Bellingham Alive September 2021

A YEAR IN

COCKTAILS

SEPTEMBER 2021 DISPLAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 $3.99 US • $4.99 CAN

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Whatcom Local Rebel Artists Wines Bar Guide of Whatcom

An analog soul in a digital body.

Electricity gets a dose of pure sports car soul. Introducing the all-electric Taycan. An 800-volt system architecture that delivers 522 hp. Packed with technology that connects car and driver like never before. Iconic Porsche design DNA in every detail. It’s how a sports car should feel.

Experience true electrified performance.

The Taycan 4S.

Porsche Bellingham 2200 Iowa Street Bellingham, WA 98229 Tel: (360) 734-5230 www.porschebellingham.com ©2021 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times.

European model shown. Some options may not be available in the U.S.

take a sip

AND RELAX Spanish Flower

Just Peachy Rita

Melon Margarita

Coronarita

Strawberry-Peach Sunrise

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Must be 21 or older with valid ID. Details at Rewards Club. Management reserves all rights. ©2021 Upper Skagit Indian Tribe dba Skagit Valley Casino Resort.

Contents 42

The bars are back open, so why not celebrate? If you don’t know where to start, never fear—we caught up with local bartenders to bring you a whole calendar’s worth of cocktails. These drinks range from fresh takes on old classics to innovative indulgences you never knew you needed (hello, Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Martini).

Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing summer cool-down or a cup of holiday cheer, we’ve got just the drink for you.

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Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

A Year in Cocktails

SEPTEMBER 2021 LIFE

STYLE

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Heard Around the Sound

Rebel Artists of Whatcom

Bar Cicotti New Mexico Tamale

Company and Living Pantry

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Savvy Shopper Bella Rose Boutique

37

Fashion Q&A Office Fashion

38

5 Faves CBD Body Products

Saturna Capital’s Award-

Winning Investments

65

Local Find Comphy Sheets

66

Savvy Shopper Fresh Space Redesign

68

Spotlight Marshall Dobry, Kitchen Design Studio

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Necessities Bartender’s Friends

TASTE

Community Are You My Human?

Dog Rescue & Lounge

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Book Notes Reviews and Events

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Who Knew? Prohibition

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Out and About Whatcom Wines

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Local Find GG Clay Co

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Review The Fairhaven

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Sip Black Fern

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Dining Guide

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Sip Garden Path Fermentation

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Recipe Garlic Shrimp with Paprika and Lemon

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Local Find Westside Pizza

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8 Great Tastes

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Game Changer Aline Prata

Photo by Jaya Flanary

SPECIAL ADVERTISING 41

Shop Local

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Bar Guide

86

Mixing Tin The Black Mirror

HOME

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

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Photo by Brooke Gatterman

Monthly Giveaway

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Out and About Cascade Adventure Vans

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5 Faves Wine Bars

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Community Marie’s Bees

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Online Exclusive Animals as Natural Therapy

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Spotlight Crosby Glass Studio

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Editor’s Letter

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Contributors

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Letters to the Editor

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Meet the Team Marissa Muljat and Emily Bishop

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Lasting Image

30

Top Picks

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Events

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Featured Home Summer Cabin on Lake Cavanaugh

Photo by Mike Penney Photography

EVENTS

NOTES

September 2021 3

Notes What’s Online

Online Exclusive

INSTAGRAM

“This entire mural has happened because of the support of the general public and their interest in supporting the arts in Bellingham.” ...

ANIMALS AS NATURAL THERAPY Do animals really have the ability to improve one’s mental and behavioral health?

Animals as Natural Therapy, a farm in Bellingham, believes the answer is yes. The farm specializes in animal-guided programs and mentorship, connecting guests with resident horses, goats, and chickens. A wide range of programs allow people from all walks of life to benefit from the animals. The farm offers a veterans program, after-school program, a program for those recovering from chemical addiction, summer day camps, and more. Animals as Natural Therapy strives to equip individuals with the life skills needed to thrive, while displaying the value and healing nature of animals. Find out more at bellinghamalive.com.

The next time you’re at the Bellingham Farmers Market (BFM), you’ll notice something new: a mural created by local artists Gretchen Leggitt and Sarah Finger.

Read more about it in the full article by Emily Bishop, photos by Tony Mueantonthian. Link in bio! #bellinghamfarmersmarket #bellinghamart @skylineprintworks @g2legit

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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If you’re looking for your new favorite restaurant, head to Salted Grape Bistro in La Conner. Formerly located in Bothell, where it was the Salted Grape Cafe, owners Chef Nathan Salter and Sommelier Leslie Grover relocated north after losing their lease during COVID. Lucky for La Connerites, because the Salted Grape is beyond excellent. ...

Read more in the full article by Becky Mandelbaum, photos by Tony Mueantonthian. Link in bio! #laconner #laconnerfood @beckymandelbaum @saltedgrapebistro

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Keep your drinks

CLOSE &

COOL Convenience is a luxury you deserve. Keep your favorite beverages chilled and within reach with KitchenAid underthe-counter mini refrigerators, beverage centers, and wine coolers. Whether you want to store your favorite bottles of wine or have easy access to game day beers, KitchenAid offers a wide selection of options and our appliance experts here at Judd & Black can help you choose the best chilled storage solutions for your lifestyle.

Notes Editor’s Letter

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A Toast to Togetherness UMMERS IN PACIFIC NORTHWEST are always a

treat, but summer 2021 was a special kind of joyous. Even though the pandemic isn’t over, COVID-19 vaccines have allowed us to resume our lives in ways that didn’t seem possible a year ago, and I’m not sure I’ve ever been more social. It feels as though every day brings new reasons to celebrate — birthdays, reunions with family, anniversaries, stellar weather, a particularly vibrant sunset on a Tuesday evening. On a personal note, stepping into my new role as editorin-chief at Bellingham Alive is a pretty good excuse for festivities.

The optimist in me hopes that this sense of excitement will carry on into the autumn. This seems likely given that my boyfriend’s birthday is in September, and as I wonder what that day will hold, I can’t help but reflect on his party last year. Perhaps the term “party” is an exaggeration; in true 2020 fashion, we spent the evening at home on the porch.

Cupcakes, apple brandy, and Dolly Parton sing-a-longs on guitar made the evening memorable despite the unusual circumstances. Better yet, the night was shared with the roommates who became like family during the pandemic. Circumstances forced us together, but we rallied to celebrate each other through the good, the bad, and — of course — the birthdays.

As we ease back into something resembling a normal social life, I’m grateful to have had these abundant opportunities to deepen bonds within my tiny pandemic bubble. We sang

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karaoke in the living room, made waffles on Christmas morning, and supported each other through an exceptionally challenging time. Even as we return to our respective postlockdown routines, the pandemic taught me to appreciate the people I share my everyday life with.

On the other hand, there are innumerable milestones and moments that went unacknowledged, and I — like so many others — didn’t see people I care deeply about for more than a year. My extroverted side is in full force as I hug loved ones and welcome new friends into my ever-growing circle. In short, the latter half of 2021 has been devoted to making up for lost time.

If you also have some long-awaited celebrating to do, you might find inspiration in this month’s guide to a whole year of cocktails. Perhaps you’re planning an occasion with a big group of people that you missed dearly during the thick of the pandemic. Alternatively, you could host an intimate cocktail hour to show appreciation for those closest to you.

Whatever the occasion, I propose a toast to the new season, our newfound togetherness, and the resiliency and spirit of our Bellingham community.

Warmly,

COCOA LANEY Editor In Chief

CIDERHOUSE 3155 MERCER AVE BELLINGHAM, WA HERBSCIDER.COM @HERBSCIDER

Notes Contributors

L E A D E R S

Lisette Wolter-McKinley

IN LUXURY

Lisette Wolter-McKinley is a visual storyteller and mama to three living in West Seattle. She is an avid gardener, runner, and hiker who loves anything involving good food or nature. As a Pacific Northwest native, she is passionate about where she lives and loves sharing her tips with others. Find more of her work at lisettewoltermckinley.com.  p. 23

Mary Kinser Growing up in Washington state, Mary learned early on that rainy days provided the perfect excuse to curl up with a good story. Mary is now a collection development librarian for Whatcom County Library System, where she gets to spend her days spreading the joy of reading. In her free time, she enjoys travel, board games, long walks, and baking delicious treats. She and her husband share their home with one son, one cat, and far too many books.  p. 19

Samantha Ferraro She is the creator of the popular food blog “The Little Ferraro Kitchen” and author of the cookbook “The Weeknight Mediterranean Kitchen.”

Samantha’s recipes have been featured in Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and the L.A. Times. She is a regular on-air contributor to King 5 Seattle, where she demonstrates easy Mediterranean recipes that are full of bold flavors. Locally, you’ll find Samantha teaching cooking classes and sharing recipes on social media.  p. 79

CLEAN CARE & RESTORATION

Before

After

Serving all of Whatcom and most of Skagit county for over 45 years, Swan’s Clean Care and Restoration cleans carpets, area rugs, and upholstery.

Free estimates!

360.676.0655 swanscarpetcleaning.com 2010 Pacific St., Bellingham

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Jeff Barclay Jeff Barclay is a local landscape and macro image photographer. His work can be seen at the Drizzle Tasting Room in Fairhaven as well as the Samson and Dynasty wineries. He has published a pictorial table top book about barns called “Old Barns of Whatcom County” that also contains several of his poems. The book can be found at Village Books in Fairhaven as well as Bellewood Farms.  p. 88

Fresh Flavors

of the PNW!

PUBLICATIONS Bellingham Alive NSL Guestbook Couture Weddings Welcome Newcomers Guide

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Lisa Karlberg

EDITOR IN CHIEF Cocoa Laney

ART DIRECTOR Dean Davidson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Devan Ballard | Kristy Gessner Mia Sperandeo

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mariah Currey

EDITORIAL/MARKETING COORDINATOR Anelyse Morris

CONTRIBUTORS Jeff Barclay | Julie Blazek Samantha Ferraro | Mary Kinser Lisette Wolter-McKinley

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Emily Bishop | Jaya Flanary Marissa Muljat

PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT Tony Mueantonthian

OFFICE MANAGEMENT Jenn Miranda

CORPORATE OFFICE

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COVER Photo by Tony Mueantonthian Cucumber Fling, Blue Abode Bar

Letters to the Editor Notes

I’ve been a subscriber for years and I am always excited to get my next one so I know what restaurants to try out this month!

The photos in the magazine are always so stunning, are these taken locally or are they stock photos?

— Jordan W., Vancouver, B.C.

— Bobbie W., Sumas

Interior Design Trends

Please do more recipes! I love the one’s you do but I would like to see a few more to hold me over to the next issue.

— Chris L., Bellingham

AUGUST 2021 DISPLAY UNTIL AUGUST 31 $3.99 US • $4.99 CAN

Meet Our Pros To Know

Hi Jordan, great question! We try to use locally sourced photos as much as possible. These are normally provided as a courtesy or photographed by our team. — Cocoa L., Editor In Chief

Get Inspired with Jojotastic

Salted Grape Bistro

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.

Thank you for adding more vegan foods and recipes to your social media lately! Keep it coming, and in print would be appreciated.

— Amanda G., Ferndale Correction: Our August Game Changer feature included incorrect information about WeSNiP (Whatcom Education Spay & Neuter Impact Program). WeSNiP has performed over 24,000 surgeries to date, not 2,400. Cat surgeries cost $60 and dog surgeries cost $90 to $120, not $35.

Lastly, they are offering baskets as raffle prizes, not an iPad. These errors were our fault, and we apologize to WeSNiP.

September 2021 11

Notes Meet the Team

IMAGINE YOUR AD HERE! Marissa Muljat and Emily Bishop Imagining Spaces Q&A with Ciscoe Morris MARCH 2021 DISPLAY UNTIL MARCH 31 $3.99 US • $4.99 CAN

Pros To Know

Living Pantry Refillery

Contemporary Trends

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

Marissa I am an editorial intern for the magazine and have been working with K&L Media since May of 2021.

Emily I have been an editorial intern with Bellingham Alive since May 2021.

What is your background?

Marissa I am from Lynden, Washington and attended Lynden Christian School from preschool through high school. I graduated in the summer of 2020 and began attending Taylor University in Indiana last fall, majoring in multimedia journalism.

Cafe Crawl Milano’s Comes to Fairhaven

Emily I’m entering my fourth year at Western Washington University where I am majoring in journalism and minoring in psychology, religion and culture, and honors interdisciplinary studies. I’ve only lived in Bellingham since starting college. I grew up in Wichita, Kansas.

