Bellingham Alive | April | 2020

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Contents

Spring is here, bringing sunshine, longer days, and, for many of us, a serious case of wanderlust. What better way to shake off winter’s cabin fever than with a trip? If you’ve been dreaming about an international vacation but don’t want to bother with overseas flights or expensive plane tickets, why not settle for the best of both worlds? Here in Washington, we have the solution: British Columbia. This month, we take you on a tour of some of B.C.’s most popular tourist destinations, covering what to do, see, and taste when you’re there.

From Vancouver and Victoria to Whistler and Kelowna, let these pages inspire you to plan the trip of your dreams, just a short hop across the border.

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Photo by Tourism Kelowna/Kari Medig.

Travel B.C.

APRIL 2020 Photos: Left by Hotel Leo. Center Top by Suzanne Lundberg. Center Middle by Dean Davidson. Center Bottom by Tourism Vancouver/Hubert Kang. Upper right by Julia Berkman. Lower right by Julia Berkman.

LIFE

STYLE 38

Beauty Redhead Makeup Myths

39

Fashion Q & A Travel Packing

16

70

Community Hotel Leo 18

Community Heritage Flight Museum

19

Spotlight Poet Jane Wong

20

Out and About Orcas Island Lit Fest

21

Book Notes Reviews & Events

22

Heard Around the Sound

TASTE

Review Galos Chicken 72

Recipe Spring Weekend Cleanse

73

Dining Guide

74

Special Advertising Shop Local Guide

Mixing Tin L’italienne at Gainsbarre

75

8 Great Tastes

Community Honey Salon

77

Culinary Events

40

Local Find The Goat’s Coat 41 42

Tulip Legacy Continues Polecat Comes Full Circle Monthly Give-A-Way Favorite Spring Hikes Bellingham Cocktail Week Winner Underwater Easter Egg Hunt 24

Five Faves Local Green Companies

27

Who Knew? 4/20 Edition

28

Special Advertising Local Cannabis Guide

Top Picks

33

Local Events

35

Out of Town

Sip Malbec, Merlot, and Macaws

Necessities Rain Gear

FEATURE

EVENTS 32

79

44

47

Travel B.C.

NOTES 6

Editor’s Letter

8

Contributors

11

Letters to the Editor

12

Meet the Team Julia Berkman

80

The Scene Bourbon Street Bingeaux

April 2020 3

Notes What’s Online

Online Exclusive

INSTAGRAM

Magdalena’s Bistro and Creperie in Fairhaven knocked this parfait out of the park!

ELECTRIC VEHICLES CELEBRATING EARTH DAY means looking at ways we can reduce our carbon

footprint, whether it’s with the food we eat, the businesses we support, or the cars we drive. Unfortunately, some changes are easier than others. In this month’s online exclusive, writer Mike Hogan describes his experience as a neophyte behind the wheel of an all-electric car. Hogan writes from the unique perspective of his job driving cars between auto dealerships, a trip that can often be hundreds of highway miles in a different vehicle every time. Learn along with Hogan as he discovers the perks and challenges of an electric vehicle from his first unplanned trip of 110 miles.

To learn more, visit bellinghamalive.com.

“The next time you visit your local dispensary, remember you’re also putting dollars into public schools, health care services, and scientific research. I’d call that a win-win.”

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

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

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

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Notes Editor’s Letter

T

HE FIRST TIME I SAW WASHINGTON was from

the window of an airplane. I was 24, working as an acquisitions editor for a nonprofit educational testing company. For my first journey to Seattle — or Seattle’s airport, to be specific — I was on a flight heading to Alaska to teach a workshop, with a connection in Seattle. I’d never been to the Pacific Northwest before, and I couldn’t believe the dense foliage that blanketed the ground beneath the plane. As we descended, the trees came into focus — coming from Kansas, it was hard to believe their numbers. Even though it was just the area around SeaTac, I was awestruck by the landscape’s beauty.

A couple years later, I moved to Washington to work at Mount Rainier National Park. This time, the mountains seemed even more outlandishly beautiful — not only Rainier, but also the Tatoosh Range whose peaks cut a dramatic zigzag into the sky. Was there anywhere more beautiful than Washington? The answer in my mind was a hard no.

Of course, after living in the Pacific Northwest for a few years, I’ve learned that our state’s natural beauty does not stop at its borders. The Cascade Range continues south into Oregon, even dipping into northern California, and the lush forests that feel so much like a staple of our state journey on in all directions. Our issue this month explores happens when we venture north, into British Columbia.

It may be in a different country, but B.C. feels a whole lot like home. Across the border, we find the same sweeping coastlines, the same white-capped peaks, the same walls of coniferous forest. Even the pine-and-river-scented air smells the same.

That said, there are plenty of new experiences and adventures to be had in B.C., all of them worth the relatively short drive or even shorter flight. In this issue, we break down what not to miss while visiting our neighbor to the north.

From Vancouver and Victoria, to Whistler and Kelowna, we highlight where to stay, how to get there, and what to do, see, and taste once you arrive.

The possibilities truly are endless, with world-class hiking and water-recreation in the spring and summer, to internationally renowned skiing in the winter, plus plenty of culture and cuisine to encounter along the way. Visit sites where popular movies were filmed in Vancouver or spend a day in Victoria strolling through flower-filled gardens. Ride the stunning Peak 2 Peak gondola in Whistler or bliss out at some of Kelowna’s many wineries. If your time is limited and you can’t travel far, don’t fret; there’s still plenty to do and see within only a short drive of the border.

Let these pages be your guide to planning the perfect B.C. vacation this spring, summer, or beyond. We promise wherever you find yourself, you’ll want to come back for more. 

BECKY MANDELBAUM Editor In Chief

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Notes Contributors

WOMEN ’S HEALTH

Elizabeth Marie My name is Elizabeth Marie Hayes. I am a UPS wife, former cheese-maker and farm kid, child of Christ, coffee enthusiast, and lover of all things pretty. Seriously, if it has sparkles, metallics, or is lit by golden hour, I. Am. There. I have been actively working as an airbrush makeup artist in Bellingham since 2012 and in that time have been featured in several publications including Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, and PopSugar.  p. 38

“It’s not just about getting quality healthcare, it’s also about getting that healthcare where you live.”

BETH OLMSTED, Arlington

SkagitRegionalHealth.org /womens-health

Lizz Roberts A librarian since birth, Lizz loves books, stories, reading, learning, and helping others do the same.

Born and raised just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, she also loves to talk about (and eat) great food. In 1997, Lizz decided to move “home” and transplanted herself to the Pacific Northwest, where the trees and mountains are tall and the mushrooms tasty. Most days, you’ll find Lizz working at Whatcom County Library System’s South Whatcom Library.  p. 21

Autumn Sorelle Sorelle is a long-time Seattleite and creator of the fashion and lifestyle blog, Autumn Sorelle. She is passionate about living mindfully, adventurously, and creatively. When she isn’t busy blogging or working at her full-time job, she enjoys traveling whenever she can, reading, shopping, exercising, and exploring the greater Seattle area. Above all, she strives to maintain balance in everything she does and encourages others to do the same. You can explore Sorelle’s blog at autumnsorelle.com and find her on social media @autumnsorelle.  p. 39

Sara Southerland

(360) 435-0242 Arlington (360) 428-2575 Mount Vernon SkagitRegionalHealth.org

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Sara Southerland is a Certified Integrative Nutrition health coach, a giddy cook, and mealplanning boss lady. With her business, Future Self Health, she uses a holistic approach to support individuals in transforming their relationship with food and regaining their health and vitality. Find more recipes and food-spiration on Instagram @futureselfhealth.  p. 72

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PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Lisa Karlberg EDITOR IN CHIEF Becky Mandelbaum ART DIRECTOR Dean Davidson INTERIM EDITOR Amy Anderson Guerra

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EDITORIAL/MARKETING COORDINATOR Anelyse Morris Steak • Seafood • Wine

CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Marie | Dan Radil | Lizz Roberts Autumn Sorelle | Sara Southerland

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Julia Berkman | Julia Furukawa Mysti Willmon

OFFICE MANAGEMENT Jenn Bachtel

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

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Letters to the Editor Notes

Dear Bellingham Alive! Folks,

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Bellingham Alive welcomes comments and feedback for our Letters to the Editor section.

We’d love to hear what you have to say and are open to story ideas about the people, places, and happenings in the North Sound (Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan counties). Let us know what you like, and what you’d like to see in the magazine! Contact our editor at editor@bellinghamalive.com.

First — great publication. I’m very pleased to share your magazine with people from around the world.

I’m the Director for International Programs at Whatcom Community College and our team travels all over the world (Japan, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Spain — and more, multiple times each year) in our work of recruiting international students.

Our marketing team loves your publication as it highlights Bellingham as a unique, but relatively unknown part of the U.S. (at least outside of the country).

Keep up the good work!

I just wanted to say thank you from all of us at CB Premier Construction for the article you added to the magazine. It turned out great!!

— Craig B., Ferndale I love having your magazine in our reception area — people really like reading it and frequently we have clients ask if they can take it home.

Thanks for providing a quality product that resonates with our clients!

— Brian S., Volunteer, Kornerstone Kids

— Kelly Kester, Director for International Programs; WCC

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April 2020 11

Notes Meet the Team

What is your role at the magazine and how long have you been with K & L Media?

I’m an editorial intern at Bellingham Alive. I’ve been here since the beginning of 2020.

What is your background?

I’m a journalism student at Western and this is my fourth publication to work on. Originally, though, I’m from New Jersey (I know). I started out making newspapers out of glue and little scraps of paper and now I’m working at a magazine!

What is your favorite part of working for a regional lifestyle magazine?

I love how everyone I interview is so happy to talk to me and trust me with telling their story.

I get to talk to people who are passionate about what they do and want to share their passion with the world! Also getting to review food is never, ever a hardship.

What are some of your hobbies?

I’m a certified laser printing technician and in my free time I design and laser-cut jewelry to sell online! 

Photo by Anelyse Morris.

Julia Berkman

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Local Poet Jane Wong 19 Tulip Legacy Continues 22

Photo Courtesy of Hotel Leo

Local Green Companies 24

Hotel Leo

Life

16 April 2020 15

Life Community

Hotel Leo Offers a Charming New Getaway in the Heart of Downtown Bellingham

“F

OR ME IT’S ALL ABOUT EXPERIENCE,” says

Hotel Leo managing partner Peter Frazier. “I find myself in a position where I get to recommend to people all the best places, and there’s just no joy like the joy of helping people discover our community — and cool places — and come back happy.”

Frazier and business partner Bob Hall are the current forces behind two very different vintage, immersion-based hotel properties: the Fountain District’s Heliotrope and downtown’s recently opened Hotel Leo. “Local ownership of really cool historic spaces with a focus on experience is just the most exciting trend in hospitality, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of that,” Frazier says.

Both businesses serve areas of Bellingham that previously lacked mid- to upscale hotels for guests seeking a unique, local vibe. While Heliotrope blends a retro-motor-lodge experience with a cozy, Pacific Northwest feel, the Hotel Leo project is something completely different.

“One thing that we hear quite commonly from our guests is how much they enjoy being able to drive here, park their car, and then walk and bike all around the downtown,” says Frazier of the feedback from Hotel Leo patrons.

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Although it spent more than 30 years as a private entity catering to senior living, the complex of buildings known as the Leopold was originally designed to be a hotel. Frazier and Hall have made it their task to use the infrastructure for its intended purpose.

“I don’t think we’ve had a hotel downtown for something like 20 years,” Frazier says.

The 1200 block of Cornwall Avenue featured a hotel for over 85 years. The Byron House Hotel was built in 1899, with another section added in 1913. The name “Leopold Hotel” came in 1914 after the death of owner Leopold Schmidt, a brewmaster who had established Bellingham Bay Brewery, and the name was extended to the luxurious tower building added on in 1929. Those buildings operated side-by-side until 1967, when all but the 1929 addition was torn down, replaced in 1968 by the three-story building that stands today.

“It operated — with this 1929 building — as the Leopold until ‘85-ish, that’s when the mall was built and really gutted downtown... and a corporation bought this whole complex and put in senior housing,” Frazier says.

Frazier has been associated with the building for the last few years, and oversaw the senior living operations.

Photos courtesy Hotel Leo.

BY AMY ANDERSON GUERRA

Because the historic building was not designed for assisted living — whose facilities now require very different accessibility specifications — the space was no longer competitive in that capacity. The building was slated to become apartments when the idea came up to revive the hotel.

“Our vision is really to bring the community back into the building and to help downtown revive and grow and thrive,” Frazier says. “Bob and I would not have done this project, probably even five years ago, but... we have so many great restaurants and bars and entertainment and shops. There’s just been this great revival downtown, and so we wanted to double down on that and invest heavily in this property to encourage visitors to come stay downtown.”

From the on-site parking for hotel guests to the stunning period lobby and artistic, locally sourced details in each room, there is no doubt visitors will enjoy their stay. Of the 40 hotel rooms, nine are in the 1929 section, where guests encounter tasteful immersion in the past. Thirty-one rooms are in the 1968 wing and feature modern elements such as Moon Chairs and American Leather sleeper sofas from the Greenhouse, art from local photographer Ginger Oppenheimer, and gorgeous green shower tilework from the Color Pot. Frazier says he worked closely with Greenhouse, Ideal, and other local businesses to outfit the hotel.

The rooms feel clean, spacious, and modern. Many also feature views of downtown or the bay. Frazier brags about the mattresses, all from a company in Portland. The suites have full miniature kitchens, not just a microwave, and feature coffee from Tony’s Coffee. Pets are welcome with a small fee, and receive their own dog dishes, treats, and waste bags.

The rooms are charming and exceedingly comfortable, but the common spaces are what make Hotel Leo a truly memorable destination. Starting with the gleaming, newly unearthed terrazzo floor in the lobby, moving to the paint

and sound panels added to make the ballroom into a more useful and rich-feeling space, and finishing with the cocktail lounge and retail spaces still in the works — the first floor already feels like a luxurious step back in time.

Frazier describes his vision for when the hotel is in full swing: “The lobby is full of people who are traveling from other cities, people are coming in to go to the cocktail lounge, people are coming in to go to events here, our apartment dwellers are coming down for drinks and food. I think that it’s going to become the social center of Bellingham again.

That’s really a big part of our vision.”

Other common areas include a social lounge with tables, couches, and shuffleboard; a library with floor-toalmost-ceiling bookshelves, comfy seats, and a pool table; a four-room gym facility; and a private movie theater themed after Clark Gable’s stay during the 1935 filming of “Call of the Wild.”

Additional spaces and possibilities are still on the drawing board.

“There’s a commercial space that is unused at this time that would make a perfect spa...” Frazier says. “There’s an elevator that goes right from the ‘68 wing down to the spa — it would just be so great to put on your nice comfy Hotel Leo robe and walk down there.”

Whether housed in the building or down the street, businesses will happily entertain visitors — or locals on a staycation — who can now base out of downtown. The Downtown Arts District offers multiple venues for shows and museum exhibits, and there are many blocks of fabulous retail shops, salons, bars, and eateries. Frazier has created an app for curated explorations from Fairhaven to the Fountain District.

“It is just so fun — and gratifying — to reintroduce the Leopold and make fun things happen that are going to benefit the whole community.” Hotel Leo, 1224 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 360.739.0250, thehotelleo.com  April 2020 17

Life Community

$350,000. The plans include a dramatic entrance where visitors walk under a Northrop F-89 Scorpion, an entryway with an Apollo 8 Gallery, a dedicated maintenance hangar, and more.

History You Can See and Touch Visitors can get close, touch, and peek inside the 15 historic aircrafts on site.

The P-51 Mustang “Val-Halla” began the museum’s collection. Used during WWII because of its range and speed, it escorted bombers deep into enemy territory. During the Korean and Vietnam War, the AD-4NA Skyraider “The Proud American” was prized for its ability to carry substantial bomb loads. The Interstate Cadet trainer named “The Pearl” is believed to have been the first aircraft to receive enemy fire during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Visitors can see antique military and utility vehicles, such as a GPW Jeep, a Dodge Ambulance, and a M3A1 Scout Car. There are also military artifacts and uniforms, and an aerial combat research library collection.

Heritage Flight Museum

BY LARA DUNNING

S

ET ALONG THE RUNWAY AT SKAGIT REGIONAL AIRPORT

with the buzz of airplanes flying overhead is the Heritage Flight Museum. Founded by Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders and his wife Valerie, the museum is managed by their two sons, Greg and Alan, and showcases the enduring stories of historic airplanes and military artifacts.

Fulfilling a Vision In 2018, the flight museum launched the ‘First To The Moon Capital Campaign’ to raise two million dollars 18

BellinghamAlive.com

For a memorable experience, visit on a Fly Day. Held once a month from April to September, Fly Days feature at least one in-air demo every hour. These themed events give visitors the chance to see the power of the aircraft in flight and appreciate their role in history.

Dates and themes for this year are April 19, “Knock of the Moss;” May 16, “Training for War;” June 20, “Honoring Veterans;” July 18, “Combat Search & Rescue;” August 15, “Victory in the Pacific;” and September 19, “Warbird Weekend.”

Aircraft from all over the region are known to participate, and some of the pilots are even museum staff!

The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children 5 to 17, and $5 for military. Fly Days are $12 per adult, $10 for seniors, and $5 for children and military. For more information and to donate, visit heritageflight.org. 15053 Crosswind Dr., Burlington, 360.424.5151 

Photo by Lara Dunning.

Building a Legacy in Skagit Valley

What’s the Buzz About Fly Days? to expand and improve their facilities, and to achieve their goal of becoming a destination museum and events center.

“Along with being a museum dedicated to honoring veterans and keeping history alive, we are also very passionate about becoming two things to the community: an events center unlike anything in the area and an educational resource that fosters our youth through a STEM educational program,” says Greg Anders, Executive Director of the Heritage Flight Museum.

The improvements are supported not only by campaign proceeds but also by matching funds committed

by Bill and Valerie. The initiative is happening in two phases. Phase one, now complete, added much-needed bathrooms for large events and Fly Days, dedicated office space for staff, an archival storage room, and a volunteer break room.

