingham, 360.389.5348, kulshanbrewery.com

Silver: Old World Deli Bronze: Café Rumba

Avenue Bread

Maybe it’s the delicious crisp-tangy Bahn Mi, or the dripping, delicious reuben, or one of their amazing eggenue breakfast sandwiches, but whatever brings us all back over-and-over, we’re grateful. Avenue added burgers to their repertoire recently, and they are brilliant. •• Avenue Bread 2301 James St. 1919 Railroad Ave.; 1135 11th St., Bellingham, 360.715.3354

Best Fish & Chips Best Dessert

Pure Bliss Desserts Silver: Cupcakes Like it Sweet Bronze: Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt The name kind of says it all at Pure Bliss. Rich, creamy cakes, amazing cookies, and beautiful confections, Pure Bliss corners the market on all things baked. The shop itself is a beautiful Parisianinspired café, and it’s a great place for a date night or a girls’ night out. Chef Andi Vann ensures that every bite at Pure Bliss lives up to its name, and our readers agree. She also creates artful and delicious wedding and special occasion cakes. •• Pure Bliss Desserts 1424 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 360.739.1612, pureblissdesserts.com

Anthony’s at Squalicum Harbor Silver: Web Locker Bronze: Fairhaven Fish & Chips The Anthony’s chain has been going strong throughout our area, and it’s not difficult to see why. Their restaurants are open, airy, and the food is of consistent quality. The fish and chips are no exception: crispy, tender filets of your choice of halibut or cod served with a side of delicious golden fries. Anthony’s mission is to bring fresh, sustainably caught fish from the ocean to your table, and their fish and chips reflect that kind of quality. The excellent service, extensive drink menu, and gorgeous waterside views are a bonus. •• Anthony’s at Squalicum Harbor 25 Bellwether Way, Bellingham, 360.647.5588, anthonys.com

Best Pizza

La Fiamma Silver: Goat Mountain Pizza Bronze: Tino’s Pizza and Pasta Wood-fired and flamekissed, Fiamma’s pizzas are topped with amazing sauces and farm-fresh ingredients. Their lunch special is a real deal: a personal pizza and salad for under $10. Favorites include the Sophia, the Fiona, and the Finn, not to mention their amazing seasonal specials that are as delicious as they are creative. La Fiamma is a fun, family-friendly place. The outdoor seating is perfect for a warm evening. •• La Fiamma 200 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham, 360.647.0060, lafiamma.com

Best Sushi

Blue Fin Sushi

Providing the finest in banking solutions since 1923

Julia Parker

Troy Wills

Market Area Manager

Customer Sales & Service Manager

Randi Axelsson

Jami Peterson

Universal Banker

Local Lenders • Local Decisions • Local Focus

Interactive Teller Machine M-F 7:00am - 7:00pm Member FDIC

Learn More > ourfirstfed.com > 800.800.1577

Silver: Wasabee Sushi Bronze: Zen Sushi Sushi is one of the pricier meals out, so it has to be good. It has to be absolutely fresh, tantalizingly plated, and perfectly delicious. Lucky for us, Bellingham has a great selection of sushi bars and restaurants for those who love their fish fix. For our readers, the delicious and beautiful, jewel-like food at Blue Fin wins the gold. This is not a terrible category to try to judge — who doesn’t want to eat all the best sushi all the time? •• Blue Fin Sushi 102 S. Samish Way, Bellingham, 360.752.2583, bluefinbellingham.com

2015

Deli’cious mischief

Best Winery

Best Food Presentation

Dynasty Cellars

13moons

Silver: Coach House Cellars Bronze: Vartanyan Estate Winery

Silver: The Fork at Agate Bay Bronze: Keenan’s at the Pier

Quiet, unassuming Dynasty Cellars hides among the warehouses and light industrial manufacturers of Iron Gate, but what an amazing wine. Deep, complex, and exceptionally crafted, this is a local you must get to know. Owner Peter Osvaldik came to the U.S. from the former Czechoslovakia, and he and his family work the unpretentious and newly expanded tasting room. Each tasting features their current wines and a cheese plate. •• Dynasty Cellars 2169 E. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, 360.758.2958, dynastycellarswine.com

The artful presentation at 13moons reflects the time and attention Chef Daniel Van Norman and his team spend on each dish. That attention extends beyond presentation, as the food at 13moons is some of the finest in the area. Not only is the food beautifully prepared, Swinomish Casino and Lodge has its own fishing boat, so the seafood is always perfect. We’ve invited these folks for two Meet the Chef evenings for a reason — they are exceptional at what they do. And our readers agree. •• 13moons 12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes, 855.794.6563, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com

Best Distillery

Bellewood Acres’ Bellewood Distilling

Best Food Truck

Silver: Chuckanut Bay Distillery Bronze: Mt. Baker Distillery

Deli’cious Mischief

Owners Dorie and John Belisle are the first farm-to-table distillers in Washington State, using the bounty of their orchard, locally grown berries, and Washington grains. They craft their spirits in small batches in hand-made Vendome distilling equipment from Kentucky. A trip the distillery is more than just a visit to a tasting room — the orchards, café, and farm store make this a worthwhile destination. Bellewood also hosts lots of events throughout the year, including live music and farm-to-table fare. •• Bellewood Acres’ Bellewood Distilling 6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden, 360.318.7720, bellewooddistilling.com

Silver: Hot Mess Bronze: JT’s Smokin’ BBQ Bellingham is low on deli offerings, so an operation like Deli’cious Mischief is more than just another food truck — it’s a staple. Serving up classics like corned beef sandwiches, thick cut ham and Swiss, and bratwurst, Deli’cious Mischief is always a welcome sight around town. Pair with a nice beer at one of the many breweries who invite them to park, or hunt them down — you won’t be sorry. Friendly, clean, and delicious, Deli’cious Mischief is our readers’ favorite for good reason. •• Deli’cious Mischief Various locations, 360.220.3662

October | November 2015

Health & beauty community food co-op

Best Health Food Shop

Bellingham Community Food Co-Op Silver: Terra Organic and Natural Foods Bronze: Super Supplements With two locations and a new downtown bakery, the Bellingham Food Co-op is the center for food-conscious shoppers. Whole products, organic produce, great natural supplements, excellent wine selection, artisan cheeses, and diet-inclusive options like vegan and gluten-free items make this one-stop shopping for all things healthy, a favorite for our readers. The deli serves up freshly prepared salads and entrees, and the new bakery is a wonderland of fresh baked goods. The Co-op is owned by its active, engaged members, who ensure its continued excellence. •• Bellingham Community Food Co-Op 1220 N. Forest Ave., 315 Westerly Rd., 360.734.8158, communityfood.coop 56 NorthSoundLife.com

Best Spa

The Chrysalis Inn and Spa Silver: Bella Body & Sol Bronze: Zazen Salon & Spa Bellingham has no shortage of spas, and it can be difficult to sort among them to find the very best. Our readers choose The Chrysalis regularly, and it’s easy to see why — The Chrysalis offers professional service and an excellent range of treatments in a warm, soothing setting. Whether you’re up for a warm stone massage or a mani-pedi, or a full-on day of wraps, mud, and massage, The Chrysalis has everything you need. •• The Chrysalis Inn and Spa 804 10th St., Bellingham, 360.756.1005, thechrysalisinn.com

2015 Best Mani-Pedi

Best Yoga Studio

Happy Nails

3 OMS

Silver: Jimmy’s Personal Care Bronze: The Chrysalis Inn & Spa

Silver: Yoga Northwest; Bronze: Flow Motion Classes at 3 OMS start at any level, at convenient times. The professional team at 3 OMS teaches several different levels, in many different practices, with one goal — to meet your yoga needs. As their website states, “Come as you are. Let yoga meet you there.” If you’re a hesitant beginner, don’t be — the staff will make sure you feel at home, getting the greatest benefit for your level of ability. If you’re a long-time practitioner who wants to push a bit more, they have you covered. With options for private lessons or group classes, you can tailor your routine to fit your needs. They also offer a discount to newbies — an eight-day trial with unlimited classes for $20. What a steal! •• 3 OMS 1210 Bay St., Bellingham, 360.671.3510, 3omsyoga.com

For our readers, Happy Nails is the place for picture-perfect fingers and toes. Need to update your look? Happy Nails can help. They also offer a wide array of nail services like filling, coating, overlay, removal, and more. Not only do they do a great mani-pedi, they also provide waxing services at a very reasonable rate. •• Happy Nails 117 N. Samish Way, Bellingham, 360.671.7836, happynailsbellingham.com

Best Fitness Center

YMCA Bellingham Silver: Bellingham Fitness Bronze: Bellingham MMA Dedicated to the emotional and physical health of Whatcom’s citizens, the YMCA offers classes, youth programs, a huge climbing wall, lots of recreation, sports leagues, and much, much more. Compared to most gyms, the membership rates are reasonable, and the options for a good workout are many — a pool, a weight room, lots of equipment, and an excellent range of classes. The YMCA has lots of youth enrichment, including Girls on the Run, Adventure Camp, and the YMCA childcare center. •• YMCA Bellingham 1256 N. State Street, Bellingham, 360.733.8630, whatcomymca.org

Best Personal Trainer

Lenny Olson, Bellingham Fitness Silver: Hunter Clagett, Bellingham MMA Bronze: Katie Hillmon, Joy of Pilates Lenny is a pro wrestler who has traveled the world. As head personal trainer at Bellingham Fitness, he’s a favorite among our readers. According to his followers, the “The Godfather” of Bellingham Fitness, ensuring that whatever your fitness goals, Lenny will get you there.

3 oms yoga

October | November 2015

Jake’s healthbarbershop & beauty

Best Men’s Salon

Best OB/GYN

Jake’s Barbershop

Bellingham OB/GYN

Silver: V’s Barbershop Bronze: Wally’s Barbershop Edgy, cool, and offering a Pabst tall boy for every customer over 21 years old while they wait, Jake’s is the go-to for the folks of downtown Bellingham. The edgy vibe doesn’t mean they aren’t professional — Jake’s is an affordable shop with stylists who have decades of experience working the clippers and doing magic. Walk-ins are welcome, which is great, because their location is so central to downtown, and so very convenient. •• Jake’s Barbershop 121 Magnolia St., Bellingham, 360.715.3698, jakesbs.com

Best Eye Care

Northwest Eye Clinic Silver: Vision Plus; Bronze: Fairhaven Vision Clinic In operation since 1952, Northwest Eye Clinic is a trusted source for eye care for Bellingham. Whether screening for diabetes, seeking treatment for glaucoma, or just getting a new pair of specs, the team at Northwest will take excellent care of you. Not only are they eye professionals, they also have a full on-site optical shop with all the latest styles. •• Northwest Eye Clinic 3015 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, 360.733.4800, northwesteyeclinic.com 58 NorthSoundLife.com

Silver: Diane Arvin, PeaceHealth Bronze: Julianne Snell, Barkley Women’s Health Affectionately referred to as BOGA in Bellingham, Bellingham OB/GYN offers respectful, patient-centered care. They provide a full range of obstetrics and gynecological care, including fertility, pregnancy, and routine exams. The doctors of BOGA make a great team, and our readers agree. •• Bellingham OB/GYN 3200 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, 360.671.4944, bellinghamobgyn.com

Best Pharmacy

Healthy Living Center Silver: Hoagland Pharmacy Bronze: Haggen The Healthy Living Center has been an important part of the pharmaceutical landscape in Bellingham for years. While you need a med card to participate in their services, the HLC is friendly and professional. They offer appropriate treatment for many ailments, from anxiety to the side effects of cancer treatment. Their medical menu includes flowers, edibles, concentrates, vapes, and more. •• Healthy Living Center 2118 James St., Bellingham 360.779.3904, healthylivingcenterwa.org

VOTED BEST GYM & PERSONAL TRAINERS 6 YEARS RUNNING!

2015

BEST of the

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

1730 N. State St. • Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-1600 • BellinghamFitness.com

1 WEEK FREE NO OBLIGATION TRIAL MEMBERSHIP

ALL CLASSES INCLUDED! ZUMBA, YOGA, ETC. Expires 11/1/16. With this coupon only. Must be 18 years old, a first time visitor, and live or work in Whatcom county.

1215 Old Fairhaven Pkwy, Bellingham 360.715.1052 | salonbellissimabellingham.com

of the

Thank you for voting! We love our loyal clientele!

2015

OF THE

BEST

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

SILVER

Best Naturopath

Dr. Emily Sharpe, ND Silver: Dr. Joseph Wessels Bronze: Bellingham Natural Family Medicine Though Doctor Sharpe can treat most patients, she specializes in menopause, PMS, gynecology, fatigue, and gastrointestinal difficulties. In areas where some doctors are limited — like vague symptoms — Dr. Sharpe is focused and determined, putting the patient at the center of the care, not the illness. Her practice often includes lifestyle and nutritional counseling in addition to medical treatment, creating a holistic approach to women’s health. •• Dr. Emily Sharpe ND 107 F. St., Bellingham, 360.734.1560, doctorsharpe.com

KAUR LOUNGE

Best Dentist

Dr. Faith Bult Silver: Scott Clough, DDS; Bronze: Catherine Smith, DDS Dr. Bult has a welcoming practice and she offers a commitment to excellence in care. Her staff is professional and friendly, and her patients are thrilled with the service they receive. Dr. Bult lives in Whatcom County along with most of her extended family and her (famous) dog, Boca. She isn’t just a great dentist — she’s also a generous supporter of many nonprofits in the area. •• Faith Bult 405 32nd St., Bellingham, 360.715.3333, drfaithbult.com

Best Medi Spa

RejuvenationMD Silver: Hecht Aesthetic Center Bronze: Kucumber Skin Lounge Dr. Tianna Tsitsis and her team at RejuvenationMD provide excellence in physicianprovided treatments. Staying apace of the latest trends in aesthetic care, Dr. Tsitsis provides laser treatments, sclerotherapy, CoolSculpting, fillers, hydrofacials, and more. •• RejuvenationMD 25 E. George Hopper Rd., Burlington, 360.982.2620, rejuvenationmedspa.com

Best Orthodontics

Cummins Orthodontics Silver: Yeh Orthodontics Bronze: Dr. Michael Schoff Dr. Cummins has been giving Bellinghamsters something to smile about for more than a decade. He provides a range of services, from standard braces for kids to complicated oral treatments for adults. A former Navy dentist, Dr. Cummins is very accomplished in his field, having published six articles on orthodontics for peer-reviewed journals. His friendly team put patients at ease. •• Cummins Orthodontics 2550 James St., Bellingham, 360.676.1900, cumminsortho.com

60 NorthSoundLife.com

Best Hair Salon

Kaur Lounge Silver: Salon Belissima Bronze: Argyle Salon The experienced team at Kaur can take care of all your salon needs, from standard haircuts to lash extensions and facials to blow outs and hair removal. Located in the sweet Sunnyland neighborhood, Kaur has a loyal clientele and a big following among our readers. Friendly and professional, Kaur is a great place to get your beauty needs met. •• Kaur Lounge 2125 James St., Bellingham, 360.306.5317, kaurlounge.com