The Year of Unusual: Homeschooling in Whatcom Men Like to Be Pampered Too

FEBRUARY 2021 DISPLAY UNTIL FEBRUARY 28 $3.99 US • $4.99 CAN

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

Marissa My favorite part about working for Bellingham Alive is having the opportunity to talk with and interview inspiring people that I probably wouldn’t otherwise talk to or meet. I also find it cool that I get to share peoples’ stories and display to the public who these amazing people are and what they are doing.

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Reach over 200,000 visitors & affluent female readers every issue!

sales@bellinghamalive.com

360.483.4576 ext. 4

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Emily My favorite part of working for a regional lifestyle magazine is that it introduces me to things I previously didn’t know about. For example, I did a write-up about a drive-in event happening every Friday throughout the summer, and decided to go to one of the shows.

I saw “Jurassic Park”, which is one of my favorite movies, on the big screen. And I wouldn’t have known that event was happening if I wasn’t interning with Bellingham Alive.

What are some of your hobbies?

Marissa I have been baking since I was very young, and it is one of my favorite things to do. My favorite thing to bake is French macarons.

I also am a big animal lover, I love to spend time with my friends and family, and I am obsessed with traveling.

Emily In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, reading, and cooking.

I also like drinking copious amounts of coffee (I take it with milk and sweetener) and doing video calls with my family back home in Kansas. 

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Are You My Human? Dog Rescue & Lounge 18 Whatcom Wines 20 Marie’s Bees 26

Life

Photo by Jaya Flanary

Heard Around the Sound

Rebel Artists of Whatcom

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Photos by Jaya Flanary

Life Heard Around the Sound

Creative Rebellion on Commercial Street The Rebel Artists of Whatcom provide space and community for all

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VERY SATURDAY and two Fridays a month, passersby will notice canopy tents nestled in Commercial Street Plaza. Beneath the canopies are local artists showcasing and selling their works — macramé, jewelry, photography, paintings, and everything in between. These folks are creators and makers who put inclusion and respect at the forefront of their collective.

Perhaps you’ve heard of them: They are the Rebel Artists of Whatcom.

Founded by Autumn Mattson at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rebel Artists of Whatcom is an artist collective that has both an in-person and online presence.

Every Saturday from 3–7 p.m. and first Fridays from 4–8 p.m., up to ten Rebel Artists take over Commercial Street Plaza for their market. They also facilitate “Kids Night” on the third Friday of the month from 3–7 p.m. Bubbles, chalk, and hula hoops

Bellingham, rebelartistsofwhatcom.com JAYA FLANARY

Award-Winning Investments

S

ATURNA CAPITAL is giving new meaning to investing in local, nabbing awards in Investor’s Business Daily’s “Best Mutual Funds 2021 Awards” for long-term performance.

Saturna Capital has aimed to help assist both institutions and individual

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are provided for kids to play with while their parents shop around.

“Kids Night is really cool,” Mattson says. “It’s free for vendors and all of the vendors have something to offer the children for free.”

Mattson, who owns Wild Hendrix Designs, specializes in macramé and embroidery. Because previous rejections made her feel excluded from other art communities, she aims to create a space for artists to feel welcome rather than judged.

“I’m autistic and I’ve been excluded from a bunch of things my whole life,” Mattson says. “I don’t want other people to feel like how I felt before.”

What started out as Zoom meetings between Mattson and artists she already knew quickly became a weekly staple in downtown Bellingham’s Holly Street Plaza.

When Holly Street reopened for vehicles, the collective moved to their

current location with the help of the Downtown Bellingham Partnership.

“It just kind of all came together organically in a really cool way,” Mattson says.

Their website includes a list of members who wish to be featured as well as a diversity statement.

“We don’t discriminate against our members for any reason,” it states.

“Specifically regarding BIPOC and racial diversity within the membership, we would like to say that we recognize that some members of the collective have experienced a generational inequity to resources. We strongly wish for everyone in the collective to have an equal opportunity to succeed.”

Prospective members can apply on the collective’s website. Membership is $15 a month and includes a website listing, a monthly Instagram post, and three Instagram story mentions. The market fee of $10 is also reduced to $8 for members. 1314 Commercial St.,

BellinghamAlive.com

investors in navigating the market since its establishment more than 30 years ago. Through four diverse mutual funds, Saturna has something to meet everyone’s investment needs.

The three awards went to Saturna’s mutual fund companies Amana Growth,

Sextant International, and Sextant Bond Income Funds.

Amana Growth Fund was established in 1994, investing in common stocks (including foreign stocks) that are consistent with Islamic principles.

The fund was a finalist in three

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

ENTER-TO-WIN Monthly Giveaway

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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 the Enter-To-Win prize for September, two $25 gift cards to Casa Que Pasa.

$25 $25

Imbibing Italian-Style at Bar Cicotti

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ACH MONTH, we give you the opportunity

Casa Que PasaQue Casa Pasa

ISITORS CAN NOW TOP OFF their visit to the Whatcom

Museum with an Italian-style beverage at Bar Cicotti, officially opened in the Lightcatcher Building in late July. You might be familiar with owner Jonathan Cicotti’s Italian fare via downtown staple Storia Cucina, and just like the restaurant, Bar Cicotti is a delicious homage to its namesake’s Northern Italian roots.

Following in the footsteps of traditional Italian bars, Bar Cicotti serves up coffee by day and functions as a bar at night. Menu items include classic cafe drinks alongside carefully chosen wines and a selection of local beers. You can also start the evening in true Italian fashion with a spritz that combines prosecco and aperitifs such as vermouth, Cocchi Rosa, or Cappelletti.

Drinks can be paired with simple yet refined foods ranging from snacks and antipasti to heartier offerings such as truffle grilled cheese, risotto cacio e pepe, and even dessert. For a special start to the day, breakfast menu favorites include pizzettes and Bombolini, a custardfilled donut traditionally eaten in Northern Italy. Diners in a hurry can also pick from readily available grab-and-go foods.

Storia Cucina is known for its commitment to quality, so it’s no surprise that Bar Cicotti shares this philosophy. When sourcing ingredients, they rely on local producers and organic farmers to ensure that every menu offering is of the highest caliber. True Italian food is simple yet made with top-notch ingredients, and Bar Cicotti lives up to this standard. 202 Grand Ave., Bellingham, 360.656.6802, barcicotti.com COCOA LANEY

categories — Best Large-Cap Funds, Best US Diversified Funds, and Best Growth Stock Funds.

Best International Funds winner Sextant International focuses on investments in common stocks of companies whose operations and assets exist primarily outside

of the U.S. The Sextant Bond Income explores investment in corporate and government bonds, landing on the Best U.S. Taxable Bond Funds list. Saturna Capital Corporation, 1300 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.734.9900, saturna.com ANELYSE MORRIS

New Mexico Tamale Company and Living Pantry Come to Bellingham

N

EW MEXICO TAMALE COMPANY,

owned by Dora Ruiz, landed among Yelp’s top 100 restaurants in the nation in 2020. Ruiz recently opened a new, expanded location in Bellingham, with the previous location in Ferndale shutting its doors.

Tamales are cooked fresh daily using Ruiz’s mother’s recipes and are lard-free and gluten-free. Ruiz takes pride in her employees and strives to put her customers first.

“My number one goal is to bring the tamale back to life,” Ruiz says.

In 2020, Shawna and Seppi Morris started their bulk refillery store, Living Pantry, in Blaine. Now, less than a year later, they’ve opened a second, much larger location in Bellingham.

Living Pantry offers everything you use on a daily basis in bulk and is a toward-zero-waste store, meaning they offer sustainable alternatives to reduce waste. For instance, customers can bring their own containers or purchase reusable ones at the store. MARISSA MULJAT

September 2021 17

Life Community

Through visiting the lounge, people build relationships with the puppies and are able to see which puppy will best fit their lifestyle.

Are you my Human?

Dog Rescue & Lounge WRITTEN BY MARISSA MULJAT | PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARE YOU MY HUMAN? DOG RESCUE & LOUNGE

A

GIRL AND HER MOTHER STEP INTO Are You

My Human? Dog Rescue & Lounge in downtown Bellingham. The girl recently lost her father in a house fire and her dogs recently passed away, too. As she sits in the lounge, puppies lick her face and play beside her.

The girl’s face lights up with joy. Her mother cries because she hasn’t seen her daughter this happy in a long time.

When Devin Parks started Are You My Human?

Dog Rescue & Lounge in May of 2021, he expected to have an impact on the lives of rescue dogs. What he didn’t anticipate was the effect his business would have on the lives of his customers.

“The most rewarding part is the human aspect of it.

It’s realizing how much this means to people for stress relief, for that therapy,” Parks says.

Dogs were a major part of Parks’ upbringing. He later managed PetSmart stores in Washington and in Oregon, where he helped rescue dogs get adopted.

After taking his children to a cat cafe, Parks noticed that they couldn’t really pick up the cats and play with them.

This got him thinking about creating a business model that focuses on relationship-building and adoption.

“How I designed it was to be sort of that cat cafe on steroids in a sense. Full force, you’re gonna see the chaos of puppies playing, puppies get angry with each other, but then immediately ten minutes later they’re crashed dead asleep,” Parks says.

Visitors to the lounge can book a 50-minute time slot to play with the rescue puppies. If they fall in love with a pup, they can apply to adopt.

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BellinghamAlive.com

Dogs need constant attention, which is why Parks takes the rescue puppies home with him each night. He says that his wife and children, as well as his neighbors, are all very helpful with caring for and playing with the puppies. He is currently caring for six rescue puppies in addition to his own three dogs. The largest number of dogs he and his family have cared for at a given time was 14.

“I tell people this is not a job, this is a lifestyle,” Parks says.

Parks partners with several different rescues in Washington and Texas to receive the lounge’s rescue puppies.

“These dogs are found in boxes, they’re found roaming the streets of Texas, they’re being hit by cars, they’re being surrendered by owners who pass away and families who can’t have dogs anymore,” Parks says.

Although many visitors to the lounge come in with a “love at first sight” mindset, Parks stresses the importance of relationship-building. Through visiting the lounge, people bond with the puppies and are able to see which puppy will best fit their lifestyle. He strives to ensure each adopter gets a dog that is the best overall match.

“Patience 100% is a huge thing. Patience in the bonding of the relationship between the dog, patience in finding the right temperament and dog breed for your lifestyle ... patience, in general, is 100% what needs to be had for people with dogs and especially rescue dogs, because of all their backgrounds,” Parks says. 1307 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, 360.656.6398, areyoumyhumandogrescue.com 

Book Notes Life

Literary Events

Book Reviews WRITTEN BY MARY KINSER

September 2, 5 P.M.–6:30 P.M.

THE CALIFORNIA REDWOODS are a place of majestic

Damnation Spring

by Ash Davidson

WhaMemWriMo: The Past and the Page: Introduction to Writing Your Memoir with Laura Kalpakian

trees and rain-drenched foliage, where the heartbeat of the forest thrums around you. Rich Gundersen loves these woods, but as a fourth-generation logger, with old growth forest dwindling, he struggles to make a living.

His family’s land now entailed to the National Park Service, Rich makes a gamble: He’ll buy a desirable tract and harvest the massive trees to ensure financial security and a less-risky future for his young son. But there’s more going on than Rich knows. His wife Colleen is among many local women suffering lost pregnancies, and environmental researchers target logging company practices as destructive to habitat. Suddenly everything is in peril for Rich and Colleen — their livelihood, their health, and their closest relationships. By immersing readers into this rural community, “Damnation Spring” deftly illustrates the complexities of ecological versus economic survival in an evocative story tailor-made for book clubs.

Virtual Event Hosted by Village Books 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com

Deciding where and how to begin your memoir can be difficult. In this Zoom class, participants will learn how to put their past into words and utilize family materials to enhance their writing. Come prepared with your questions and ideas

September 3–4, 11 A.M.–4 P.M. Friends of Birch Bay Library Book Sale and Project Talks

Whatcom County Library System — Blaine Library 610 3rd St., Blaine 360.305.3637, wcls.org

As a part of Discover Birch Bay Days, this book sale will take place at the Blaine Library along with an end-of-summer lunch fundraiser. Stop by, purchase some new reads, and mingle with fellow book-lovers!

SHE’S WRITTEN ABOUT WAR, the afterlife, and

Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law

by Mary Roach

dead bodies, but with her newest book, science writer Mary Roach may have stepped into her most controversial territory yet: Human-wildlife conflict.