Fundraising for phase two is in full swing, and to date, has raised

Spotlight Life

Local Poet Jane Wong Explores Intergenerational Roots

BY JULIA BERKMAN

Photo by Julia Berkman.

J

ANE WONG IS SOMEONE WITH DEEP, WIDESPREAD ROOTS. They ground her in China in the

rows of crops her ancestors planted for generations.

They grow deep into the fertile New Jersey soil and dig into the wet earth of the Pacific Northwest.

Wong’s roots grow into beautiful poems about identity, memory, and culture that have been published in nearly a dozen literary magazines. Her first book, “Overpour,” focused on the complex silhouettes you can see in the tangled roots of her upbringing. Her second book, “How to Not Be Afraid of Everything,” is coming out in 2021. Through poetry, Wong is dissecting her own fears in comparison to her family history.

“The book honestly, to be more blunt, combines my family’s history with my fear of men. I think they seem disconnected, but it’s that sense of feeling terrified but asking how to undo that terror, how to not be afraid of everything,” Wong says.

The poems are layered and multifaceted, Wong says. But they’re also playful, joyful even. One poem is written with blanks that your mind will fill in on its own, like a Mad Lib. Wong is also working on a series of essays that she’ll be turning into a book, which she says is best described as “making do with what you have.” The essays talk a lot about her childhood, growing up in a Chinese restaurant in a strip mall in New Jersey.

“It’s very vulnerable. In a poem, you can hide behind a metaphor,” Wong says, “but in an essay, you have to reveal something, and more than that, you have to reflect. I think that that requires a different level of vulnerability that you have to be willing to be open to.”

One part of the creative nonfiction process Wong doesn’t love is the self-promotion she has to do. “You’re going to be tagged as ethnic literature or a children-of-immigrants story.

That makes me uncomfortable because it doesn’t allow for the multiple selves, for the other parts of you to show,” she says. “I don’t feel like I fit neatly into the mold of what a stereotypical Chinese American story is.”

In one essay, what starts as pithy observations on participating in a Miss Preteen New Jersey pageant leads to a vulnerable look into Wong’s experience with whitening products, whiteness, and colorism. When she was in high school, Wong found out that all the makeup and skincare she had been using were actually skin lightening products that were bleaching her skin.

“I felt translucent, like I wasn’t fully present,” Wong says.

“And if you look at pictures of me from that time, I look like a ghost.”

Another essay, entitled “Root Canal Street,” describes what it was like for Wong to visit illegal Chinese dentists on Canal Street in New York City. “I always struggle with upward mobility,” Wong says. “There’s something I will never lose about my working class upbringing, or growing up a certain way even though I’m a professor now.”

When Wong isn’t writing, she’s teaching at Western Washington University. In fact, when she’s teaching, she makes it a point to put her writing on hold. “I love teaching, and sometimes I wish I could just give a B+ version of myself to my students, but I can’t. There’s something about teaching that I just think is so vibrant and full of joy,” Wong says.

Showing students who have gone through the rote English class assignments of public school how freeing and expressive poetry can be is just as important as working on her own poetry, she says. Any prompt she gives her students she also completes as well. “It’s art, and you should be proud of the art you created,” Wong says.

In the summer, all Wong does is write. She’s received several grants and residencies over the years, including from the U.S. Fulbright Program, Artist Trust, and 4Culture. “It’s magical, truly,” she says. “The whole point is that you really make your art a priority. I feel super lucky to have summers off.”

As her work progresses, Wong continues to think of her writing juxtaposed to the perceptions of her identity.

“I deserve permission to write about whatever I want.

Sometimes as a writer of color people expect you’re always going to be writing about identity and difficulty and trauma,” she says. “Part of the resistance is to say, ‘Yeah that’s true, and that’s part of who I am, but I also get to choose not to tell that story at times.’ I feel more and more confident to write more than what is expected of me.”  April 2020 19

Life Out and About

A Celebration of the Written Word Orcas Island hosts third annual literary festival

BY LARA DUNNING

E

VERY APRIL, BOOK LOVERS FROM ALL OVER

gather in the village of Eastsound to attend the Orcas Island Lit Fest (OILF). In its third year, the festival highlights the vibrancy of literary culture, and all activities are curated with the reader in mind. This year’s event takes place April 17–19.

A Book Lover’s Festival Inspired by their love of the written word, writers Jule Treener and Scott Hutchins co-founded Orcas Island Lit Fest. Having spent time on the island, Treener knew its beauty made the perfect location for an inspiring literary festival, and was familiar with the community’s love and patronage of the arts.

“We want to help people reconnect with their love of books and become part of a community that celebrates good writing and develops a welcoming space where insightful conversations happen,” says Treneer, whose official title is Orcas Island Lit Fest President and Co-founder.

The April 2020 lineup includes Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist Timothy Egan; two-time Washington State Book Award winner Nicola Griffith; award-winning sci-fi and fantasy writer Kij Johnson; international best-selling author Arthur Phillips; Whiting Award-winning poet Rowan Ricardo Phillips; and Guggenheim Fellow and Pulitzer Prize finalist Luis Alberto Urrea. Along with these featured guests, there will be more than 50 writers from the Pacific Northwest and beyond in attendance.

Festivities kick off Friday night with a free Lit Walk where you walk to cafes and bars to hear local and regional writers read their work. The following two days include lively and informative panel discussions and interviews, as well as a book fair where attendees can purchase books and meet authors. Saturday evening marks the main event: a gala with live music alternating a program of several author readings.

OILF Kids’ Fest, a free community event that requires advance tickets, presents award-winning children’s and young adult authors during the festival weekend. Kids can hear authors give readings at the Orcas Island Library on Saturday, April 18.

The Lit Fest sells out fast. To complement their stay, festival-goers receive local discounts on hotels and at different cafes around town. To find out more and purchase tickets ($70 for a weekend pass), go to their website at oilf.org. 

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BellinghamAlive.com

Photo courtesy Orcas Island Lit Fest.

Inspiring a Community of Readers

Book Notes Life

Book Reviews

Literary Events

BY LIZZ ROBERTS

April 1, 4 P.M. WHEN I SAW THE CATCHPHRASE for Napolitano’s new

Dear Edward

by Ann Napolitano

novel — “What does it mean not just to survive, but to truly live?” — I knew I had to read it. Twelve-year-old Edward is the miraculous sole survivor of the crash of Flight 191, which killed his entire family, including his beloved older brother Jordan. I became enmeshed in Edward’s experiences, told in the first-person, step by painful step, as he learns how to live again. Along the way, Napolitano intersperses Edward’s narrative with vignettes of the flight, told from the perspectives of a very believable cast of characters as they come closer, all unknowing, to the time of the crash.

Napolitano skillfully plucks your heartstrings, allowing Edward to tell his own story with compassion and without being maudlin. Perfect for readers of Celeste Ng and Ann Patchett, and recommended for book groups.

AS A LIBRARIAN, I enjoy discovering connections between

A World Without Work: Technology, Automation, and How We Should Respond

by Daniel Susskind

books, such as the one between Cory Doctorow’s 2017 novel “Walkaway” and Susskind’s newly published nonfiction title.

Doctorow creates a fictional world in which the basics for life, such as clothes, food, and shelter, can be made by anyone with a computer and printer. Work becomes unnecessary and many people abandon their jobs to join intentional communities to find meaning in other ways. Susskind, an Oxford economist and analyst who worked at Number 10 Downing Street, brings this idea out of the realm of fiction and into reality.

Automation, combined with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, says Susskind, are transforming the economy to one in which work may become unnecessary. Susskind asks us to consider how we will respond to the problems we currently face (equitable sharing of resources and political power), so that we can move beyond simply living, to living lives of meaning and purpose.

Village Books Reads…

Cooking and Cooking Lit Village Books, 1200 11th St., Bellingham, 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com

Join Village Books staff at their Fairhaven location to discuss the cookbook “First We Eat: Good Food for Simple Gatherings from My Pacific Northwest Kitchen”

by Eva Kosmas Flores. Flores calls upon her Greek heritage to craft delectable Greek-Pacific Northwest fusion recipes that incorporate the foods we love from our bountiful region.

April 24, 7 P.M.

Veronica Roth at the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention!

SPARK Museum of Electricity 1312 Bay St., Bellingham 360.738.3886, sparkmuseum.org

Village Books brings you a night with author Veronica Roth at the SPARK Museum in downtown Bellingham. Roth, best known for the New York Times bestselling young adult series “Divergent,” will talk about her new novel for adults, “Chosen Ones.” The event is free and seats cannot be reserved, so arrive early! Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Who Knew? Canada Canada’s Lowest Recorded Temperature Is as Cold as Mars Canada has never been known for warm weather, but in February of 1947, a small village in the Yukon Territory recorded a temperature of -81.4 degrees Fahrenheit, roughly the same temperature as the surface of Mars.

North America’s Only Walled City First built in the 17th century, the walls of Quebec City span nearly three miles.

Now a designated World Heritage Site, Quebec City remains the only city north of Mexico with standing fortified walls.

National Parks Bigger Than Countries Canada is so enormous that many of their national parks could contain countries.

Nahanni National Park Reserve is an astounding 18,672 square miles, bigger than Israel. Wood Buffalo National Park, at nearly 28,000 square miles, is bigger than Switzerland.

The World’s Longest Coastline Canada also boasts the longest coastline in the world. Including island coasts, the country has more than 150,000 miles of waterfront. This is even more incredible considering there’s only 372,000 miles of coastline in the world.

MYSTI WILLMON

April 2020 21

Life Heard Around the Sound

Polecat Comes Full Circle

A Tulip Legacy Continues Under New Ownership

E

VERY APRIL, hundreds of

thousands of people visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.

For those who’ve experienced its jaw-dropping beauty, it should be no surprise this annual festival earned a spot on Oprah Magazine’s “10 Best Flower Festivals in the U.S.” One of the most beloved places to see flowers is Tulip Town. For 37 years, it’s beckoned visitors to its colorful fields and display gardens.

In 2019, ownership changed hands to Spinach Bus Ventures. With deep roots in Skagit Valley, this local venture capital group is all about continuing Tulip Town’s longstanding tradition founded by Dutch immigrant Tom DeGoede “This year we planted tulips in Tom’s favorite field,” says Andrew Miller, CEO of Spinach Bus Ventures.

“Visitors will be delighted with the flowers and the great shots of Mount Baker and the Olympic Mountains.”

What are your favorite spring hikes?

BY JULIA FURUKAWA

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BellinghamAlive.com

They’ve also planted ten times as many bulbs in the display gardens surrounding the Dutch windmill and made one change tulip-goers are sure to love — purposefully built grass paths that allow visitors to walk through the tulip fields. The paths will help visitors capture stunning photos of the bright-colored bulbs with mountains in the distance.

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival only happens in April, but Tulip Town is open daily from March 30 to May 1. In addition to tulips, visitors can enjoy trolley rides through the fields, kite shows, and face painting.

In the barn, you’ll find tulip-themed artwork, tiles, jewelry, travel-friendly items, as well as their own branded Tulip Town wine and tea. There’s also a cafe with an outdoor beer garden with a view of the blooms.

Entry is $10 per adult, $5 for children 6–11, and free for children five and under. LARA DUNNING

Rachael B., Bellingham Fragrance Lake is the perfect amount of challenge. A little harder than a walk but nothing you can’t do in jeans. I love to sing with my friends at the lake and hear our voices echo and carry.

shows, and five albums, the members of folk group Polecat are peacefully closing this chapter of their musical lives. The band, whose five members are all Western Washington University alumni, got their start in March 2010 with a show in the taproom at Boundary Bay Brewing. Since then, they’ve played all over the country, causing a ruckus wherever they went.

“This last summer we had a great summer full of festivals and concert series,” says founder Aaron Guest. “After, we had a meeting and decided we wanted to go out with a bang.”

He looks back on the time he spent in the band with fondness. He’s now married to Cayley Schmid, the band’s fiddle player, who helps produce the Bellingham Folk Festival and the Bellingham Irish Festival.

While the members may be finishing up their time together, each individual Polecat will be creating joyful music wherever they go. Members have moved down to Portland and over to the San Juan Islands, but they’re all still involved in the music scene.

“From day one, the joy was apparent. It’s happy, joyful, fast-paced music and the reflection from the crowds — from almost all 1,000 gigs we’ve done — has been joy. That’s a great reward, to feel that energy reflected back to us,” Guest says. “You know, life marches on.” JULIA BERKMAN

Zoe D., Bellingham Heliotrope hike. It’s so beautiful but inaccessible in the winter, which makes spring the perfect time to hike wellgroomed trails through a dense forest and take in the scenic glacier view.

Photo courtesy Tulip Town.

A

FTER EXACTLY TEN YEARS OF CREATING MUSIC TOGETHER, hundreds of

ENTER-TO-WIN Monthly Give-A-Way

S

TARTING THIS MONTH, we give you the

opportunity to win a prize from local merchants. You can enter once per day on bellinghamalive.com. A winner will be chosen by random draw, and notified via email and/or phone.

It’s our way of saying thank you for your support and for continuing to help encourage shopping and dining local. Below is this month’s Enter-To-Win prize.

$50 gift card to

Galloway’s Emerges Victorious at Bellingham Cocktail Week

Photo by Julia Furukawa.

A

LLISON SUTHERLAND has another victory

under her belt. Voted Best Bartender of Bellingham Cocktail Week 2020, Sutherland beat out competitors from all over Whatcom County, taking home a win for Galloway’s Cocktail Bar. The theme of Cocktail Week was “A Cocktail Odyssey,” and participants were encouraged to create drinks inspired by outer space. Sutherland knew exactly what direction she wanted to take.

She crafted a cocktail with citrus gin, grapefruit cordial, egg white, lemon, passion fruit liqueur, and a slice of dehydrated starfruit with bitters extending from each prong, reminiscent of celestial bodies.

“People drink with the eyes first, eat with the eyes first, so I wanted to think of something that would look really cool and then make a drink out of it,” Sutherland says. JULIA FURUKAWA

Jacob C., Bellingham Pine and Cedar Lakes, Lost Lake, and Raptor Ridge... Raptor Ridge provides a really great viewpoint that’s a good alternative if you’ve done Oyster Dome.

Underwater Easter Egg Hunt

F

OR A FUN TWIST ON THE BASIC EASTER EGG HUNT, trade in your galoshes for a swim cap

and goggles. The Arne Hanna Aquatic Center in Bellingham is hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt in the pool. Kids and parents alike can dive in for a chance to find toys and candy hidden at the bottom of Arne Hanna’s 25-yard, 8-lane lap pool. Perfect for families looking to stay warm (but not dry) and try something new this spring. Open to kids of all ages who are able to swim, but kids 6 and under must stay within arm’s reach of their parent or guardian. 1114 Potter St,

Bellingham, 360.778.7665, cob.org JULIA BERKMAN

Ian H., Bellingham Fragrance Lake...takes around two hours to complete, and features an awesome view of the bay. Plus, the hike to the seemingly hidden lake has a gradient that will get your heart pumping.

June H., Bellingham I like Yellow Aster Butte. The trail is pretty diverse — through lower colorful foliage, over streams, through meadows, and it goes above the treeline!

April 2020 23

Life  5 Faves

1

Solar by Barron Thinking about going solar? Barron Heating can help. Their new program, Solar by Barron, offers consultations and analyses to determine the best solar solutions for your home or business.

Their Solar Team will then install solar panels and provide continuing care and upkeep so you can rest assured your carbon footprint will continue to shrink. 5100 Pacific Hwy., Ferndale,

FIVE FAVES

LOCAL GREEN COMPANIES Happy Earth Day! Here are our favorite picks for sustainable living.

BY JULIA FURUKAWA

24

BellinghamAlive.com

Photo courtesy Barron Solar.

360.676.1131, barronheating.com

2

Sustainable Connections This community partner has been a fixture in Bellingham since 2002 — and their mission has stayed the same since: to “create thriving communities through innovative ideas, collaboration, and action.”

Sustainable Connections works with local businesses, nonprofits, and government and community leaders to launch eco-minded programs like the Community Energy Challenge and the Toward Zero Waste campaign. 1701 Ellis St., Ste. 221, Bellingham, 360.647.7093, sustainableconnections.org

3

Texture Clothing This Bellingham-based organic clothing company has a mission: working toward zero-waste, focusing on slow fashion, and crafting handmade organic pieces made in the U.S. Their clothing is made to last and to fit all body types. With everything from dresses to leg-warmers, you’re sure to find something that suits your style as well as your values. 1425 N.

Historic Hospitality

State St., Bellingham, 360.733.3351, textureclothing.com

4

Doe Bay Cafe Almost everything served at the Doe Bay Cafe comes from less than a mile away. Plus, most of the food they serve is from an onsite garden.

The cafe aims to be as sustainable as possible, farming ethically and organically and composting food scraps to return nutrients to the soil. So dig in, and feel good about it! 107 Doe Bay Rd., Olga, 360.376.8059, doebay.com

5

Come Experience the

The Bike Hub This local nonprofit aims to “keep bikes out of landfills and get them back on the road” by rebuilding donated bikes that need a little TLC and reselling them at a reasonable price. If you’re looking for a new ride but don’t want to harm your bank account or the environment, the Hub has you covered. 110 Ohio St., Bellingham,

NEW TECHNOLOGY

in Root Canal Treatment

BELLINGHAM 2219 Rimland Dr. #403 Bellingham, WA 98226 Phone: 360-966-8354

MOUNT VERNON 130 South 15th St. #101 Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Phone: 360-428-4393

NorthSoundEndodontics.com

360.255.2072, thebikehub.org April 2020 25

Who Knew? Life

Who Knew?

4/20 Edition

BY JULIA FURUKAWA

I

T’S THAT TIME OF YEAR. For those in the know, April 20th is more than just another day, it’s an annual celebration for a subculture of weed lovers who recognize it as a day of marijuana appreciation.

With a plethora of local dispensaries, marijuana, weed, kush, green — whatever name you use for it — will be going up in smoke all around the Pacific Northwest on April 20. But what’s the significance of the number 420, what are some of the myths and fun facts about it, and how did it take on this higher meaning?