Best Retirement Facility

Best Chiropractor

The Leopold

Natural Way Chiropractic

Silver: The Willows Bronze: Parkway Chateau

Silver: Olson Family Chiropractic; Bronze: Performance Health NW

Centrally located in downtown Bellingham, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and movie theaters, the Leopold is a locally owned and lovingly run facility. The building is formerly a hotel where Clark Gable and many other celebrities have spent time there. They offer services from independent retirement living to assisted care. The ballroom is a classic. •• The Leopold 1224 Cornwall Ave., 360.733.3500, leopoldretirement.com

When your neck or back needs attention, you can’t waste time shopping for just the right chiropractic provider. Luckily, you don’t have to. With convenient locations from Lynden to Everett and a friendly, professional staff, Natural Way can take care of all your aches and pains. •• Natural Way Chiropractic 2000 North State St., Bellingham, 360.671.1710; 1943 Main St., Ferndale, 360.384.1396, 102 Grover St., Lynden, 360.354.9900, naturalwaychiro.com

Best Family Practitioner

Bellingham Bay Family Medicine Silver: Dr. Craig Moore, PeaceHealth Bronze: Dr. John Hiemstra, Lynden Family Medicine As part of the Family Care Network, Bellingham Bay Family Medicine offers a positive healthcare experience by ensuring the best healthcare possible for their patients. Trust is important when choosing a family practitioner, and our readers certainly trust the doctors of Bellingham Bay Family Medicine. •• Bellingham Bay Family Medicine 722 North State St., Bellingham, 360.752.2865, familycarenetwork.com

2015

Best Physical Therapist

CorePhysio Silver: Bob Peeples, PT Bronze: Lynden Family Physical Therapy Specializing in sports, spine, pelvic health, and upper core rehabilitation, CorePhysio works with you to ensure that your treatment is adequate and appropriate. They use manual therapy, testing your joints and range of motion to get just the right treatment for your needs. They also host workshops and demonstrations to help patients with ongoing issues. •• CorePhysio 1514 12th St., Bellingham 360.752.2673, corephysiopt.com

The leopold

October | November 2015

GREENhouse Best Garden or Nursery

Garden Spot Silver: Kent’s Garden and Nursery Bronze: Joe’s Gardens Whether you’re planting a beautiful arrangement of containers or going full-on beds, Garden Spot can help you with all your ornamental and edible plants and vegetables. They also offer classes, field trips, and other programs as part of their community outreach. The helpful and professional team at Garden Spot is always on hand to help you with your questions, and their selection is unbeatable. •• Garden Spot 900 Alabama St., Bellingham, 360.676.5480, garden-spot.com

Best Landscape Design

Private Gardens Design Silver: Cascade Design Bronze: Molly Maguire Landscape Architecture Experts in both contemporary landscaping and blending in with historical structures, Private Gardens Design is a great place to start your next big project. From redoing a little section of your yard to a major overhaul, PGD has the tools and expertise to design a perfect paradise for you. The designers at Private Gardens Design specialize in permaculture, a system of design that incorporates sustainable, long-term, environmentally sound practices. •• Private Gardens Design 1609 12th St., Bellingham, 360.752.1333

Best Landscaper

GlacierScapes Landscaping

Home & garden Best Architect

Zervas Architects Silver: Carpenter Architects Bronze: Dave Christensen Architectural leaders in our area since 1961, Zervas Architects has designed many signature buildings in our area, including the remodel of the Bellingham International Airport, the Pickford Film Center, and the Lynden City Hall. Their work blends traditional and modern sensibilities into a unique, Northwestern aesthetic. They work on private residential projects as well as large-scale public buildings. •• Zervas Architects 209 Prospect St., Bellingham, 360.734.4744, zervasgroup.com

Silver: Windwood Landscape Bronze: Pacific Lawns GlacierScapes specializes in complete landscape packages, including hardscape, softscape, lawn, wetland mitigation, water features, and more. Their process is centered around you — the customer — as they create a vision with many options to match your budget and time frame. They offer a one-hour free consultation to get you going, and most of their landscaping services are in-house. •• GlacierScapes Landscaping 104 Ohio St., Bellingham, 360.305.4470, gslndscpng.com

62 NorthSoundLife.com

Best Place to Buy Furniture

Samuel’s Furniture Silver: Wilson’s Furniture Bronze: Ashley’s Couches, kitchen dining sets, bedroom suites, the perfect lounge, the ideal lamp, Samuel’s has it all. The friendly and helpful staff are quick to help you find just the right piece at just the right price. Samuel’s specializes in more traditional pieces, but they carry some contemporary styles as well. •• Samuel’s Furniture 1904 Main St., Ferndale, 360.384.3388, samuelsfurniture.com

2015 Best Home Decor

Best Kitchen and Bath Designer

Greenhouse

Domistyle

Silver: Grandiflora Home and Garden Bronze: Hobby Lobby

Silver: Tanna By Design Bronze: Legacy Kitchen and Bath

Whether you’re shopping for the perfect wedding gift, a dinner table for eight, or just the right plates for holiday entertaining, Greenhouse has you covered. Browsing among their top-quality home a items, you’ll find brands like Le Creuset, BODUM, and Wusthof. On their website, Greenhouse describes themselves as “A spirited collection for the home” and that’s an apt description — this is not a sterile housewares store, this is a warm, inviting space with loads of options for creating a special place of your own. As a bonus, friendly associates on hand to help you with anything you might need. •• Greenhouse 1235 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 360.676.1161, greenhousehome.com

Jan Hayes, principal designer at Domistyle, has spent more than 25 years designing for customers who need beautifully functional spaces. A member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Hayes adheres to the highest standard of design and customer service. Her interest in design began with her passion for cooking. Thea Stephens, designer at Domistyle, is also a cooking enthusiast. Her interest in design comes from a desire to shape color, light, and space into special places in the home. Together, these two make great design possible. •• Domistyle 5115 E. North St., Bellingham 360.756.0296, domistyledesign.com

Best Interior Design

Tanna Edler Best Real Estate Agent

Jason Loeb, Windermere Silver: Kathy Stauffer Bronze: Tony Strong, Windermere Jason’s patient, generous with his time, and energetic without being overbearing. Always treating homebuyers with his personal attention, he’s a favorite among our readers. Whether you’re a seasoned homebuyer or a first-timer, Jason can take care of all your needs. •• Jason Loeb Windermere 515 W. Bakerview, Bellingham, 360.305.6917, windermere.com

Silver:Domistyle Bronze: FishTrap Creek Tanna Edler of Tanna By Design is a K & L house favorite for her fresh, innovating interiors. She is also a hit with our readers, who vote her Best of the Northwest on a regular basis. Her work is in both residential and commercial interior design, and she is most noted for being fun and easy to work with, bubbling with great ideas, and dedicated to the customer’s vision. Each of her interiors involves plenty of personal details and touches. •• Tanna Edler Yakima, 509.225.9214 Snohomish, 425.737.1193 tannabydesign.com

Best Builder

Moceri Construction

Best Hardware Store

Silver: Franklin Corporation Bronze: Chuckanut Builders

Hardware Sales

Moceri specializes in custom residential, renovations, and commercial projects. They also work on nonprofit projects, including the Pickford Film Center, the Boys and Girls Club, and Northwest Youth Services. Not only are they popular among clients in the home construction business, they are also cherished colleagues, working with some of the best architects in the area. Owner Paul Moceri has been building in Whatcom County since 1975. He and his wife, Susan Porter, make a great team. •• Moceri Construction 1013 Donovan Ave., Bellingham 360.671.3381, mocericonstruction.com

Silver: Ace Hardware Bronze: WFC/True Value With more than 50 years in the hardware business, Hardware Sales has absolutely everything you need for a home project, no matter what the size. Known for their incredible selection and personal service, the staff at Hardware sales will always take the time to help you figure out how to expand your dormer or hang your gutters. Centrally located, staffed with great people, and chock full of tools and sundries, Hardware Sales is our readers’ favorite. •• Hardware Sales 2034 James St., Bellingham, 360.734.6140, hardwaresales.net

October | November 2015

kids

fairhaven toy garden

The Best Family-Friendly Activity Best Toy Store

The Neighborhood Playhouse

Fairhaven Toy Garden

Silver: Perch and Play Bronze: Trampoline Zone

Silver: Yeager’s Sporting Goods; Bronze: Launching Success Learning & Toy Store Marble races, gear puzzles, wooden blocks, and costumes, oh my! Fairhaven Toy Garden has an incredible selection of beautiful, handcrafted toys. Designed to engage kids’ sense of wonder and creativity, as well as to spur intellectual development, the offerings here are exceptional. Whether your little one is 2 months old or 12 years old, there is something for them here. •• Fairhaven Toy Garden 1147 11th St., Bellingham, 360.714.8552, fairhaventoygarden.com 64 NorthSoundLife.com

Lizanne Schader and her husband Jerry McGarity came to Bellingham in 2001, and realized there wasn’t a theater specifically for young people. Together, they created The Neighborhood Playhouse, which holds a summer drama camp, produces plays like A Year With Frog and Toad, Charlotte’s Web, and Go, Dog, Go!. Children in grades K-12 can participate in both stagecraft and acting. •• The Neighborhood Playhouse 2524 Victor St., Bellingham 360.961.2213, neighborhoodplayhouse.com

2015 Best Childcare

Generations Early Learning and Family Center Silver: Bellingham Childcare & Learning Bronze: Boys & Girls Club Located in the ground floor of Mount Baker Care Center and Summit Assisted Living, Generations is unique to Bellingham — a childcare center that integrates senior residents into the daily lives of preschool children. Even without the intergenerational component, this program is staffed with gifted teachers, a top-flight staff, and administrators who work hard to support the families involved with the school. But the intergenerational program is no doubt what makes this center very special. And it’s clear, with their years of winning this category, that our readers agree. •• Generations Early Learning and Family Center 2901 Connelly Ave. B101, Bellingham, 360.752.6336, intergenchildcare.com

Best Preschool

Loving Space School Silver: Generations Early Learning and Family Center Bronze: Gabriel’s Art Kids Abby Franklin started Loving Space in 1993 to create a fun, healthy, and positive place for kids to learn and play. Their preschool is for ages 3-5, and works on a half-day schedule. They encourage curiosity, exploration through play, and social development. With a caring staff and a supportive family community, Loving Space also hosts the separate but complementary Programs to Lighten the Lives of Adults and Youth (PLLAY). PLLAY offers parental enrichment programs and seminars inspired by the Loving Space curriculum. •• Loving Space School 1200 Ellis St., Bellingham 360.676.1355, lovingspaceschool. wordpress.com

boys & girls club Best After-School Program

Boys& Girls Club of Whatcom Silver: YMCA Bronze: Gabriel’s Art Kids The school day ends at 3:00, but most parents in a dual-paycheck household don’t get home until at least 5. Enter the after-school program, a place where kids can learn, play, socialize, and relax with safe adult supervision until mom and dad get home. The Boys and Girls Club of Whatcom has activities for all age groups and areas of interest. •• Boys& Girls Club of Whatcom 1715 Kentucky St., Bellingham, 360.527.9777 2015 Cherry St., Ferndale, 360.384.0753 8800 Bender Rd., Lynden, 360.354.9959, whatcomclubs.org

Best Kids’ Birthday

Perch & Play Silver: Trampoline Zone Bronze: Bellingham Sportsplex Indoor playspace and café Perch & Play has several spaces for making a kid’s birthday very special. Their staff will help with face-painting, leading a craft activity, and serving food, so you don’t have to shoulder the stress yourself. With different packages at approachable prices and a playground that can’t ever get rained out, Perch & Play is our readers’ favorite for the third year in a row. •• Perch & Play 1707 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.393.4925, perchandplay.com

October | November 2015

city dogs

pets

Best Pet Store

Clark Feed & Seed

Best Boarding Kennel

Silver: The Pet Stop Bronze: Bow Wow & Woofs

Hyline Hotel and Training for Dogs

Stuffed to the gills (hah!) with fish, tanks, supplies, dog food, cat treats, and whatever else your pet may need, Clark is a Bellingham institution. Located centrally on Railroad Avenue in downtown Bellingham, Clark is the go-to store for natural pet care products. Whether you’re stocking a koi pond or getting Rover a month’s supply of food, Clark is our readers’ recommendation. •• Clark Feed & Seed 1326 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, 360.733.8330

Best Doggie Daycare

Silver: Northwest Kennels Bronze: Three Schips and a Girl Hyline has spacious condos and an experienced team to keep your pup happy and free from stress while you vacation. They offer a range of services, from grooming to obedience. For an additional fee, they can tailor their hours to your needs, and they provide loads of socialization and playtime. Dogs are taken out 5-6 times a day, sometimes more. •• Hyline Hotel and Training for Dogs 1014 E. Hemmi Rd., Everson, 360.398.0174 hylinehotel.com

3 Schips and A Girl Silver: Tails-a-Wagging Bronze: Hyline Hotel and Training for Dogs Pronounced “skip” as in a schipperke (a lovely dog breed), 3 Schips is a convenient doggy hotel. The overnight Canine Lodge offers pups 24-hour care, including ample play time, one-on-one attention, and plenty of space, so doggies don’t get stressed. 3 Schips takes canines that are 25 pounds or lighter for overnight stays. They also offer (as room allows) doggie daycare, and package deals with prepaid options. 3 Schips is conveniently near the Bellingham Airport, so you can drop off Fido on your way out of town. •• 3 Schips and A Girl 4775 Aldrich Rd., Bellingham, 360.927.6033, 3schipsandagirl.com 66 NorthSoundLife.com

Best Dog Trainer

Cedarwoods Silver: Thinking Dog, Laura Berger Bronze: Hyline, Kathi Seaman The trainers at Cedarwoods are experienced in the world of dog obedience. Offering classes for different levels of obedience, off-leash classes, doggie daycare, and more, they can educate you on how to handle your dog. Whether you start with basic obedience, or you’re going in for a tune-up, Cedarwoods can help you communicate with your pup. •• Cedarwoods 6497 Woodlyn Rd., Ferndale, 360.384.6955, cedarwoods-k9.com

Best Veterinarian

Fountain Veterinary Hospital Silver: Maplewood Animal Hospital; Bronze: Fairhaven Veterinary Hospital The doctors at Fountain Vet are deeply caring and kind. They take their time in examining their four-legged patients, and they speak to the puppy and kitty parents in plain language so they know what to expect without having to cut through medical terminology. A friendly office that is deeply pet-centered, Fountain Vet is one of the best around. •• Fountain Veterinary Hospital 2430 Meridian St., 360.733.2660