Think marauding monkeys, destructive seagulls, and bears who can’t resist the picnic basket (or the car it travels in). Featuring wildlife managers, animal attack forensic specialists, and other experts, Roach uncovers the world of animal behavior and those who attempt to control it. In balancing human needs and demands with our sustained creep into native species’ territories, behaviorists and conservationists turn to ever-more creative methods, sometimes with unintended results.

This account raises important questions about the humananimal relationship, but it’s also consistently hilarious.

Who else but Mary Roach can discuss the toileting habits of hibernating bears and make readers laugh out loud in the process? Another winner from this beloved author.

September 12, 2 P.M.–3 P.M. Motherhood by the Book

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

Join a group discussion that explores motherhood and the trials, tribulations, and rewards that come along with it. This discussion group meets on the second Sunday of each month and reads a variety of books on the theme of motherhood.

September’s pick is “The Yellow House”

by Sarah M. Broom.

Who Knew? Prohibition It Wasn’t Completely Illegal to Drink The Volstead Act banned the manufacturing, selling, and transportation of alcohol.

Wine was permitted for religious purposes, and drug stores could sell medicinal whiskey if shown a doctor’s note.

Doctor’s Orders

The Shift to Gin

The End of Prohibition

Doctors prescribed alcohol to treat ailments ranging from toothaches to the flu. This led to an increase in prescriptions — and speakeasies operating under the guise of pharmacies.

Bathtub gin required no aging and was more readily available than other liquors, resulting in the rising popularity of gin cocktails such as the southside fizz and the gin rickey.

A majority of states ratified the 21st Amendment by 1933, ending the Prohibition Era. President Roosevelt supposedly celebrated by downing a dirty martini in the White House.

EMILY BISHOP

September 2021 19

Life Out and About

Whatcom Wines WRITTEN BY ANELYSE MORRIS AND COCOA LANEY

For a small, intimate wine-tasting experience, look no further than La Chanterelle Winery. Owners and longtime red wine lovers Lotte Freeman and Donatas Pocus opened the winery out of their home’s basement in 2012.

“My partner always comes up with some crazy business ideas, but this one was actually doable,” Freeman says.

By having the winery at home, the pair were able to cut costs while creating a cozy and one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

It’s a true family business, with Freeman and Pocus carefully sourcing, hand-picking, transporting, and de-stemming the grapes all by hand.

The artwork on La Chanterelle bottles is designed by Pocus’ daughter Greta Poceviciute.

“Our wine selection is special because we are really tiny,” Freeman says. “We are small, sweet, and simple, but we make really good wine.”

You can purchase La Chanterelle wines online or by joining their wine club for a $10 fee. Wines are released twice annually, with wine club members getting an additional 25% off all selections. You can also find them at Seifert & Jones, Elizabeth Station, Old World Deli, and Village Wine Shop. Bellingham, 360.540.0280, lachanterellewine.com

Featured Wines 2015 Wahluke Slope Syrah ($35) 2018 Wahluke Slope Cabernet Sauvignon ($30) 2017 Conchie Cabernet Sauvignon ($34)

Dynasty Cellars Tradition meets innovation at Dynasty Cellars in Bellingham. You can find a variety of wines from Bourdeauxes and syrahs to zinfandels and tempranillos.

Generations of winemaking combined with new age techniques results in 20

BellinghamAlive.com

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

La Chanterelle

Vartanyan Estate Winery

high-quality wines, sourced from the same location every year.

Sample, sip, and savor Dynasty Cellars’ wines by stopping in the tasting room on Friday or Saturday.

With both indoor and outdoor tasting areas open year-round, you can enjoy a glass regardless of the weather for only $10 per person (the fee is waived with a bottle purchase).

The winery also offers numerous benefits through its wine club. Membership includes free wine tastings, club-only releases, bottle and case discounts, random deep discounts, and an invite to a twice annual pig roast and barrel tasting. Membership is free with no annual dues.

The website currently features ten selections available for purchase, with free delivery available in Bellingham on orders $100 or more. You can also find bottles at local restaurants and grocery stores. 2169 E. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, 360.758.2958, dynastycellars.com

Featured Wines 2016 DCC Cabernet Sauvignon ($28) 2017 DCCF Cabernet Franc ($32) 2016 DCM Merlot ($32)

Vartanyan Estate Winery A visit to Vartanyan Estate Winery’s tasting room will delight anyone who appreciates well-crafted wine and incredible views of Mount Baker. This scenic Bellingham winery is womanowned and operated, boasting a selection of red, white, and rosé wines fit for any occasion.

Their flagship wine, Trilogia, is a blend of three grapes — syrah, cabernet, and merlot — aged in French, Russian, and American barrels. Keeping with this motif of thirds, owner Margarita Vartanyan defines her core tenets of winemaking as “family tradition, knowledge, and passion.”

Given Vartanyan’s dedication, it’s no surprise that her work is highly awarded. Wines from Vartanyan Estate took home two double golds, seven golds, and five silver medals during the 2021 Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival.

Members of the free quarterly wine club receive a selection of two bottles, including new vintages, available via shipments or pick-up. They can also bring two guests along to enjoy a complimentary wine tasting. Vartanyan Estate Winery’s tasting room is open to

from Chocolate Necessities, and stunning scenery complete with views of the Cascades. Samson Estates wines are also available for purchase online.

Photo courtesy of Samson Estates Winery

1861 Van Dyk Rd., Everson, 360.966.7787, samsonestates.com

Featured wines Delilah Blueberry Table Wine ($13) Framboise Raspberry Dessert Wine ($17) 2018 Yakima Valley Riesling ($15)

GLM Wine Company

Samson Estates Winery

the public Friday–Sunday, making it the perfect stop during a relaxing autumn weekend. 1628 Huntley Rd., Bellingham, 360.756.6770, vewinery.com

Featured wines Trilogia 2017 ($27.95) Cabernet Franc 2018 ($28.95) Pinot Gris 2018 ($17.95)

Samson Estates Winery For winemaker and horticulturalist Rob Dhaliwal, Samson Estates Winery is the extension of a family farming tradition spanning generations. The tasting room is located in a converted dairy barn on one of his father’s raspberry fields. Even the name pays homage to Dhaliwal’s father, Samson.

Each bottle from Samson Estates reflects the winery’s emphasis on family and locally-grown ingredients.

All of the fruits used are sourced from Samson Farms, the Dhaliwals’ farming operation.

Offerings include more traditional grape varietals, but the off-dry berry and dessert fruit wines make Samson Estates stand out. Their award-winning raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry wines are delectable on their own or mixed with champagne for a light and refreshing treat.

Those looking for a memorable winery experience can visit the public tasting room, open Wednesday–Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It offers wine samples, exclusive handmade truffles

For those looking to enjoy a fullbodied, fruity glass of red in a truly one-of-a-kind environment, look no further than GLM Wine Company.

Owners Tom Davis and Tracey DeGraff opened GLM in 2002, converting an old garage in Blaine into an award-winning winery.

The winery takes its initials from the prehistoric Glacial Lake Missoula.

In addition, their signature wine “Deluge” references this ice age lake and the floods that transformed the landscape of Eastern Washington. It’s a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and malbec conserved for two years in new French oak barriques.

The Davises also invented enrobed wine, a categorization named after the French term “la robe” (meaning the color of red wine). It’s made by combining white grape juice with unfermented red grape skins, “enrobing” the juice and creating a red wine through fermentation.

GLM uses both modern refrigerated stainless steel tanks and traditional barrels, delving deeply into the science behind red wine making — even down to the use of plastic corks to protect the flavors. They set themselves apart even further by labeling the “color index” on red wines, denoting how full-bodied each bottle is. For wine drinkers who prioritize innovation and creativity, GLM wines are a must-try. 1678 Boblett St., Blaine, 360.332.2097, glmwine.com

Featured Wines Deluge 2015 Reserve ($35) Rock Flour 2018 ($25) Kolk Blush 2015 ($17) 

APPS WE L VE Cookpad Cookpad Inc. Nothing says comfort like homestyle cooking.

Cookpad offers an array of recipes from home cooks around the world, allowing you to not only find one-of-a-kind recipes, but also connect and message your favorite at-home creators.

My Bar Roman Shuvaev Inspired by our cocktail feature?

My Bar will have you mixing it up like a master mixologist in no time.

Explore classic cocktail recipes or try something new. Low on ingredients?

Search by what you have at home and bookmark the drinks you love.

Native Chats Native Tech, Co. Language barriers are a thing of the past with this multilingual messaging app. Communicate easier with people from all around the world with “on-the-fly translation” for more than 100 languages in multiple encrypted chat channels.

Yousician Yousician Ltd. Unlock your musical abilities with this virtual tutoring app.

Learn at your own pace with more than 1,500 exercises and special trainers. Enjoy free for the first seven days and practice your singing, guitar, piano, or ukelele skills. ANELYSE MORRIS

September 2021 21

Life Game Changer

From Brazil to Bellingham How Aline Prata became the Executive Director of the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JAYA FLANARY

I

N THE HEART OF BELLINGHAM, tucked away in a brick

building, is an office plastered with signs that read “love is stronger than fear” and “war is not the answer.” The room’s perimeter is lined with books that make up the Peace Library. Aline Prata, wearing a “no justice, no peace” shirt, works at a computer as people walk by the window.

Prata’s smile is contagious and her presence is strong.

She is the executive director of the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center (WPJC), a nonprofit organization aimed to foster peace and social justice in the county and worldwide using tactics such as direct action and education. Most of WPJC’s funding comes from individual contributors.

In 2002 — one year after the United States invaded Afghanistan — the concept for the WPJC was born through Bellingham’s Peace Vigil. According to Prata, the Friday Afternoon Peace Vigil on the corner of Magnolia Street and Cornwall Avenue remains the longest-running weekly peace vigil in the country. Those involved in the vigil decided they needed a space to gather and have conversations about the United State’s political climate and what changes they wanted to make.

“We thought that it was important to have a physical space, a diverse board, an agenda, and a peace calendar,” Prata says. “My favorite way to describe the center is that we’re a small but fierce volunteer-powered nonprofit, a community hub, and resource center for activists of all ages and backgrounds.”

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As the WPJC was being formed, Prata was a young girl being raised by three strong women in Brazil. At age 13, while earning her technical degree, she took interest in environmental justice because of an Earth Day celebration.

She connected with the event’s organizers and became part of the student’s movement.

“That’s how I became a little bit more politicized.

First being just interested in environmental issues, and then learning how they intersect with class, race, gender, militarization,” Prata says.

After studying abroad in 2012 at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, Prata finished her undergraduate degree in Brazil at the Federal University of São Carlos. At the time, Brazil was polarized and about to impeach Dilma Rousseff, the first democratically elected woman president. Brazil was also a dangerous place for environmental activists, so Prata decided to move to Bellingham in 2015 to attend grad school at Western Washington University.

Prata soon discovered how difficult it was to find a community in Bellingham. While earning a master’s in Environmental Studies, she felt isolated at WWU as she was one of few women of color in the program at Huxley College. She returned from her field work in 2016 after the election of Donald Trump.

“I used a lot of the political analysis that I had on the ground through my praxis to also talk about decolonial knowledge production, imperial imbalances, and the neoliberalization of education,” Prata says.

In March of 2021, she submitted her thesis — which focuses on science policies and how they affect user-engaged research in Brazil and Peru — and after an almost three-year long and exhausting application process, she finally received her green card in June of 2021.

Amid receiving her master’s and becoming a U.S. resident, Prata began volunteering for the WPJC, helping however the organization needed. She became the executive director in 2019, which she considers a dream job.

“I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to look forward to coming to work and having cool people to learn from and learn with,” Prata says. “It’s a space of envisioning, it’s a space of belonging, it’s a space of so much radical imagination and praxis and education. So, that makes me proud.”

As the executive director, Prata was heavily involved in keeping the WPJC active during the pandemic, a time in which events were cancelled and gatherings forbidden. Prata looks forward to in-person events, as well as reopening the center as a gathering space for community members to learn about and discuss social justice and alternatives to violence and war.

Next year, the WPJC plans to launch a youth award named after Dotty Dale, a peace elder and activist who was one of the center’s original supporters. The center also selects a Lifetime Peacemaker Award, given annually at the International Day of Peace event. This event honors Howard and Rosemary Harris, founders of Bellingham’s Peace Vigil in 1967 — the vigil that would, decades later, inspire community members to create Whatcom’s Peace and Justice Center. 1220 Bay St., Bellingham, 360.734.0217, whatcompjc.org 

Out and About Life

Find the Extraordinary in the Ordinary Cascade Adventure Vans WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISETTE WOLTER-MCKINLEY

H

AVE YOU EVER WANTED TO GO CAMPING minus the

sleepless nights, but with all the fun of open-air cooking and starfilled nights around the campfire?