1 2 3

The number originally stood for a time, not a date. Three high school students from California, Dave Reddix, Mark Gravitch, and Steve Capper, used to meet up after school at 4:20 p.m. to blow off some steam by blowing up some smoke. The three would then venture out toward the nearby Point Reyes Coast Guard Station and search for their very own White Whale: a fabled lost crop of marijuana growing wild near the station.

These meet-ups became tradition, and the time soon took on a secret meaning.

The group of teens was called “The Waldos,” not because they were constantly lost or walked around in red and white striped shirts, but because they chose to hang out by a wall at their high school.

The number was picked up and popularized

by The Grateful Dead. Reddix’s older brother was close with Phil Lesh, the bassist for The Grateful Dead, and when Lesh found out about the meaning behind the number, he couldn’t help but bring it to his bandmates, groupies, and friends. Soon, Dead Heads were Waldos too.

4 5 6 7

Contrary to what some believe, police officers do not use “Code 420” to call in marijuana violations, nor is it the legal code for a marijuana violation in California.

Some have been convinced 420 referred to the number of chemical compounds in marijuana, but there are actually close to 500.

The 420th mile marker on the Colorado interstate has been stolen so many times by marijuana-enthusiasts seeking some new wall decor and a thrill that it has been renamed mile marker “419.99” to deter future thieves.

Sharp-eyed cinephiles have noticed a cheeky homage to the time in the work of legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. In his acclaimed movie “Pulp Fiction,” with John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Samuel L. Jackson, almost all of the clocks are set to 4:20, regardless of the actual time of day. 

April 2020 27

Life Special Advertising

Sweet Releaf Cannabis Sweet Releaf Mt. Vernon is your source for top quality cannabis near the gateway to the San Juan Islands!

Whether you’re a local customer or touring the beautiful Skagit Valley, we are here to make your day brighter. Remember us during Tulip Festival — we’re just across the highway! Get delivery from PelicanDelivers.com. It’s easy and convenient! We love our customers!* 14637 State Route 20, Mount Vernon, 360.588.2250 mountvernonbud.com

The Pot Shop is Bellingham’s premier boutique cannabis store.

We have moved from our previous location and are now conveniently located next to Fred Meyer and Costco at 1321 West Bakerview Rd. near the Bellingham airport. We carry a variety of cannabis flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, edibles, and employ friendly knowledgeable staff to serve both medical and recreational customers.* 1321 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.671.0111, thepotshopbellingham.com

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BellinghamAlive.com

Satori is downtown Bellingham’s ONLY Cannabis shop! Featuring “Buy One, Get One 30% Off” deals, 10% Off Pre-Orders, discounts for Seniors/Vets, Free parking, and medical consultants! Touring the beautiful San Juan islands or Cascade mountains? Shop at Satori and complete the adventure!

This April we’ll be featuring a special flash sale everyday from 4:20 to 7:10pm!* 100 E. Maple St., Bellingham, 360.746.8478 satorimj.com

Just East of Bellingham, WCW is the friendliest marijuana resource delivering great value and fantastic selection of products. From our unique joint bar to medical marijuana expertise, we offer a comfortable environment where you can indulge in an exploration of cannabis. Check out our webpage for daily deals and info on our Stash Pass. Shop where the industry shops!* 3708 Mount Baker Highway, Everson 360.392.8309, wcwcannabis.com

*This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.

Special Advertising Life

Here at PRC Premier Recreational Cannabis we strive to meet and exceed your needs every time you walk through our doors. With our incredible production partners from across Washington, we will always have the product to meet your needs! Save time and make an order online today! PRCWA.COM*

PRC — Mount Vernon 18729 Fir Island Rd., Ste. C, Mount Vernon, 360.445.6221 PRC — Arlington 5200 172nd St. NE, Arlington, 360.550.9333

At Dancing Gypsies, connection and relationship building are as quintessential to the family-run operation as their specially curated cannabis menu. The knowledgeable team promotes a sense of community and family values through genuine interactions, a warm and inviting atmosphere and a passion for high quality cannabis and cannabis-infused products.* 794 Kentucky St., Bellingham 360.788.4220, dancinggypsies.net

We work hard to develop strong relationships with our local vendors and farmers to help create prosperity in our community in Whatcom. We’re continually seeking producers who have a passion for high quality cannabis.

Our goal is to create a store environment that is inviting, fun, comfortable and educational.

Please visit us at birchbaybud.com to see our latest discounts!* 8125 Birch Bay Square St #222, Blaine 360.506.7117, birchbaybud.com

Curious about cannabis? Looking for a place where you can feel comfortable asking questions and feel inspired to learn more?

Smoking Crow is known for being approachable, knowledgeable with excellent prices to boot. Whether you’re looking for a good deal, top shelf product or informative conversation — we have it all. Swing by and experience what makes us different! See you soon!* 4264 Pacific Hwy., Bellingham 360.922.0709, smokingcrow.com

*This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.

April 2020 29

Viking Food Viking Food partners with 100 restaurants to deliver unique and local food to the communities in Bellingham, Blaine, Custer, Everson, Ferndale, and Lynden.

Some places that users can order from include: AB Crepes

Cafe Akroteri

Skylarks Hidden Cafe

El Albanil

El Patron

Extreme Sports Grill

Shakedown

Pure Bliss Desserts

Thai House Restaurant

Cascade Pizza

JJ’s In & Out

Waterfront Seafood & Bar

vikingfood.delivery 360.922.0819

Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

Events

Finding Neverland

34

April 2020 31

Life Top Picks

APRIL ANACORTES SPRING WINE FESTIVAL APRIL 11, 1:30 P.M. Relax on Fidalgo Island and sip on hand-selected wines from the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Samples include special vintages from The Orcas Project and Three of Cups wineries. This event is presented by the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, who encourage you to make a weekend trip of it and stay at one of the countless charming lodgings in town and enjoy live music and delicious food all weekend long. Historic Port of Anacortes Warehouse, 100 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360.293.7911., anacortes.org/spring-wine-festival

2ND ANNUAL ILLUMINATED EASTER EGG HUNT APRIL 4, 6 P.M. For only $5 a tot, your kids can search for Easter eggs with a twist — the hunt starts once the sun sets. This event, sponsored by Relay for Life of Skagit, is free for parents and guardians. Wear warm clothes and bring a flashlight, this event is sure to get everyone excited. 8243 Sims Rd., Sedro-Woolley, 360.391.6001 Stars by the Pound

Ever since releasing her first album at only 17, Amy Grant has been serenading audiences with her unique blend of contemporary Christian music. Grant has been awarded multiple Grammys and GMA Dove Awards, and has dropped Billboard Top 100 hits like “Baby Baby,” and “The Next Time I Fall.” Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080 mountbakertheatre.com

KEEPIN’ IT REEL: FIRST ANNUAL DECEPTION PASS TROUT DERBY APRIL 18, 9 A.M.

Grab your galoshes, make bait and don’t wait to register to be one of the 200 fishers at this event.

If you’re so inclined, you can even keep what you catch and have enough trout for the whole family. Fish will be weighed and recorded by 1 p.m.

Proceeds from this event go toward programming at Deception Pass State Park Foundation. Cranberry Lake, Deception Pass State Park, 41020 State Route 20, Oak Harbor

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BellinghamAlive.com

APRIL FLY DAY: KNOCK OFF THE MOSS APRIL 18, 10 A.M.

CASCADIA INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL

Knock the moss off your aviation craft and fly on over to the Heritage Flight Museum for a day of aerial feats and delicious treats, perfect for both those who love flight and those who are curious about learning more. (Note: please do not actually fly your aircraft to the Heritage Flight Museum unless they ask you to.) Heritage Flight Museum,

Since 2015, CASCADIA has focused on uplifting talented female directors.

This year, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, the film festival will also feature a Red Carpet Gala and Centennial Celebration in addition to many fantastic films to watch at the charming Pickford Film Center. Pickford Film Center, 1318

APRIL 16–19, 10 A.M.

15053 Crosswind Dr., Burlington.

360.424.5151

Bay St., Bellingham, 360.543.0149, cascadiafilmfest.org

BELLINGHAM COMICON: COLLECTOR’S MARKETPLACE

12TH ANNUAL TL’ANEQ’ (GATHERING FOR A CELEBRATION) APRIL 18, 8 P.M.

APRIL 25, 10 A.M.

Touted as “Northwest Washington’s Premier Comic Book Convention,” this all-day event will be entirely devoted to allowing vendors to set up shop for enthusiasts, fans and newcomers to grab some original handmade merchandise. At only $5 for admission, this marketplace is sure to have something for everyone. Ferndale Events Center 5715 Barrett Rd., Ferndale, bellinghamcomicon.com

Celebrate the culture and history of local indigenous tribes at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge at their 12th annual tl’aneq’. This event will feature local indigenous art, a gala, and a benefit dinner to support students at Northwest Indian College. NWIC was founded by the Lummi Nation and is the only public college for native students serving Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

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

Photos: Left by David Williams Photography. Right courtesy Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival.

AMY GRANT APRIL 5, 3 P.M.

Events Life

Pink Martini

CASINOS MARC MARTEL — THE ULTIMATE QUEEN CELEBRATION APRIL 17 & 18, 8 P.M.

Are you one of “The Champions” or looking for “Somebody to Love?”

It’s too late to see the real Freddie Mercury in concert, but Marc Martel and his band come pretty darn close.

Martel has been called Mercury’s “very reincarnation” by the Quarter Rock Press, offering an opportunity to revel in the timeless music of Queen close to home. Skagit Casino, 5894 N. Darrk Ln., Bow, 877.275.2448, theskagit.com

VILLAGE GALA 2020: “WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD”

Photo by Thomas Hornbecker

APRIL 18, 5:30 P.M.

Dance, dine, and dress up for a cause at this year’s Village Gala, playfully themed “What a Wonderful World.”

Attendees are invited to dress in blacktie apparel and enjoy themselves, all while donating to Employment Services, Residential Supported Living, and Village Music & Arts programming put on by Village Community Services, a Snohomish County nonprofit.

Angel Of The Winds Casino Resort, 3438 Stoluckquamish Ln., Arlington, 360.474.9740, angelofthewinds.com

DAUGHTRY 2020 APRIL 24, 8 P.M. Join Chris Daughtry, the former American Idol finalist, for a night of rock and roll with his band at Tulalip Resort Casino. Known for their self-titled 2007 album, named the best selling album of the year by Billboard, the group has gone on to tour nationwide and abroad.

With Billboard Hot 100 hits like “Home” Daughtry is ready to bring down the house. 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip, 888.272.1111, tulalipresortcasino.com

TINA TURNER TRIBUTE — STARRING COOKIE WATKINS APRIL 25, 8 P.M. Celebrate the music of the legendary Tina Turner at the Skagit Casino. Vocalist Cookie Watkins, who was once invited to sing on stage with Duke Ellington, brings much more than an impersonation to her performances. With a plethora of Broadway experience in productions like “Hair” and “Guys & Dolls,” Watkins is sure to please with her soaring vocals.

Skagit Casino, 5894 N. Darrk Ln., Bow, 877.275.2448, theskagit.com

hundreds of songs and toured all over Scandinavia, the U.K., and the U.S. Their visit to Skagit is due in part to a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts & the Washington State Arts Commission. McIntyre Hall Performing Arts and Conference Center, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, 360.416.7727 ex. 2, mcintyrehall.org

PINK MARTINI AT THE MOUNT BAKER THEATRE APRIL 10, 7:30 P.M. Pink Martini, the renowned classical and jazz band, is coming to share their delightful music with the Pacific Northwest. With songs performed in 22 languages and ranging from pop to classical, their albums have been called “incredible feats of sonic perfection” that are celebrated worldwide. So sit back and get swept away by engaging orchestral arrangements and the dreamy vocals of lead singer China Forbes.

104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

CONCERTS

CLASSICAL

TROPA MAGICA APRIL 1, 8 P.M.

THE NORDIC FIDDLERS BLOC APRIL 3, 7:30 P.M.

The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc’s three members were born in Norway, Sweden, and the Shetland Islands, and have joined talents to create a beautiful blend of string instruments. They’ve penned

Brothers David and Rene Pacheco of Los Angeles have come north to share their “psychedelic cumbia rock” with Bellingham. The two originally started out in a band, Thee Commons, which received wide acclaim in the East L.A. music scene, but ventured out to embrace their musical passions more

April 2020 33

Life Events directly and formed Tropa Magica — so enjoy their magica and join them at The Shakedown. The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.778.1067, shakedownbellingham.com

MONOPHONICS APRIL 3, 9 P.M. Making a stop in Bellingham as part of their “It’s Only Us” tour, Bay Areabased soul and funk band Monophonics will make it easy for you to shake your groove thang. Called “one of the best live soul bands I have ever seen!” by producer and musician Al Bell, Monophonics will be rocking the Wild Buffalo until after midnight — so wear your dancing shoes!

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

SNBRN APRIL 11, 9 P.M.

THE SMELL OF THE KILL APRIL 2–5, 2 OR 7:30 P.M.

In this delightfully dark Broadway comedy, three housewives join together to commiserate — and plot. Each woman airs the dirty laundry from her marriage and the three realize they have more in common than they ever knew. So when their husbands get caught in a life or death situation, it’s up to the wives to decide what to do with them. Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham, 360.733.1811, bellinghamtheatreguild.com

FINDING NEVERLAND APRIL 4, 7:30 P.M.

Awaken your inner child and get an inside look at the making of Peter Pan. This play tells the story of Peter Pan playwright J.M. Barrie (1860–1937) as he struggles to get inspired to write the now-classic story. Barrie’s creativity is sparked when he meets a widow and her four young sons who help him write the story we all know and love. Mount

Dance the night away with Kevin Chapman, known to fans as SNBRN, as he bumps his indie dance/house music until the wee hours of the morning.

SNBRN pulls from every facet of electronic music to create his unique sound that you can’t help but dance to as he spins his turntables. Wild Buffalo

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

House of Music, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.746.8733

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL APRIL 25, 7:30 P.M.

KENNY METCALF AS ELTON — THE EARLY YEARS APRIL 23, 7:30 P.M. Couldn’t get enough of Rocketman?

Here’s your chance to load up on all things Elton with singer and pianist Kenny Metcalf, known for his time as the original keyboardist for the 80s band Stryper. Metcalf sings, dresses, and acts the part of Elton along with a backup band that will leave you feeling like you just saw the real thing. Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

THEATER THE SAGA OF THE VÖLSUNGS APRIL 2–4, 6 P.M.

iDiOM Theater has partnered with the Sylvia Center for the Arts to bring you an epic Norse tale inspired by the likes of Wagner and Tolkein. The play is a trilogy so audiences can choose to see just one piece or all three together with dinner and dessert served during the two intermissions. Sylvia Center for the Arts, 207 Prospect St., Bellingham, 360.305.3524, sylviacenterforthearts.org

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You know a comedy’s going to be good when the New York Times writes “It’s impossible not to laugh!” Menopause the Musical is coming to the Mount Baker Theatre and bringing with it a gleeful story about four women who happen upon each other at a lingerie sale only to form strong bonds when they find out they’re all going through the same changes. Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

HEALTH AND WELLNESS INTRODUCTION TO THE MELT METHOD OF SELF-CARE APRIL 6, 6:30 P.M.

Join Caryn Boyd Diel to learn about the MELT method to hydrate the sliding architecture of the connective tissues.

Perfect for a pre-workout, morning stretch or as a way to cool down after a long day. For $10, you can learn how to properly maximize your body’s hydration levels to achieve better sleep and energy. Downtown Co-op Healthy Connections Classroom, 405 E. Holly

St., Ste. 103, Bellingham, 360.734.8158, communityfood.coop

WEIGHT LOSS THE EASY WAY! APRIL 15, 6 P.M.

Join pharmacist Michelle Moser to learn about healthy, safe, and effective weight loss methods you can use in your everyday life. This event is perfect for those who are fed up with fad diets and rigorous workout regimens. Let Moser help you find a solution to shed the pounds while keeping the muscle. Makers Compounding Pharmacy & Hallmark, 221 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon, 360.757.6677, makerscompounding.com

LOW DOSE NALTREXONE & CBD INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS SEMINAR APRIL 23, 6 P.M.

For those with health issues like lupus, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia or any other chronic condition, this free seminar aims to teach you how to manage your symptoms by combining a small amount of naltrexone and CBD. Naltrexone is commonly used as a medication to help with addiction, but this seminar will teach you how to combine its effects with CBD in order to work with a medical professional to manage your symptoms.

The seminar is presented by LDN Rx Consultant Michelle Moser. Makers Compounding Pharmacy & Hallmark, 221 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon, 360.757.6677, makerscompounding.com

SPECIAL EVENTS 2020 WORLD TOUR PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL APRIL 3, 7 P.M. Sail right into the screen as you’re whisked away to white waters at the Paddling Film Festival. Hosted by Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures out of Anacortes, the festival features the best films that illustrate the aquatic lifestyle — from SUPs to kayaks, canoes, and whitewater rafts. Proceeds from the event will go to local nonprofit Recreation Northwest. Bellingham Technical College, 3028 Lindbergh Ave., Bellingham, 360.752.7000, btc.edu

SIPS & SUDS APRIL 17, 6 P.M. Put your bottoms up for a cause! All proceeds from this night of beer, wine, and cider tastings go to the Whatcom Humane Society, so you can knock a few back while knowing you’re helping local

animals find forever homes. For $55 you can sample brews, wines, and ciders, all from local producers, and a discount room rate is available for event-goers.

Holiday Inn & Suites, 4260 Mitchell Way, Bellingham, 360.733.2080 x3014

ANNUAL DIRTY DAN HARRIS FESTIVAL APRIL 19, 10 A.M.–5 P.M. Ringing in its 18th year, the Dirty Dan Harris Festival in the heart of historic Fairhaven is sure to delight young and old. With a salmon tossing competition and the Dan Harris Challenge Rowing Race at Marine Park, there’s enough fun to last the entire day. Fairhaven Village Green, 1207 10th St., Bellingham

VISUAL ARTS RARE: RECYCLED ARTS RESOURCE EXPO APRIL 3 & 4, ALL DAY Dive into sustainability at the 8th annual Recycled Arts Resource Expo, hosted by Allied Arts, a celebration of eco-friendly arts, crafts, and music. Educational workshops, panels, speakers, and booths will be available to attendees and art created at the event will be put on display through May for Arts Education Month. Allied Arts, 1418 Cornwall Ave., 360.676.8548, alliedarts.org

PAWA PAINT THE SKAGIT RIVER/ TULIPS 2020 APRIL 16, 7 A.M. The early bird may not get worms this time, but rather they’ll get a stunning, unobstructed view of the world-famous Skagit Valley tulip fields in order to paint the stunning blooms available at Christianson’s Nursery in Mt. Vernon.