Best Groomer

City Dogs Silver: Happy Pooch Bronze: Dog Gone Gorgeous Full grooming, bathing, shaving, whatever your pup needs to look fabulous, City Dogs can handle it. They are experts in keeping pooches calm while clipping and dipping, and they offer a self-wash on Sundays. Not only will your doggy be handled with loving care, City Dogs also offers luxury shampoos, clippers, tooth-brushing supplies, and more for rent or purchase, so you can maintain that freshfrom-the-salon look. Stress-free grooming is a big deal for dogs and owners alike, and City Dogs gets it right. •• City Dogs 711 E. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.756.9515, citydogsgrooming.com

romance & outings oyster dome

Best Date Night

Best Park

The Upfront Theatre

Boulevard Park

Silver: Uisce Irish Pub Bronze: Fairhaven Outdoor Theater; Honorable Mention: Saturday They say that one of the sexiest traits in a partner is their sense of humor, making the Upfront date night central. The atmosphere is dark, intimate, candlelit, and super romantic. Or as romantic as pratfalls and physical comedy can get. Which is pretty damn romantic, if you think about it. Not only is it a great place to see improv, luminaries like owner Ryan Stiles frequent the stage. •• The Upfront Theatre 1208 Bay St., Bellingham, 360.733.8855, theupfront.com

Silver: Whatcom Falls Park Bronze: Lake Padden Park Home to some of the loveliest water and island views in town, Boulevard is a favorite among joggers, walkers, strollers, and bicyclists. The playground was refurbished in recent years, making it a popular destination for the under-ten set. Woods Coffee makes a nice place to watch storms wash over the shore, and nearby Taylor Dock and the surrounding trails make for a lovely day. A great place for whatever park activities you enjoy. •• Boulevard Park 470 Bayview Dr., Bellingham cob.org

Best Wedding Venue

Lairmont Manor

Best Hike

Silver: Evergreen Gardens Bronze: Hotel Bellwether

Oyster Dome

Beautiful and historic Lairmont Manor has a gorgeous indoor space for at least a hundred guests, seasonal tents for the perfect outdoor reception, a gorgeous garden, and plenty of staging and prep areas (including a kitchen) to make your special day perfect. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, and the photo opportunities are numerous. The only hitch in your plans is that it books quickly during wedding season, so hurry up. But you won’t be disappointed if you book here. •• Lairmont Manor 405 Fieldston Dr., Bellingham, 360.647.1444, lairmontmanor.com 68 NorthSoundLife.com

Silver: Fragrance Lake Bronze: Skyline Divide Local efforts to save Blanchard from private development have been largely successful, and lucky for us, we get to reap the reward by hiking to Oyster Dome without having to side-step bulldozers. The view from Oyster Dome is one of the classic panoramas of our area, and not to be missed. Oyster Dome can be a pretty stiff climb for the uninitiated, but so worth the views, you might not even feel it. •• Oyster Dome Milepost 10, Chuckanut Dr., Bellingham

BEST

Mount Baker

WEST

of the

NORTH

Silver: The San Juan Islands Bronze: Deception Pass Originally known as Komo Kulshan, Mount Baker is our own neighborhood volcano. A relatively new mountain (only about 100,000 years old), Baker is the third-highest peak in Washington State. Mount Baker also has a ski area, and lots of backcountry for hiking, camping, and trekking. Though it has not erupted much in its recent history, there is the occasional off-gas from Sherman Crater, suggesting that something major this way comes. Until then, enjoy!

2015

Favorite Northwest Destination

GOLD

Timeless Quality, Reliable Installation and Upright Service.

Best Golf Course

Shuksan Silver: Sudden Valley Bronze: Bellingham Golf & Country Club Set along the rolling hills around Ten Mile Creek, Shuksan is a golfer’s paradise. The terrain varies from steep ridges to gentle meadows. The course is challenging, with breathtaking views from all eighteen holes. A course that is perfect for all playing levels, Shuksan never disappoints. •• Shuksan 1500 E. Axton Rd., Bellingham, 360.398.8888, skuksangolf.com

360.656.6579 or 360.961.4918 | 873 Hinotes Court A2 | Lynden, WA 98264

RussellsWindowCoverings.com

services WWU Best Financial Advisor

Best House Cleaner

Frank Ellars, Edward Jones

Chickadee House & Garden Helpers

Silver: Matt Nichols, Edward Jones Bronze: Nicole Burdick, Waddell and Reed

Silver: Ecofriendzy Cleaners Bronze: Victoria’s Cleaning Service

Those who plan weather economic storms and sudden squalls better than those who don’t. For those who want to plan well, Frank Ellars is our readers’ choice. Thoughtful, steady, and caring, Ellars will determine how much risk you want to absorb, and create a financial plan that works for you. •• Frank Ellars, Edward Jones 1633 Birchwood Ave, suite 101., Bellingham 360.527.1414, edwardjones.com

Chickadee does way more than clean houses, though if you need it, they do that, too. But they will do meals, party prep, baking, gardening, clerical work, pet sitting, animal care, and much more. Trustworthy and friendly, Chickadee can do a little for you — or a lot. •• Chickadee House & Garden Helpers 1511 E. Illinois St., Bellingham, 360.510.3646, facebook.com/ chickadeehouseandgarden

Best Bank

Best Tailor

Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU)

Tommy the Tailor

Silver: People’s Bank Bronze: Bank of the Pacific

Silver: Sew & Sew Bronze: Amy’s Alterations

Technically not a bank, WECU is a community-oriented nonprofit financial institution offering low or no fees on most banking activities, and excellent rates of return on savings and other interest-bearing accounts. Credit unions are also noted for excellent customer service, and WECU is no exception — the personal care is top-notch. The big downside to a lot of credit unions is the hurdle of getting a membership — but in Bellingham, WECU is open to new members all the time. •• Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU) 600 E. Holly St., Bellingham 360.676.1168, wecu.c

Tommy is a legend in Bellingham for a reason — he is precise, careful, fast, and respectful of your needs. Whether you’re going in for a quick nip or a major overhaul, Tommy is experienced and professional — he can handle any size job. •• Tommy the Tailor 1307 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.650.9196

70 NorthSoundLife.com

Best Mechanic

Bellingham Automotive Silver: Harmony Motorworks Bronze: Joe’s Automotive Getting the right mechanic for your car takes a good amount of research and a big investment of trust. Luckily, our readers have sussed out the best for you, so you don’t have a painful trial-and-error experience. And our readers really like Bellingham Automotive. They receive rave reviews all over town for their excellent customer service and integrity. •• Bellingham Automotive 5116 Hannegan Rd., Bellingham, 360.676.5200, bellinghamautomotive.com

Best Place to Work

Western Washington University Silver: Barlean’s Bronze: Transition Bikes Academics, administrators, and staff are treated well at the school on the hill. Good salaries, a distinguished working environment, views of the bay and islands from most of the campus, great access to public transportation, and a great benefits package make Western a great place to work. •• Western Washington University 516 High St., Bellingham 360.650.3000, wwu.edu

fashion & retail

labels Best Men’s Clothing

Best Women’s Clothing

Gary’s

Labels Consignment

Silver: Macy’s Bronze: Men’s Wearhouse

Silver: Sojourn Bronze: Buffalo Exchange

It’s a challenge for men in Bellingham to find elegant menswear, but thanks to Gary’s, it’s not impossible. Gary’s provides area men the right shoes, sport coats, jeans, pants, and ties with brands like Tommy Bahama, 7 for All Mankind, and Agave. The friendly staff is very skilled in demystifying shopping for area men and helping them create just the right look. Gary’s has been bringing fashion to Bellingham since 1978, and they are going strong. •• Gary’s 128 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.733.2180, garysbellingham.com

It has happened that maybe sometimes people spill coffee all over their clothes at lunch. Panic sets in until such people remember that Labels is right nearby. Serving up excellent women’s fashions that are carefully curated by the staff, Labels is the go-to store for name-brand clothing that won’t bust up your wallet. They also have lots of options for occasion clothing, jewelry, shoes, and other accessories, so you can build an outfit — or a wardrobe — in a single visit. •• Labels Consignment 2332 James St.; 3927 Northwest Ave., Bellingham, 360.676.1210, labelsconsignment.com

72 NorthSoundLife.com

2015

penny lane antique mall Best Consignment Shop

Labels Consignment Silver: Consign Northwest Bronze: Wee Ones Reruns As other consignment shops come and go, Labels remains a force in the local shopping scene. They only accept wearable clothing (no gross stains allowed) and gently worn items, ensuring customer satisfaction. With cute vintage housewares and great bargains, Labels is the best place to get designer goods at bargain prices. Labels reigns supreme. •• Labels Consignment 2332 James St.; 3927 Northwest Ave., Bellingham, 360.676.1210, labelsconsignment.com

Best Antiques

Penny Lane Antique Mall Silver: Aladdin’s Antiques and Records Bronze: Fairhaven Antiques Siblings Lyndsey and Matt Berglund grew up around antiques, and they know their business. Dizzying shelves are lined with figurines, plates, lunchboxes, and all the toys you played with as a kid. All of them. More than just a place to find tchotchkes, Penny Lane also is a great source for mid-century furniture, valuable collectibles, and rare antiques. And it’s a huge hunting ground, too — perfect for the antique enthusiast who likes to search for, dig up, and uncover treasures. •• Penny Lane Antique Mall 427 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.671.3301, pennylaneantiquemall.com

Best Jewelry

Fairhaven Gold

Best Sporting Goods Store

Silver: Megan Lee Designs Bronze: Jewelry Affair

Yeager’s Sporting Goods

Designer Goldsmith Bill Lynch began his career in 1972, and has kept a shop in Fairhaven since 1989. He creates dazzling handcrafted jewelry using old world techniques and the finest stones and materials. From custom work to his own designs, Lynch crafts each piece with utmost care and artistry. He also offers a full range of services, including repair and restoration. •• Fairhaven Gold 1302 12th St., Bellingham, 360.733.4667, fairhavengold.com

Silver: REI; Bronze Dave’s Sports Shop With an extensive — one could say exhaustive — collection of outdoor products, hunting and fishing gear, kayaks, camping equipment, skis, snowboards, marine equipment, and apparel for each of these activities, it’s kind of surprising that Yeager’s also has an excellent kitchen section and a great toy area. The kitchen section is dedicated to canning, preserving, cast iron cooking, mason jars, and other traditional cookware, as well as some modern items. And Toyland carries Calico Critters, Melissa and Doug, Lego, and Playmobil. So whether you’re planning to duck hunt or get a rubber ducky for the bath, Yeager’s is your place. •• Yeager’s Sporting Goods 3101 Northwest Ave., Bellingham 360.733.1080, yeagerssportinggoods.com

October | November 2015

village books Best Bookstore

Village Books Silver: Henderson’s Books; Bronze: Michael’s Books A great day in Bellingham starts with a few hours at Village Books. Owned by Chuck and Dee Robinson (though Dee has retired from day-to-day operations), Village Books is the literary locus of our area. The store is host to writing groups, book discussion groups, and live readings. The shelves are lined with recommendations from the very knowledgeable staff, who are also on-hand to aid in your bookish needs. The separately owned Book Fare Café is a nice place to curl up with your new purchases and spy on local writers hammering out their masterpieces. Or you can just enjoy the view. Either way, Village Books is a vital part of Bellingham, and our readers agree. •• Villiage Books 1200 11th St., Bellingham 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com

Best Craft Store

Dakota Art Stores Silver: Michael’s Bronze: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store Fine purveyors of art and craft supplies for area artists, Dakota carries paints, canvasses, brushes, paper, and more. Dakota also has a classroom for workshops, demonstrations, and their open figure drawing classes. They’ve been in Bellingham since 1994, and have some additional locations in Mount Vernon and Seattle. Dakota also has a great selection of children’s art and craft supplies for your budding Rembrandt. •• Dakota Art Stores 1322 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham 360.676.8918, dakotaartstores.com

We wish to congratulate all the winners and thank our readers and fans for voting this year. Because of you, this year’s Best of the Northwest is a huge success.

Best Shoe Store

2015

Mi Shoes Silver: Hilton’s Shoes; Bronze: 12th Street Shoes Chic and stylish, Mi Shoes is a great place to pick up a distinctive pair of shoes. Michelle Bouma opened Mi Shoes in 2005, bringing designer brands like Miz Mooz, Bed Stu, Seychelles, Sixty Seven, and Blowfish to Bellingham shoppers. In addition to great shoes, Mi Shoes also has excellent accessories to complement your beautiful new shoes. •• Mi Shoes 1315 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.715.2046, mymishoes.com

Best Grocery Store

Community Food Co-op Silver: Haggen Bronze: Safeway For the freshest in organic produce, the finest whole foods, and the best shiny new deli in town, our readers awarded the Community Food Co-op with first place this year. The Co-op is more than just a grocery store — the membership-owned store is also a community center, hosting meetings, classes, and events. •• Community Food Co-op 1220 N. Forest St.; 315 Westerly Road, Bellingham, 360.734.8158, communityfood.coop

Best Produce

Joe’s Gardens Silver: Youngstock’s Bronze: Bellingham Farmers Market Joe Bertero brought seeds from Genoa, Italy and started Joe’s Gardens in Bellingham in 1933. Since then, Joe’s has provided our area grocers, chefs, and consumers organic produce that is picked at peak ripeness. Spring, summer, and fall are the high seasons, with veggie starts and fruit trees available for sale in early spring, a bounty of produce for sale throughout the summer, and a giant fall harvest. In Bellingham, Joe’s has become synonymous with quality, local, organic produce. •• Joe’s Gardens 3110 Taylor Ave., Bellingham 360.671.7639, joesgardens.com

Best Appliance Store

DeWaard & Bode Silver: Judd & Black Bronze: Best Buy Shopping for new appliances is exciting — all those features and styles to choose from, all those different functions to explore. The experienced team at DeWaard and Bode can

joe’s garden help immensely with knowledge about what appliances and mattress best match your needs and budget. Carrying name brands like Kitchen Aid, Maytag, Frigidaire, and Bosch, DeWaard and Bode has everything you need. •• DeWaard & Bode 3944 Meridian St.; 4175 Hannegan Rd., Bellingham, 360.733.5900, dewaardandbode.com

Best Auto Dealership

Wilson Motors Silver: Roger Jobs Bronze: Northwest Honda When it comes to buying a car, our readers choose Wilson Motors over all other dealerships. Excellent service, honest salespeople, and a friendly team of mechanics and staff make Wilson a standout. Winner of the 2014 Large Business of the Year award from the Whatcom Chamber of Commerce, Wilson specializes in Nissan, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and Scion. •• Wilson Mercedes-Benz 1100 Iowa St., Bellingham, 888.676.0600 Wilson Nissan: 1516 Iowa St., Bellingham 888.865.6614, wilsonmotors.com

Best Electronics Store

Best Buy Silver: TD Curran Bronze: Reference Media Best Buy offers a huge selection of appliances and electronics and plenty of inventory, so they rarely sell out of your most-needed iPhone. With services like Geek Squad and free in-store pickups for online purchases, Best Buy is a convenient, no-frills way to buy electronics. Regular low prices and frequent sales also make it a budget-conscious choice for consumers. •• Best Buy 4281 Meridian St., Bellingham 360.715.0008, bestbuy.com

October | November 2015

Who are We?