Thanks to Cascade Adventure Vans, you can forgo the long, expensive camping gear list and instead hop in one of their customized Sprinter vans.

You’ve probably seen a Cascade Aventure Van zipping along highways or parked at trailheads. There’s a reason these vans are a popular new way for families to explore the outdoors. From being able to set up a tableside lunch spur-of-the-moment to the general ease in which you can avoid crowds, camper vans were made for adventure.

My own family is not new to the camper van scene. Once you rent one, it becomes a no-brainer to rent again. With an awning to block the sun when you pull over for a rest to a comfortable bed and a built-in slideout refrigerator/freezer for keeping all your food evenly chilled, it makes adventuring with little ones a gamechanger. A portable stove and heater keep everyone comfortable at night no matter the temperature. You may never desire to camp in a tent again.

After picking up our van in Seattle, we headed north to Grandy Lake campground. With 20 primitive sites on a lake, we knew it would be a quiet spot for our family. Grandy Lake

is a popular spot for anglers as it is stocked with Rainbow Trout and home to resident Coastal Cutthroat and Largemouth Bass. However, we quickly realized you don’t need to fish to enjoy the lake’s scenic views or peacefulness.

Making dinner was a breeze with the two-burner camp stove, pots, and pans all provided by Cascade Adventure Vans. After dinner, we headed up the road to check out Lake Shannon, a long, narrow reservoir on the Baker River. From the lake, you can see sweeping views of Mount Baker.

Early the next morning, we decided to make a quick side trip to Diablo Lake for kayaking. We then spent the rest of the morning traveling to Larrabee State Park Campground, an idyllic destination situated along Chuckanut Drive. It offers easy access to Samish Bay but has great hiking trails nearby. Fragrance Lake is a great choice for beginners, with only 950 feet elevation gain in 5.5 miles roundtrip.

After kayaking and a scenic drive, we took our portable grill down to the beach and dined on hot dogs, fruit, and chips — my children’s favorite camp lunch. Afterward, we spent a few hours wading in Samish Bay while taking turns on a stand-up paddle board.

Since the kids picked lunch, we adults picked dinner, and Taylor Shellfish was at the top of our list.

After a busy day, we enjoyed the short drive to Taylor Shellfish’s Samish Bay

Farm. Once there, we ordered a salad, bread, fresh oysters, and our favorite: Barbecued oysters. If you love shellfish, there is nothing quite like eating them straight from the source. The picturesque backdrop of the water and the mountains was the cherry on top.

For our last day, we headed to Washington Park in Anacortes. If we had more time, we would have eagerly taken the van island-hopping around the San Juans. Instead, we treated ourselves and went on a whalewatching excursion out of Anacortes.

Ending an adventure is always a bit of a downer, so we knew we wanted to head home via the Deception Pass Bridge and stop at Deception Pass State Park for some tide pool exploring during low tide.

One of the biggest things my family and I learned during the pandemic is how much joy we find in one another’s company and how much we truly love where we live. We don’t need an exotic destination or the hassle of an airport to have a good time. All we need is fresh air, jaw-dropping scenery, and an endless supply of good food to keep everyone happy and fueled. 

September 2021 23

Life 5 Faves

1

Bar Ciccotti Coffee by day, wine by night, this new cafe/ bar at Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building is designed to feel like an authentic Italian getaway. Enjoy drinks in the outdoor courtyard or cozy up in the bar’s simple, inviting interior. It’s brought to you by the owner of Storia Cucina, so you know it’s going to be good. 202 Grand Ave.,

Bellingham, barcicotti.com

FIVE FAVES

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BellinghamAlive.com

Wine Bars WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM PHOTOGRAPHED BY TONY MUEANTONTHIAN

2

Indulge Wine & Dessert Bar Indulge with a glass of wine, a sweet confection, and a charcuterie board featuring local cheeses.

Single? Keep an eye out for the bar’s single mixers. Indoor and outdoor seating mean there’s plenty of room for everyone. 910 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, 360.499.4363

3

Fireside Martini & Wine Bar Sample wines from the Pacific Northwest and around the world at this adorable wine bar in North Bellingham. Pair your pinot with small bites or a flatbread or keep an eye out for their Tuesday Tastings events.

Historic Hospitality

416 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, 360.738.1000, firesidemartini.com

4

Salted Grape Bistro Owner and sommelier Leslie Grover knows how to pick a wine. Her menu features curated bottles from all around the world. Sip a stellar glass of bubbly while enjoying an equally impressive food menu. 110 N. 1st St., Unit A, La Conner, 360.399.1166, thesaltedgrape.com

5

Salt & Vine Washington wines, generous charcuterie boards, and affordable prices mean Salt & Vine is soon to be your favorite wine destination. This laid-back bar is perfect for date nights or an outing with friends. 913 6th St.,

Thank you for voting us Best Golf Course!

We are excited to be welcoming guests back to the Restaurant 9 for our events this fall & winter! We are currently operating at full capacity and are planning wine, whiskey, tequila and beer pairing dinners to fill that space up (call for info).

We also have dates open to welcome back holiday parties and be sure to check out our new wine store.

– Nick Moss, Executive Chef 205 W. Smith Rd., Bellingham 360.398.8300 northbellinghamgolf.com

Anacortes, 360.293.2222 September 2021 25

Life Community

From Hives to Honey With Marie’s Bees WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARISSA MULJAT

W

HAT STARTED AS A SIMPLE HOBBY soon

blossomed into a full-on business for Marisa Papetti, owner and creator of Marie’s Bees.

After helping out with her friend’s beehive, Papetti’s bee addiction began, leading her to desire hives of her own.

“My husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I said, ‘Oh I want a hive of bees,’ so yeah, that’s what I ended up getting,” Papetti says.

Papetti later received a call from a man whose father was a beekeeper and had passed away. He was hoping to sell all of his father’s equipment. Papetti arrived at the man’s house with $100, thinking she’d walk away with a bee suit or two, but ended up driving away with $8,500 worth of equipment for a mere $100.

Now that she had the equipment and bees, Papetti began diving into the world of beekeeping and continued to research the topic. She started harvesting her own honey and selling it on Facebook.

Papetti’s grandma was living with her at the time, and getting her grandma to go out and be social was starting to become more difficult. The only way she could convince her to do anything outside the home was if it was work-based.

To get her grandma to socialize, Papetti would tell her that they needed to go deliver honey. Once a week, the duo would deliver honey to locations all over Whatcom County.

“Grandma was really an integral part of it, you know, she used to help me wax the honey pot tops, and paint the boxes, and stuff like that. And then, it was mainly just a hobby to keep Grandma having something to do. And then I built the website because there were so many orders coming in from different ways,” Papetti says.

After her grandma passed away, Papetti had more time to spend on her bees and purchased more hives. She also began teaching bee classes to various groups of people.

“In doing that, I realized how many women were interested in becoming beekeepers and how it could really be supportive for their families,” Papetti says.

Papetti now works with female beekeepers across the Pacific Northwest, selling their honey along with her own honey nationwide. She and her fellow beekeepers hope to practice and promote sustainable beekeeping.

Marie’s Bees uses a commercial kitchen to achieve various honey types and flavors. Options include regular honey, creamed cinnamon honey, creamed honey zinger, and hazelnut honey, among others.

Papetti’s honey can be purchased through mariesbees.com.

You can also find it at various local markets and shops.

Marie’s Bees also partners with several businesses to create delicious honey-flavored products. For example, Evolve Chocolate + Cafe sells a decadent dark chocolate honeycomb using Marie’s Bees honey, and Mallard Ice Cream makes and sells honey hazelnut ice cream.

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“Supporting beekeeping means supporting our livelihood as a whole because without the pollination of bees, we’re not going to be here,” Papetti says.

She stresses the importance of paying attention to what pesticides you are using because pesticides are the number one killer of bees. She also encourages people who are interested in bees to research or reach out to a beekeeper.

“Between empowering women, saving the bees, and doing sustainable beekeeping and education, it’s been incredible,” Papetti says. 1196 Lingbloom Rd., Bellingham, 360.224.2387, mariesbees.com 

Spotlight Life

A Passion for Glass How Erin Crosby’s interest in glass turned into a business WRITTEN BY MARISSA MULJAT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY TONY MUEANTONTHIAN

W

ALKING INTO CROSBY GLASS STUDIO, you’ll

immediately notice a wall with several shelves holding nothing but glass. Several colorful stained glass windows line the studio along with an array of glass-working supplies.

Erin Crosby, the owner of Crosby Glass Studio, began working with glass at a young age after watching his mother create stained glass windows.

“I was amazed that she could shape this otherwise fragile material, and then fasten it all together with lead, creating a window that could conceivably last hundreds of years?! I also found the stained glass windows in our church to be more interesting than the sermons,” Crosby says.

Later on in life, feeling burnt out from his job in corporate sales, Crosby wanted a way to express his creativity.

He turned to glass.

He quit his job and became an apprentice at a glass studio in Bellingham. When the owner decided to retire, Crosby purchased and started his own studio.

Crosby performs a variety of different tasks with glass: “From

reglazing 100-year-old windows while still in place, to replacing a broken piece of glass, to completely restoring an antique window,” Crosby says.

For Crosby, there is no typical day.

Some days he travels to a client’s house to repair or reglaze their windows.

Some days he sits down with a pencil and paper and designs projects. Other days, he works in his studio, repairing or creating a leaded glass panel.

“I like fixing old things. I don’t like things going to waste or being thrown away so it’s great when I can repair or restore an older window,” Crosby says.

Crosby enjoys designing his own windows. One project stands out in particular. A couple who owned a vacation home in the Cayman Islands wanted a transom window for their retreat. The couple asked Crosby to design a window that represented their relationship with the Cayman Islands, with elements such as the Cayman flag, a sun and a moon, a compass rose, a pirate ship, and a sea monster.

He was able to come up with a design that the couple loved, and

successfully packaged and shipped the panel off of the Cayman Islands.

“That’s one of the things I enjoy about working on original commissions. I often get to learn the personal stories of the clients I work with, that I then incorporate into the finished piece,” Crosby says.

Crosby wants people to know that there is a local resource for stained and leaded glass. Homes with glass in Bellingham can be serviced to last another 100 years.

He has put in thousands of hours of work over the years and could not be happier.

“I love it when form meets function.

I love puzzles, working with my hands, history, repairing broken things… all of these are instrumental to creating and restoring leaded glass,” Crosby says. Bellingham, 360.527.1812, crosbyglass.com 

September 2021 27

Photo by Brandon Sawaya

Events

Bellingham Traverse

32 September 2021 29

Life Top Picks

Courtesy of North Cascades Bluegrass Festival

SEPTEMBER TYLER FARR September 3, 8 p.m.

An exciting evening filled with country music awaits you. Platinum-certified country vocalist Tyler Farr will be at the Angel of the Winds Casino this September. With songs like “Redneck Crazy,” “A Guy Walks Into a Bar,” and several other hits, Tyler Farr’s music will make you want to dance your heart out. Tickets start at $45. Angel of the Winds Casino, 3438 Stoluckquamish Ln., Arlington, 360.474.970, angelofthewinds.com

NORTH CASCADES BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL September 3–5, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

HANDBAGS FOR HOUSING: LYDIA PLACE September 16, 5 p.m.

Visit the Deming Log Show Showgrounds for the three-day-long Bluegrass Festival featuring Grammy nominee The Special Consensus, Blue Canyon Boys, The Gina Furtado Project, and more! This festival includes music workshops, open mic night, a beer and cider garden, and craft vendors.

Festival passes and camping passes can be purchased online. Deming

Local retailers, boutiques, wine and cocktail vendors, a beauty bar, and of course hundreds of handbags make up a memorable evening of fashion and fundraising. Proceeds benefit Lydia Place, a local nonprofit serving individuals and families facing homelessness in Whatcom County. Barkley Village Green, 2215 Rimland

Logging Show Ground, 3295 Cedarville Rd., Bellingham, ncbf.fun

Dr., Bellingham, 360.671.6450, barkleyvillagegreen.com

Courtesy of Bellingham Bay Marathon

WHATCOM COUNTY HOME AND GARDEN SHOW September 24–26

BELLINGHAM BAY MARATHON September 25–26 Take in all the beauty of Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and North Cascades Mountains when you race in the Bellingham Bay Marathon. Sign up for the 5K or 10K to race on September 25. Half and full marathons will take place September 26. No matter what distance you run, you’ll travel along some of the most scenic roads in the Pacific Northwest. Bellingham, bellinghambaymarathon.org

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Since 1980, the Building Association of Whatcom County brings together hundreds of vendors for the largest home and garden show north of Seattle. This annual event is usually held in March but was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, 1775 Front St., Lynden, 360.671.3990, biawc.com

FALL GARAGE SALE, ANTIQUES, AND CAR SHOW September 25, 9 a.m.–3:15 p.m.