Once the crowds start rolling in midmorning, the group will shift to painting down along the Skagit River to enjoy a packed lunch and paint the scenery. Dress for comfort and bring an umbrella and, of course, your art supplies. This event is for PAWA members only. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Rd., Mount Vernon, pleinairwashingtonartists.com

SASHIKO STYLE MENDING WORKSHOP APRIL 18, 10 A.M. Learn about the art of Japanese embroidery, known as sashiko, with this event put on by the Ragfinery.

Participants will learn how to mend their clothes in a decorative style, drawing inspiration from nature and historical patterns to make something broken

Be Swept Away in Masterful Music & Movement

into something beautiful. Bring a pair of jeans to practice on and the rest will be provided for you. Ragfinery, 1421 N. Forest St., Bellingham, ragfinery.com

OUT OF TOWN SEATTLE SEATTLE SCOTCH & BEER FEST APRIL 10 & 11, 6 P.M.

Spring has sprung and so has the scotch!

Sip and savor ales and spirits at the area’s largest spring beer festival in Seattle’s quirky Fremont neighborhood. This two-day event combines beer and liquor tastings with cocktail classes and the chance to sample more than 50 specialrelease ciders, beers, and seltzers from the Pacific Northwest. Fremont Studios, 155 N. 35th St., Seattle, 206.838.9080, fremontstudios.com

SUNDAY MAY 3 3:0 0PM $89.5 0, $79.5 0, $69.5 0, $32.5 0

S PONSORS

CHERRY BLOSSOM & JAPANESE CULTURAL FESTIVAL APRIL 24–26, 10 A.M.–6 P.M.

Revel in the beauty of Japanese cherry blossoms and heritage at this annual festival hosted in the heart of downtown Seattle. Started in 1976 after former Japanese Prime Minister Taeko Miki donated 1,000 cherry trees to the city of Seattle, this festival offers Japanese food and drink, dance and music performances, and, of course, flowers. Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle, 206.684.7200, cherryblossomfest.org

VANCOUVER BILLIE EILISH: WHERE DO WE GO? WORLD TOUR APRIL 11, 7:30 P.M. Snag this opportunity to see the young artist who swept the 2019 Grammys.

Billie Eilish, best known for her record and song “Bad Guy,” took home six of the illustrious awards last year despite being only 19 years old. Eilish will be bringing down the house at Rogers Arena. Don’t be a bad guy — go!

Condi-

Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver, B.C., 604.899.7400, rogersarena.com

tions Always Perfect

SATURDAY MAY 16 7:30PM $69.5 0, $6 5.5 0, $5 5.5 0, $39.5 0* SPONSOR

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Redhead Makeup Myths 38 The Goat’s Coat 40 Shop Local 41

Style

Honey Salon

42 April 2020 37

Style Beauty

Redhead Makeup Myths

BY ELIZABETH MARIE

R

EDHEADS ARE OFTEN BLESSED WITH FAIR SKIN AND LOADS OF FRECKLES. However, no one seems

to know how to truly take advantage of this crazy, awesome combination of features. While I am not personally a redhead (at the moment), I have a few fiery friends who have let me practice my makeup skills on their faces.

A simple look is always timeless, but there is something to be said for having some fun with trends. Be brave and give yourself permission to experiment. In the end, the only person in charge of telling you what — and what not — to do is yourself. Sometimes, we just need to get out of our own way.

Here are three myths you should throw out, as well as some tips for exploring new possibilities.

Myth #1: Redheads should avoid colorful makeup.

Redhead complexions can sometimes be difficult to match (warm, or cool?) but once you get it down they can be incredibly fun to play on. Neutral colors such as gold, bronze, and brown look beautiful on pretty much anyone, so if you’re just getting started on your makeup journey start there. If you’re looking to kick it up a notch, reach for wines and plums mixed in with a little copper. Blushy pinks are pretty good too, and jewel tones. Actually, I feel like redheads wear most colors like a BOSS. If you are feeling it, then go for it!

Myth #2: Redheads shouldn’t wear black makeup.

A rather outdated rule is black is “too harsh” for pale skin tones. I think there is something empowering about a strong jet-black eyeliner, especially for redheads. If you enjoy contrasts and are looking for something a tad more striking, a little black liner will go a long way.

Myth #3: Redheads should stay away from red lipstick.

As with most rules about makeup, I like to say “understand the rules, so you know when to break them.” If you love the way you look with a certain style or color of makeup, then by all means, wear it. I can guarantee your boosted confidence will outshine even the boldest beauty choices.  38

BellinghamAlive.com

Photos by Kiana Lindsey

Red lipstick — or really any bold color — is all about finding the right shade for you. There is something so classic about a red lip, and no one should feel as if it’s not an option for them. Think in contrasts when it comes to choosing the right shade; avoid anything too matchy-matchy with your hair.

Pro tip: If you have cool or pale skin, go for the blue-toned reds. If your skin is more warm or golden, opt for orangebased reds.

Fashion Q & A Style

Travel Packing 101 Fashion Q & A with Seattle-based blogger Autumn Sorelle What are your thoughts on crossbody, mini backpacks, or traditional purses for traveling?

What would you recommend as staples for a weekend getaway when you only have one carry-on?

In my opinion, choosing the right suitcase and purse for traveling is all about where you’re going. I am usually most comfortable with a crossbody bag because I like being able to keep it close and in front of me at all times, especially in large crowds at tourist destinations or at the airport. My favorite right now is the Snapshot Bag

by Marc Jacobs — it comes in lots of cute colors. I also like to check local boutiques and thrift stores for vintage bags whenever possible!

Whenever I’m packing for this type of quick getaway, I am sure to bring one outfit for each type of occasion. I also try to bring versatile pieces that could be worn for different kinds of activities. I usually pack workout clothes, two casual looks (maybe my go-to jeans or pants plus two tops I could pair with them), and one nicer outfit depending on what my plans are. Just think of what you will be doing and go from there. As far as shoes go, I love white casual sneakers because you can dress them up with a dress or down with denim — some good brands include Ecco, Common Projects, Frye, and Nike.

Are there specific fabrics that pack with ease and don’t wrinkle? Brands?

I typically travel with my mini steamer for this exact reason — it’s hard to strictly pack items that don’t wrinkle. Most hotels will have a steamer available as well. However, Pleats Please by Issey Miyake (available at Nordstrom online) is a fun, trendy brand made up of pieces that you can throw in a bag and they’ll remain wrinkle-free. They are polyester though, so keep that in mind if you’re going somewhere warm and need breathable clothing. Also, certain types of nylon and cotton don’t wrinkle quite as easily. Google is my best friend when researching fabrics.

When traveling and you know the weather is iffy, how should you decide what to pack?

In this type of situation, I feel like it’s always best to pack clothes that layer easily. Include some tees, sweaters, and jackets/coats so that you are prepared for different temperatures. 

I love white casual sneakers because you can dress them up with a dress or down with denim.

Learn more about Autumn Sorelle on page 8.

April 2020 39

Style Local Find

The Goat’s Coat Slow fashion for a fast world

BY JULIA FURUKAWA

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Photos by Suzanne Lundberg

S

UZANNE LUNDBERG, artist and “sustainopreneur,” started The Goat’s Coat with a mission: to keep clothes out of landfills and do it creatively. Several years out, the clothing and jewelry company offers one-ofa-kind pieces that are all crafted by hand, giving each one a unique look.

Lundberg originally started out as the owner of a small coffee stand in Bellingham’s Alley District, but when she started offering free cups of coffee along with a purchase of one of her upcycled textiles or art pieces, she realized where her real passion was. She wanted to make usable, wearable art, and do it in a way that worked in harmony with the planet.

“The aim is to make a mark in the world of design and join the movement towards sustainability,” Lundberg says. “We look at not what an item is, but what it potentially could be.”

To fulfill her mission, Lundberg uses natural materials that others might throw away, like fur, silver, copper, and leather, and “upcycles” them — giving them a higher calling as an entirely new piece of art. Her work can be found for sale online at thegoatscoat.com and at several stores in the area, including The Third Planet, The Lucky Dumpster (in Edison), and The Ragfinery. From earrings to fanny packs to hats, it’s Lundberg’s way of bringing awareness to the issue of textile waste and inspiring locals to reuse and thrift while expressing their individuality at the same time.

“Most people are looking for something handcrafted, locally made, absolutely unique, and sourced from sustainable materials,” Lundberg says. “My materials are finite, so the process of design is always changing. I feel that people appreciate that.”

As the owner of The Goat’s Coat, Lundberg shapes her creative vision on her own, but her business couldn’t have taken flight without the help of others. She found support in other downtown business owners and still partners with Topaz Salon for Art Walk and Nicki Lang Studio, where she gets most of her leather scraps.

“I have met so many supportive and inspirational artists and business owners that have helped carve my path — too many to list!”

Lundberg says. 

PROMOTION

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2. Ilse Jacobsen Custom Teal Tulip Shoe | $74* Tides of Anacortes

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3. Ruffwear Front Range Harness | $40 Bow Wow & Woofs 8115 Birch Bay Square St., Blaine 360.332.3647

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4. Julia Galloway, Guest Artist for “Function: Luncheon”, International Juried Plate Show | $120 Good Earth Pottery 1000 Harris Ave, Bellingham 360.671.3998, goodearthpots.com

5. Anne et Valentin “Anouk” Frames | $395 Binyon Vision Center 411 E. Magnolia St., Bellingham 360.647.2020, binyonvision.com

6. Pooley Vases by Chive | $32 A Lot of Flowers

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1011 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.647.0728, alotofflowersfairhaven.com

7. 2018 Rosé: Malbec & Riesling cofermented | $18 Dynasty Cellars 2169 E. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.758.2958, dynastycellars.com

8. Laura Zindel Art, BlackBird Butter Dish | $85 Current and Furbish

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1115 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.733.3224, currentandfurbish.com

April 2020 41

Style Community

Honey Salon Brings Beauty to the Granary Building

BY ANNIKA SAMPSON

L

ATE AFTERNOON SUNLIGHT streams through the

windows of the Granary Building in Bellingham, illuminating Honey Salon’s new location. People in various stages of haircuts and blowouts laugh, lounge, and sip on complimentary tea and coffee. Honey Salon occupies the fourth and fifth floors of the building, looking out onto downtown Bellingham to the east and the San Juan Islands and the sparkling sea to the west. The entry areas in the salon are graced with bouquets of colorful flowers, sleek and comfortable chairs and couches, and displays of sustainable products.

The Granary Building sits at the gateway to Bellingham’s new Waterfront District. Another current tenant is Bellingham Yoga Collective, with more businesses and restaurants on the way. The converted historic grain elevator is adjacent to Waypoint Park and trails, giving visitors to Honey a chance to explore the district, too.

I spoke with Bre Sanders, the salon manager, who’s been with Honey for ten years. She’s excited about the opportunities that the Granary space offers.

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“We now have two floors and twice the amount of chairs,” Sanders says. “We’re growing our apprenticeship program, which allows people to get their license to do hair or their cosmetology license in a salon instead of going to beauty school.”

Honey’s apprenticeship program was a key motivation in finding a new space. “We really pride ourselves in being able to offer education for less than a beauty school would traditionally cost,” Sanders says.

Honey makes space for professionals in all stages of their beauty career. “The fourth floor is where we have a lot of our students, apprentices, and recent graduates of our program,” Sanders says. “Upstairs we have our independent contractors — people who maybe graduated a long time ago — and established stylists who have come here.”

Inclusivity is a core value at Honey Salon. Honey is a mainstay of downtown Bellingham, participating in art walks and other events. This has cultivated, as Sanders puts it, “a strong client base,” which is something Honey is particularly proud of.

“I’ve always really loved this industry,” she says. “It’s awesome seeing people come in — maybe they’re having a bad day — and when they leave they just feel better. It’s a real self-care kind of thing. It makes a difference for people, and it’s so nice to see that.”

Honey is also a Green Circle Salon, meaning they are part of a comprehensive recycling and reuse program to address environmental waste in the hair and beauty industry. So not only does the salon offer high-quality services and a warm, friendly atmosphere, but they also are constantly working to redefine what environmental accountability and sustainability look like for their business.

Finding a home in the Granary Building lets Honey Salon expand their services and offer their community even more of what they love. “It’s such a fascinating place,” says Sanders, clearly enthused. “It’s really cool to feel like you’re a part of a bigger community but also the smaller community that is within the Granary Building. We’re super happy to be here.”

And their clients seem to be as well — everyone walks out the door with a smile on their face. 

April 2020 43

Style Necessities

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BellinghamAlive.com

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Photos by Dean Davidson

4

No More Rainy Day Blues

BY DEVAN BALLARD

I

F THERE’S ONE THING WE KNOW about life in the Pacific

Northwest, it’s that having highquality rain gear is essential. And while rainy days here may be dark and wet, our rain gear sure doesn’t have to be!

The good news is you can stay dry and look fabulous at the same time with these cheerful colors and fun prints.

From raincoats that change colors and patterns when they get wet to doublesided umbrellas, suddenly these rainy days don’t seem so bad. The long sunny days of summer are right around the corner, but until then you might as well embrace the rain and these adorable wet-weather essentials. 

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Casa Sirena Chelem Rooms from $75 per night casasirenachelem.com

Rain Essentials Auto Umbrella by Shed Rain 1 Paper Boat, $25

ETAGE “Magic Print” Lime Dot Raincoat Statement Apparel, $143

Joules “Right as Rain” Printed Wellies Betty Be Good, $79.95

Myrca Pac Pink Stretch Andi Three French Hens, $244

Joules “Right as Rain”GoLightly Jacket Paper Dreams, $74.95

April 2020 45

Bellingham Travel & Cruise

The Kenoyers sell twice as many homes over $800,000 than their next closest competitor.

360.676.9229 | KENOYERS.COM

celebrates its first anniversary in its new and lovely waterfront location in May. Same trusted staff, same great service, plus some added new faces to send you to beautiful new places too.

Mention this ad when you book and receive a special “anniversary” gift.

1801 Roeder Ave., Ste. #144, Open 11–5 Mon–Fri. Appointments preferred.

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Map Data © Google 2019

Travel B.C. WHI STL ER

VI CTOR IA

KEL OW NA

VANCO U VER

W

E’RE SO FORTUNATE TO BE RIGHT ON THE EDGE OF MORE: more coastline, more mountains, more rivers, more parks, more culturally diverse cities, and just more to discover. British Columbia is a vast wonderland filled with sun-strewn summer views, toothy winter grins, handcrafted local eats — in short, more of all the things we love about the Pacific Northwest, only bigger. And right next door.

Because navigating the choices of destinations can feel overwhelming, we offer some direction in your travels: north to Whistler, southwest to Victoria, and east to Kelowna. Find dreamy details that will have you booking an escape to hike, wander a city, tour wineries — or all three. Directly northwest, immerse yourself in the easy and diverse charms of four Vancouver neighborhoods, complete with where to eat and what not to miss.

Wherever you decide to go, you’re certain to return with more memories and a greater appreciation for our neighbor to the north. Amy Anderson Guerra April 2020 47

Whistler

H Vallea Lumina

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OME TO SOME EVENTS AT THE 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS, Whistler is a charming mountain town

just an hour and 40 minutes north of Vancouver.

The town’s two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, create numerous adventure opportunities no matter the season. With skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking, biking, golfing, zipline tours, and plenty of lake recreation during the warmer months, there really is no limit to what you can do. If you’re looking for an outdoor-lovers paradise, look no further than Whistler.

Photo by Moment Factory and Vallea Lumina.

BY BECKY MANDELBAUM

WHERE TO STAY

GETTING THERE Car The good news? So long as you have a quick border crossing, Whistler is less than a three-hour drive from Bellingham. From the Peace Arch crossing, you’ll hop on BC-99, BC-91, and BC-1, eventually staying on BC-99 North. Once on 99, you’ll drive along the coast, catching epic views of Horseshoe Bay, Howe Sound, and the mountains beyond.

The drive is somewhat twisty, but the views are more than worth it.

Shuttle If you’d rather leave your car behind (and in pedestrian-friendly Whistler you totally can), there are several shuttle options. Epic Rides will take you from Vancouver to Whistler and back for $35 round-trip, with no additional cost for carrying bikes or snow gear.

Other shuttles include Snowbus, Perimeter Transportation, and YVR Skylynx. Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, but you also won’t have to worry about finding or paying for parking. Truly, if you’re staying in Whistler Village, nearly everything is within walking distance. The town also boasts a great public transit system.

WHERE TO EAT

Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel

Quattro at Whistler

Located in the heart of picturesque Whistler Village, you’ll find Summit Lodge, an award-winning boutique hotel. With protected underground parking and easy access to hiking, shopping, and world-class cuisine, staying at Summit is a breeze. Guests also enjoy access to a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and sauna.

This sweet and quirky hotel has everything you need, with an extra serving of personality and style. Upon entering, you’re greeted with a bright, cheerful lobby. Guests can work or relax in one of two lounge areas (one boasts a canine corner for four-legged guests). Speaking of, pet-lovers, this is your hotel. Pets stay free.

The rooms are spacious, clean, and well-organized for maximum function.

The furniture is tastefully modern, and each bed features a Sealy mattress that’s the perfect balance of firm and soft. All rooms include a kitchenette with a twoburner stove, mini-fridge, and coffee and tea maker.