Art

Invitational Welcome to Bellingham Alive’s first annual Art Invitational. We invited artists to express their sense of community, whether a literal community of neighbors and friends, or a huge sense of mankind, or a more abstract community — that of creativity, of art itself. The response is stunning — thank you to everyone who submitted work, and to the artists represented here who shared their work with us. We bring you Sharon Kingston’s bold digital art, Christen Mattix’s beautiful yarn installation — her “knit line” that stretched across Bellingham in bay blue — and Rita Foster’s intricate expressions of what it means to be in the community of humans, of hands and veins and skin, of touch and feel and reach. We celebrate all of these artists who are celebrating community in their own ways.

Drawing Rita Foster Rita Foster has spent the last decade producing drawings in the medium of charcoal pencil on toned paper surfaces with an emphasis on musculature and portraits. What sets her work apart from others is her line work — it has been said that the figures almost appear as though they have been wrapped in gauze. Rita’s publications include The Art of Man Edition 17, Drawing and Sketching Secrets Readers Digest, and The Art Model’s Handbook. To view more of her work please visit her blog where her most recent pieces are posted for sale. She accepts commissions.

Tendons ‘Tendons’ 2014 Wolff’s Carbon & General’s White Charcoal Pencils on Dark Gray Canson Mi-Teintes Paper 11x17”

Lara carter Lara Beth Carter is an entrepreneur and artist from Bellingham Washington. She became interested in art as a child, she even remembers the first time she started drawing. She had to draw a self-portrait in kindergarten, and looking back on that mess of lines, colors and fangs, she can see why she fell in love with art and drawing. She went out of her way to learn all she could about art since that moment, and continues to do so even today.

Fisherman in Psychedelic Fisherman, waiting for fish.

78 NorthSoundLife.com

Acrylic Painting Helen harris Helen Harris majored in art in high school, art education in college, and later studied art in workshops. She taught art wherever she was: with preschoolers, junior high students, Bellingham Senior Activity Center, privately with various groups and currently with individuals. Currently, her paintings are of Whatcom County scenes. She has a tremor in her hands and finds acrylic paint easier to handle.

July Wetlands This was one of 12 monthly paintings I made of a wetlands at the north end of Cordata. It was early on a still morning, with the promise of a beautiful summer day in Bellingham. Safe Harbor I spent quite a while at Squalicum Harbor looking for a boat to paint and suddenly there it was! I love the pattern of the poles and docks and the boats had character.

sherry shipley Art has been a major part of Sherryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life ever since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Her first love of painting wildlife and scenery has benefited from her experience at the Art Institute of Seattle. What better place to draw her inspiration from than the beauty of the Pacific Northwest? I like using the bright colors and flow of liquid acrylics to achieve my signature look and design in my paintings of animals, scenery and flowers.

SNOW GEESE acrylic on Canvas 20x24 The fields turn white in the winter with thousands of snow geese and trumpeter swans that settle over Skagit valley for the winter. I was inspired to capture them in my paintings. Each piece started with a drawing on the canvas segmenting the design of the birds like pieces in a stained glass picture and painting each with a mix of pastel colors using liquid acrylics.

October | November 2015 79

Oil painting Ann chaikin Ann Chaikin grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and currently lives in Bellingham, Washington. She painted and drew as a child but had to give up her art in order to have time for school, family, and work; and for photography and music, her other two creative passions. Ann began to paint again in 2005. She is an active member of the Studio UFO Group in Bellingham and studies with its founder, Trish Harding.

Catching the Light Oil on canvas, 11” x 14” I based this painting on a photograph I took in the new Lightcatcher Museum. The glass wall of the museum creates a magical composition in light on the floor and this is what attracted me. It feels like a dance of light. The museum is a gathering place for artists and art lovers. It is a central hub of the rich art community of Bellingham.

irene barclay Irene Barclay is an artist, her medium is oil. She has attended art classes at the Community College and paints with other artists at private workshops. Irene has sold paintings privately and displayed her work in Anacortes and also Lynden. Currently she has her art hanging at a local wine tasting room in Bellingham. She is a member of Whatcom Art Guild.

Journeys End This painting came about after a day trip to Whidbey Island. We stopped at Captain Whidbey’s Inn and I spotted this very lonely rowboat retired on the lawn of Captain Whidbey’s. The light was perfect so my husband took a photo for me paint. The boat looked like it had many adventures, but it was now time to retire and put away the oars.

80 NorthSoundLife.com

water color Deborah Haggman Deborah Haggman’s paintings tend to be realistic and detail-oriented. After years of fighting that aspect of her personality, she has decided it’s okay. She’ll start a painting by laying down large areas with washes but can’t wait to pick up her small brush. She enjoys painting a variety of subjects although she is drawn to Northwest landscapes, trees, beaches and rocks. Living in the Semiahmoo area provides a constant source of inspiration for her. She will always have her camera and paint from reference photos taken of this area. She paints exclusively with watercolor. She loves the unpredictability of the medium, and feels it is so well suited to our northwest landscapes. Her usual process is to preserve white areas with masking fluid then lay down large area washes, charging in darks while the wash is still damp. Details are added after the wash is dry.

Fishing Buddies The man and his dog are a sweet team and love fishing together. Mist is achieved by sponging white gouache over a dry wash

lois dahl Lois Dahl’s art education has primarily been through self-directed experimentation and participation in workshops. She has spent numerous years working in watercolor, gouache, acrylic and oil. Lois is a signature member of the Northwest Watercolor Society and is long-time vendor at the Bellingham Farmer’s Market.

Baker to Brew “Baker to Brew” is a piece painted in transparent and opaque water media on paper. My medium of choice is most often watercolor because of the immediacy of the process. I can paint it and move on in a short amount of time. I generally work from my own reference photos, but “Baker to Brew” came from my imagination thinking about what makes our community magical. As I have lived in Whatcom County most of my life, there were so many possible things that could be used to define our community, past and present. I chose coffee, microbreweries, the mountains and the water as just a few of those things that make our community unique.

October | November 2015 81

mixed media Gina Riley

Color and light, and the textures fashioned from their chemistry are Gina Riley’s inspirations. With paint and an ostensibly random variety of materials, she creates abstract expressionism paintings, hanging assemblages and trays in resin. These manifestations are marriages of environment, personas, and psyche. View her work on Facebook at ART by GMR. Community: “Talk of the Town” Community is not only the obvious composite — the towns we live in — but our neighborhoods within that town, our jobs, even our homes. We are intrinsically community. No matter our individual differences in appearance and belief, it is the interplay of our diversities that powers us as a group. All our voices together are more dynamic than one alone and carry the tune of our community.

Talk of the Town Each uniquely painted face is interwoven on a copper wire grid both behind and through the faces, reflecting the flow and connection of communal interaction, affixed onto a painted canvas. The finished piece is 24” wide by 36” high by 4.5” deep.

82 NorthSoundLife.com

digital art Sharon kingston

Sharon Kingston is a Bellingham-based oil painter who has been inspired for many years by the atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest and the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke. She exhibits her paintings regionally and on the East Coast. You can view her current works at the storefront to her studio at 1418 N State Street. “I’ve painted hundreds of pieces inspired by the skies of Bellingham, in particular those around Lake Whatcom. What amazes me is the sheer variety, nuance and mystery with every one of them. To me, the richness and strength of community resides in how the group embraces diversity and respects its natural resources. These words by Rilke ring true when I think of our magical place — and to represent these words I compiled slices of 50 of my most recent paintings.”

Thank you to the voters for their continued support throughout the years!

of the

2015

BEST

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

Weddings, Meetings & Special Events The Northwest’s Premier Event Center

As strong and as varied as the land 10”x40” Print on Somerset Velvet Paper Digital compilation of 50 original oil paintings of Bellingham’s skies

Voted Best Wedding Venue by Bellingham Alive

www.lairmontmanor.com

360.647.1444

PERFORMANCE ART christen Mattix Christen Mattix’s passion is connecting the community through art. She has a BFA in Drawing from WWU, and an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. Her new show at St. Joseph Hospital is a unique collaboration with a woman with autism and Down syndrome (through January 2016). “I sat at the bench every day and knit, rain or shine, holidays and weekends included. (Though I did occasionally miss a day when I went out of town.)” On Community: From May 1, 2012 to July 16, 2015, I sat for an hour each day at a former bus stop in Bellingham WA, knitting a half-mile link from the bench to the Bay — meanwhile engaging place, people, and time. A form of art as social practice, the work invited social interaction from neighbors who completed the work, holding it in memory long after the installation ended. The knit line was stretched across the street, forcing people to deliberate as to whether or not to drive over art, sparking conversation. The element of surprise, poetry and possibility was vital to the work. On August 1, neighbors and friends gathered to unwind the knit line all the way to the end of Taylor Dock, holding onto the knit rope as we walked downhill together. The project ended with a giant splash and lots of laughter as my dad surprised us all by jumping into the water and pulling the knit line with him into the sunset. christenmattix.com

I chose Carron acrylic yarn in ocean blue hue, to knit a “stream” to connect myself to Bellingham Bay. The tint of the yarn is identical to the Bay on a sunny day. As the line grew longer, I wound it onto a garden hose reel. I like to think that the real medium or art was the face-to-face interaction, knitting the community together.

84 NorthSoundLife.com

DISCOVER Your Passion! Enroll now in Community & Continuing Education classes Food & Wine • Art • Travel • Craft Beer • Dance • Photography Yoga • Writing • Hobbies & Crafts • Consumer Technology

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

www.whatcomcommunityed.com • 360.383.3200

BE DELIGHTED

EASY WEEKEND GETAWAY | ARTSY SHOPS CRAFT BREWERIES | LUXURIOUS HOTELS

360.671.3990 bellingham.org

AWARDWINNING AND ALL WASHINGTON

WHERE THE LOCAL WINES ARE BEST PAIRED WITH ADVENTURE. OPEN UP to Snohomish County. Just 30 minutes north of Seattle, there’s a treasure trove of adventure waiting for you to discover.

ORDER REE O Y UR F ID GU E!

PRINT AD REACHES

From Washington’s first small batch distillery using only locally grown grain and botanicals. Please enjoy our products responsibly.

dryflydistilling.com

7,000

TOP INFLUENTIAL BUSINESSES IN WHATCOM COUNTY

REACHING OVER

ONLINE AD�SPACE DAILY NEWSLETTER

19,000 UNIQUE VIEWS 70,000 MONTHLY VIEWS

DELIVERED TO OVER

1,800

opted in consumers

98,000 WHATCOM COUNTY CONSUMERS & BUSINESS

COMPETITIVE PRICING FORBureau WEB ADS Snohomish County Tourism 19,000 Unique360 Views • 70,000 Views Per Month North SoundPage Living

1/3 Page Horizontal - 4.75” x 4.75” - Full Color 7/2015 get your daily business news FREE on the web www.BBJTODAY.com 1909 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225

360-647-8805

Dine 7 Great Tastes · Dining Guide · Drink of the Month

The Will’O Pub written by Zacchoreli Frescobadli-Grimaldi

here’s nothing quite like making discoveries in a new restaurant, and The Will’O Pub certainly delivers. Walking through the front doors one suspects that he or she has mistakenly wandered into a pinball gallery. But the working pinball machines are but a ruse in this family-friendly, English pub-influenced restaurant on Birch Bay. Owners Andrew and Stacey Weightman have created a unique restaurant experience for year-round locals and tourists alike. Ample indoor and outdoor seating accommodates couples seeking a little privacy as well as large families making noise. The full-service bar boasts 55 different beers, 12 cider options and plenty of whiskey drinks—enough to keep adults (with or without children) happy during their visit!

October | November 2015 87

The Will’O Pub is absolutely fashioned after England’s pub culture, so diners won’t find fish and chips on the menu. Instead, tuck into a mouthwatering Shepherd’s Pie, a delicately seasoned $14.99 meat dish with ground beef, peas and mashed potatoes that pairs brilliantly with a pint of Guinness. Fancy a light lunch option? No problem, order from the appetizer menu! Try the Potted Shrimp on toasted bread, prepared with a sweet aioli sauce and a touch of cilantro; or the Red Dwarf—focaccia bread layered with tomatoes, red onion, bourbon bacon and melted cheese. Both are priced at just $6.99, and if you add in a fresh garden salad this will easily keep you going until dinner time. Sandwiches and burgers run from $7.99 to $9.99 and include oven fries. No doubt the best bang for your burger buck is The Wet Will’O, a hefty burger on a crispy bun set 88 NorthSoundLife.com

atop a pile of fries and smothered in a rich, brown beef gravy. This is a two-pint-of-beer meal that will put a smile or your face and last you until the end of the game! Four walls closing you in? Sneak out to The Will’O Pub on Tuesday for Karaoke night, or Thursday evenings for Pub Trivia night, both starting at 7:00 pm. And taking the kids out for a meal on Seahawks or Mariners game days is a breeze. Andrew and Stacey organize kid-friendly activities such as face painting and other distractions to keep the little ones from whittling away at your last nerve! Birch Bay always makes for a fun getaway, and The Will’O Pub’s food and drink options and relaxed atmosphere make it a welcome addition to the area’s restaurant scene.  www.thewillopub.com

of the

AT NORTH BELLINGHAM GOLF COURSE’S

2015

BEST

NORTH

WEST

Thank you for your votes!

GOLD

9 Restaurant Saturday November 7th, 3pm – 5pm Meet the Wine Makers Four of Thurston Wolfe’s fantastic wines will be paired by Dan Radil with their perfect small plates. $45 for tickets Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door the day of the event

visit Bellingham Alive’s Facebook page or fallsipsoftheseason.eventbrite.com for info and tickets

900 Alabama St., Bellingham 360.676.5480 |garden-spot.com

Written By Zacchoreli Frescobadli-Grimaldi Photographed by Frances Badgett

Keenan’s on the Pier and The Chrysalis Inn hosted the inaugural Bellingham Alive Sips of the Season event on the restaurant’s open air patio. Gentle ocean breezes, fun people, and remarkable hors d’oeuvres and fantastic cocktails made for an unforgettable afternoon. Sam Kysbe, Keenan’s manager, moderated the event while Executive Chef Michael Christensen presented appetizers paired with each handcrafted cocktail. Sam demonstrated how to make each cocktail, advising guests to “Shake it like you mean it” and thoroughly blend cocktail ingredients before pouring the libation into a prepared glass. Bellewood Distillery sponsored the event.