You do not want to miss this year’s fall garage sale at the Skagit County Fairgrounds.

With antiques, a car show, over 140 vendors, delicious food, and live music, this event should be written in your calendar immediately!

Admission is $3 per person. Skagit County Fairgrounds, 501 Taylor St., 360.416.1350, skagitcounty.net

CASINOS

PEARL DJANGO September 11, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS September 4, 7 p.m.

This Seattle-based jazz quintet has been performing at venues across the U.S. and abroad for over two decades, and you don’t need to be a jazz aficionado to appreciate their signature swing. The group’s extensive catalogue includes both classics and original tunes influenced by jazz legends such as Django Reinhardt.

They are set to play two shows at the Jansen Art Center, with vibraphonist Susan Pascal joining in for the evening set.

If you love rock ‘n’ roll, have a bad reputation, or have ever seen the rain, then you won’t want to miss Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Live at Tulalip Resort Casino’s Amphitheatre, The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll will take the stage for this special one-night appearance. Tickets are on sale now and going fast. Tulalip Resort Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip, 888.272.1111, tulalipresortcasino.com

KENNY LOGGINS September 9, 7 p.m.

Washington native Kenny Loggins returns to his home state for one night only. See the king of the movie soundtrack live on stage at the Tulalip Resort Casino. Known for hits such as “I’m Alright,” “Footloose,” and “Danger Zone,” Loggins is sure to provide a memorable performance. Tulalip Resort Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip, 888.272.1111, tulalipresortcasino.com

SHAUN CASSIDY September 25, 8 p.m.

The Magic of a Midnight Sky is Cassidy’s first live tour in almost 40 years, so you’re going to want to be there! Head to Tulalip Resort Casino on September 25 and let the music of everyone’s favorite Hardy Boy make you feel like it’s the 1970s again. Tulalip Resort Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip, 888.272.1111, tulalipresortcasino.com

CLASSICAL MUSIC & POETRY: THE SONGS OF ISLAND COMPOSER MORTEN LAURIDSEN September 4, 7:30 p.m.

Join acclaimed composer and National Medal of Arts recipient Morten Lauridensen for an evening of music.

Lauridsen’s works are some of the most frequently performed choral compositions in the United States, and as a native of the Pacific Northwest, he finds inspiration in Washington’s natural beauty. This is your chance to enjoy both a night on San Juan Island and the serene and contemplative works of one of America’s most significant living composers. San Juan Community Theatre, 100 2nd St. N., Friday Harbor, 360.378.3210, sjctheatre.org

of his studio tracks to the stage during live performances. Wild Buffalo House

Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden, 360.354.3600, jansenartcenter.org

of Music, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net

THE SMALL GLORIES September 17, 7:30 p.m.

This singer-songwriter duo is set to grace the stage of the Mount Baker Theatre as the debut act for the venue’s upcoming Lookout Sessions. Canadian musicians Cara Luft, an original member of The Wailin’ Jennys, and JD Edwards bring fresh flavor to folk traditions with their melodic harmonies and witty stage banter. Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

SHOOK TWINS September 11, 7:30 p.m.

Shook Twins are much more than an indie folk band. Their music incorporates beatboxing, banjo-head drumming, and ambient noises to create a sound unique to them. Identical twins Katelyn and Laurie Shook are sure to provide a performance you won’t want to miss!

Get your tickets now to see Shook Twins live at Whittier Theatre. Whittier Theatre, 100 2nd St., Friday Harbor, 360.378.3210, sjctheatre.org

CONCERTS THE MILK CARTON KIDS AND HALEY HEYNDERICKX September 5, 7 p.m.

THAT 1 GUY September 19, 8 p.m.

Unique, clever, and imaginative are three words that describe That 1 Guy’s musical performances as a one-man band. His self-designed main instrument, the Magic Pipe, will blow you away, and the seamless addition of magic makes his live shows even more groundbreaking.

Witness this musical genius at the Wild Buffalo House of Music to understand why his sounds and performance are unlike any other. Wild Buffalo House of Music, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net

Grammy Award-nominated duo The Milk Carton Kids as well as Haley Heynderickx will play at Mount Baker Theatre for a folk night to remember. Though Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale of The Milk Carton Kids don’t always agree, their voices and acoustic guitars certainly do. Heynderickx, who grew up in Oregon, incorporates elements of her religion and Filipino identity in her music. Tickets are available for purchase online and are limited to six per customer. Mount Baker Theatre,

MINNESOTA September 25, 9 p.m.

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

W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net

BUKU September 16, 9 p.m.

THEATER

Pittsburgh native Robert Balotsky, known as Buku, will be center stage at the Wild Buffalo House of Music. Using his knowledge of music theory and sound design, Buku has been producing percussion-heavy electronic dance music since 2013. Fans will be pleased to know that he brings the same energy

DRIVE-IN MOVIE: THE WIZARD OF OZ September 3, 8:10 p.m.

Minnesota has made a name for himself in the electronic music world through original tracks such as “Push It,” “HiLow,” “Float,” “Thunderdome,” and “Colors.” He’s an influential and impressive player in the melodic dubstep scene, and you can be on the lookout for new music from Minnesota in the coming months. This performance, presented

by Wild Buffalo, will be one for the books. Wild Buffalo House of Music, 208

Based on the beloved children’s book by L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz is one of Hollywood’s most memorable films of all time. Now, see this movie musical in all its Technicolor glory on the big screen

September 2021 31

Life Events once more. Save your spot now for the Lincoln Theatre’s Drive-In Movie nights!

Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st. St., Mount Vernon, 360.336.8955, lincolntheatre.org

THE STARS CATCH YOUR BUTT ON FIRE September 3–4, 7:30 p.m.–9 p.m.

The iDiOM Theater returns with their first public show, an anthology of oneact plays by Bellingham playwright and iDiOM founder Glenn HergenhahnZhao, for two nights only. Presented

by The Sylvia Center for the Arts, this anthology showcase is the first of five this season and includes seven plays of Hergenhahn-Zhao’s work. Sylvia

St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

local breweries, tap houses, and cideries.

The last Saturday of the event will even incorporate a bike ride and tasting tour.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Whatcom County, aprilbrewsday.org

BELLINGHAM TRAVERSE September 11, 12 p.m.

Whether you have a team of one, two, or 10, the Bellingham Traverse is the race for you! Run, bike, and paddle through the city of Bellingham in this adventurepacked race. Within each division (solo, tandem, and relay), there are categories for female, male, mixed, family, masters, and youth. Race registration is open now! 1100 Railroad Ave., Bellingham,

LABOR DAY DIRTCROSS September 4–5 Put the pedal to the metal and catch the Labor Day Dirtcross at Hannegan Speedway this Labor Day weekend. If you’re feeling competitive, you live out your Speed Racer dreams by competing in a day of racing. Looking for some extra fun? Sign up for the fun run and fill your whole weekend with friendly competition at this rallycross event.

One-site camping is also available.

Center for the Arts, 207 Prospect St., Bellingham, sylviacenterforthearts.org

360.746.2701, bellinghamtraverse.com

Hannegan Speedway, 4212 Hannegan Rd., Bellingham, motorsportreg.com

48 HOUR THEATER FESTIVAL #55 September 10–11, Times Vary

SKAGIT FLATS MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON September 12, 8 a.m.

FAIRHAVEN SIDEWALK SALE September 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Head to the iDiOM Theater to see what local thespians can put together given an unimaginable time crunch. After a random theme is drawn, playwrights have just one night to write 10 minute scripts that directors and actors will rehearse the following day and (miraculously) perform live that evening.

Since 2003, over 700 plays have been put on for this festival. Sylvia Center for the Arts, 207 Prospect St., Bellingham, sylviacenterforthearts.org

BACK TO THE FUTURE: DIVE-IN MOVIES September 17, 8–11 p.m.

Great Scott! It’s the final “dive-in” movie of the season at Birch Bay Waterslides and the whole family is invited. Whether you’re a longtime fan or experiencing this ‘80s classic for the very first time, kids and parents alike are bound to be delighted by “Back to the Future.” Birch Bay Waterslides, 4874 Birch Bay Lynden Rd., Blaine, birchbaywa.org

“LADIES OF LAUGHTER: FUNNY & FABULOUS TOUR” AT MOUNT BAKER THEATRE September 18, 7:30 p.m.

For an offbeat and outrageously funny night out, look no further than this one-night-only event. These women, all winners of the Laugh Out Loud stand-up comedy competition, are some of the funniest comedians in the industry today.

Performers include Katie Hannigan, Maureen Langan, and Liz Glazer. Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial

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The 44th annual Skagit Flats Marathon and Half Marathon is coming up.

As the flattest qualifier in the state of Washington, this marathon could be your last chance to end up at the 2021 Boston Marathon. Secure your place soon because registration is limited. Burlington-Edison High School,

Vendors take to the streets with overstock, discontinued items, and one-timeonly bargains for this annual tradition.

Admission is free, and shoppers are sure to discover new retailers in addition to scoring special deals at Fairhaven favorites. Fairhaven, enjoyfairhaven.com

301 N. Burlington Blvd, Burlington, skagitrunners.com

DAHLIA FESTIVAL AT TRIPLE WREN FARMS September 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

ODYSSEY SWIMRUN September 26, 7:30 a.m.

Celebrate this distinctive fall flower at Triple Wren Farms, where dahlias of every variety grow by the thousands.

Photo opportunities abound and, in addition to enjoying elegant flower displays, visitors to the festival can pick their own dahlias or purchase freshly made bouquets. Tickets are limited, so it’s advisable to book ahead online for guaranteed entry. Triple Wren Farms,

What could be better than swimming and running through the beautiful terrain of the Pacific Northwest? Participants in The Odyssey SwimRun, located on Orcas Island, can choose the length of their course. The long version has 21 miles of distance with 6,100 feet of elevation gain, and the shorter course is 11 miles long with 2,150 feet of elevation gain. You can compete solo or on a two-person team.

Moran State Park, 3572 Olga Rd., Olga, odysseyswimrun.com

SPECIAL EVENTS FALL CRAWL August 28–September 19 If you missed Max Higbee Center’s annual April Brews Day, you’ll be pleased to know that autumn brings a new opportunity to celebrate craft beer and cider (along with plenty of special perks and giveaways for participants). For three weeks, your Fall Crawl Passport can be exchanged for tastings at many

2424 Zell Rd., Ferndale, 360.296.5056, triplewrenfarms.com

SKAGIT VALLEY GIANT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL September 18, 12–4 p.m.

Start harvest season in full spirit at the Skagit Valley Giant Pumpkin Festival!

Enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks as you wander around and marvel at this year’s entrants. Festival-goers can sip a beverage in the beer garden or bring the whole family for pony rides, face painting, and carnival games. If you’re lucky, you may even see a world record breaking pumpkin. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Rd., Mount Vernon, 360.466.3821, christiansonsnursery.org

FAMILY PROMISE OF WHATCOM COUNTY’S 4TH ANNUAL BED RACE September 26, 2–4 p.m.

What is a bed race, you ask? It’s exactly what it sounds like: Participants decorate beds on wheels and compete for a good cause in this nutty and family friendly event. The proceeds benefit Interfaith Coalition’s outreach program, Family Promise, which provides aid for children and families experiencing homelessness.

Civic Field Parking Lot, 1255 Civic Field Way, Bellingham, interfaith-coalition.org

VISUAL ARTS ALL DRESSED UP September 1–31 Fashionistas, head to Old City Hall to experience a slice of fashion history courtesy of the Whatcom Museum. The exhibit reveals historic items of clothing that would have been worn out and about, including a chiffon gown worn

by Bellingham-born artist Helen Loggie.

The collection highlights items dating back to the 1800s, including vintage designer footwear and accessories. Old City Hall, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham, 360.778.8930, whatcommuseum.org

The Future is Bright with Live Events to Light Up the Night!

SEPT 5

SEPT 18

OCT 8

OCT 13

WHATCOM ARTIST STUDIO TOUR GALLERY SHOWCASE September 3–25, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Pieces from the Whatcom Artist Studio Tour will be presented at the Allied Arts of Whatcom County’s 2021 Exhibit Series. Showcasing a wide range of media and styles, the exhibition will include the work of various Whatcom County artists who are participating in this year’s studio tour. Allied Arts of Whatcom

OCT 24

County, 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 360.676.8548, alliedarts.org

MOUNT BAKER GEM AND MINERAL SHOW September 11–12, 10 a.m.