When it comes to Summit, the charm is in the details. From the handmade sock monsters on every bed to the in-room Instax polaroid camera and iPad (both of which you can use off-premises), the atmosphere at Summit is at once playful and classy, much like Whistler itself. All this, combined with a location that’s hard to beat — walking distance to Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas as well as restaurants, shopping, and an ice-skating rink — make Summit an easy choice for a fun-packed Whistler getaway. 4359 Main St., Whistler, B.C.,

After a long day of outdoor play, recharge with dinner at this exceptional Italian restaurant, where fine dining meets upscale-casual atmosphere.

Quattro’s Chef Jeremie Trottier brings authentic Italian flavors to life with inspiration from the restaurant’s Italian founder, Chef Antonio Corsi.

The restaurant is perfect for both romantic date nights and larger outings with friends and family. Entrees can be ordered family-style, for maximum sharing and tasting. Quattro also boasts an award-winning wine list with bottles at every price point and from every region of significance.

Start your meal with warm focaccia, made daily in-house with flax and sunflower seeds. Not listed on the menu, do yourself a favor and order the antipasto plate. Although the offerings change daily, I can’t imagine any of them disappoint. On the night I went, the plate featured radicchio; arancini; marinated and smoked salmon with lemon and tarragon aioli; chicken liver pate with extra-thin crisps; lamb and Italian sausages; and a smoked tomato bisque with goat cheese. All were extraordinary, but the radicchio and arancini were stand-outs.

On the menu you’ll find plenty of pasta options. The Quattro Spaghetti is described as “for Italians only,” but don’t let this warning scare you away. The hearty dish dates back to Chef Corsi’s days in Rome, on a late night when he and some friends were returning home at two in the morning. Wanting to whip up something tasty, Corsi scanned his pantry but found only four ingredients: chicken, black beans, garlic, and red chili flakes. Undeterred, he pulled everything together. The result? A delicious, one-ofa-kind spaghetti that’s spicy and multitextured. 4319 Main St., Whistler, B.C.,

604.932.2778, summitlodge.com

604.905.4844, quattrorestaurants.com

Photo by Joern Rohde.

Crêpe Montagne

Quattro

Across the road from Summit Lodge you’ll find this charming creperie.

Featuring savory and sweet crepe selections, as well as chocolate and cheese fondue, this restaurant ranks high in both taste and charm. The April 2020 49

intimate space features an open kitchen and limited booth seating. Don’t be deterred if you have to “stand in queue” for a table; the cozy experience and delicious crepes are worth the wait. 4368 Main St., Ste. 116, Whistler, B.C., 604.905.4444, crepemontagne.com

Stepping into PureBread is like stepping into a gingerbread house, where it seems even the floors and furniture are edible. At the counter you’ll find heaps of sweet treats: scones, cupcakes, cookies, croissants, macaroons, meringues, brownies, and bars, just to name a few. The selection is overwhelming, so it’s best Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride to come prepared with an idea of what you’re craving. If you’re feeling like something more substantial, the café also serves sandwiches, access for skiers and snowboarders. In the warmer months, savory turnovers, hand pies, and pizzettes, as well as delicious it opens up a world of high-alpine hiking and biking. The coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. Whatever you choose, gondola is also a great option for those who just want you can’t go wrong. There’s also no shame in coming back a second time…or a third, fourth, or fifth. 4338 Main St., to enjoy an unparalleled view of the glaciers and river Ste. 122, Whistler, B.C., 604.962.1182, purebread.ca valley below.

At its apex, the gondola hovers nearly 1,500 feet in Alpine Café & Catering Co. the air. If this doesn’t faze you, wait for one of the glassJust a few miles north of Whistler Village you’ll find Alpine bottomed gondolas, which offer a dizzying peek at the Café. Situated in the Alpine Meadows neighborhood, this world beneath your feet. Once you reach solid ground, quaint café offers delicious items for breakfast, lunch, and you’ll find restaurants, shops, and bathrooms on each dinner. Although indoor seating is limited to a few tables mountain. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and dress in layers, as the temperature at elevation is typically much and booths, the café also boasts a lively outdoor eating colder than that on the valley floor. area perfect for sunny days. Guests can even lounge in The gondola is closed for routine maintenance a few a decommissioned gondola. When it comes to the food, weeks each year, typically in late April until late May, and co-owners and Chefs Kevin Wood and Martini Bart both in early October through late November, so be sure to have European culinary training, and bring a combined 40 check before you plan your visit. 1.800.944.7853 years of experience to the table. From breakfast bowls and wraps to homemade soups and sandwiches, this café has Vallea Lumina everything you’re craving. 8104 Mckeevers Pl., Whistler, B.C., Vallea Lumina is somewhat difficult to describe. It’s sort 604.905.4663, alpinecafe.ca of like a light-show, play, and nature walk all in one, or like Earls Kitchen & Bar walking through the pages of an electric fairy tale. If you’re If you’re looking for a solid happy hour, Earls is the place travelling with kids or grand-kids, be sure to put this on your agenda — it’s the kind of outing they’ll remember for to go. With a chic, modern dining room and cocktail options years to come. under $5, you can’t go wrong. In addition to standard pub fare — tacos, burgers, and chicken sandwiches — the menu After an easy bus ride from Whistler Village, the trip starts also features several healthier options, like poke bowls, at Base Camp, where posted signs warn about two missing curries, and salads. Just a short trek from the gondolas, it’s hikers. According to witnesses, an old man and a little girl a great option for a post-adventure meal or a lively night have disappeared from camp without a trace. Meanwhile, out with friends and family. 4295 Blackcomb Way, Ste. news clippings report of strange occurrences in the forest: 220/221, Whistler, B.C., 604.935.3222, earls.ca mysterious fish that light up in the water and stars falling from the sky. There’s a legend in the woods, and it seems the missing hikers have something to do with it.

Although the narrative is somewhat tenuous, the story is largely beside the point. Vallea Lumina is first and foremost Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride about the visuals, and the visuals are like nothing you’ve The magic of Whistler comes from the mountains. Experience seen before. The self-guided tour takes you from scene to both Whistler and Blackcomb peaks with this breathtaking scene, through an easy-to-follow loop in the woods. As you gondola ride, which carries you gently from the top of one go, you’ll encounter colorful lights, holograms, talking trees, mountain to the next. In the winter, the gondola offers easy and creeks filled with glowing salmon. The high point comes

WHAT TO DO

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Photo by Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane.

PureBread

toward the middle, when you cross a bridge that’s swimming with dots of blue and green light.

Once you’ve completed the loop, you can hang around Base Camp and enjoy hot drinks, snacks, and S’mores around a bonfire. Picks up at The Gateway Loop, Gate Way Drive, Whistler, B.C., 833.800.8480, vallealumina.com

Audain Art Museum

Photo by Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane.

Just a quick jaunt from the main village stroll, you’ll find the Audain Art Museum, a hub for contemporary art from B.C. and the world over. The museum is the brainchild of philanthropist and builder Michael Audain, whose permanent collection of Canadian art is featured in the museum.

The building itself is an architectural achievement, receiving numerous awards and distinctions. In the galleries you’ll find work from the late 18th century to present day.

The museum’s crown jewel is a ceremonial dance screen by Haida carver Chief James Hart. Completed in 2013, The Dance Screen (Scream Too), is a breathtaking carving made from red cedar with abalone and zinc details.

Make sure to visit the museum during one of their walkand-talk tours, which are free with admission. During my visit, one of the museum’s knowledgeable and friendly docents guided our group through a special exhibit on Canadian artist Emily Carr. The tour was instrumental in putting the exhibit into context; I fell in love with Carr’s work in a way I simply couldn’t have without learning her background. Although this particular exhibit ended in January, you can find several of Carr’s later works in the permanent collection.

This spring’s special exhibit, The Extended Moment: Fifty Years of Collecting Photographs, celebrates the history of Canadian photography. Check the museum’s website for additional information, as well as special programming for families and youth. 4350 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, B.C., 604.962.0413, audainartmuseum.com

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Learn more about the native inhabitants and rightful stewards of the land Whistler now occupies. In the permanent exhibit, you’ll learn about the regalia, ceremonies, language, and stories of the Lil’wat and Squamish tribes, while also viewing traditional carvings, blankets, canoes, and totem poles. The center offers guided tours, craft classes (like how to make your own hand drum or dreamcatcher), as well as a gift store and cafe. 4584 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, B.C., 604.964.0990, slcc.ca

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

April 2020 51

Victoria

BY ANELYSE MORRIS

Butchart Gardens

V

ICTORIA IS KNOWN AS “THE CITY OF GARDENS.” You’ll find some of the most

beautiful sights in B.C. in this spot at the southernmost end of Vancouver Island, completely separate from the mainland. The mildest climate in Canada makes Victoria a stellar place to explore all the wonderful things nature has to offer, from captivating gardens to stunning parks. Experience the city’s rich history by strolling past Victorian architecture or visiting world-class museums. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor getaway or an immersion into culture and history, Victoria is sure to please.

If you’re looking for a hotel that embodies Victoria’s history, charm, and elegance, the Fairmont Empress is one of the highest rated hotels in Canada. Opened in 1908, the Empress is renowned for its daily high tea service — half a million cups are served each year.

One accommodation package includes lodging, tea service, and admission and transportation to the stunning Butchart Gardens and Butterfly Gardens.

Want to bring the whole family? The Empress offers a babysitting service so you can explore Victoria while knowing your kids are in good hands.

If you want to stay close to the action, consider reserving a room at Magnolia Hotel & Spa. Located in the heart of downtown, this award-winning luxury hotel offers a variety of spa services that will leave you feeling refreshed, reenergized, and ready to take on your day in Victoria. If you don’t feel like eating out, Magnolia’s Courtney Room is regularly featured as a top restaurant in Canada, putting a sophisticated spin on Pacific Northwest flavors.

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Victoria Inner Harbor

Magnolia Hotel & Spa

Photos courtesy of Destination Greater Victoria.

WHERE TO STAY

WHERE TO EAT

GETTING THERE Car/Ferry Victoria is roughly threeand-a-half hours from Bellingham. Take I-5 up to the border and continue onto BC-99. You’ll follow BC-99 until Vancouver/ Richmond, where you will see signs for the Tsawwassen Ferries. Merge onto BC-17A and follow BC-17A until you hit the ferry terminal, then kick back and enjoy the 90-minute ferry ride. The ferry takes both vehicles and walk-on passengers, so feel free to leave your car in Vancouver.

Victoria offers many critically acclaimed restaurants. In the downtown area alone, you can find a delicious meal around every corner. If you’re looking for the FrenchCanadian experience, check out Brasserie L’ecole and try their duck confit or french onion soup. Craving Italian? Il Terrazzo is rated the number one Italian restaurant in Victoria, and offers a truly cozy atmosphere.

If you’re looking for the perfect brunch or breakfast location, try John’s Place Restaurant, or Murchie’s if you’re wanting to eat on-the-go. Cap off your day with a drink at some of the local bars and pubs.

10 Acres Kitchen & Commons is always buzzing with excitement — particularly over their seafood dishes and cocktails. If you’re looking for a more intimate environment, stop by Clive’s Classic Lounge for their one-of-a-kind cocktails and popular poutine.

WHAT TO DO Historical Ventures Victoria is teeming with historical sites and tourist attractions. The Royal British Columbia Museum is located right next to the Fairmont Empress, and may be the most interactive museum you’ll ever visit.

Many of the displays are three-dimensional, immersing you into Victoria’s history, as well as the history of the Lekwungen peoples whose land is the unceded traditional territory on which Victoria resides. Once you leave the museum, walk to the Helmcken House — the oldest residence in B.C. that

still exists on its original site, and the home of local politician and doctor John Sebastian Helmcken. Don’t forget to head to Old Town to explore Canada’s oldest Chinatown. Once home to 8,000 people, this historic district offers a glimpse into another culture. It’s also home to Fan Tan Alley, one of the narrowest corridors in the world. (If you’re looking for one of the narrowest buildings in the world, that’s in Vancouver’s Chinatown.)

Nature Escapes Victoria offers a variety of gorgeous gardens and parks that showcase breathtaking views and recreation opportunities. The Victoria Butterfly Gardens are home to nearly 75 species of exotic butterflies and moths, in addition to other wildlife. For even more critters, The Victoria Bug Zoo showcases insects from all around the world. If you’re looking to see more flora than fauna, head to Butchart Gardens — a top tourist attraction that welcomes over one million visitors annually to its 55 acres. The city has had an annual bloom count since 1970, and 2018 reported a flower count of 3.4 billion. Victoria is also a great place to stop and smell the roses — at the Government House Rose Garden or Abkhazi Garden.

Photos: Left courtesy of Destination Greater Victoria. Right by Butterfly Gardens.

Plane The quickest way to fly to Victoria is to drive to Vancouver and catch either a commercial flight out of Vancouver International Airport or a helicopter or floatplane in downtown Vancouver/Richmond. The flights are typically only a little over 30 minutes, perfect if your time in B.C. is limited. You can also catch a charter flight to Victoria on San Juan Airlines from Bellingham or Anacortes.

Butterfly Gardens

Royal British Columbia Museum

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Kelowna

BY LINDSEY MAJOR AND ANELYSE MORRIS

GETTING THERE Drive Getting to Kelowna in late spring/summer/early fall is a fun family road trip. From Bellingham, it’s a little over a four-hour drive. Use the Sumas border crossing to hop on the BC-1, leading to a long haul on the Trans Canada Highway. Eventually, you’ll continue the rest of the journey on the BC-5 North, following the signs for Kelowna until you reach your destination. Be careful though — the Coquihalla Highway tends to be dangerous, especially in the cooler months. Snow tires or chains are required from October 1 to April 30. In the warmer months when the snow is gone, maintain a safe speed and you’ll be just fine.

N

ESTLED ALONG THE SHORELINE of Okanagan

Lake is the seemingly small town of Kelowna.

While the population is high (140,000+) and the geography is widespread (more than 80 square miles), this city feels homey. If you stay for more than a day or two, you’re sure to run into familiar faces, who will greet you with a warm smile and the classic Canadian charm.

Whether your hobbies are golfing, skiing, hiking, wine tasting, or brewery hopping, Kelowna offers something for the whole family. If nothing else, there’s always a day at the lake.

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A year-round way to access Kelowna is through the local international airport.

Crossing the border by car and flying out of Vancouver is the easiest route, skipping international customs upon arrival. You can also fly directly out of SeaTac if you prefer. The Kelowna airport is located on the northern border of the city, with an extremely short commute to downtown and most hotels. While the airport is on the smaller side (picture the Bellingham airport), there are still a couple options to grab a bite or some souvenirs.

Photo courtesy Tourism Kelowna.

Fly

Hotel Eldorado

WHERE TO STAY

Photo courtesy Tourism Kelowna.

Hotel Eldorado at the Eldorado Resort The British actress Olga Irene May was married to Count Johann Franz-Bubna-Litic of Austria in 1901 after many years spent on stage. After living in Paris for a few years, the couple divorced in 1908, something unheard of at the time.

Because of the controversy, the Countess relocated to North America, eventually finding her way to Kelowna. Bubna used inheritance money to open a Victorian-style inn in 1926, meant to accommodate her wealthy European friends. Originally dubbed the Eldorado Arms Hotel, the lodge became a high society gathering place.

The El, as locals came to call it, maintained its social prominence throughout the ‘60s. Kelowna Mayor John Hindle used the hotel to host dog shows, garden parties, and international guests. When the hotel was purchased by the Nixon family (no relation to the U.S. president of the same name) in the ‘80s, the hotel was to be moved to its current location right on the Okanagan Lake. However, during the transition, the building burned down, leaving only the foundation and scraps. The Nixon family rebuilt the hotel at the new location using the original blueprints from 1926, restoring it to its former glory as imagined by Countess Bubna.

Today, the hotel is owned by Argus Properties. Argus also purchased the residential villas next door and the Manteo Resort Waterfront Hotel on the other side of the villas. Including the Eldorado Marina, and all the facilities, restaurants, and recreation, the whole property is now referred to as the Eldorado Resort. Guests staying in the Eldorado Arms building (the original hotel) have access to everything the resort has to offer, including a business center, water sports rentals, a rooftop deck overlooking the lake, private beach access, a water slide and spray park,

indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, a library, tennis court, basketball court, playground, putting green, and more.

The guest rooms in the Eldorado Arms building are nothing short of the Countess’s dream of luxury. Upon entry, you’re greeted with a desk area for working (or not — it’s vacation, after all). There’s a separate sitting room with armchairs, a sofa, and a fireplace. The kitchen has everything you’d need for an extended stay, including a fridge, dishwasher, dishes, and silverware. The bathroom features a pedestal sink, plenty of shelving, and the most amazing shower: choose from a rainfall, handheld, or jetted wall shower experience. And finally, the piece de resistance, the bedroom: with a king-sized bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a massive, deep jetted bathtub overlooking the water, this bedroom is fit for royalty. 500 Cook Rd., Kelowna, hoteleldoradokelowna.com, 250.763.7500

WHERE TO EAT The Okanagan Table The Okanagan Table was inspired by Chef Rod Butters’ cookbook of the same name. Set in the heart of downtown Kelowna, the space is made to feel like guests are in the middle of a working kitchen — which they are. The main kitchen stoves and ovens line the left wall of the building and the baking stations line the right. All of the tables are on wheels and can be moved up and down to create a space unique to each event. It’s not a traditional restaurant: The space can be reserved for private events, or guests can attend dinners or culinary events hosted by The Okanagan Table.

The main vision of the new business, which just opened in October 2019, was the “Demo & Dine” aspect. This idea refers to events in which participants are in the kitchen doing April 2020 55

a hands-on cooking class, then enjoy the resulting meal around a table. Instead of the traditional-style cooking classes in which the chef is at the front and participants are paired off at their own table — high school lab-class style — all guests are in the kitchen with the chef, with their own tasks that bring the meal together. Then, everyone dines on the freshly cooked food at the long, farmhouse-style table. Wine pairings are also available.