90 NorthSoundLife.com

LAVENDER COLLINS • • •

1.5 oz BelleWood Gin .5 oz Lavender Syrup .5 oz Lemon juice

paired with cucumber chips w/ lavender mint mousse

The first cocktail in the afternoon’s line up is the ever-popular Lavender Collins, a refreshing libation that was paired with lavender mint mousse garnished cucumber chip canapé. Top off with cold soda and garnish with fresh lavender sprigs Measure into an ice filled martini shaker then shake vigorously. The frothy libation is poured into a tall glass and served with cocktail straws.

NUESTRA PALOMA • 1.5 oz El Jimador tequila • .5 oz Cynar • ¾ oz Triple Sec • .5 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice • 3 dashes of bitters to add depth and a character paired with a sweet corn canape

Nuestra Paloma is an elegant drink for those who love tequila. El Jimador is a reliable tequila to have on hand. Cynar is an Italian liqueur made from a blend of 13 plants including artichoke. It has a chestnut color and imparts a bittersweet flavor. Measure the following ingredients into a martini shaker, give it a few tosses, and then pour it into cocktail glasses. Chef Christensen paired this beverage with a sweet corn canapé garnished with basil aioli and micro radish; rather like having a little salad bite with your cocktail! Although it would be easy to quaff several of these cocktails, one must balance indulgence with reason.

October | November 2015 91

FINAL SAY • • • • •

Wild Turkey Rye Yellow Chartreuse Maraschino Cherry Liqueur Lemon Juice Brandied Cherry for garnish

paired with a sweet carrott ginger mouse

Final Say is, as Kisbye points out, “fully leaded.” Keenan’s uses a Maraschino cherry imported from Italy. Be judicious when selecting preserved cherries for your version of this powerful cocktail—after one of these cocktails you won’t have to worry over who has the last word. Measuring this drink is easy: each ingredient is a ¾ ounce pour. Simply measure into an ice-filled shaker and shake the daylights out of it. Strain into cocktail glasses and garnish with a brandied cherry. This cocktail paired wonderfully with a carrot ginger mouse sprinkled liberally with Hawaiian sea salt.

LONDON BRIDGE 9

GARDEN VARIETY

•

• • • • • •

• • • • •

1.5 oz Bellewood Honey Crisp Vodka .5 oz St. Germain ¾ oz Cranberry .5 oz Lemon juice Few dashes of grapefruit bitters Top off with Cock and Bull ginger beer

paired with a sweet coconut basmati rice cake with lemon aoili

Can’t get to London this season? No need to cry a river, just treat yourself to a London Bridge 9! Paired with a coconut basmati rice cake with lemon aioli and micro basil, this cocktail hour combination will make everything right once again. Measure vodka, St. Germain, cranberry and lemon juice, and bitters into an ice-filled martini shaker and give it a whirl. Pour into cocktail glasses and finish off with a hefty pour of ginger beer.

1.5 oz BelleWood Gin 3 or 4 fresh basil leaves 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice ½ fresh lime juice ¾ oz Green tea syrup cold soda water

paired with zucchini basil shooters

The Garden Variety soothes that urge to muddle something. Drop three or four fresh basil leaves into a martini shaker and muddle gently.Too vigorous of a muddling could bring out the basil’s less appealing bitter flavors. Chef Christian paired this cool and refreshing cocktail with an equally enjoyable zucchini basil shooter garnished with shaved candy beets. This is a combination worthy of seconds!

No matter if you practice mixology yourself, or want to idle a few hours at Keenan’s on the Pier, treat yourself to a liquid indulgence with these phenomenal cocktails. www.thechrysalisinn.com

92 NorthSoundLife.com

Dining Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to $9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10–19 . . . . . . . . . . . . $20–29 . . . . . . . . $30 or greater

generous pours of wine. Then moved on to the Roasted Beet Salad, I am always skeptical of this as it needs to be just right, and they did not disappoint. The Filet Mignon was cooked to perfection at medium and mouth watering. This is a great choice for an evening out, you will walk away satisfied and understand why it is becoming the go to place for locals and visitors alike.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dinner . . . . . . . . . Family-Friendly . . . . . . . . . . . . . Takeout . . . . . . . . Outdoor Seating . . . . . . . . . . Reservations . . . . . . . . . . Happy Hour . . . . . . . . . New Review See all our restaurant reviews on our Eat and Drink tab at northsoundlife.com

san juan Vinny’s Ristorante Seafood 165 W. St., Friday Harbor 360.378.1934 vinnysfridayharbor.com Owner Becky Day welcomes diners to Vinny’s Ristorante in Friday Harbor, mirroring the feel of this warm Italian restaurant. Dishes change monthly and reflect the desire of Chef Daniel Van Hamsersfeld to serve simple, everyday fare. His appetizers of Fior de Latte — a caprese salad — and mushroom medley (mushrooms with a Marsala demi glaze and cambozola cheese) are perfect for sharing and leave space for a summery Capellini Mediteranea (prawns and clams in a light white wine and olive oil sauce). As well as a good selection of pastas, Vinny’s has seafood and meat entrées, many of them traditional favorites like Veal Marsala and Chicken Picatta. The cocktail list includes old favorites and some fun offerings like the Crantini and a rhubarb margarita. Top off a meal with crème brûlée — a light, roomtemperature custard topped with a layer of burnt sugar.

418 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, 360.899.4001 Colorful photographs of farm scenes dot the walls of A’Town Bistro, summing up all this restaurant stands for: Fresh, local, seasonal food. Even the inside of this Anacortes restaurant feels farm-like, with simple wooden tables and flooring and no unnecessary flourishes. The kitchen is open, and sends out entrees such as Smoked Salmon Cakes (which contain nothing but king salmon and breadcrumbs and come with a tomato-caper coulis and garlic aioli), Pork New York (pan seared with an apple cider gastrique), a Wild Boar Burger, and Ancho Chili & Chicken Stew. Appetizers include the restaurant’s signature fries, which are twice fried and tossed in truffle-parmesan salt. Both beer and wine are on tap here. Both taps and bottles offer some great representatives from local and international producers. Settle in, and enjoy food, drink, and a fire that roars away between the entrance and the dining room, keeping diners warm in both body and spirit.

Seafood/Steak

12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes 360.588.3800, swinomishcasinoandlodge. com/dining/13moons Located within the casino 13moons is sure to catch your attention. Situated on the waterfront offering a lodge atmosphere which is warm and inviting. The menu offers a wide variety including First Plates, Entree Salads, Seafood and Beef. We started our meal with

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.

Black Forest Steakhouse German/Steak

Calle Mexican 517 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.5566, callelove.com Known for their take on Street Tacos — with six meat fillings to choose from and handmade corn tortillas — but that’s certainly not the only mouthwatering option. Try the Carne Asada, Posole or Tortas to name just a few menu options. The Spicy Mango Margarita, made with fresh mango and jalepeno, is fast becoming a customer favorite. With 60+ tequilas and mescals to sample, there’s always another reason to visit again.

1263 Barkley Blvd., Bellingham 360.733.9185 638 Peace Portal Dr., Blaine 360.306.8342, blackforeststeakhouse.com Black Forest Steak house offers a versatile dining experience. It’s fancy enough for special occasions, anniversaries and graduation celebrations, but it’s also a place you’ll want to go to any day. Black Forest makes its steaks different than most other steakhouses: It broils them in a 1,600-degree oven, leaving the meat tender and flavorful. Black Pearl Vietnamese

Seeds Bistro Regional NW

13moons at Swinomish Casino & Lodge

Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill serves the same quality food we’ve come to expect and love from Anthony’s other restaurants. The Hearthfire menu speaks to the everyday eater, not just the special occasion treat of Anthony’s. Seasonal items, like peaches or huckleberries in the summer, complement salads, entrees and drinks. Steaks, seafood and items on the Woodfire rotisserie round out the selections.

Skagit

Whatcom 7 Bellwether Way, Bellingham 360.527.3473, anthonys.com

A’Town Bistro Regional NW

–

Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill Beef/Seafood

. . . . . . . . . . . . Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brunch

desires while more intricate food items appease fastidious palates.

623 Morris St., La Conner 360.466.3280, seedsbistro.com Seeds Bistro in La Conner is a celebration of the fresh bounty of food offered in Skagit County. It offers simple dishes that highlight the fresh, exciting ingredients found throughout the Pacific Northwest. The menu features local selections rotated with the seasons. The macaroni and cheese features Northwestfavorite Cougar Gold cheese with a buttercrumb crust. Burgers are juicy, cooked perfectly, and served on homemade potato buns with the smallest bit of crunch and a fluffy interior. The whole family can enjoy Seeds’ offerings — comfort foods satisfy children’s

1255 Barkley Blvd., Bellingham 360.756.5003 202 E. Holly St. 117, Bellingham 360.318.7655 blackpearlbellingham.com Bellingham has an abundance of Vietnamese restaurants; the trick is to find ones that stand out — like the Black Pearl. With all the available extras, it is almost impossible to get the same flavor twice. The pho is clean and refreshing with a variety of sauces to add as extra seasoning. It comes with a variety of types of meat, including round-eye, brisket and chicken, but vegetarians don’t despair, there’s an option for you, too. One nice feature of the Black Pearl’s menu is that it doesn’t only

October | November 2015 93

serve pho. Try the chicken or beef teriyaki, or a noodle bowl. The Black Pearl’s selection of crepes is second to none — everything from classic butter and cinnamon to New York Style Cheesecake with strawberry or raspberry jam.

The Rooftop Mojito

Blue Fin Sushi Japanese

Fat Pie Pizza

102 S. Samish Way, Bellingham 360.752.2583, bluefinbellingham.com

Ingrediants: white rum, muddled mint and lime, club soda (or champagne), Sierra Mist

At Blue Fin Sushi, fresh sushi is used to create a variety of tasty options like the Tekka roll, which is seaweed, rice and tuna. The waitstaff is friendly and it’s always entertaining to watch the chefs at work. Blue Fin also offers a full menu of non-sushi food items. Blue Fin Sushi also serves a variety of teriyaki, orange chicken and bento boxes.

uring the last few summer days, you’ll want to soak up as much sunshine as you can. A great place to do so is the rooftop patio at Fat Pie Pizza. The expansive views and relaxing classic rock make it a great place to unwind. If you start to feel that winter chill creeping in, there are several sleek space heaters ready to warm you up. The waitstaff at Fat Pie are efficient, friendly, and attentive—even on a rooftop many floors above the kitchen. Sunset is an ideal time to visit the rooftop after a long week, but even at lunchtime, it’s a quiet oasis above the bustling shoppers of Fairhaven. The view from here is spectacular—Portage Island stretches out along the horizon, with Lummi and Orcas islands peeking around the fall leaves that are just now starting to turn. The perfect drink for this experience? The Rooftop Mojito, a sparkly, refreshing ode to summer, with fresh zippy mint and zesty lime. Don’t

Brandywine kitchen Regional NW 1317 Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.1071, brandywinekitchen.com Named for the decadent heirloom tomatoes grown on their farm, the owners source much of their ingredients locally and hold the “from seed to plate” philosophy. The menu offers vegetarian and gluten-free options (like RicePanko Fish and Chips), and includes beer from both Boundary Bay and Chuckanut breweries. Try the Quinoa-Salmon Cakes with red pepper aioli. Don’t miss the Hibiscus Iced Tea for a refreshing sip or treat yourself to a Raspberry Champagne Cocktail. Ciao Thyme on the Side Cafe Lunch 207 Unity St., Bellingham 360.927.4890, ciaothyme.com For those who have experienced Ciao Thyme’s gourmet dinners and cooking classes, the new Ciao Thyme on the Side Café is a welcome addition to the delicious work of Jessica and Mataio Gillis, owners of Ciao Thyme catering. As with everything Ciao Thyme does, ingredients are fresh, local and in season. Choose soups, salads and sandwiches a la carte, or create a plate with a selection of all three for a hearty and satisfying lunch.

worry about the Sierra Mist—it’s the perfect mixer when used with a light touch. Not too sweet, but tasty enough for seconds, this delicious beauty is almost as satisfying as the views. Swap out champagne for the club soda and make it a real celebration.  Fat Pie Pizza 1015 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.366.8090

The Copper Hog Gastropub 1327 N. State St., Bellingham 360.927.7888, thecopperhog.com Gastropubs are known for having pub fare with high-class style and high-class food, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at The Copper Hog. You can also find classic pub favorites like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and poutine, as well a less-routine pub grub such as ramen soup or ahi prepared a variety of ways. The Copper Hog also has a wide variety of beer, including local and organic brews. The menu changes seasonally. You’ll want to go back often so you can enjoy everything the menu has to offer.

94 NorthSoundLife.com

D’Anna’s Cafe Italiano Italian 1317 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. Makers of award-winning and world class red, white and sparkeling wines from the finest vineyards in the Pacific Northwest

Fiamma Burger All-natural Burgers 1309 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.733.7374, fiammaburger.com

Visit our tasting room, open Weds-Sun 11am-6pm 360.220.7072

masqueradewines.com

2001 Iowa St. Suite F. Bellingham

One word speaks volumes about Fiamma Burger: variety. With six different patty types (including homemade veggie, bison and salmon) and more than 17 menu options, there are endless possibilities for a burger masterpiece. You can even get a “burger in a bowl,” served without the bread. And with extra things to add on like fire-roasted green chiles or a scoop of chili, it could take a long time to find your perfect creation. All burgers are served on a fresh-baked egg bun, with crisp lettuce and all the usual fixings. Spice it up with chipotle ketchup, spicy mustard, or curry mayo, then cool it down with a beer or milkshake.

Fireside Martini & Wine Bar Dinner/Bar 416 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.738.1000, firesidemartini.com Fireside is out to make a name for itself. By using fresh, local ingredients and a menu that changes on an almost daily basis (based on what’s fresh at the market that day), the Fireside has a lot to offer the casual diner and those more focused on detail. The Fireside claims to have the largest “by the glass” wine selection in Bellingham, none of which are served anywhere else in the area. Cocktails are based on in-house infusions of spirits and it’s a collection found only at Fireside. Beer options range from local to obscure to international. The decor in Fireside is welcoming and intimate, with couches and armchairs throughout the lounge.

The Fork at Agate Bay Eclectic 2530 N. Shore Rd., Bellingham 360.733.1126, theforkatagatebay.com As unassuming as they come, The Fork at Agate Bay is a quiet retreat of fine food and wine only a short drive down the east side of Lake Whatcom. Be careful not to be fooled by its quaint exterior; inside you’ll discover a surprisingly upscale atmosphere warmed by a welcoming and rustic charm. Opened in June 2009, it has gained recognition as one of Bellingham’s best restaurants, emerging as a favorite for food connoisseurs. From a simple yet elegant egg breakfast to wild-mushroomstuffed chicken, the menu is a delightful and modern take on the classics. With a full wine bar, an in-house baker and fresh, local ingredients, The Fork at Agate Bay provides a sophisticated twist on Northwest dining.