The second week of September, visit the Ferndale Community Center and join the Mount Baker Rock Club for their annual show. Members create display cases to excite and educate visitors about geology, and the event also includes a silent auction and club sales in which rocks are sold by the pound. Admission is free and door prizes are available. Sales will go toward the club’s donation to a scholarship for a Western Washington University geology student. Pioneer Pavilion, 2007 Cherry St., Ferndale, mtbakerrockclub.org

Small space, big sound!

Nerwies!

Se

NOV 11 Sept 17 Sept 30 Oct 21 Nov 4

The Small Glories Steve Forbert Luca Stricagnoli Karla Bonoff with Nina Gerber

Nov 13 Loudon Wainwright

DEC 9

Find Tickets & Inspiration

Mount Baker Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the perfoming arts.

SPONSORED BY

September 2021 33

Map Data © Google 2019

Bella Rose Boutique 36 5 Faves: CBD Body Products 38

Photo by Brooke Gatterman

Shop Local 41

Local Find

GG Clay Co

Style

40 September 2021 35

Style Savvy Shopper

Fairhaven Bath and Body Shop Offers Self-Care Products that Give Back Bella Rose Boutique WRITTEN BY JAYA FLANARY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILIE FRISKE

F

AIRHAVEN’S NEW BELLA ROSE BOUTIQUE is owned by Kimberly Hoctor, a self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur who has started multiple small businesses.

One of her more successful endeavors is the consignment shop Posh Upscale Resale. After beginning online more than a decade ago, the shop expanded to a brick-and-mortar in Coupeville and eventually moved to Bellingham.

The consignment shop’s retail store was required to close during the pandemic, and even after its reopening, business was slower than usual because more customers buy online.

However, Hoctor did not let this obstacle slow her down.

Instead of closing up shop, she kept Posh open and started Bella Rose Boutique in 2020.

“I had to do a lot of soul searching to open another business, especially when my other one is struggling,” Hoctor says. “I wrote out a business plan for the first time ever. I really dug deep and did a lot of research on it and made sure that this would be a sustainable thing.”

The result is admirable: A bath and body boutique near the Fairhaven Village Inn that carries products such as bath bombs and salts, diffusers, lotions, soaps, candles, and more.

The idea came from Hoctor’s experience during lockdown

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Fashion Q&A Style when she realized that self-care routines boosted her mood during a universally scary time.

“I actually did a lot of research and found that self-care is the number one thing that’s going on right now. People are more attuned to, ‘How do I take care of myself?’” Hoctor says.

After learning about the growing wholesale market for bath bombs and salts, Hoctor sought out small businesses specializing in bath and beauty products to offer in her new store.

“I wanted to have a mission where a majority of businesses that are brought in are women-owned businesses,” Hoctor says. “I really believe that women work our asses off and we don’t get enough credit for the things that we do … We’re in a time frame where women really need to support each other and not put each other down, but lift each other up.”

Almost all products at Bella Rose are made in the United States, and many are even from the Pacific Northwest. Hoctor makes sure that the businesses she chooses don’t use harsh chemicals, and she also prioritizes vendors who donate proceeds to great causes. One example is the Mississippi-based company Musee, a woman-owned business that aims to hire women in recovery, women who were previously in domestic violence partnerships, previously incarcerated women, sexual assault survivors, people with disabilities, and people who have lived in chronic poverty.

“I think it’s all about helping a small business and helping your community, too,” Hoctor says. “It’s just about giving back, and I think it’s karma. You give back and eventually you’ll get back.”

The store opened in April of 2021, around the time that state mandates started lifting. Hoctor and her employees are dedicated to limiting contact by keeping samples and testers behind the counter. However, customers are welcome — and encouraged — to smell the colorful products throughout the store. Those who don’t live in the area can visit the Bella Rose website and order online. 1134 10th St., Bellingham, 360.746.8163, luvbellarose.com 

Office Fashion Q&A with the Team at Bellingham Alive

W

ITH AUTUMN JUST AROUND THE CORNER, a wardrobe switch-up may be in order. From cozy sweaters to colorful scarves, there’s plenty of fun to be had when shopping for your seasonal style. Here’s some of our staff’s fall fashion picks to keep you inspired when the leaves start to turn.

What is a staple of your fall wardrobe?

What is an accessory you can’t live without?

What color(s) dominates your closet?

A cute pair of boots.

A big fluffy scarf. JENN M.

Black. JENN M.

I’m not big on accessories, but I do love a colorful or well-tailored bag that can hold all of my pocket things. MARIAH C.

My wardrobe is a sea of blacks or dark greys.

JENN M.

Big cozy sweaters are my fall go-to. MARIAH C. I love the versatility of a jean jacket. It’s perfect for the transition to colder weather, so I can stay warm while still wearing summer dresses. ANELYSE M. I love to wear boots in the fall. I feel like it really compliments my outfits.

KRISTY G.

A big soft cardigan and my waterproof hiking boots. DEVAN B. My favorite fall staple is a good pair of boots.

MIA S.

A fun cozy jacket, usually with a pattern to tie in with my outfit of the day, paired with a scarf and I’m all good!

LISA K.

I pair just about every outfit with a necklace.

From something understated and dainty to large and colorful, necklaces give my outfits the perfect finishing touch — especially in the fall when I’m wearing less colors. ANELYSE M.

MARIAH C.

I like to keep a variety of colors in my wardrobe.

My summer items are more colorful with lots of bright reds and blues.

My fall and winter outfits are a little more muted with dark reds, blacks, and greens. ANELYSE M. Black and navy blue.

KRISTY G.

Earth tones. DEVAN B.

I have always loved bracelets and they can add a lot to any outfit. KRISTY G.

The color I would say dominates my wardrobe the most is black. MIA S.

Hats. I have a lot of hats. DEVAN B.

I tend to go towards neutral tones that brighten my complexion, but...

I do love my colors for added fun! LISA K. 

I can’t live without a good pair of gold hoops. MIA S. Boots: Tall, ankle, you name it, I love it! LISA K.

September 2021 37

Style Necessities

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BellinghamAlive.com

CBD Body Products WRITTEN BY ANELYSE MORRIS

F

ROM PAIN RELIEF TO ANXIETY REDUCTION

and even more medicinal impacts, CBD oil is known to have many restorative effects on the body. The following products range from oils to pain relief balms (both THC infused and not) and even bath bombs.

Sample some of these local remedies from dispensaries and online stores alike. 

1

CBD Headache Relief Oil Innate Organic Body, $35.99, innateorganicbody.com

2 3

25% OFF DAILY HAPPY HOURS $0 ATM FEES OPEN EVERYDAY 8

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.

www.westernbud.com

CBD T-Free Pain Stick Custer Hemp Co., $44.99, custerhemp.com

X

Eagle Trees Body Balm (contains THC) Trove Cannabis, $23.99, trovecannabis.com

4

Basic Jane - Relax CBD Aromatherapy Roller Bella Rose Boutique, $24.99, luvbellarose.com

719 Commercial Ave Anacortes, WA 98221 360.873.8785 Monday-Saturday 11-5pm tidesofanacortes.com

5

CBD Bath Bombs MJ Esthetics, $16, mjesthetics.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.

September 2021 39

Style Local Find

Building Community through Craft Clay Earrings GG Clay Co WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY BROOKE GATTERMAN

R

EGULARS AT THE BELLINGHAM FARMERS MARKET

might already be familiar with the distinctive work of earring designer Gina Garding. As the creative force behind GG Clay Co, she uses polymer clay to produce funky statement earrings that are sure to compliment any outfit.

For Garding, an elementary and special education teacher, jewelry creation started as a therapeutic hobby during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a longstanding love of statement jewelry, she had difficulty curating pieces that matched her personal style.

Craft clay proved to be a fun yet accessible material for custom designs, especially without access to traditional ceramic resources such as a kiln. The results are entirely original: Fun and sophisticated handmade earrings that Garding began selling online in June of 2020.

“When I grew to have an abundance of earrings that I couldn’t even house in my apartment anymore, I realized that other people might be interested in them,” she recounts.

Setting up shop at smaller markets throughout the winter helped to ease Garding into the flow of the busy summer months. Just as mask restrictions were lifted and shoppers re-emerged in full force, GG Clay Co landed a spot at her goal venue — the Bellingham Farmers Market.

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BellinghamAlive.com

This bustling downtown market is an ideal fit for Garding, who is no stranger to customer service and thrives on interactions with the community. The rapport she develops with shoppers each weekend is the most satisfying part of running her business.

“I love connecting with customers … it usually ends up not even being about jewelry at all,” she says. “The jewelry is what gets us talking, and then maybe 30 minutes later I’ve made crazy connections.”

Now there is even a GG Clay Co collection inspired by fruits and vegetables, complete with radish earrings in homage to the Bellingham Farmers Market logo. These designs often appeal to other teachers due to their playfulness, and Garding notes that a large portion of her customer base is made up of other educators.

When the market season slows for the winter, Garding hopes to continue to sell her work offline by partnering with local businesses such as plant nurseries. In addition to the farmers market, Garding sells earrings through her Etsy store and maintains a loyal following on Instagram as @ggclayco.

Followers can expect previews of her newest collections, which are released on the 1st of every month at 8 p.m.

To learn more about GG Clay Co and shop for earrings, visit etsy.com/shop/ggclayco. 

PROMOTION

SHOP LOCAL 1 Nordic Wraps | $85 Tides of Anacortes 719 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.873.8785, tidesofanacortes.com

2 The Little Squatty | $14.99 Marie’s Bees

1

2

mariesbees.com, Free Delivery in Whatcom + Skagit County

3 Oxidized Sterling Brass and Fine Silver Cuff by Erika Laureano | $498 WaterWorks Gallery 315 Argyle Ave., Friday Harbor 360.378.3060, waterworksgallery.com

4 Lafont “Glamour” in Forest-Pink, Handmade in France | $420 Binyon Vision

3

4

411 E Magnolia St., Bellingham 360.647.2020, binyonvision.com

5 REtowels by Coast to Coast $16 for a set of 6 A Lot of Flowers 1011 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.647.0728 alotofflowersfairhaven.com

6 2022 Calendar | $25 Ben Mann Studio & Gallery 1000 Harris Ave., Studio #18, Bellingham 360.920.4022, ben-mann.com

5

6

7 Beauty Sleep Tincture* $35.99 Trove Cannabis 218 N. Samish Way, Bellingham 360.393.3459, trovecannsabis.com

8 Shower Steamers Starting at $8 and up Bella Rose Bath & Beauty Boutique 1134 10th St., Bellingham 360.746.8163, luvbellarose.com

7

8

*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.

September 2021 41

A YEAR IN

COCKTAILS The Writers Becky Mandelbaum, Anelyse Morris, Jaya Flanary, and Emily Bishop The Photographer Tony Mueantonthian

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B

ARS WERE HIT HARD DURING THE PANDEMIC, so we’re here to

celebrate a whole year’s worth of local cocktails and their creators. There’s a drink for every month, every season, and every occasion. All you have to do is step out, order up, and drink down. Cheers!

September 2021 43

JANUARY

T

HE CLASSIC FRENCH 75 COCKTAIL,

named after a gun used by the French in World War I, has a mysterious origin story.

The history of Bellingham’s The Black Cat, however, is well-known to the Fairhaven community.

Located on the third floor of the Sycamore Square brick building, this French cabaret-themed restaurant and bar opened in 1987, four years after the previous restaurant closed due to a fire and drug bust. Bartender Amanda Knutzen created a riff on the popular French 75 and named it the French ’87 in honor of the Black Cat’s date of creation.

Garnished with a sprig of rosemary, this light, refreshing, and bubbly pink drink pairs nicely with the restaurant’s Petite Fondue. It is the perfect way to celebrate as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve — and you can toast to The Black Cat’s 35th anniversary while you’re at it.

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French ’87 Plymouth Gin, pomegranate juice, Freixenet Cava, homemade rosemary simple syrup, $8 The Bar: The Black Cat The Bartender: Amanda Knutzen

FEBRUARY

Bellingham Rose Royal Ketel One Grapefruit & Rose Vodka, Giffard Wild Elderflower Liqueur, Aperol, organic lemon, prosecco, Giffard Framboise, rose water, $13 The Bar: Galloway’s Cocktail Bar The Bartender: Allison Sutherland

A

CROSS THE STREET from Fairhaven

Village Green is Galloway’s Cocktail Bar, a deco era bar that specializes in craft cocktails.