Chef Butters is a well-known figure in the community for his many moves in the restaurant industry. He is the owner and co-founder of RauDZ Creative Concepts, which has established RauDZ Regional Table, Sunny’s Modern Diner, Terrafina at Hester Creek, and Micro Bar & Bites, all restaurants in the Okanagan region. The Okanagan Table team also includes Audrey Surrano, a self-proclaimed wine guru with years of wine judging experience, and Evelynn Takoff, a contestant on “Top Chef Canada” and competitor on “Chopped Canada.” Other team members include two B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame inductees, two members of the Canadian Culinary Honor Society, and a mix of professionals with awards in both food and drink. Long story short, these people know food. 1571 Pandosy St., Kelowna, theokanagantable.com, 778.484.5569 Home Block Restaurant at CedarCreek Estate Winery

Garden Bistro

Rd., Lake Country, orourkespeakcellars.com, 250.766.9922

Home Block CedarCreek Estate Winery earned the 2019 Winery of the Year title from Intervin International Wine Awards.

Enjoying the world’s best wine in a structure crafted from fieldstone and 100-year-old barn wood is dreamy enough — then add what they call “honest, confident food” cooked on a grill fired with timber from local orchards.

With all of these elements, it’s just possible that this is going to be the best meal of your life. 5445 Lakeshore Rd., Kelowna, cedarcreek.bc.ca, 250.980.4663

WHAT TO DO

Despite spring’s recent arrival, consider stopping at some of these wineries in the wintertime. Kelowna is the most picturesque city in the winter, with everything covered in snow that sparkles against Okanagan Lake. Imagine snowshoeing through a snow-covered vineyard, to end up inside the tasting room next to the fireplace with a nice, big glass of red. If this sounds like your cup of tea — er, wine — check out The View Winery in January or February.

In addition, most wineries and tasting rooms are much quieter in the off-season, giving you a better chance of meeting the owners or winemakers.

Skiing If you’re looking to channel your inner snow bunny, Kelowna is the perfect place to go skiing in the winter.

With breathtaking snow-dusted mountains and cozy lodges to provide much-needed warmth afterwards, there’s an endless list of places to hit the slopes.

Wine Tasting

Big White Ski Resort

If you haven’t picked up on it yet, Kelowna is a big wine city. Within a 20-minute radius, you can take your pick of over 40 wineries, most of which are highly ranked nationally and internationally.

Tourism Kelowna’s website will pair you with your perfect winery experience. Search by dog-friendly wineries, guided wine tours, or wine trails. Because the encompassing area is quite large, and making decisions can be tough, there are plenty of private companies that offer tours — and will act as your designated driver.

Known as “the place to go for lots of snow,” Big White has provided winter fun since the ‘60s. This mountain resort offers more than 100 designated Alpine trails and over 15 miles of Nordic trails. Not an expert? No problem. You can also schedule private lessons regardless of skill level, and there’s plenty of adult, teen, and kid programs to choose from. Cap off your day on the slopes with a delectable meal at one of the 20 mountain restaurants, lounges, or pubs, and even partake in a horse-drawn sleigh dining tour. Big White is also in the process of implementing new activities and

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Photo courtesy Tourism Kelowna/ Nic Collar Film.

The restaurant inside O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars features allaround floor-to-ceiling windows for a panoramic view of the vineyards. There’s an on-site organic garden and two greenhouses, so the kitchen is always stocked with the freshest fruits, veggies, and herbs possible. In the summer, sit at any of the 80 tables on the vineyard-side patio. 2290 Goldie

Myra Canyon

equipment — from a beginner’s magic carpet ride to brand new gondola cabins. Big White Ski Resort, 5315 Big White Rd., Kelowna, 250.765.3101, bigwhite.com

Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club You’ll find this set of trails just 20 minutes outside of Kelowna. With over 30 regularly groomed and monitored trails, this club offers safe and diverse experiences for you and your whole family. Perfectly equipped for skiers and snowshoers, it has lots to offer, from spectacular panoramic views to accessible day-use cabins, lessons, and tours. To top it off, you can even bring four-legged friends on any of the dog-friendly trails. Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club,

Mountain Resort, 123 Shortt St., 250.542.0224, skisilverstar.com

Shopping

McCulloch Rd., Kelowna, kelownanordic.com

Whether you are looking for the perfect item for yourself or a loved one, or are simply looking for a delightful browse, check out some of the 100+ shops in Downtown Kelowna.

Find bargains or collectables at a variety of art, antiques, and thrift shops. Locate one-of-a-kind items to decorate your home — or yourself — at the dozens of home and apparel stores.

Telemark Nordic Club

Nightlife

This ski and snowshoe club provides opportunities for adventurers of all experience levels. With courses and competitions ranging from “development,” to “competitive,” for toddlers through adults, everyone can improve their skills. Winter means short days, but don’t let that interfere with your recreation time. Telemark offers lighted trails, making night skiing possible and safer. So, grab your skis or snowshoes, take in views of the Okanagan Valley, and finish the night with a warm drink by the fire in the communal lodge. Telemark Nordic Club, 4425 Glenrosa Rd., Kelowna,

This district’s got you covered for evening fun as well. A night out might entail a hip nightclub, a laid-back pub, live theater or music, or even comedy. Depending on the timing, you could start your night at Downtown Kelowna After 5 — where more than 200 people meet to eat and party — then catch a touring show at Kelowna Community Theatre, move on to jam night at a pub, and finish it out enjoying DJ-curated beats.

250.707. 5925, telemarknordic.com Photo by Tourism Kelowna/Kari Medig.

Nestled in the mid-mountain area, you’ll find a mountain village packed with fun activities, stores, restaurants, hotels, and lodges. While it’s a little outside Kelowna, the endless amenities will make the trip worth your while. Silverstar

Silverstar Mountain Resort What makes Silverstar so special? It’s got a village attached.

Ski through a variety of terrain — 3,000 acres of land and 1,600 meters in elevation — with runs ranging from beginner to expert. The 100% natural snow in the Monashee Mountain Range will leave you cloaked in both white and joy. On the mountain, you can cross-country ski, snowshoe, fat bike, ice skate, go winter tubing — and a whole lot more.

Exploring But wait, there’s more. Downtown Kelowna is home to a flight-training center, art galleries, museums, studios, tours, cruises, casinos, theaters, sports centers, and a gorgeous Downtown Marina with boat rentals if you want to explore further.

Myra Canyon offers the chance to learn more about the history of the Kettle Valley Railway and its stunning Myra Canyon Trestles, all while enjoying scenic views. This trail is just shy of 15 miles and is supported by 18 trestles. To experience its deep history and amazing views, you can walk or bike the trail, either solo or on a guided tour.

April 2020 57

Vancouver

BY AMY ANDERSON GUERRA AND ANELYSE MORRIS

J

UST ACROSS THE BORDER is one of the world’s

top cities for style, livability, major events — and tourism. Attractions range from museums focused on science and art to simulated experiences of competing in the Olympics or flying over the city. Real life outings to famous bridges, parks, and beach walks are a breeze, and shopping is diverse and divine.

A culturally rich city, Vancouver attributes its eclectic feel to the influence of many different ethnic groups. Vancouver has Chinatown, Little India, a Japanese festival and gardens, and an Italian Cultural Centre. Around the city, you’ll find art and culture from First Nations inhabitants.

Much like Seattle, Vancouver’s big-city buzz is tempered by its natural features. The lure of sunlight on the water or the beauty of the surrounding peaks will make you want to get out and take a stroll. Here’s a guide to some of downtown Vancouver’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

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Driving

Cross-Border Transit

If you are traveling from the U.S., there are four places to cross the border into Canada within close range of Vancouver. The Washington State Department of Transportation provides access to camera feeds and wait times on its website, wsdot.com.

There are also electronic traveler information signs on I-5 that give wait times and could inform a route-change decision.

Coming from south of Whatcom County, or the coastal region within, your best route will be to travel up I-5 to a choice of the Peace Arch or Pacific Highway crossings.

Both are open 24 hours and offer NEXUS lanes for pre-approved, expedited travel. While Pacific Highway is a smaller operation and a short diversion off-route, the line-up can be shorter at times so it’s smart to note the posted wait times.

Once in Canada, follow BC-99 through Delta and Richmond, and then in South Vancouver you’ll transition from Oak Street to Granville Street before crossing the Granville Bridge into the Downtown core from the south.

If you’re coming from inland Whatcom County, you might choose to cross at Lynden or Sumas crossings, found at the northern ends of Guide Meridian Road and WA-9, respectively.

Lynden’s crossing is only open from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m., and neither crossing has NEXUS accommodations. Once crossing into Canada you will want to travel west on Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 through Surrey and Burnaby, and will enter downtown from the east.

If you’re looking for a carfree experience, Quick Shuttle connects the Sea-Tac airport with downtown Vancouver, stopping at Seattle locations, Tulalip, Bellingham, and a few B.C. locations in between. Their coaches have washroom facilities and specialize in cross-border travel. quickcoach.com Bolt Bus has service from Tacoma, Seattle, Everett, and Bellingham, and travels to Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station, just east of downtown.

From Bellingham’s Cordata Station, the one-way fare is typically under $20. boltbus.com Amtrak connects anywhere along the Cascades line into Vancouver, also terminating at Pacific Central Station.

The Seattle north-bound train runs two times per day. amtrakcascades.com

Photo by Tourism Vancouver/Nelson Mouëllic.

GETTING THERE

Photo by Tourism Vancouver/Hubert Kang.

Neighborhoods

Gastown

Chinatown

Canadian Transit The Expo Line of B.C. Rapid Transit has a stop near Pacific Central Station to continue your Bolt Bus or Amtrak journey on to Chinatown or Gastown, timing and luggage permitting.

Vancouver has buses, two other SkyTrain routes, and a SeaBus into Burrard Inlet. translink.ca To hop back and forth along False Creek’s attractions, including Granville Island and downtown neighborhoods, Vancouver has water taxis that stop at eight locations approximately every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. You can purchase a day pass or a onetime fare, and tickets are available through the website or on board the boat. theaquabus.com

Granville Island

Yaletown

April 2020 59

Photo courtesy of Times Square Suites Hotel.

Attractions Close to the Border Like dipping a toe in the ocean, enjoy these finds for Canadian fun that don’t require traveling too far beyond the border.

White Rock Beach Five miles of sand and the shallow, protected waters of Semiahmoo Bay make for a stellar outing only three miles from Peace Arch crossing. Divided into West Beach, with its historic pier, and East Beach, the perfect spot for a day of sandcastles and kite flying, the whole area enjoys views of the San Juan Islands and Coast Mountains.

Rent stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, skimboards, or try out hydroflying. explorewhiterock.com

Richmond - Riverport Entertainment Complex Need a kid-friendly escape?

Just 20 miles into Canada off Steveston Highway on the southeast corner of Richmond you’ll find the end of the rainbow for indoor entertainment. Watermania is both affordable and awesome for all ages. In addition to traditional lap swimming and diving boards, visitors will find a timed wave pool, spray garden area, waterslides, hot tubs, saunas, and occasionally even rope 60

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swings and giant water balls kids can get inside.

Also in the complex, Richmond Ice Centre has six, NHL-sized rinks. Extreme Air Park is Canada’s largest trampoline park with 42,000 square feet of interlocking trampolines and activities.

If you need a relaxing break, catch a movie at SilverCity Riverport Cinemas (there is also IMAX), and then fuel up at The Old Spaghetti Factory before bowling at Lucky 9 Lanes.

Richmond - Steveston Travel west on Steveston Highway and you’ll hit this charming, working fishing village situated at the mouth of the Fraser River. For a small place it holds high honors — Steveston is home to the largest salmon run in North America, the first dojo house ever built outside of Japan, and has been the filming spot for several movies. Go there to eat, learn about Japanese-Canadian culture, and check out the daily catch as you stroll the pier. Amy Anderson Guerra

WHERE TO STAY Downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park sit on a peninsula in the Burrard Inlet. For accommodations with stunning northern views over Vancouver Harbor there are hotels by the dock at Canada Place and close to Gastown.

These include Fairmont Waterfront or the fivestar-rated Fairmont Pacific Rim and Pan Pacific Vancouver. On the more southerly False Creek side of things, the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver will put you right next to B.C. Place stadium, while upscale and fun Opus Hotel gets you into the heart of Yaletown.

A budget-friendly option right in the thick of things is the YWCA Hotel Vancouver, named 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for the Best Bargain Hotel in Canada. Want to feel like you live there? Hit the Times Square Suites Hotel in the West End, just two blocks from Stanley Park and a walk or transit ride to the heart of downtown.

These apartment-styled rooms have a full kitchen and washer/dryer, along with a rooftop grill.

Granville Island sits in False Creek, a water taxi or bridge-drive away from the other neighborhoods of downtown. A boutique option right on the water is the Granville Island Hotel, known for its quiet location outside the bustle of downtown proper.

Photo by Raeff Miles Photography.

Filmed in Vancouver

Granville Island Hotel

Photo courtesy of Pan Pacific Vancouver.

Times Square Suites Hotel

Pan Pacific Vancouver

You might be surprised to learn your favorite movie was shot in or around Vancouver. Numerous blockbusters were filmed in the city, like "Elf," "RoboCop," "Jumanji," "Happy Gilmore," and "Deadpool." Some series staged in B.C. include "Once Upon a Time," "Arrow," "Supergirl," "21 Jump Street," and "X-Files."

You can find plenty of tourist activities organized around fans’ fervor to see where it all took place.

TourismVancouver.com also has a collection of self-guided itineraries.

For something more interactive, Tourism Vancouver offers “Disney Descendants 3 in Vancouver AR Adventure,” an app that augments reality with effects and characters from the movie when viewed through your device at a filming location. Or, you might just stumble upon a big white trailer surrounded by people on walkie-talkies.

If you're lucky, you will catch a glimpse of a star like Sandra Bullock, rumored to be filming an upcoming Netflix feature through the beginning of this month.

Amy Anderson Guerra

April 2020 61

NEI GHBORHOOD S

O

N A STROLL from Canada Place dock to B.C. Place Stadium you’ll pass the edge of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood. This roughly five-by-three block area emits charm as plainly as the steam blowing from its signature steam-powered clock on Water Street. Formed around an 1867 saloon for forestry workers, the feeling of everyday fun has lived on in streets lined with pubs, restaurants, galleries, and shops.

Cocktails are creative, and in plentiful supply, just like saloon owner “Gassy Jack” would have wanted it.

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Photo by Tourism Vancouver/Nelson Mouëllic.

Gastown

WHERE TO EAT Gastown is a gastronomic delight, so perhaps eat lightly and often to take in the wide variety of fare. Revolver Coffee on Cambie Street prides itself on coffee from world-class roasters and a great experience to go with it — often topping best-of lists. MeeT owners are on a mission to connect people through vegan comfort food, and with menu items like “Fries Done Right,” and “... I Dream of Poutine.” Tuc Craft Kitchen, or just Tuc, was formed by three industry veterans and features Canadian farm-to-table fare in small bites or mains. From brunch to late-night happy hour, food is accompanied by perfect beverage pairings.

Steamworks uses the same pipes that connect to Gastown’s steam-powered clock to pioneer steam-powered brewing in Canada — to great acclaim. More than 20 years of serving hungry and thirsty folks hearty brew pub fare makes this a safe bet.

If you’re ready to commit to a superlative dining experience, Bauhaus offers multiplecourse tasting menus that might start with beetroot carpaccio, move to wild boar, and have a main course of chateaubriand.

Bauhaus

Photos: Top courtesy of BAUHAUS. Middle courtesy of Tuc Craft Kitchen. Bottom courtesy of Revolver Coffee.

WHAT TO DO Gastown is a great place to wander. You can marvel at the Victorian Italianate, Edwardian Commercial, and Romanesque architecture by yourself, or join a guided tour for insight, theatrics, and camaraderie. Gastown Walking Food Tour combines historical background with food tastings, and keeps things fresh by sending you out with a professional improv comic as your guide. The Lost Souls of Gastown Walking Tour focuses on haunted history for adults using theater and storytelling to engage you in unsolved mysteries and tragic past events.

To see things from above, The Vancouver Lookout is a 40-second glass elevator ride that takes you 553 feet in the air for a view in all directions. One ticket allows return visits during the same day to view the city in different lights. Down below, be inspired by a full range of visual arts at galleries curated around single artists, world collections, and First Nations art. Inuit Gallery of Vancouver has featured Canadian aboriginal art for over 40 years, from sculptures to graphics to jewelry.

Don’t forget to take your picture with the steam clock and the statue of Gassy Jack.

Tuc Craft Kitchen

Revolver Coffee

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NE I GH B O RHOOD S

O

Chinatown

NE OF THE LARGEST CHINATOWNS in North

America, this area to the east of downtown is six blocks long and more than 100 years old.

Bustling, colorful stores are mixed with the calm of a traditional garden — and of course there is dim sum when you need to refuel. Enjoy the history, but also note a new generation of business owners bringing a diverse flair.

Millennium Gate

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Photo by Sarah Murray Photographer

WHERE TO EAT

Photo by Tourism Vancouver/Nelson Mouëllic.

The Chinese Tea Shop

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

In a building that has been a restaurant for almost 100 years, Sai Woo offers contemporary Asian-fusion in a casual atmosphere. If you want to visit the past, head downstairs to the Woo Bar, a living remnant of an era of secret underground parlors. If you’re in search of dim sum, options include Floata, a giant, third-floor dining room with a large menu and fast service, or Jade Dynasty, a smaller operation with an inviting green storefront and old-style feel.

Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie is celebrated for its intimate dining experiences with shared plates accompanied by cocktails and fine wines.

WHAT TO DO Shopping and dining converge in this wonderland of exotic delicacies. The Chinese Tea Shop, run by Hong Kongborn Chinese tea expert Daniel Lui, provides opportunities for tasting, shopping, and learning — before going in, visit thechineseteashop.com to find your perfect tea with an online Tea Wizard. Get a steamed bun at New Town Bakery, or browse B.C.-grown ginseng at one of the many apothecaries.

The commercial district is also full of fashion, homewares, electronics, and more.

Iconic photo opportunities include the dragon-covered Millennium Gate, and the world’s narrowest building at just six feet: the Sam Kee Building. Then head to the top attraction for visitors, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. This family-friendly and wheelchairaccessible collection of pavilions, walkways, ponds, and gardens was named among the world's top city gardens

by National Geographic.

NE I GH B O RHOOD S

Photo by Tourism Vancouver/Nelson Mouëllic.