• Slow-cooked BBQ ribs with our homemade BBQ sauce • Build Your Own Burger featuring our handcrafted USDA chuck patties and fresh baked buns • Micro Brew Steamed Mussels

360.332.2505 2615 South Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham nickisbellamarina.com Casual Friendly Atmosphere for Good Times and a Great Water View

Written and photographed by Kaity Teer Chef: Dave Reera of the table Owner: Katie hinton of bellingham pasta co. and the table

he culinary team from The Table by Bellingham Pasta Co. played to a full house at Judd & Black’s test kitchen in Mount Vernon on Thursday, September 10, during the bimonthly Meet the Chef event produced by K & L Media and Judd & Black Appliance. Chef Dave Reera along with Katie Hinton, owner of Bellingham Pasta Co. and The Table, prepared a four-course meal with drink pairings provided by Dickerson Distributors, all while entertaining guests with demonstrations of cooking techniques and helpful tips. Reera and Hinton shared a relaxed, knowledgeable manner in the kitchen and a camaraderie born of years of working together. The evening commenced with starters: grapes, fresh bread, figs, prawns, shrimp, and a sparkling wine from Mountain Dome. Guests enjoyed the lighter fare while getting to know their tablemates, skimming the menu and recipes and anticipating the meal to follow. Reera is the kind of chef who celebrates partnerships with producers, and as he introduced each course, he spoke appreciatively of the people who provide him with fresh, local ingredients. The first course, Nerka Salad, featured sockeye salmon provided by Donald Powers, current owner of Nerka Sea Frozen Salmon and a Washington fishing legend who made his final delivery to Reera before beginning his retirement. Reflecting on Powers’ retirement, Reera said, 96 NorthSoundLife.com

“Relationships like the one I’ve had with Don Powers makes me happy to be in this game.” Reera shared the spotlight with Roslyn McNicholls, owner of Rabbit Fields Farm based in the Skagit River Valley, who grew much of the certified organic produce enjoyed throughout the evening, including the salad greens, garlic, and several other ingredients. McNicholls started Rabbit Fields Farm as a final project while a Western Washington University student and today is celebrating ten years in operation. “Farming is a lifestyle,” she said. “I really like what I do; it makes me really happy.” Hinton’s incredibly fresh, incredibly tasty pasta took center stage in the second course, September Linguine. Linguine made with a roasted bell pepper puree starred in a dish that included mussels, manila clams, and coonstripe shrimp. The main course was a beef stew made of pot roast braised in veal and chicken stock. Finally, a chocolate lava cake served with from scratch blueberry-strawberry ice cream, whipped cream, dried strawberries and hazelnut tuille, made for a sweet finish to the night. Readers eager to try these recipes at home will be glad to know that Rabbit Field Farms organic produce and Bellingham Pasta Co. fresh pastas are available at select farmers markets in Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish counties. 

First Course Wine

SECOND COURSE wontons and fresh parsley.

Wine

Chenin Blanc, Kiona Vineyards, Columbia Valley, WA 2013

Pinot Noir, Bensen Vineyards, Lake Chelan, WA 2010

Nerka Salad

September Linguine

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

6. 5 oz sockeye salmon filets mixed greens, washed and dried English cucumbers, washed and sliced Cherry tomatoes, washed Goat cheese, garnish as desired Pears, washed and cubed Extra virgin olive oil Sherry vinegar Apple cider vinegar 10 ea wonton wrappers 1 quart peanut or canola oil 2 tsp salt 2 tsp black pepper 2 tsp paprika 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, minced 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, minced 2 lemons, lemon zest, minced

Dry the salmon with a paper towel and season with salt, black pepper, thyme, lemon zest, parsley and paprika. Cook until desired browning on presentation side then turn onto skin side for the remainder of the cooking time. The fish can finish the cooking process in the pan, in the grill, or in the oven.

crispy wontons Cut the wontons into thin strips and fry in a household fryer. If you do not have a fryer, put the oil in a thick-bottomed, dry pan, and gently bring to 350°. Use proper thermometer, deep pot, slotted spoon or mesh strainer/spider and be careful with the hot oil. Remove the wontons from the hot oil before they are totally brown, as they will continue cooking after removed from the hot oil. Once all excess oil drips off the wontons lay them out on a flat cookie sheet that is lined with paper towels, season with a small amount of salt while they are still hot, and let sit out in a warm dry place for a half hour. Store the wontons in a Tupperware container for about 4 or 5 days.

pear vinaigrette Wash and cube the pears, then blend them in a food processor or blender until smooth. While the blender is still operating add the vinegars, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika and slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil, emulsifying the oil into the pearvinegar mixture. Remove from blender and reserve for the salad. In a mixing bowl, toss the mixed greens with the pear vinaigrette and place in the middle of the plate. Garnish the salad with cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, soft goat cheese, and lemon zest. Top the salad with the seared salmon and garnish with a few crispy

2 pounds roasted bell pepper linguine 10 gallons of boiling salted water 12 mussels, de-bearded and rinsed 20 manila clams, washed and sorted 20 coonstripe shrimp, remove the head, digestive track, and shell 3 large heirloom tomatoes washed and cut medium dice 2 large shallots, washed, peeled and sliced thin julienne 2 garlic bulbs, washed. Cut top of bulb to expose garlic clove I cup white wine 1 quart seafood stock 1 pound chanterelle mushrooms, washed and dried 4 peppers, roasted and peeled 4 Tbsp butter, cubed 4 oz basil, chiffonade 1 bunch parsley, washed and minced

In a small casserole dish (or tin foil packet) place the two garlic bulbs cut side up. Put a 1/4 inch of water in the bottom of the casserole dish or tin foil. Season with salt, pepper, paprika and drizzle olive oil over the top of each exposed garlic clove. Seal the casserole dish with tin foil (or crimp the tin foil packet tight) and cook in a 350° oven for 55 to 75 minutes, until cloves are soft and fully cooked. Let cool at room temperature and squeeze from the bottom to extrude the roasted garlic puree. In a medium saute pan cook the shallots in olive oil, salt and pepper and cook until slightly soft and starting to brown, taking caution as to not burn. Once shallots are at desired consistency add chanterelles to the hot pan and cook on medium heat for a few minutes, add the diced roasted peppers, 1 TB of butter and chopped parsley. Season as needed and hold in the pan until the plating of the dish. In a large, dry saute pan add 1 Tbsp of extra virgin olive, clams, and mussels. Season the shellfish with salt, black pepper, parsley, thyme, paprika and cook on medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook quickly on both sides before the clams and mussels start to open and release all of their liquid. Remove the shrimp when they are still under-cooked and only seared and hold them aside until later. Once the mussels and clams start to open add the cubed tomatoes and roasted garlic puree and allow all the juices and flavors to gently simmer together. Once all clams and mussels are opened (on their own), deglaze with white wine, let cook on medium high for one minute and turn down the heat to a low simmer. (This if a good time to start cooking your pasta.) Once half of the wine is reduced add the seafood stock, pureed tomato and let everything simmer and cook down together. Once desired consistency is reached add the shrimp butter, basil and parsley and turn down the heat as low as possible for 1 minute or until doneness is reached for the sauce and all seafood. Working quickly now so the pasta doesn’t absorb all of the sauce; strain the pasta and mix it with a small amount of the seafood mixture (sauce) in a bowl or pan. Place the sauced linguine in the center of the plates and gently spoon more sauce and tomato chunks onto each plate. With tongs, spin the linguine as to incorporate all ingredients. Top each plate with clams, mussels, shrimp, and the mushroom-shallot-pepper mixture. Add some fresh parsley and basil garnish to finish.

October | November 2015 97

Main Course

Final COURSE

Wine

Cabernet Franc, Camaraderie Cellars, Port Angeles, WA 2011

Port, Kestrel Vineyards, Columbia Valley, WA 2012

Pot Roast

Chocolate Lava Cake

• 4 pounds beef chuck, cubed • 2 yellow onions, small diced • 4 carrots, small diced • 1 celery root, small diced • 1 celery, small diced • 12 cippolini onions, blanched and peeled • 1 quart veal stock • 1 quart chicken stock • 1 Tbsp sage, minced • 2 Tbsp thyme, minced • 2 Tbsp parsley, minced • 1 Tbsp rosemary, minced • flour, as needed • eggs • butter • 1/2 cup red wine • salt, to taste • black pepper, to taste • paprika, to taste Pot roast is typically just that, a roast, but you can also make your meal easier by cutting the meat into large cubes, just don’t submerge the meat in the stock as that will turn it into beef stew. Make sure your meat is dry and seasoned with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary and a dusting of flour. Warm a dutch oven, heavy duty saute pan, sauce pot or cast iron pan, add oil and sear the meat on all sides until evenly browned (taking care to make sure the pan isn’t over crowded with meat cubes, the temperature isn’t too high and the pan isn’t turning black or burning the meat). Cook the meat until it is seared on all sides always easier if the meat is cubed) and remove from heat and hold the meat aside. In the same pan (pour out excessive oil from browning the meat) saute the carrots, celery and onions until browned, remove from heat and reserve for later. Dump any excessive oil from the pan and deglaze with the red wine; reduce (on medium-high heat) by half, add the chicken and veal stock and bring the stock to a boil. Turn down to a simmer, add the beef and herbs, cover tightly and simmer for 2 ¼ hours in the oven or on the stovetop. (Using an oven is always easier to maintain a steady and low temperature) cook at 280-320°. Do not allow to boil as meat will become tough, liquid/sauce will reduce too much and the chance of sticking and burning raises. Remove from oven and carefully remove tinfoil or casserole dish lid (steam burns hurt). Mix in sautéed vegetables and the remaining chopped herbs to the braising liquid and meat. Recover and finish in the oven for an additional 45 minutes to one hour. Once the meat is tender, season more with salt, pepper or herbs if needed.

• • • • •

98 NorthSoundLife.com

4 ounces chocolate, callebaut, bittersweet 2 teaspoons flour 4 large eggs ½ cup of granulated sugar 4 ounces/1 stick of butter, unsalted

Butter and flour the ramekin molds with soft butter and tap out any excess flour (or spray cupcake liners with cooking release spray and place in cupcake molds. Melt the butter over a double boiler and add chopped chocolate, stir together and melt the chocolate, being sure to not introduce any water to the bowl. In a separate bowl crack 2 whole eggs and add 2 egg yolks. Mix in the ½ cup of granulated sugar and whisk until the mixture becomes homogenous. Slowly incorporate the egg-flour mixture into the chocolate and butter mixture and stir together until totally combined. Pour the cake batter into the prepared molds and bake at 450 for 7 to 12 minutes depending upon your oven. Let sit for at least one minute before placing a plate over the top of the ramekin mold and flipping the cake upside down and onto the plate (or remove the cupcake wrapper from the mold and place on the plate).

hazelnut tuilles • • • • • • • •

1 cup ground hazelnuts 1 Tbsp all purpose flour 4 oz/1 stick of unsalted butter ¼ cup honey ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 Tbsp lemon zest, minced 2 egg whites pinch of salt

Cream the butter, honey and sugar together in a mixer until it is shiny. Slowly mix in the egg whites, flour, hazelnuts, salt and zest. Mix on medium high for 1 minute. Cool batter in fridge for a few moments so it is a little more pliable. Place a dollop of batter on a parchment paper lined sheet pan on a cookie pan that has cooking spray or oil or preferably a silicone mat. Spread out the dollop of batter in an even circle less than a 1/4 inch high and 4 inches apart. Bake at 425° for 7 to 9 minutes, until the entire tuille is brown (if the center is not brown it will rip apart). Remove from oven and allow to cool on the pan for 3-4 minutes, until they are able to be gently lifted off of the silicone mat or parchment paper with a small offset spatula. Place on the handle of a whisk, over a bowl or allow to cool flat (depending upon which shape) and use for the tuille cookie. Garnish the cake with whipped cream and blueberry-strawberry ice cream (spun fresh at The Table).

Giuseppe’s Al Porto Italian 21 Bellwether Way, Bellingham 360.714.8412, giuseppesitalian.com Giuseppe’s Al Porto Ristorante Italiano provides an enhanced dining experience to its customers, including outside seating that provides diners with the joy of eating by the water and taking in the sights of beautiful Bellingham Bay. The classic Italian dining that earned Giuseppe’s the reputation as the finest Italian restaurant in Bellingham is still going strong. Whether you try the chicken marsala, happy hour specials or three-course, early-dinner specials, your mouth will water. Daily specials and the full menu include meat specialties, fresh seafood and authentic Italian pastas.

PRESENTS

e of th

2015

T S E B

TH R O N T

WES

Homeskillet American 521 Kentucky St., Bellingham 360.676.6218, homeskilletsunnyland.com

L A U th ANN 6 Y! T R PA

Owners Tina and Kirby named their restaurant after one of their favorite lines in the movie “Juno,” when the main character calls a store clerk “homeskillet.” The skillets on their menu came afterward, but are now one of the eatery’s most popular items. A small skillet is filled with perfectly-fried potatoes, eggs and toppings you choose. Try Tina and Kirby’s personal favorite: the poutine, home fries smothered in traditional gravy, topped with fried eggs and cheese. Homeskillet can’t be beat with its friendly service, colorful atmosphere and ultimate comfort food. Il Caffe rifugio Italian 5415 Mount Baker Hwy., Deming 360.592.2888, ilcafferifugio.com Richard Balogh has brought fine dining to the “wilderness.” Fifteen miles out on Mount Baker Highway, just past Deming, is a funky old café that has been transformed into an oasis for people who enjoy good food and coffee. Menu items befit their Italian name with panninis and frittatas for Saturday/Sunday brunches; Cioppino is a summer dinner menu highlight. A small covered deck with colorful lanterns sits adjacent to the dining room for your al fresco pleasure. Just beyond, in a meadow, sits a red deck used as a stage, and is the centerpiece for special dinners under the stars. New York Pizza & Bar Italian/Gourmet Pizza 902 State St., Bellingham 360.733.3171 8874 Bender Rd. #101, Lynden 360.318.0580, newyorkpizzaandbar.com If you love pizza, then you’re going to love New York Pizza and Bar. Not just because of the crispy, handmade dough (made fresh daily) or because of the fresh, high-quality ingredients or the amount of them that top each slice. But because New York Pizza is the master of pizza diversity. Regardless of what you order, expect to be more than satisfied. There’s also a full bar and great happy hour selections.