Outside, a newly built structure offers year-round outdoor seating with heaters and lights. Indoor patrons are met with classic decor including black booths, a white bar top, and a black-and-white hexagonal tiled floor.

The menu includes craft cocktails, wine, beer, and small bites. Behind the scenes, the Galloway’s staff works together to create new menu items such as daily cocktail specials that change based on available ingredients and the weather. According to manager Allison Sutherland, this freedom keeps bartenders on their toes and thinking creatively.

“I really think that having that flexibility and getting to have a little bit of a say in what goes on the menu makes it fun for everybody,” Sutherland says. “It keeps us all learning and interested. It doesn’t get boring.”

Sutherland’s bartending career began when she was managing Skylark’s Hidden Cafe in Fairhaven. During their remodel in the early 2000s, Skylark’s added a bar, and Sutherland became the bar manager. Though she was always interested in making drinks, she didn’t have any bartending experience at the time.

“I definitely consider myself lucky that the opportunity was just given to me,” Sutherland says.

“I hired some great bartenders who trained me and it was a good way to learn.”

After Skylark’s, Sutherland worked at Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse. It was there that she met the owners of Galloway’s, who were customers of the steakhouse. Sutherland became the bar manager at Galloway’s in 2016.

While at Galloway’s, Sutherland created a cocktail called the Bellingham Rose Royal. The drink is a spinoff of the Stockholm Royale, which is a martini with vodka, fresh citrus, and Chambord.

Using Ketel One Grapefruit & Rose Vodka, Sutherland added a little bit of Aperol — a slightly orange, bittersweet aperitif — as well as a wild elderflower liqueur and prosecco. The drink is garnished with a dehydrated lemon and a rose water mist, which leaves you smelling roses with every sip.

The Bellingham Rose Royal won the bartending competition for Bellingham Cocktail Week in 2020, and now Sutherland is set to be a judge at the next competition.

“It’s got the bubbles which is Valentine’s Day in and of itself. You’ve also got that kind of sexy rose floral thing going on. Then your little naughty aperitif with the Aperol,” Sutherland says, laughing.

Pair this cocktail with Galloway’s Charcuterie Platter and Fig & Cherry Baked Brie for a romantic date night in Fairhaven with that special someone.

September 2021 45

Light Maker Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Chartreuse Yellow Liqueur, Select Aperitivo Liqueur, lemon juice, $16 The Bar: Southside The Bartender: Amy Gibson

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MARCH

For Amy Gibson, bartender at Fairhaven’s Southside Bar, March brings excitement, happiness, and change.

“Spring is happening and green things are shooting out of the ground,” Gibsons says. “The thing to traditionally do is start eating bitter greens to help us clear out our intestines after all of the preserved food of winter.”

Gibson is an herbalist and owns her own business, Goldstatus Botanicals, which sells plant products through sustainable harvesting. She became a forager during her childhood in Alaska, even picking blueberries as punishment. As an adult, she started learning about how herbs, plants, aperitifs, aperitivos, and amaros are all used as healing medicines.

“A lot of the history of alcohol is as a healing medicine in so many cultures. We’ve kind of lost that in the US. We don’t sit and think ‘Oh, I’m going to drink a fernet to settle my stomach,’” Gibson says. “While I am fueling fun and community [as a bartender], I also can utilize these things to help people.”

Her interest in how bodies change with the seasons inspired her to create the Light Maker.

The drink plays off of Gibson’s favorite style of drink at the moment, which includes four equal elements: A powerful spirit base, a bitter element, an herbaceous element, and an acidic element.

The Light Maker includes all four elements but switches up the ratios by highlighting more Redbreast, a less-acknowledged Irish whiskey that still holds a long tradition in Ireland.

“Redbreast is not a really powerful liquor, in terms of flavor profile,” Gibson says. “The thing that differentiates Irish whiskey from American whiskey or American bourbon or Scotch whiskey is that it’s a little sweeter and a lot smoother.”

Its name comes from the book “The Light Makers” by Irish novelist and poet Mary O’Donnell.

According to Gibson, O’Donnell’s work reframes the narrative around female writers and focuses on women’s issues that occurred alongside other historical events in Ireland.

If you’re interested in the Light Maker, stop

by Southside Bar. Bartenders know how to make the classics while also offering new and innovative creations to their patrons.

“Southside is a place for conversation,” Gibson says. “I really feel like [Southside] is a living room for a lot of our customers.”

If you happen to have heartburn or an upset stomach, find Gibson behind the bar — she’ll mix something right up.

Written by Kolby LaBree

S

PEAKEASIES AND BROTHELS — two things

Bellingham businesses love to claim once existed on their premises. Many of these claims are probably true!

The term speakeasy became widely adopted as slang for an unlicensed saloon, conveying that one should keep it on the down-low.

In Bellingham, however, “blind pig” was a more popular idiom. The phrase originated from saloons trying to circumvent dry laws that banned the sale of alcohol — rather than charging for drinks, the establishment would charge a fee to see a “prized pig” or some other attraction, with beverages offered for free on the side.

Believe it or not, Bellingham voted “dry” in November of 1910, prohibiting the licensing of saloons under “local option law” 10 years before nationwide prohibition.

Bellingham’s sanctioned red light district had been forced to close that same year. Brothels and booze didn’t go away, however. In fact, brothels became some of the first and fanciest of Bellingham’s speakeasies. Bellingham’s brothels had always served booze to their customers, to keep the party rolling and the gents spending.

Speakeasies or “blind pigs” also popped up with regularity in store rooms and basements all over town, forcing law officers to play a never-ending game of whack-a-mole.

The Tripoli Italian Grocery at the corner of C and Holly Streets was the site of numerous raids. News reports detailed secret stills in the backwoods of Whatcom County and rum-runners from Canada that supplied the “joint,” as well as the young “dancing girls” with scandalous bobbed hair and rouged lips, hired to keep the clientele tossing them back. The trials ended as many did, with acquittal by a sympathetic jury.

For more stories about Bellingham’s speakeasies and brothels, check out the Good Time Girls’ Sin and Gin Tours, serving up Belling-History like you have never heard it before! Coming up in October are the popular Gore and Lore Tours, for those who love seasonal ghost stories and true crime tales from the Bellingham crypts!

Visit bellinghistory.com for more information and to book a tour!

Kolby LaBree is owner-operator of Bellinghistory with the Good Time Girls, local providers of historical walking tours and edutainment.

September 2021 47

Photo courtesy of the Good Time Girls

W

Shhh! The History of Speakeasies in Bellingham

E KNOW APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS, but what does March bring?

APRIL

S

The Garden Party

TEPPING THROUGH THE DOORS of

Lorikeet Bar instantly transports you to a tropical paradise. The floral wallpaper, high windows, and potted plants evoke the atmosphere of a cabana retreat.

Lorikeet opened in 2020 and is a sister location to the nearby Black Sheep. When its growing popularity necessitated a bigger floor space, Black Sheep moved venues. Then, much like its namesake, Lorikeet swooped into the old space and quickly established a name for itself.

Lorikeet has a constantly changing menu with new food and wine options available weekly, but a staple of the cocktail menu is the Garden Party.

Bartender Patrick Mori says that the Garden Party’s vodka base makes it stand out from other drinks. Lorikeet is a rum-based bar, so this vodka concoction is a standalone.

The Garden Party’s complex flavor is full of character, and the mixture of four different fruits creates a sweet taste that is sure to please every palate. To top it all off, the drink comes garnished with a nasturtium, a flower symbolizing humor and sociability.

Vodka, Cocchi Rossa, elderflower, pineapple, lime, coconut, Peychaud’s Bitters, $11 The Bar: Lorikeet Bar The Bartender: Patrick Mori

MAY

Thai Basil Daiquiri Rum, house sour, Thai basil, $11 The Bar: Temple Bar The Bartender: Dennis Schafer

T

EMPLE BAR has been serving a robust selection of food and drinks to customers since 2002. The bar offers a wide range of options ranging from sandwiches and charcuteries to fine wines and specialty cocktails. When thinking about what pairs well with basil, it’s easy to picture a pizza or caprese salad.

Temple Bar takes a different approach by pairing basil with rum.

The Thai Basil Daiquiri is a seasonal drink that is only available as long as Thai basil is in season. Bar manager Dennis Schafer says that regular basil has a drier, more savory character than Thai basil, which is a little more peppery.

This cocktail combines about seven large Thai basil leaves, Plantation Three Star Rum, and a house sour mix to create an unexpected cocktail with a refreshing taste. The drink comes garnished with rooibos orange cream tea leaves, lending an aromatic and earthy undertone to the cocktail.

September 2021 49

JUNE

Cucumber Fling Salish Sea Ginger Liqueur, vodka, muddled cucumber, lemon sour, San Pellegrino Blood Orange Soda, $11 The Bar: Blue Abode Bar The Bartender: Kurt Hartmaier

I

F YOU’RE LOOKING TO COOL DOWN

from the summer heat, the Cucumber Fling from Blue Abode Bar is sure to do the trick.

Starring cucumber and vodka with crisp citrus flavors such as lemon, orange, and ginger, this treat is sure to leave you feeling cool as a cucumber.

The drink is made by owner and sole bartender Kurt Hartmaier. It’s a combination of locally-sourced Salish Sea Ginger Liqueur, vodka, muddled cucumber, lemon sour, and San Pellegrino Blood Orange Soda.

“It’s clean, natural, and fresh. The ginger complements it by giving it a nice spiciness,” Kurt says. “It’s a really great combination of flavors, especially for a hot day.”

While the drink is cooling, the bar itself is filled with warm and inviting decor. The wood featured everywhere from the bar top to the tables is sourced from the same Washington hemlock tree.

“It’s a neighborhood bar where people can come in from all walks of life and find new friends in a really comfortable atmosphere,” Kurt says.

Kurt and his wife Katy opened Blue Abode in 2017, making it a true family business. While COVID-19 did narrow the number of employees, Kurt says the bar still remains consistent.

“We are one of those places where people can get the things they know they enjoy. We get new things and mix it up on occasion, but we also have things that are constant that people can always expect to get.”

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BellinghamAlive.com

JULY Blueberry Mimosa Bow Hill Blueberry Juice, Kila Cava, $8 The Bar: Salted Grape Bistro The Bartender: Leslie Grover

Photo courtesy of Bellewood Farms

Local Distilleries

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Photo by Dean Davidson

S

ALTED GRAPE owner and sommelier Leslie Grover

knows a thing or two about wine. She’s been in the industry for decades and brings her love of a good vintage to the drink menu at Salted Grape Bistro in La Conner. On the food side, the bistro’s lunch and dinner menu brims with locally sourced meat, dairy, veggies, and fruit. This attention to local bounty — much of it procured from Skagit County — is also reflected in this stellar mimosa, made with Bow Hill Blueberry Juice and Kila Cava.

What makes it so good? Grover uses a heavy hand when pouring the blueberry juice. If you’ve seen it in the aisles at Haggen, you know this juice comes with a pretty price tag, and for a good reason. All the magic of summer blueberries is distilled into liquid form. Combine it with a dry sparkling cava and you have a mimosa that’s crisp, light, and not too sweet. Not a blueberry fan? Try it in pomegranate, mango, or orange.

Bellewood Distilling ELLEWOOD FARMS is a family-

operated distillery committed to growing high-quality fruit. The farm consists of over 62 acres and 25,000 apple trees of 21 different varieties. Its premiere product is the Honeycrisp apple, but if you’re not in the mood to take a bite out of a Honeycrisp, you can try a sip of Bellewood Distilling’s Honeycrisp Vodka instead.

Bellewood Distilling was founded in 2014 and is the first apple distillery in the state of Washington. Bellewood carefully controls the quality and supply of all ingredients, resulting in a smooth and fresh taste in every bottle.

Spirits are available for purchase online, but you can also try before you buy. Every Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bellewood’s tasting room is open to guests free of charge. Patrons can sample a variety of spirits including barrel aged gin, pumpkin spice liqueur, and bubbly sparkling apple cider.

If you can’t make it to Lynden, try your samples at home by ordering the mini spirits gift box from Bellewood’s online store. This trio comes with three 50mL glass bottles of Bellewood’s awardwinning spirits: Gin, honeycrisp vodka, and the bourbon barrel-aged brandy.