Yaletown S

TRETCHING ALONG THE WATERFRONT of False

Creek is the incredibly chic collection of eclectic shops and patio cafes of Yaletown. Loft residences and park spaces minimize the bustle, and the area is equally appropriate for a family day or a couple’s night out. From the terminus that saw the first transcontinental passenger train in 1887 to improvements from the 1986 World’s Fair, this area has always held excitement and charm.

The Blue Water Cafe tops not only the neighborhood lists but also rankings among best Vancouver restaurants in general. Specializing in sustainable seafood, the restaurant features a raw bar and the charming “brick and beam” feel of a Yaletown warehouse conversion. On the more casual side, Yaletown Brewing Company is a lively pub with a pool table and fireplace — along with a 160-seat restaurant that spills out onto the sidewalk for sunny drinks and dining.

Enjoy cuisine from the south of France combined with Canadian coastal flavors and waterfront views at Provence Marinaside.

Photo by SITE Photography

WHERE TO EAT

Contemporary Art Gallery

WHAT TO DO David Lam Park and George Wainborn Park are waterside parks that allow you to get out into the fresh air along the seawall. Whether you walk, jog, or bike, you’ll enjoy the public art and great views. Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre is worth a visit whether you’re into trains, art, architecture, or just cultural phenomena. The Engine 374 Pavilion is open for free daily visits to the famed steam engine, and the supporting complex is a marvel of community development through arts and culture. To the north is the Contemporary Art Gallery, also free to the public but closed Mondays. Shopping involves unique, boutique shops.

Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre

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NE I GHBORHOOD S

Granville Island

Lee’s Donuts

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Granville Island. Only 35 acres, this industrial hub turned cultural center is home to numerous businesses and offers beautiful views and charming, old-timey vibes.

Situated on False Creek south of downtown, Granville is a perfect combination of old and new, and the ideal daycation spot to visit during your time in Vancouver.

Photo by Hill Creative

J

UST A BRIDGE AWAY FROM DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER is a delightful district known as

WHERE TO EAT Being right on the water has its perks: Granville is a top destination for seafood.

If you’re looking for some superb fish and chips, try Go Fish, a small cafe located right at the island’s bridge entrance.

Nearby, you’ll find the famous Granville Island Public Market, a collection of over 50 food vendors with a huge variety of delicious meals and snacks. Among these is Lee’s Donuts, always high on Vancouver rankings for its unique, mouth-watering pastries.

For a place to sit down, try Edible Canada, located right across the market.

Great for those with dietary restrictions, this establishment features authentic Canadian cuisine with fresh, nutritious ingredients and tasty cocktails. If you’re looking to expand your palate, or are already a lover of Afghani food, stop at Afghan Horsemen Restaurant. This eatery right across the bridge offers a variety of food and drink items, each one more beloved than the last. Accompanied by the majestic atmosphere, this place offers the comfort food you didn’t know you needed.

Afghan Horsemen Restaurant

Photos: Top courtesy of KK Law. Middle by Leila Kwok. Bottom by Alice Rich.

WHAT TO DO While Granville is often seen as a shopping district, plenty of other activities abound. Explore local artwork and photography at Studio 13 Fine Art, or hear local music from some of Granville’s numerous buskers. You can also catch a show at The Red Gate Revue Stage, The NEST, or Performance Works. If you have some time on your hands, try wildlife watching. Prince of Whales and Wild Whales Vancouver offer prime whale watching experiences. Bird lovers should head to Sutcliffe Park.

If you’re visiting Granville during the warmer months, there are tons of water activities for an adventure or a cool-down. Rent a boat and cruise the harbor, hit the Granville Island Water Park, or take a walk along the sea wall to enjoy the breeze off the water while staying dry. Still unsure what to do? The Granville Island website has a planning tool that lets you build a schedule, helping you make the most out of your time on Granville Island.

Edible Canada

Studio 13 Fine Art

April 2020 67

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Taste

Photo by Julia Berkman.

Review

Galos Flame Grilled Chicken

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April 2020 69

Taste Review

Galos Flame Grilled Chicken Portugese casual dining at its finest

I

N AN UNASSUMING BUILDING OFF MERIDIAN STREET lies an

oasis of modern Portugese cuisine: Galos Flame Grilled Chicken. The interior of the restaurant is modern, with a high industrial ceiling and warm lighting. While the restaurant looks and feels like a high-class joint, the prices fit any wallet.

With options ranging from rich to light and healthy, there’s something at Galos for everyone. You can order out or dine in, making it the perfect spot for anything from a quick lunch break to a romantic date night. A television perched in the corner also makes it a great spot for knocking back a beer or two on game day.

The Crispy Green Beans with Piri Dip ($4.95) are an excellent starter.

Breaded and fried, Galos manages to keep these beans true to their name: crispy, not soggy or greasy. Served in a stylish metal stand, they’re a healthy, tasty alternative to fries.

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For an entree, the Chicken Breast Sandwich ($7.95) is a delectable deal you can’t pass up. Served on a fluffy bun with grilled onions, fresh lettuce and tomato, and a slice of pineapple, this sandwich blends sweet, savory, and tangy in mouth-watering harmony. The pineapple is the star of the show, giving the sandwich moisture and contrast that will leave you hungry for even more of Galos classic chicken.

True to its name, Galos also serves up piping hot plates of flame grilled chicken. With choices like a roasted half chicken ($11.95), a double chicken kebab ($10.95), and a quarter chicken with a thigh piece ($6.95), there’s an option for any appetite. I ambitiously ordered the half chicken and, upon first bite, immediately wished I had a second stomach. The skin was crispy with a hint of char, while the inside was moist, almost buttery, and cooked to perfection. Galos proves they know how to craft their signature dish.

Perfect to split between a family (or a hungry couple), the half chicken delivers on texture, taste, and price point.

For vegetarians, Galos doesn’t disappoint either. They offer a light Galos Salad ($3.95 or $7.95) with a bright house vinaigrette and a subtle crunch of sunflower seeds, perfect for a healthier side or a meal on its own.

Each dish is served with their four house made “Piri” sauces that are fit to suit any palate. From the milder Lemon and Garlic, to Hot and Extra Hot, each provides a tangy, rich dip or spread for anything on the menu.

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite during lunch or a night out with the family, Galos is sure to delight with their flavorful and expertly cooked chicken. So transport yourself from the Pacific Northwest to the sunny coast of Portugal with a meal that is sure to leave you smiling. 4303 Meridian St., Ste. 102, Bellingham, 360.733.2691 

Photos by Julia Berkman.

BY JULIA FURUKAWA

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Taste Recipe

A Spring Weekend Cleanse

BY SARA SOUTHERLAND

perfect time to press the reset button with our health and digestion. We’re clearing out the cobwebs of winter, moving beyond the overindulgence, stress, and fatigue from time spent indoors. An easy weekend cleanse can be just the thing to help us gain more energy, increase vitality, clear out brain fog, and reconnect with our bodies.

This weekend cleanse requires two simple recipes. The Glowing Green Ginger Smoothie is a sweet-and-spicy treat filled with nutritious parsley, spinach, and flax oil. The Creamy Green Broccoli Soup is bright, nourishing, and hearty. Both are alkalizing, detoxifying, filling, and — best of all — super tasty. In fact, I’ll wager you’ll love both of these recipes so much you’ll return to them long after the cleanse is over.

Below is a sample plan for the Spring Weekend Cleanse.

You can do the program for just one day, but I recommend expanding it over a weekend to really feel the benefits. During the cleanse, you should avoid caffeine, sugar, alcohol, screen time, and stressful situations, while embracing activities such as sleep, time outdoors, yoga, and meditation. Here’s to creating space for your mind, body, and spirit!

Spring Weekend Cleanse Plan • Upon rising: Warm water with lemon • Breakfast: Glowing Green Ginger Smoothie • Lunch: Creamy Green Broccoli Soup • Snack: Glowing Green Ginger Smoothie • Dinner: Creamy Green Broccoli Soup

Glowing Green Ginger Smoothie Makes two 16 oz. smoothies

Ingredients 2 bananas 2 cups spinach 1 bunch, or 2 large handfuls, flat leaf parsley ½ lemon, juiced 2 tablespoons flax oil 2 inches ginger, peeled and minced ¹/³ cup ice 1 ½ cups water

Instructions • Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. *Tip: Peel and freeze bananas in 2-inch chunks for a thicker, creamier smoothie.

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Creamy Green Broccoli Soup Ingredients 1 yellow onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ bunch cilantro, chopped 2 large broccoli florets with stems, chopped Zest of 1 lemon ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast 1 can white beans, like cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed 3 cups spinach 4–5 cups broth, vegetable or chicken 1 tablespoon avocado oil 1–1 ½ teaspoons sea salt ½ cup hazelnuts, chopped — for garnish (optional)

Instructions • Heat ½ of the avocado oil in a soup pot over medium high heat.

• Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes or until fragrant and sweating.

• Add broccoli and garlic along with the rest of the oil and ½ teaspoon of sea salt, continue stirring and sauté for 5 minutes, or until broccoli is bright green.

• Add lemon zest, red pepper, and nutritional yeast.

Stir to mix in.

• Add broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Then turn heat down to low, and simmer for 10–15 minutes.

Stir in white beans.

• Use an immersion blender or blender to blend soup until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with hazelnuts for garnish if desired.

For more recipes and holistic health inspiration, follow Sara on Instagram @futureselfhealth. 

Photo by Sara Southerland.

L

ONGER DAYS, MORE SUNSHINE, AND MORE GREENERY — spring is a magical time. It’s also the

Dining Guide Taste

DINING KEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to $9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10–19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20–29 . . . . . . . $30 or greater . . . . . . . . . . . . . Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dinner . . . . . . . . . .Family-Friendly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Takeout . . . . . . . . Outdoor Seating . . . . . . . . . . Reservations . . . . . . . . . . . Happy Hour . . . . . . . . . . . New Review Menu items and prices are subject to change, so check before you go. See all our restaurant reviews on our Eat and Drink tab at BellinghamAlive.com * Review provided by restaurant.

BBQ, cut through the noise and go straight for the BBQ plates.

B-TOWN KITCHEN AND RAW BAR Seafood, American

–

714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham 360.392.6520, btownkitchen.com If fresh shellfish is your gastronomic highlight, you’re in the right place at B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar. Items from the Small Plates menu make terrific appetizers or adult-beverageworthy snacks. The heated patio provides an urban vibe suited for parties or gatherings.

THE BIRCH DOOR CAFE American 4192 Meridian St., Bellingham 360.306.8598, birchdoorcafe.com The Birch Door Cafe does not fall short on charm, variety, or serving size. Brunch enthusiasts will be delighted by the three pages of breakfast options. Dishes include traditional pancake breakfast platters, French-style baked omelets, egg scrambles and Benedicts, and plenty more. Listen for the ringing of the kitchen bell every time one of these massive breakfasts is served.

BLACK PEARL ASIAN FUSION Asian Fusion 1317 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.746.2030, blackpearlasianfusion.com

WHATCOM 11TH HOUR TEA & COFFEE BAR Tea, Coffee 833 N. State St., Bellingham 360.788.4229, 11thhourteaandcoffeebar.com 11th Hour Tea & Coffee Bar has an extensive menu of drinks around $3–5, with a variety of teas, golden milks, tea lattes, superfood lattes, and a full line of espresso items. The intimate space is cozy and encourages conversation between friends and strangers alike. The energy, menu, and location attract everyone from college students and families to healthminded folks.

ANTHONY’S HEARTHFIRE GRILL Steak, Seafood

7 Bellwether Way, Bellingham 360.527.3473, anthonys.com The Hearthfire menu speaks to the everyday eater, not just the special occasion treat of Anthony’s. Seasonal items, such as peaches or huckleberries in the summer, complement salads, entrees, and drinks. Steaks, seafood, and items on the Woodfire rotisserie round out the selections.

Bellingham has an abundance of Asianinspired restaurants; the trick is to find one that stands 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 different meats to try and sauces to add as extra seasoning.

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

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

DIRTY DAN HARRIS Steakhouse 1211 11th St., Bellingham 360.676.1011, dirtydanharris.com The “dirt” on Dirty Dan Harris? In a word: excellent. The steakhouse provides a warm atmosphere, friendly waitstaff, quaint historic surroundings, and superb food. Perhaps the best reflection on the restaurant is owner Kathy Papadakis’ waitstaff. Most have worked here for years — and it shows in their enthusiasm for your dining experience. Make sure to leave room for dessert, because the selections are dangerously good.

DRAYTON HARBOR OYSTER COMPANY

Seafood, Regional NW

685 Peace Portal Dr., Blaine 360.656.5958, draytonharboroysters.com A board inside Drayton Harbor Oyster Company tracks when the last oyster delivery was made and how long it takes the oysters to get from the ocean to the kitchen. The record? 13 minutes. This level of freshness means oysters so good that people come from all over the globe to taste them. The intimate, casual setting will make you feel like you’re at a friend’s house.

THE FILLING STATION American 1138 Finnegan Way, Bellingham 360.715.1839 716 Alabama St., Bellingham 360.746.2079, fillingstationnw.com The 1950s vibe resonates within the walls of this all-American burger joint. From the antique gas pump to the car memorabilia lining the restaurant, The Filling Station is Fairhaven’s newest go-to spot to satisfy your hunger. With names like Chevy Pickup, Mustang, and Thunderbird, the menu provides different burger selections along with appetizers like Dip Sticks (deep-fried zucchini strips), Hot Rod (footlong hot dog), or the Junkyard (classic, onion, and tire fries).

GALOS FLAME GRILLED CHICKEN Portugese

4303 Meridian St., Ste. 102, Bellingham, 360.733.2691, galosusa.com

CROSSROADS BBQ 1255 Barkley Blvd., Ste. 102, Bellingham, 360.306.3624 BBQ lovers, get ready to celebrate. CrossRoads in Barkley Village serves up finger-licking food in a family-friendly environment. With live music, pool, shuffleboard, karaoke, Jenga, and flat-screens throughout the bar and dining room, there’s something for the whole family.

At the bar you’ll find eight taps, two of which rotate seasonally. If you’re really there for the

Transport yourself to the sunny coast of Portugal with Galos Flame Grilled Chicken.

With options from kebabs, to a half chicken, to crispy fried green beans, there’s something for everyone. This laid-back eatery’s flavorful chicken is sure to please kids and adults alike.

April 2020 73

HOMESKILLET American

Gainsbarre L’italienne Ingredients: Cappelletti, grapefruit juice, Champagne, orange wheel garnish $9

521 Kentucky St., Bellingham homeskilletinsunnyland.com Owners Tina and Kirby named their restaurant after one of their favorite lines in the movie Juno, when a store clerk says, “This is one doodle that can’t be undid, 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 your choice of toppings.

Homeskillet can’t be beat with its friendly service, colorful atmosphere, and ultimate comfort food.

KEENAN’S AT THE PIER

Northwest, American & Seafood

804 10th St., Bellingham 360.392.5510, thechrysalisinn.com Located inside the Chrysalis Inn & Spa in Fairhaven, Keenan’s at the Pier features fresh, local cuisine and a full bar. Keenan’s highlights the beauty and style of the Pacific Northwest with fresh ingredients that are seasonal and regionally sourced. Enjoy Bellingham Bay views from every table. Reservations are highly recommended.

LATITUDE KITCHEN & BAR American,

Seafood

1065 E. Sunset Dr., Bellingham 360.707.7400, latituderestaurants.com With gourmet burgers and an assortment of seafood-style entrees, Latitude Kitchen & Bar establishes itself as one of the first highend, modern restaurants on Sunset Drive in Bellingham, just off I-5. Latitude serves up the rich flavors of the Pacific Northwest with locally sourced ingredients that are all prepared in a “scratch” kitchen where nothing is microwaved, and all savory sauces are made in-house.

THE MILL French

appetite, try the L’italienne from Gainsbarre, a quaint wine bar in Fairhaven that serves only natural, organic wines. The L’italienne is a wine-based drink topped with champagne, giving it a fresh, tingly finish. Served in a simple yet elegant Collins glass — with a reusable stainless steel straw — this drink gets its rich orange color from grapefruit juice and Cappelletti, a bright red aperitif that’s like a milder

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version of Campari. The bar itself is clean, airy, and tastefully decorated with vintage French photographs. Settle in at a cozy table next to numerous potted plants and watch the world go by. Gainsbarre also offers wine for sale by the bottle and a classy menu of small bites. To make it a meal, pair your drink with their house cheese fondue or foie gras. Gainsbarre, 1143 11th St., Bellingham, 360.392.0304, thegainsbarre.com JULIA FURUKAWA

655 Front St., Lynden 360.778.2760, themilllynden.com The Mill is the type of place where one could spend a full afternoon grazing on cheeses, sipping cocktails, and enjoying a good book.

The bistro-like atmosphere gives the restaurant a European vibe without losing the welcoming small-town service of Lynden. The menu is full of bistro plates like fresh salads, paninis, soups, and, of course, meats and cheeses.

THE NORTH FORK BREWERY Eclectic, Bar 6186 Mount Baker Hwy., Deming 360.599.2337 Pizza and beer is a pairing that truly stands the test of time. At Deming’s long-running North

Photo by Julia Berkman.

I

F YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A TART TREAT to spark your

Dining Guide Taste

8

Fork Brewery, which opened in December of 1997, the two remain as strong as ever. The North Fork’s brews are made in small batches by their longtime brewer and his custom draft system. The old-style pub feels homey and familiar, with quirky decorations like a glass wall encasing rows and rows of beer bottles.

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

GREAT

ON RICE THAI CUISINE Thai 206 N. Samish Way, Bellingham, 360.714.9995 2200 Rimland Dr., Bellingham, 360.738.9995 1224 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.676.9995 onricethai.com Ask any college student: On Rice is the place to go in Bellingham. With its affordable lunch specials and three locations around town, it’s easy to enjoy one of On Rice’s flavorful Thai dishes. All dishes are available with chicken, pork, beef, seafood, or tofu and can be made as spicy as you want them to be.