Friday, October 16th 6pm–10pm at the Four Points Sheraton (Previously The Lakeway Inn) Come help us celebrate with the winners of Best of the Northwest. Enjoy Dancing, DJ, Appetizers, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Door Prizes, Fun and More! Information and tickets available at bonw2015.eventbrite.com Sponsored by: D R Y F LY DISTILLING

Bellingham

OF BELLINGHAM

DINE Sip

Red Wine & Soups written by DAN RADIL

hat’s the first beverage you think of when serving that hearty soup or stew you’re preparing this fall? Sparkling water? Beer? Milk? Puh-lease! Be a little adventurous and expand your tasting horizons by serving a red wine with your soup or stew; you’re certain to be in for a true culinary treat. With just a bit of pre-planning, you’ll find that red wines are perfect pairing partners when soups and stews are either part of a multi-course dinner or served as the full-meal deal. Red wines are varied, flavorful, and great food enhancers because they can either complement or contrast the flavor profile of the base ingredients. For cream-based soups, consider serving a light to mediumbodied red wine with a high acid content. Pinot Noir makes an excellent choice because the wine’s natural acidity cuts through the cream, allowing you to taste both the food and the wine. In a world of sky-high priced pinots, the Mark West Willamette Valley 2013 Pinot Noir (about $22) is a tasty, reasonably priced alternative with considerable character and depth. Red plum and raspberry flavors lead off, with touches of spicy crabapple and brisk acidity on the finish. Try it with roasted vegetable soups or perhaps a creamy lobster bisque. Also from Oregon and worth a try: the Willamette Valley Vineyards 2014 Whole Cluster Pinot Noir (about $22) and their 2013 Estate Pinot Noir (about $30). The Whole Cluster begins with a base of black and red plum that develops a nice, edgy quality with hints of bittersweet chocolate on the extreme finish. The Estate Pinot is vibrant, lean, and lighter in body, with expressive flavors of red currant, cranberry, and pie cherry. For tomato-based soups, medium-body/medium-acid red wines such as Sangiovese, Barbera or Grenache are ideal. You’ll 100 NorthSoundLife.com

find that the acidity content of the tomatoes often matches and softens the astringency of these wines, allowing the complementary flavors of each to shine through. Made from Sangiovese grapes, the Avignonesi 2011 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (about $29) should be on your musttry list to serve with minestrone soup. Gorgeous bright red cherry flavors predominate, framed by complex, spicy accents that suggest both slightly sweet and savory/earthy characteristics. The lengthy finish displays a harmonious compromise of lively acidity and soft tannins. Sourced from Yakima Valley grapes, Walla Walla-based winery’s Palencia Wine Company 2012 Grenache (about $36) also makes a terrific choice. Aromas of toasted walnut fill the glass, with brighter strawberry and raspberry flavors to start. An underlying darker layer comes through on the finish with an artful flourish of dried black cherries. For hearty stews, especially those calling for beef or pork, there are a number of red wines that make excellent, reliable choices—especially those with good tannic structure. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Zinfandel are just a few of the many options available. From Spain’s Toro region, the 100-percent Tempranillo Pata Negra Toro Roble 2013 (about $15) should pair well with a variety of heartier soups and stews. A whiff of gingerbread on the nose, red berry flavors on the palate, and a slightly earthy/ smoky finish capped with a hint of toasted oak highlight this affordable, “everyday” red. And Oregon’s Raptor Ridge Winery 2013 Tempranillo (about $35) also has a current release of this Spanish varietal that’s drinking quite nicely. Sourced from the warmer Rogue Valley Appellation in the southwest region of the state, it’s beautifully balanced with understated blackberry fruit, a

splash of acidity, supple tannins, and a spritz of black pepper on the finish. Skillful winemaker Victor Palencia has handcrafted yet another gem with his Palencia Wine Company 2012 Syrah (about $30). It explodes with blueberry and black cherry flavors that seamlessly melt into an ultra-long finish of chocolate-cherry cordial and toasted hazelnut. This truly remarkable wine should pair well with the beef broth in a classic French onion soup recipe or it can be enjoyed simply on its own. Comprised entirely of Nebbiolo grapes, the Damilano 2010 Barolo Cannubi (about $85) has plenty to offer. This amazing Italian wine features luscious red cherry and plum fruit upon entry while chalky, grippy tannins highlight a complex finish of tobacco, leather, mint, and a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s an impressive, full-bodied red that should stand up to the biggest, most robust soup or stew you can pair with it. California’s Renwood Winery has earned a reputation for producing solid, reliable Zinfandels year after year. A couple of their current releases worth searching out include the 2012 Clarion Red Wine (about $20) and the 2012 Fiddletown Zinfandel (about $25). The Clarion is a delicious, unique blend of equal parts Zinfandel, Syrah, Petit Sirah, and the white varietal Marsanne. It displays a base of gentle, black plum and brambly berry with touches of white pepper and licorice. The Fiddletown is an exceptional Zinfandel; it’s quite jammy from the start, with flavors of spicy cherry and plum compote. The lovely finish is soft with just a trace of tannic texture along with accents of caramel and toffee. One final notable red wine blend is Bellingham’s Dynasty Cellars 2012 Irresponsible (about $18). This easy-to-drink combination of Columbia Valley Merlot, Malbec and Sangiovese is certain to be a crowd-pleaser. Sensual crème brûlée aromatics, vibrant red berry and cherry fruit flavors, and a bit of chewy tannins to match the acidity give this wine excellent structure and balance. Add in nuances of roasted espresso on the finish and an under $20-a-bottle price tag and you’ve got a complete-package, perfect for enjoying this fall—as well as any other time of year. 

sjwinemerchants.com 360-393-3271

North Fork Brewery Brewpub 6186 Mount Baker Hwy., Deming 360.599.2337, northforkbrewery.com Mount Baker Highway is home to a plethora of dining options, but at the North Fork Brewery you can get beer, pizza, tie the knot and visit the beer shrine all under the same roof. The brewery produces relatively small batches of beer, 109 gallons, keeping the beer fresh and the options changing. Their staple is the India Pale Ale. The opening taste is a strong citrus flavor, but is quickly dissolved by the aggressive bitterness, making it a quite enjoyable beer to accompany a slice of their homemade pizza. The pizza crust is made fresh daily with a hint of beer. The sauce is well-balanced with tomatoes and spices. Made with fresh vegetables, meats and cheeses, there is nothing not to like about this pizza. Scotty Browns North American Cuisine 3101 Newmarket St., Bellingham 360.306.8823 brownsrestaurantgroup.com/scottybrowns

of the

2015

BEST

NORTH

WEST

SILVER

TasTing Room 1319 11th st., Bellingham | ph. 360.389.0884 | open 11am – 7pm

Scotty Browns offers an edgy, energetic ambiance, a varied menu of mainstream and upscale creations, and excellent drink options for all ages. Outdoor dining is a popular alternative during warmer weather. The selection of beer, wine and cocktails is broad enough to accommodate most any mood. If you are into martinis or cosmos, try the Mr. Pink. The name is a little unnerving to order if you are male, but worth the leap of faith. Some items on the menu, like appetizers, change seasonally, so you know you’ll never get bored. Casual to upscale dining options range from hamburgers, rice bowls and pastas to higher-end seafood and steaks. Slo-Pitch Sports Grill and Casino 3720 Meridian St., Bellingham 360.733.2255, slopitchcasino.com Conveniently located right on Meridian, SloPitch serves up a great burger and fries. With excellent Happy Hour specials in a casual, sports atmosphere, Slo-Pitch is a great place to watch the game or take a mid-day break. Stone Pot Korean 113 E. Magnolia St., Bellingham 3092 N.W. Bellingham Ave., Bellingham 360.671.6710 Stone Pot isn’t just a clever name, but the clever little pots and skillets many of the meals are served in. The Stone Pot Bibimbap is a medley of vegetables with choice of meat or tofu that sits atop a sizzling pot of rice. A fried egg is placed on top — stir it in to mix the yolk throughout the rice and meat as the hot pot continues to cook the egg, similar to fried rice. All meals are served with a variety of buanchan, small, seasonal dishes of vegetables, meats and seafood that complement the main dish. The menu also includes soups, noodle dishes and entrees such as Kabli, marinated beef short ribs,

Spicy Pork, served on a sizzling platter with onions, and the traditional Bulgogi.

Great

The Table Pasta 100 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.594.6000, bellinghampasta.com

Tastes

Folks who have enjoyed the fresh, handmade pastas of the Bellingham Pasta Co. from their local market can now experience them served with a helping of marinara, alfredo or pesto sauce at the Pasta Co.’s restaurant, The Table, which is named for the long family-style table that fills the center of the dining room. Pasta is not the only item on the menu: starters, salads, sandwiches, pot pies and desserts round out the selections.

The following selections have made it past our taste bud test and into our top seven this issue. Step out and give them a try, you won’t be disappointed.

Temple Bar Bistro Continually recognized for their craft cocktails and small plates, Temple Bar aims to please. Begin with the classic Temple Bar cheese plate, a collection of three rotating cheeses varying in texture and flavor. They are often paired with fruit, honey, toasted nuts and bread. Next, dive into a piping hot gratin, which varies based on what is in season. In between bites of a salad made with locally sourced ingredients, sip on a unique cocktail with house made infusions and bitters. Finally nibble on the chocolate chili muffins: the perfect end to a charming experience.

The salad rolls at Thai House are tight, crisp bundles of fresh veggies and tender tofu. The portion is generous, so they make a good light entrée.

bellinghamthaihouse.com Torre Caffe Italian 119 N. Commercial St., Ste. 130, Bellingham 360.734.0029 If you want an excellent early morning espresso or a taste of old Italy for lunch or just a mid-afternoon break, Torre Caffe is the place to go. It’s authentic, right down to the co-owners, Pasquale and Louisa Salvatti, who came here from Genoa in 2005. Traditional Italian lunch fare (soups, salads, paninis and lunchsized entrees) is made daily with the freshest ingredients. Louisa’s soups are near legendary. Go early, go often. Your tastebuds will thank you.

People argue all the time over what constitutes authentic Mexican cuisine, but all of those discerning folks agree that La Gloria is the real deal. The steak ranchero plate is a little cuisine vacation to Mexico.ww lagloriamarket.com

WasaBee Sushi Japanese/Sushi 105 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham 360.223.9165, wasabeesushi.com WasaBee Sushi is a dining experience not soon to be forgotten. Deliciously fresh and succulent slices of fish resting atop carefully handsculpted pillows of rice are a sushi lover’s dream come true. Delicately sweet Hamachi, beautifully barbecued Unagi, and bright and glistening Ikura arrive on little porcelain plates garnished with freshly made wasabi and paperthin slices of white pickled ginger. It’s a refreshing break from the pink-dyed variety so often found in many sushi bars. Ambiance, incomparable quality and prices that cannot be beat make WasaBee Sushi a darn fine place to eat.

The fragrant, amazing Singapore Street Noodle dish from Goji Bistro is a beautifully balanced combination of barbecue pork, chicken, scallions, and egg in a light creamy curry sauce. gogibistro.us

The fried Twinkie a la mode at Nicki’s BellaMarina should be on your dessert bucket list, if it is not. Pull up a seat, take in the beautiful views of fishing vessels floating by, and chow down. It’s so good. nickisbellamarina.com The wood-fired pizzas at Jekyll & Hyde Deli and Ale House are well worth a visit. Pair with one of their great draught beers. jhdeli.com

6 7

Ward off the early fall chill with the spicy tofu soup from Stone Pot. Fragrant and delicious, it’s a soup worth seeking out. korenfoodstonepot.com

The gelato panini at Chocolate Necessities could be one of the best desserts in town, especially if you pair it with one of the delicious dessert wines available at the shop. chocolatenecessities.com

October | November 2015 103

吀栀愀渀欀夀漀甀䘀漀爀嘀漀琀椀渀最䘀漀爀唀猀℀ 吀漀猀栀漀眀漀甀爀最爀愀琀椀琀甀搀攀眀攀眀漀甀氀搀氀椀欀攀琀漀漀昀昀攀爀礀漀甀 ␀㄀㔀漀昀昀愀猀攀爀瘀椀挀攀漀昀礀漀甀爀挀栀漀椀挀攀漀爀愀䘀刀䔀䔀䐀ⴀ䰀椀最栀琀吀栀攀爀愀瀀礀琀愀渀渀椀渀最猀攀猀猀椀漀渀⸀ 圀攀愀爀攀愀甀渀椀焀甀攀䐀ⴀ䰀椀最栀琀吀栀攀爀愀瀀礀吀愀渀渀椀渀最匀愀氀漀渀 ☀ 伀爀最愀渀椀挀匀瀀愀氀漀挀愀琀攀搀爀椀最栀琀椀渀琀栀攀栀攀愀爀琀漀昀䘀愀椀爀栀愀瘀攀渀⸀ 圀攀漀昀昀攀爀猀愀瘀攀爀礀眀椀搀攀瘀愀爀椀攀琀礀漀昀漀爀最愀渀椀挀瀀爀漀搀甀挀琀猀愀渀搀猀攀爀瘀椀挀攀猀⸀ 伀甀爀猀瀀愀瀀爀漀瘀椀搀攀猀愀戀攀愀甀琀椀昀甀氀愀琀洀漀猀瀀栀攀爀攀椀渀眀栀椀挀栀琀漀爀攀瘀椀琀愀氀椀稀攀漀渀攀ᤠ猀洀椀渀搀Ⰰ 戀漀搀礀Ⰰ 愀渀搀猀漀甀氀⸀ 圀攀甀猀攀愀氀氀渀愀琀甀爀愀氀Ⰰ 漀爀最愀渀椀挀Ⰰ 愀渀搀氀漀挀愀氀氀礀洀愀搀攀瀀爀漀搀甀挀琀猀⸀ 圀攀猀瀀攀挀椀愀氀椀稀攀椀渀挀甀猀琀漀洀椀稀椀渀最攀愀挀栀挀氀椀攀渀琀猀椀渀搀椀瘀椀搀甀愀氀渀攀攀搀猀眀椀琀栀攀瘀攀爀礀瘀椀猀椀琀琀漀漀甀爀猀愀氀漀渀 ☀ 猀瀀愀⸀

㤀㘀䠀愀爀爀椀猀䄀瘀攀⸀ 匀琀攀㄀㐀䈀攀氀氀椀渀最栀愀洀Ⰰ 圀䄀㤀㠀㈀㈀㔀 ⠀㌀㘀 ⤀ ㌀㠀㌀ⴀ㜀㜀䈀攀氀氀愀䈀漀搀礀䄀渀搀匀漀氀⸀挀漀洀

Today’s Variety

104.1 FM

Visit www.KAFE.com for a complete list of all the family fun this Halloween!