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

1

PEPPER SISTERS Mexican, Pacific Northwest 1055 N. State St., Bellingham 360.671.3414, peppersisters.com Customers have been diving into their plentiful plates of comforting burritos, quesadillas, and other specialties since 1988. The spunky atmosphere only elevates the already upbeat mood of the place. With bright booths, samplings of art, and lively music, it’s nearly impossible to feel sour. Regular patrons groove to Stevie Wonder as they plunge their forks into massive burritos filled with red chili pesto, sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, potatoes, green chilies, and cheese.

2

SAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE Food truck See satm360.com for schedule and location, 360.988.1800 If you haven’t yet heard of Sage Against the Machine, you will soon enough. Believed to be Bellingham’s first from-scratch, dairyfree, meat-free, and mostly gluten- and soyfree food truck, Sage Against the Machine has the power to convince the meatiest of meat-eaters that eating plant-based food can actually be enjoyable.

3

SCAMPI OSTERIA Italian 4832 Alderson Rd., Blaine 360.393.4415 This Italian restaurant in Birch Bay is adjacent to The C Shop, just a short stroll from the beach. Scampi’s interior is dimly lit, with soft light entering through large windows at the front and from turned-down overhead lighting. The atmosphere has a romantic and upscale feel, with wall art adding a homier touch. The food can be described in one word:

TASTES

4

On a chilly day, nothing beats tucking into a bowl of African Peanut Soup at the Colophon Cafe in Fairhaven. This soup blends together ginger, crushed red pepper, turkey, and peanuts in an unusual but harmonious combination that offers a kick of spice.

Simple, unique, filling, and affordable — all words that describe the delicious Russian dumplings served up fresh every day at Pel’meni Restaurant in downtown Bellingham. Their Beef or Potato Dumplings are served with cilantro and spices on top and an optional side of sour cream to add richness.

It’s hard to resist a sweet treat, but the Lynden Dutch Bakery makes it nearly impossible. Snag a Cream Horn and delight in the delicate, crunchy exterior before finding the most luxurious cream inside. Topped with powdered sugar, this dainty looking pastry packs a rich punch.

If you need a quick warmme-up on a cold day, a hot bowl of ramen from Hokkai Sushi & Ramen will do the trick. Dive into their Tonkotsu Ramen for the umami flavor of their pork bone broth paired with barbeque pork and noodles.

5 6 7 8

Marlin’s Cafe in Nelson’s Market has Chicken & Waffles with a choice of homemade sausage gravy or hollandaise on the side so you can drench your fluffy waffle in savory goodness and pair some crispy fried chicken with every bite.

Top it off with maple syrup.

At Black Sheep in downtown Bellingham, you can eat as much — or as little — as you want of their tasty, authentic tacos. Their Carnitas Taco weaves together sweet, spicy, and savory in perfect harmony, pairing tender pork with pineapple and cilantro for a fresh kick.

When you’re craving a milkshake but need a meal, stop by Electric Beet Juice Company on Cornwall Avenue for a Chocolate Superhero.

Expect thick chocolate yum from sunflower butter, cacao, and banana — and you can add in some kale for a vitamin kick.

For delectable and authentic Mexican food, La Gloria Market is the place to go. Their chicken or beef Fajita Plates come out sizzling on a cast iron skillet with a rice, refried beans, and guacamole and are big enough to split between two people.

THE EDITORIAL TEAM

April 2020 75

Taste Dining Guide

incredible. The menu is wide, and includes traditional Italian meals as well as unique seafood dishes.

SCOTTY BROWNS American Cuisine

NORTHWEST

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3101 Newmarket St., Bellingham 360.306.8823 scottybrownsrestaurant.com 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 option during warmer weather.

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. Just flying through? Grab a bite at their second location inside Bellingham International Airport.

Red Red

wines

THE STEAK HOUSE AT SILVER REEF The wine section can be a little overwhelming, with hundreds of bottles, varietals, and labels tempting you to take them home.

Our wine stewards are always happy to help you find the right wine for a casual gathering, a special occasion, or just something delicious to go with dinner. And be sure to check out these five very special reds that you’ll only find at Haggen.

Discover a world of wines that are available exclusively at Haggen.

Steak, Seafood

4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 360.383.0777, silverreefcasino.com This award-winning restaurant offers elegant dining and an intimate atmosphere.

Prime-grade steaks are broiled at 1,800 degrees to lock in the natural juices and finished with a special steak butter. They also have an extensive wine list. This dining experience rivals any of the big-town steakhouses in quality and service without the big-city price tag.

TASTE OF INDIA Indian 3930 Meridian St., Ste. 107, Bellingham 360.647.1589, tasteofindiabellingham.com At Taste of India, all the dishes are rich, delicious, and authentic. Dishes come with your choice of pulao rice or the classic Indian bread naan. Taste of India offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, all with exquisite and well-developed flavors. For those unsure of what to order, or those who want to try multiple dishes at once, try the lunch buffet.

CabeRnet Sauvignon CabeRnet Franc are full-bodied wines with high tannins and noticeable acidity.

Hoopes has produced an easy-to-drink bottle, well-structured and reminiscent of ripe berries.

is the parent grape of both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Hello World! offers green, minty aromas, grippy tannins and weedy, dark fruit flavors.

Malbec

is known for its plump, dark fruit flavors and smoky finish. Parceleros offers blackberry, plum and black cherry notes with nuances of cocoa powder, leather, and a sweet tobacco finish.

Chianti

is any wine produced in Tuscany’s Chianti region. Bibbiano’s offering is savory, juicy and classic— well-balanced, medium-bodied and lightly acidic.

Pinot noir

is loved for its red fruit, flower, and spice aromas that are accentuated by a long, smooth finish.

Oregon’s Stringtown is approachable and juicy.

Haggen Food & Pharmacy • Visit haggen.com to view our weekly flyers, store hours and more.

Barkley Village • Sehome Village • Meridian & Illinois • Fairhaven • Ferndale ©2020 Haggen 200220-09

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BellinghamAlive.com

THE VAULT WINE BAR Bistro 277 G St., Blaine 360.392.0955, thevaultwine.com Incredibly fresh ingredients make this winecentric restaurant, located in a former bank building, a treat for the senses. Teller cages and desks have been replaced with custom-made tables where diners can enjoy favorites such as The Vault Cobb Salad with spring greens, pear, lobster, and chicken; stuffed poblano peppers; New England style lobster rolls; or Berbere Ethiopian beef stew.

SKAGIT 13MOONS AT SWINOMISH CASINO & LODGE Seafood, Steak 12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes, 360.588.3525, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com Located on the waterfront within the casino, 13moons is sure to catch your attention. The menu offers a wide variety including first plates, entree salads, seafood, and steaks. Give this go-to place for locals a try and you will be walking away satisfied.

Culinary Events 2020 Skagit Chili & Chowder Cook-Off April 4, 1 p.m.

ANELIA’S KITCHEN Polish 513 South 1st St., La Conner 360.399.1805, aneliaskitchenandstage.com A welcoming atmosphere, local food prepared with care, and great music make Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage a must-visit. The assortment of house-infused Polish vodkas and myriad of local beers on tap will make you wonder why you didn’t visit sooner. Na zdrowie!

CATRINA TACOS & TEQUILA Mexican 517 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.5566, catrinastacostequila.com Catrina Tacos & Tequila is known for their take on Street Tacos — with a multitude of meat fillings to choose from, double tortillas, cilantro, and onions — but that’s certainly not the only mouthwatering option. With plenty of drinks to sample, there’s always another reason to visit again.

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

DAD’S DINER A-GO-GO American 906 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.899.5269 Dad’s Diner A-Go-Go in Anacortes is the epitome of creative flavors and fun presentation. Add in the superior customer service in a comfortable, casual atmosphere, and it’s no wonder so many locals eat here weekly. The space is decorated with framed photos of dads, most of whom are local — an appreciation of their loyal fan base. Every edible item is a labor of love, just how Dad would make it at home.

FORTUNE MANDARIN Chinese, Mandarin 1617 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon 360.428.1819, fortunemandarin.com Tea warmed over a candle, delicious drinks with a slight exotic twist, tender and flavorful meat, and vegetables cooked to perfection are expected at this peaceful bar and restaurant with Chinese decor. The owner and staff remember

Think you have the best chili around? Put it to the test at the Skagit Chili & Chowder Cook-Off. Hosted at Farmstrong Brewing Co., this competition is sure to delight both the palate and the soul. A $15 ticket gets you six samples and one vote for your favorite recipe.

Farmstrong Brewing Company 110 Stewart Rd., Mount Vernon

2020 Winemaker Dinner Series April 10, 5:30 p.m.

Soak up the waterfront sunset at the beautiful Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine while you savor sips from Oregon-based winery, Ponzi Vineyards. Enjoy a selection of their finest wines alongside a fivecourse meal. Afterwards, attendees are invited to purchase bottles at a steep discount.

Semiahmoo Resort 9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy., Blaine

Let’s Make Mozzarella!

April 11, 11 a.m.

Learn how to make rich, creamy mozzarella cheese and delicious burrata at home in under two hours. Talk with local cheesemakers, taste cheese from nearby creameries, and savor the class with your fellow cheese lovers. Participants of all ages are welcome. Tickets available for purchase at mariesbees.com.

Community Food Co-op 1220 N. Forest St., Bellingham

April Brews Day April 27, 6:30 p.m.

With over a dozen food trucks, live music, and 65 local craft breweries, Depot Market Square will be bustling with beer-loving foodies. In its 19th year, this event raises funds for the Max Higbee Center, a nonprofit that works to provide recreation programs for adults and teens with developmental disabilities.

Drink for a cause!

Depot Market Square 1100 Railroad Ave., Bellingham April 2020 77

Taste Dining Guide regular patrons, creating a sense of community alongside mouth-watering food.

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

NELL THORN Seafood 116 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.4261, nellthorn.com Nell Thorn is seafood-heavy, so trying one of their seafood dishes is a must. Their daily specials take into account the freshest catches, but you’ll also typically find a seafood pasta, filet-topped salad, and oysters on the menu.

THE OYSTER & THISTLE RESTAURANT & PUB Seafood, Steak 205 E. Washington St., La Conner 360.766.6179, theoysterandthistle.com The Oyster & Thistle Restaurant and Pub takes the time to prepare food with care. Their pastas are handmade and hand-cranked using semolina flour and an egg-rich dough. You’ll also find plenty of fresh, expertly shucked oysters and perfectly seared sea scallops.

RAILROAD PUB & PIZZA Pizza, American 122 S. Spruce St., Burlington 360.982.2133, railroadpizza.com Railroad Pub & Pizza in downtown Burlington has all the charm of a rustic pub with quality food and drinks. The menu boasts several artisan pizza options on a 24-hour aged malted dough crust, as well as soups, salads, and sandwiches. The bar offers a multitude of taps for craft beer and ciders. The wide garage-style windows open in the summer, and the central fireplace heats the space in the winter. It’s a great place to watch a game, drink a beer, and eat some pizza.

SWINOMISH SPORTS BAR & GRILL American

12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes, 888.288.8883, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com Located along the waterfront of Anacortes, this is not your run-of-the-mill sports bar.

While you can go the more classic bar-food route, this restaurant offers Italian, barbeque, seafood, Southern, among many other cuisine

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styles. Find the latest lines, watch the race, or grab a beer and grub as you watch every play, pass, and score.

BellinghamAlive.com

TRUMPETER PUBLIC HOUSE Gastropub 416 Myrtle St., Mount Vernon 360.588.4515, trumpeterpublichouse.com Trumpeter is an ideal combination of high-end, fine dining, and English pub fare. Try traditional pub selections or more unique seafood choices. Additionally, Trumpeter looks to accommodate all tastes with gluten-free dishes and the option to make any dish gluten-free.

Of course, a pub isn’t complete without beer and Trumpeter completes the dining experience with 18 taps of local and European brews.

SAN JUAN CATKIN CAFÉ American 11 Point Lawrence Rd., Olga, 360.376.3242, catkincafe.com The menu of this Orcas Island eatery may be small, but it is mighty. Breakfast and lunch are served late and their menu features meat and produce grown on the island. Don’t forget about their bakery before heading out — all sweets and baked goods are made in-house.

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

FRIDAY HARBOR HOUSE Regional NW 130 West St., Friday Harbor 360.378.8455, fridayharborhouse.com It’s hard to beat the view of the ferry landing, marina, and San Juan Channel from Friday Harbor House — the hotel and restaurant provide a sweeping panorama of water and sky. In addition to the delicious food menu, Friday Harbor House is one of the few island restaurants to offer a full bar at brunch every day of the week.

INN AT LANGLEY American 400 First St., Langley, 360.221.3033, innatlangley.com If beauty were a taste, this would be it. As a guest, you’re taken on a mouth-watering

culinary journey through a multi-course tasting menu. Not only is the meal a delight for the taste buds, but there are also surprises at each turn, whether it’s the presentation or the accoutrements. Each guest is served as if they are the only one in the dining room. The menu is prix fixe, with an additional charge for wine pairing. Dinner here is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. $ $ $ $ ISLAND SKILLET Homestyle 325 Prune Alley, Eastsound, 360.376.3984 Beloved by loyal patrons for its large portions and casual, customizable meals, Island Skillet is a must-stop for anyone visiting Orcas Island.

A rustic metal rooster outside the entrance sets the tone. Start the day with a skillet breakfast complete with a bottomless cup of coffee.

Sandwiches rule the lunch menu, and you can choose from a lengthy list of sides and customizations for most items, so you can totally have it your way.

PRIMA BISTRO French 201 1/2 First St., Langley 360.221.4060, primabistro.com A quintessential South Whidbey dining ­experience in the heart of Langley, Prima Bistro marries gourmet French cuisine and classic Northwest ingredients. The selection of red and white wines offers options for connoisseurs of every stripe, along with a full bar. For fabulous food, elegant ambience, and world-class views, be sure to visit Prima on your next visit to Whidbey Island.

SAN JUAN ISLAND BREWING CO. American

410 A St., Friday Harbor, 360.378.2017, sanjuanbrew.com At San Juan Island Brewing Company all the brews are named after San Juan-inspired concepts, and if you can’t decide what brew to try, order a sampler. If they weren’t in the business of brewing, San Juan Island Brewery would be in the business of pizza. Order one of their wood stone pizzas and you won’t be disappointed. The thin crust is crispy on the bottom, but still soft and chewy.

TOBY’S TAVERN Seafood 8 NW Front St., Coupeville, 360.678.4222, tobysuds.com Overlooking the scenic Penn Cove in the center of old Coupeville, Toby’s Tavern offers diners a dive bar ambience with a delicious menu of seafood favorites. Steamed and soaked in a scrumptious mix of simple seasonings, wine, and juices, Toby’s robust offering of mussels makes for a memorable visit.

Sip Taste

Preserving BlueThroated Macaws Is the Goal at Dynasty Cellars

BY DAN RADIL

Photos by Julia Berkman.

W

HAT DO MALBEC, MERLOT, AND MACAWS HAVE IN COMMON? They’re all likely to come up in

a conversation with Peter and Olga Osvaldik, husband-and-wife owners/winemakers at Bellingham’s Dynasty Cellars.

Protecting macaws, specifically the blue-throated variety, has become a passion of Peter’s that started, innocently enough, with the purchase of a conure parrot from Hohl’s Feed and Seed about 15 years ago.

“The bird was really in bad shape and needed a home… and we just fell in love,” recalls Peter, likening the experience to a ‘gateway bird’ that eventually led to his association with macaws.

After purchasing a military macaw from Wings of the World pet store in Bothell, Peter’s interest in the species really began to take flight.

“I came across an organization in Portland,” Peter says.

“They were taking birds that were abandoned or from distressed situations and fostering them and trying to find them permanent homes. We went down to Portland and picked up a green wing and a harlequin macaw.”

Six months later, the organization called Peter with two more birds, another green wing and what would become his first of several blue-throated macaws.

“That was when I became really interested in them,” Peter says. “I studied up on them and found out about their plight and how low their numbers are.”

Today, most estimates place only about 200 blue-throats remaining in the wild of Bolivia, making them one of the rarest birds in the world.

“We felt that we could do something about it,” Peter says, referring to the Osvaldik’s decision four years ago to form Barba Azul USA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Barba Azul is the Spanish reference to the distinctive blue patch under the bird’s bill that translates to “blue beard.”

The purpose of the organization is two-fold: breeding the birds to establish a more genetically diverse pool to guarantee the continuation of the species and repopulating the former habitat of the birds with the assistance of Bolivia non-government organizations.

Repopulation will be much easier said than done. Peter notes that some of the many challenges include veterinarian checks, quarantines, acclimatizing, reintroducing the birds to native foods, and the inevitable involvement of two governments — to name a few.

With funds raised from the nonprofit, Peter has constructed an outdoor aviary which will encourage breeding, and anticipates “trading birds from other parts of the country so that we don’t have a closed gene pool.”

Planned expansion will also require him to double his available breeding space.

“We have five blue-throats right now, including two pairs, and are hoping to get more,” he says.

In an effort to raise additional funds, the organization has already held two wine dinners featuring Dynasty Cellars and Bellingham’s 9 Restaurant. More of these dinners are planned for the future.

Wine enthusiasts and bird lovers alike are also encouraged to stop by Dynasty’s tasting room, where donations to Barba Azul are always welcome.

While there, be sure to try the winery’s new releases including 2018 vintages of Dry Riesling and Chardonnay, a 2016 Merlot, and, later this year, a few other 2017 vintage reds.

The tasting room is located at 2169 East Bakerview Road and is open Friday and Saturday from 1–8 p.m.  April 2020 79

Notes  The Scene

The Boys and Girls Club of Whatcom County let the good times roll at the 6th annual Bourbon Street Bingeaux Fundraiser in February. The evening featured catered dinner and dessert, six rounds of bingo, a silent auction, and unique raffle prizes such as training with a SWAT team and thoughtfully planned staycations. Two hundred community members attended and contributed toward a record-breaking $43,169 in total donations. Funds will directly support kids and programs at the Bellingham Clubhouse, with three core focus areas of healthy lifestyles, academic success, and good character and citizenship.

AMY ANDERSON GUERRA

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BellinghamAlive.com

Photos by Radley Muller Photography.

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