Agenda

Featured Events 路 Listings 路 The Scene 路 Final Word

Justin Ver Burg Comedian, Ventriloquist, Song Parodies November 7, 8 p.m. Justin Ver Burg will excite audiences with his hilarious and positive performance that includes ventriloquism and song parodies. Originally from Bellingham, Ver Burg has made quite a name for himself, appearing on the Late Show with David Letterman as well as a documentary on Ventriloquism by Miramax Films. Ver Burg stands out with his non-offensive comedic acts and will be sure to get the audience laughing. Tickets from $23.95 Main Stage at Mount Baker Theatre 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

Agenda Events

Museums Grand Coulee to Grunge October 22–December 31

On loan from the Secretary of State’s office, this exhibit tells the story of Washington and how the state put itself on the world map through eight unique stories about its history. From grunge to Microsoft, Washington has contributed and influenced people around the globe. Skagit County Historical Museum 501 S 4th St., La Conner 360.466.3365, skagitcounty.net Chipping the Block, Painting the Silk: The Color Prints of Norma Bassett Hall October 24–February 14

For the first time since her death in 1957, this exhibit features the printmaker work of Norma Bassett Hall. With more than 60 pieces of her work, the exhibit will feature Hall’s work over her 25-year career. Pieces that will be on exhibit for the first time include a cherry woodblock and portfolio of prints of the Oregon coast. Lightcatcher, Whatcom Museum 250 Flora St., Bellingham 360.778.8930, whatcommuseum.org

Concerts El Ten Eleven October 9

Bret Michaels October 23 & 24

Don’t miss this must-see concert with the talented and multi-faceted Bret Michaels. Musician, director, producer and reality TV star, Michaels has had multiple solo albums on top of the charts. As a part of his True Grit Tour, you’ll be rockin’ out to the music all night long.

Post-rock duo, El Ten Eleven are known for their electric drumming and ambient sounds that capture and keep their audience’s attention. With five full-length albums, the Los Angeles duo has also been featured in design documentaries, Helvetica, Objectified and Urbanized. If you enjoy Sigur Ros, chances are you’ll enjoy this performance as well.

Skagit Valley Casino 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow 877.275.2448, theskagit.com

Wild Buffalo House of Music 208 W. Holly Bellingham 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net

October 2–18

106 NorthSoundLife.com

Theatre Forever Plaid Forever Plaid is a hilarious musical featuring four men who tried to “make it big” in music in the 1950s, only to have

their dream cut short due to a deadly automobile accident. Back from the afterlife, the men return for one final chance to prove their musical talent. Hear pop hits like “Heart and Soul” and “Chain Gang” during this entertaining performance. General Admission: $35 The Harold and Irene Walton Theatre at Mount Baker Theatre 104 North Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com 42nd Street November 2

Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and the 1933 movie, 42nd Street follows the story of a dancer who goes to New York to audition for the Broadway musical Pretty Lady and becomes the star of the show. This musical comedy engages

Go online for exclusive sneak previews! MountBakerTheatre.com | 360.734.6080

Skagit Wine & audiences with classic songs like “I Only Have Eyes For You” and “We’re In The Money”. The musical is a timeless story you will want to see.

Beer Fest val

A wine, beer & culinary experience

Tickets: $30-$69 Main Stage at Mount Baker Theatre 104 North Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

Classical Gala Concert October 24, 7:30 p.m.

Presented by Skagit Symphony, enjoy the classical works of Mozart, Berlioz and Schumann. The Skagit Symphony is now in its 36th concert season and is the premiere symphony in Skagit County. The Gala Concert will be nothing but exceptional and will feature oboist Jennifer Weeks, clarinetist Erika Block, bassoonist

Saturday, November 21

limited presale tickets available VisitMountVernon.com (360) 428-8547

Agenda Events

Pat Nelson, and Dr. Gustavo Camacho on the French horn. McIntyre Hall Performing Arts & Conference Centers 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon 360.416.7727, mcintyrehall.org A Royal Opening October 11, 3 p.m.

Celebrating Whatcom Symphony’s 40th Anniversary Season, violinist James Ethnes will open the season with works by Beethoven and Bernstein. Ethnes is known for his technical talent and artistry, he has performed in more than 30 countries and on some of the world’s greatest concert halls. This will be a night that you won’t forget.

Opens with International Super-Star!

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

Sunday, October 11, 3:00 p.m.

James Ehnes Photo: B. Ealovega

A Royal Opening

40th Anniversary Season

violinist Hearing Ehnes—”a wizard of the violin”*—play Beethoven’s heavenly Violin Concerto is simply unforgettable. * Gramophone

TAKE-A-TEEN for FREE Concert! See Ticket Options.

Photo: Hannah Shields

Moran Katz, clarinetist Dimitri Murrath violist

Tickets: Mount Baker Theatre Box Office at 360-734-6080

WhatcomSymphony.com

The Perfect Pair

Two virtuosi take center stage for Bruch’s double concerto. Plus, Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet, and the world premiere of Hitherto, by Sean Hickey, in celebration of our 40th Season!

Photo: Steve Riskind

Sunday, November 22, 3:00 p.m.

Family Friendly Halloween Safe Trick or Treating Downtown October 31, 3 p.m.

To celebrate Halloween, everyone is welcome to participate in a safe Trick or Treating event in Downtown Mount Vernon. Kids can also partake in the annual Costume Contest at the Lincoln Theatre where prizes will be awarded. First Street will be shut down during this time to ensure a safe time for both children and parents! First Street from Division to Kincaid Downtown Mount Vernon 360.336.3801, mountvernondowntown.org In My Life – A Musical Theatre Tribute to the Beatles October 23, 7:30 p.m.

This one-day performance is a unique perspective on the Beatle’s story that you haven’t heard before. Told from the perspective of the band’s manager, the show takes you through the Beatle’s music history from the beginnings to their highest point of fame. The Bellingham High School string quartet will be performing alongside the actors and will include hits like “Hello Goodbye” and “Eleanor

Rigby”. Part of a 125-city tour, In My Life will excite audiences young and old. Tickets: $25-$65 Main Stage, Mount Baker Theatre 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

Visual Arts The Art of Seating Through December 11

Dance New Music, New Dance November 13 & 14, 7:30 p.m.

Performed and choreographed by Western students, this performance will feature new music as well as new choreography. The Western dance program is filled with talented and dedicated dancers; the performance will showcase their hard work and capture audiences with the fluidity of music and dance.

With more than 40 chairs in the exhibition from the Jacobsen Collection of Allied Art, there will be an array of American chair design from the early 19th century to present day. Each chair tells a story of history and evolution of art. Artists include Frank Lloyd Wright, John Henry Belter, Ray Eames and more. Toured by International Arts and Artists in Washington, D.C., don’t miss out on this unique exhibit.

Performing Arts Center 155 – Concert Hall 516 High St., Bellingham 360.650.3876, cfpa.wwu.edu

Fine Arts Building, WWU 516 High St., Bellingham 350.650.3963, westerngallery.wwu.edu

November 21

Special Events 4th Annual Skagit Wine & Beer Festival Enjoy wine, beer and spirits from around Washington State. Local Skagit wineries

and microbreweries will be featured as well as appetizers, chocolate and cheese sampling from Skagit County. VIP tickets will include an exclusive sampling hour as well as a VIP Lounge. Don’t miss out on this special event! Best Western Skagit Valley Inn & Convention Center 2300 Market St., Mount Vernon 360.428.8547, mountvernonchamber. com Fall Craft and Antique Show October 15–17

Featuring more than 100 vendors, the 26th annual Lynden Craft and Antique Show will feature handcrafts, garden art, home décor and more. Meet with the local artists and enjoy a week of everything arts and crafts. Northwest Washington Fairgrounds Expo Building 1775 Front St., Lynden wccinc@hotmail.com, lyndencraftandtiqueshow.com

A MUSICAL SCRAPBOOK

FOUR MUSICALS AND A PLAY

THE GLAMOROUS MUSICAL CLASSIC

1 CLASSIC • 1 MODERN HIT 2 NEW MUSICALS • 1 PLAY A PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING DARK COMEDY

BE INSPIRED VILLAGE THEATRE 2015–2016 SEASON

A SPIRITED AND INSPIRING NEW MUSICAL SET IN GHANA

SUBSCRIBE AND SEE 5 SHOWS FOR THE PRICE OF 4! ISSAQUAH (425) 392-2202 l EVERETT (425) 257-8600 l VillageTheatre.org SPONSORED IN PART BY

ELTON JOHN’S ELECTRIFYING BROADWAY HIT

Out of Town Seattle The Lantern Run October 10, 7 p.m.

The Lantern Run celebrates a tradition in the East and combines the concept of a lantern festival and a 5k. After the run, there will be music, entertainment and food. This special night run will be through Magnuson Park and will an event like none other! Warren G. Magnuson Park 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle info@thelanternrun.com, thelanternrun. com Evil Dead The Musical Friday October 23, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 24, 6 & 9:15 p.m.

Whether you choose the splatter zone or the blood-free zone, this is a hilarious tribute to the cult classics Evil Dead, Evil Dead II, and Army of Darkness from the brilliant evil geniuses at Last Chance Productions. In what promises to be a hilarious, insane, and Halloween-worthy night, don your favorite costume and join in the fun. Renton Civic Theatre 507 S. 3rd St., Renton 877.976.3845, evildeadtour.com

Vancouver Broadway Across Canada Presents ONCE November 17–22

Receiving 11 Tony Award nominations in 2012, Once tells the love story of a Dublin street musician and a young woman. With a talented cast of musicians and actors, this Broadway is one that everyone can relate to about following your dreams and the connection of music. Based on the 2007 film with songs like Academy Award-winning “Falling Slowly”, this will be a musical not to miss.

pinterest.com/northsoundlife

Queen Elizabeth Theatre 649 Cambie St., Vancouver 866.542.7469, Vancouver.broadway.com

The Scene

Agenda

The Anacortes Arts Festival celebrated its 59th year in August. Artists, collectors, and visitors gathered to enjoy more than 300 booths, delicious food, and live entertainment right in the heart of downtown Anacortes. Sponsors of the festival included Heritage Bank, Barrett Financial, and Dickerson Distributors. Live acts included Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Town Big Band, Whiskey Fever, and Savage Jazz.

October | November 2015 111

Notes

Final Word

The Other Cavity Search Ken reluctantly pays an overdue visit to the dentist written By Ken Karlberg

I am the quintessential example of deferred maintenance when my health is concerned. If I can ignore a symptom, I do. What can I say? I am male — a little duct tape, aspirin or Advil, and I am good to go. “Put me back in, coach!” Well, that ended recently with a toothache, or should I say “teethache,” so bad that if I didn’t make a dental appointment, I risked an intervention by my family. Hey, I may be stupid, but I am not, well, totally stupid! Can I just say that there’s no such thing as an enjoyable cavity search? It’s a myth. The U.S./Canada border patrol agents lie. Oh, sure, modern dentistry has made huge strides since my last visit. The old miner’s hats with an attached flash light have been replaced with the dental equivalent of Google glasses, and there’s no more excessive waiting in the chair for cement to dry when getting a crown. Dentists even have an LED light thingy that accelerates the drying (kind of like a convection oven at home, only different, or so I am told). And best of all, the profession now has female dentists. Holy cow! When did that happen? No more bushy eyebrows and nose hair in my face. But as attractive and distracting as my female dentist was, she quickly morphed into an evil dominatrix — complete with a studded leather collar, whips and chains — when the needle came out. Dental advancements aside, some dental techniques (a/k/a trickery) just never change — like the silly small talk to distract you right before the injection. Really, Doc? I have a lifetime of experience reading “early warning” signs during all health-related exams. Every male knows that when we hear small talk in the doctor’s office, we look for the rubber glove. We know what’s coming. So get on with it — and don’t try to sugar coat the injection experience. You may say, “Ken, you may feel a pinch,” or “Ken, you are going to hate me for this.” What you fail to appreciate is that I already hate you and what I actually heard was, “Ken, if this doesn’t hurt, let me know and I can make it hurt, okay?” If I can make another suggestion, too, Doc, I prefer that you use the same memory loss drug that my physician uses during colonoscopies. Whatever I may miss, you can tell me about later. For malpractice purposes, feel free to leave a small flag in my mouth as proof you were there. 112 NorthSoundLife.com

My other doctors do; you’d think that my body was the UN headquarters. Ironically, my recent dental nightmare didn’t end with a Tim Conway rubber face and lisp. That would be too easy, too predictable. No, my nightmare was compounded quickly thanks to the unintended consequences of modern dentistry. While my permanent bridge was being made, I was fitted with a temporary plastic bridge, called a “flipper,” to wear so that I didn’t look like I’d been catching hockey pucks with my lower front teeth. I appreciated the gesture, of course, but it wasn’t necessary. I don’t embarrass easily — or so I thought. The flipper wasn’t the most comfortable, and much to my wife’s embarrassment, not mine, I eventually started removing it whenever I wasn’t meeting friends or clients. Danger, Will Robinson! And that led to a defining life moment. I pulled into the Starbucks in Burlington one day between meetings, and after about a half hour or so working on my laptop I decided to put my “flipper” in my jacket pocket. No worries, right? Who needs lower front teeth to enjoy a latte? Not me. As I headed north later for my next meeting in Bellingham, I reached into my pocket and began to panic — my “flipper” was nowhere to be found. I frantically patted myself down like a twopack-a-day smoker looking for his last cigarette. No luck. Instinctively, as I replayed the sequence of events in my mind, I knew where it was; I had missed my pocket and my “flipper” was on the floor at Starbucks. OMG! What to do — my male dignity at stake. Do I go back and say, “did you happen to find some plastic teeth on the floor?” Heck, no! I went into the courtroom the next day — gap toothed and all — and proceeded to try to say the word “youths” to the judge. We briefly had a “My Cousin Vinny” moment until I substituted “young adults.” Whew. Knowing my luck, my “flipper” will show up in the mail soon now that I have shared my humiliation with the world. 

The Pacific Showroom

herman’S hermiTS Starring

PeTer noone

Friday & Saturday, December 4 & 5 at 8 pm

Buy Show Tickets Service Charge Free at the Casino Box Office

• 800-745-3000

SKAGIT VALLEY CASINO Available Available

SundaySUNDAY - ThurSday - THURSDAY Now - December 30 30 Now - December

FROM

PER NIGHT

• Deluxe Room • $20 In Gaming (Free-Play) • $20 Skagit Skillet Credit *

Hotel subject to availability, excludes taxes, restrictions apply, upgrades extra, cannot be combined with any other offer. Dining credit excludes alcohol, tax & gratuity. Must be a Rewards Club member.

On I-5 at Exit 236 • theskagit.com • 877-275-2448

Casino opens at 9 am daily. Must be 21 or older with valid ID. Details at Rewards Club Center. Management reserves all rights.

Values matter. Your investments should reflect that.

The Saturna Sustainable Funds seek to invest in companies and issuers that demonstrate sustainable characteristics with low risks in areas of the environment, social responsibility, and governance (“ESG”). Find out more today.

www.saturnasustainable.com

Saturna Sustainable Equity Fund

SEEFX Saturna Sustainable Bond Fund

SEBFX

Please consider an investment’s objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For this and other important information about the Saturna Sustainable Funds, please obtain and carefully read a free prospectus or summary prospectus from www.saturnasustainable.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-728-8762. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The Saturna Sustainable Funds limit the securities they purchase to those consistent with sustainable principles. This limits opportunities and may affect performance. Distributor: Saturna Brokerage Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saturna Capital Corporation, investment adviser to the Saturna Sustainable Funds.