September 2021 51

AUGUST

In the Summer Cimarron Blanco Tequila, Giffard Banane du Brésil, watermelon, lime, salt rim, $11 The Bar: Storia Cucina The Bartender: Shelby Ford

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BellinghamAlive.com

S

HELBY FORD GREW UP AS A NIGHT OWL. Her mother

managed The Black Cat in Fairhaven, and Ford recalls helping out with tasks such as refilling waters and occasionally stealing garnishes from the bar for snacks. Surrounded by adults in the service industry, she eventually developed a sense of independence and an interest in bartending. Luckily her mother, who thrived as a bartender, encouraged Ford to follow in her footsteps.

“Back then, bartending was a lot different than it is now,” Ford says. “She would just free-pour everything and know by the glass what ratio she was pouring. Now, it’s all of these jiggers — it’s so precise and calculated to make the perfect balanced drink.”

Ford became the bar manager of Storia Cucina in April of 2021.

Storia Cucina, which opened in 2020, specializes in Italian food and cocktails with a focus on local ingredients and house-made pasta and bread.

One of Ford’s perfectly balanced drinks is called In the Summer, which she created during the Pacific Northwest’s record-breaking heat wave in June. Inspired by the restaurant’s seasonal watermelon salad, Ford used leftover watermelon to create a refreshing, summery drink for margarita lovers such as herself.

SEPTEMBER

R

EVIVAL LOUNGE brings you back in time with vintage decor and sophisticated drinks. True to its name, the bar opened in July 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and is now enjoying a revival of its own. It’s arguably the only true cocktail bar between Everett and Bellingham, making it a must-visit destination.

Bartender Brian Kettering brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Revival, where he has created a host of signature drinks. The Bar Fight on O’Donnell Street is one such invention, meant to bring Irish whiskey back into the limelight.

“I wanted to showcase it,” he says, “to show people you can do cool stuff with it.”

Kettering, who daylights as a football coach and is expecting a baby with his wife, has plans to move out of state in the coming year. He designed this particular drink as a farewell signature to mark his time at Revival.

Kettering’s signature appears in the cocktail’s dry-hopping process, which speaks to his origins as a bartender. Years ago, while living in Rochester, Minnesota, he tasted a dry-hopped Negroni at a bar called Bitter & Pour. The moment was an awakening; in fact, the drink was so good that he wanted to work at the bar to learn how to make something similar. The bar hired him and taught him everything he knows about mixing drinks.

Kettering plans to return to Bitter & Pour when he moves back to Minnesota, thus coming full-circle. The Bar Fight on O’Donnell Street is symbolic of this circle as the cocktail is dry-steeped with loose hops to add extra flavor and depth.

The result is a classy, sip-worthy concoction modeled off a traditional boulevardier. While boulevardiers are traditionally an autumnal drink, Kettering wanted to make something suited for summer. His idea was to replace the herbal, spicy notes with something citrusy and floral.

He achieves this by replacing Campari with the more orange-forward Aperol and swapping sweet vermouth with Kina L’aero d’Or, a slightly bitter French aperitif created long ago to help soldiers swallow their quinine.

It offers marmalade, grapefruit, and woody notes that leave a sharp taste on the tongue and pair nicely with the drink’s citrus flavors.

The cocktail is finished off with a torched orange peel and served over a whiskey cube in a rocks glass.

Bar Fight on O’Donnell Street Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition Blended Irish Whiskey, Aperol, Kina L’aero d’Or, dry-hopped with Cascade and Simcoe hops, $17 The Bar: Revival Lounge The Bartender: Brian Kettering

September 2021 53

Local Distilleries

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Shrub Farm E CAN’T DISCUSS cocktails

without discussing mixers. While this word may prompt thoughts of orange juice, Sprite, or seltzer, Shrub Farm produces a unique option that’s soon to become your favorite cocktail copartner: Apple Cider Vinegar Shrub.

The shrub is made with Apple State Vinegar, a raw vinegar produced from 100% organic Washington apples, resulting in a product 20% stronger than most other apple cider vinegars.

The vinegar is then infused with organic fruits, creating a vegetarian, GMO- free, and gluten-free fruit and vinegar preserve that is still raw with fruit enzymes and living culture (mother of vinegar).

Owners and husband-and-wife duo Josh and Tomo Kramer opened Shrub Farm in Maui back in 2016 after falling in love with a family recipe that included blueberries and apple cider

vinegar. They moved their business to Bellingham in 2017, with Shrub Farm partnering with local farms in Washington and Hawaii to offer four new flavors. Two years later, Apple State Vinegar was established to feature their flagship apple cider.

“We love what we make and we love the farmers that help us to make it,” Josh says. “We are proud to know the farming families in Whatcom, Skagit, and Maui County, Hawaii that grow our produce. Our farmers make our shrub truly special.”

The final result is a 16 ounce concentrate bottle of shrub ($22) with endless versatility. It’s recommended to mix one part shrub to 10 parts sparkling water, plus some vodka if you feel so inclined. The website showcases more than 100 food and drink recipes (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Purchase your own bottle and give them a go, while also supporting a good cause as 1% of Shrub Farm and Apple State Vinegar’s sales go toward marine wildlife preservation.

Local Distilleries

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RECKENRIDGE Blueberries,

located near Sumas Mountain in Everson, is a family-owned organic blueberry farm. This farm is also home to Probably Shouldn’t Distillery, a small-batch, artisan distillery owned by Mariah and Shawn Butenschoen. The Butenschoens are tenacious and eager to take on any challenge they put their minds to.

“From planting blueberries on our property, to certifying organic, to opening a craft distillery on our now organic farm — we have repeatedly been told we shouldn’t do something,” their website states.

Prior to owning their own business and farm, Shawn was a heavy equipment mechanic. Mariah

Photo courtesy of Probably Shouldnt Distillery

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Probably Shouldn’t Distillery

BellinghamAlive.com

Recipe: Raspberry Mojito Ingredients Ice 8 fresh mint leaves 1 ounce Raspberry & Citrus Shrub 2 ounces white rum Sparkling water Mint leaf (for garnish) Lime slice

Instructions •

In a sturdy glass add mint and shrub.

•

Muddle the mint gently to release the mint oils.

•

Do not strain the mixture.

•

Fill glass almost to the top with ice and add white rum.

•

Top with sparkling water.

•

Stir, taste, and add more shrub if desired.

•

Garnish with a mint leaf and a lime slice.

has continued her work as a high school English teacher. Together, they created Probably Shouldn’t, which got its name from what everyone always said when they took on a new adventure: They probably shouldn’t.

During the initial pandemic lockdowns, Probably Shouldn’t Distillery joined forces with the community to manufacture hand sanitizer, which they then donated to the Lighthouse Mission, local schools, and Catholic Community Services.

Now that they are back open, the distillery is a must-visit for anyone searching for a cocktail featuring locally crafted brandy, liqueur, and gin.

Their recipes are also available online.

The distillery’s take on a Stone Fence features their Apple Brandy, which is aged in American Oak barrels and offers spice, wood, and vanilla flavors. The cocktail has been around

OCTOBER Dark Star Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, Cynar, Carpano Classico Vermouth, Peychaud’s Bitters, $12 The Bar: Jack’s The Bartender: Dennis Schafer

Photo courtesy of Apple State Vinegar

T

UCKED AWAY between a

taco bar and coffee shop in downtown Bellingham is a little speakeasy bar called Jack’s.

Known for their classic cocktails, Jack’s is a dimly-lit, relaxing space to hang out with friends in comfy half-circle booths.

Behind the bar you might find Dennis Schafer, whose interest in classic cocktails began 15 years ago.

Pre-prohibition drinks intrigued Schafer, and riffing on them became a creative outlet for him. One of his creations is the Dark Star, a take

on the Classic Negroni. This lighter-bodied cocktail has a dark quality making it perfect for a chilly fall night.

The Dark Star features Empress Gin, which is made in Victoria, B.C. and has a blue hue originating from butterfly pea flower tea, as well as Cynar, which is a dark liqueur in contrast to the Campari found in a classic Negroni.

If you’re looking for a casual spot to spend Halloween, Jack’s provides a brooding cocktail perfect for sipping under a full moon.

since colonial times and is famous for being the drink that Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys had before raiding Fort Ticonderoga during the Revolutionary War. It also became a staple during the Prohibition era.

Recipe: Stone Fence Ingredients 2 ounces Probably Shouldn’t Apple Brandy 2 dashes Angostura bitters 1/4–1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice Fresh apple cider

Instructions •

Fill a chilled old-fashioned glass with ice.

•

Pour brandy, bitters and lemon juice over ice.

•

Top with 4–6 ounces fresh cider.

•

Stir and enjoy.

September 2021 55

NOVEMBER

Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Martini Vanilla vodka, RumChata, spice pumpkin liqueur, cream, whipped cream, nutmeg, graham cracker rim, $10 The Bar: Fireside Martini & Wine Bar The Bartender: De Layne Bell

T

HE ONLY THING BETTER than

Photo by Dean Davidson

a cocktail is a cocktail for dessert, and Fireside Martini & Wine Bar is the perfect place to enjoy one. Bartender De Layne Bell has whipped up what you never knew you needed: A creamy martini.

Seasonal drinks at Fireside are popular, and this this Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Martini is no exception.

Bell, who always had a love for food and drink, began bartending in New York over 20 years ago. He moved to Bellingham in 2008 and has worked at Fireside for two years.

“I really appreciate the owner’s dedication to quality food and drink,” Bell says. “They’re originally from Detroit so you have a very cool mix. If you look around here and see the art, it’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that, but it works.”

Grab a seat on one of Fireside’s comfy couches, sit back, and enjoy live music while you sip on a slice of cheesecake.

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DECEMBER

Hard to Starboard El Dorado 5 Year Old Rum, ruby port wine, house-made plum jam, lemon, cinnamon demerara syrup, $12 The Bar: Rock N Rye The Bartender: Lorraine Sullivan

I

N DECEMBER OF 2020, the Rock N

Rye team was eager for an opportunity to be creative despite the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic. Your average bartender might dream up something warm and cozy for the holidays, but bar manager Lorraine Sullivan found inspiration in one of the highest-grossing films of all time: “Titanic.”

The movie, originally released Dec. 19, 1997, inspired the name of Sullivan’s cocktail.

Though her Hard to Starboard is not a hot beverage, it showcases seasonal flavors such as cinnamon, a popular holiday favorite.

While Rock N Rye is known for being a whiskey bar, she chose to use rum because of the current rum trend happening globally.

“It’s sort of a riff on a rich aromatic sour with the addition of mulled wine components like sugar plum fairies and dark red, ruby, spiced flavors of winter,” Sullivan says.

Rock N Rye may be a great summertime spot, but don’t let the oysters and outdoor patio fool you. Sullivan recommends this cocktail to be enjoyed in December alongside the steak with a blackcurrant demi-glace. Hard to Starboard’s sugar and spice (and everything nice) will leave you never letting go.

September 2021 57

Bar Guide District Brewing Co.

Lombardi's in Bellingham

District Brewing on the Riverwalk Park in Mount Vernon.

Concerts, farmer’s market, family movie nights… All feet from our doorstop! Newly renovated historical two-story Lyric Theater building. Full scale production brewery and restaurant. Family focused.

Great craft beer. Wood Stone pizza, wings and salads. Drink beer, eat pizza, make friends!

Locally owned restaurant on beautiful Squalicom Harbor. Scratch made using locally sourced ingredients with imported Italian staples. Featuring local breweries, liquors, and wineries. Relax and enjoy happy hour on the dedicated bar patio.

Galloway’s Cocktail Bar

All That Jazz Boutique Gallery

Join us for outdoor dining on our new Galloway’s Cocktail Porch and step back in time to the Deco era of speakeasies and eclectic style! Choose from a selection of charcuterie platters and petite plates, fine wines and microbrews, or curated cocktails inspired by the 1920s.

Art, light food fare, wine, genuine Italian gelato, and live events in our lovely outdoor seating area May through September. Enjoy a glass of wine and a cheese board or a gelato while listening to opera, poetry, or live acoustic Americana or jazz music – or watch Argentine tango dancers on our Buenos Aires Street Tango Nights!

Happy Hour Daily: 3–6 p.m.

Happy Hour Wednesday – Sunday: 4 – 6 pm

Fireside Martini and Wine Bar

Lighthouse Bar & Grill at Hotel Bellwether – On Beautiful Bellingham Bay!

520 Main St., Mount Vernon, 360.873.6714, districtbrewco.com

1200 10th St., Ste. 102, Bellingham, gallowayscocktail.bar

416 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, 360.738.1000, firesidemartini.com Fireside Martini and Wine Bar offers several unique libations which feature in-house liquor infusions as well as wine, local brews and cider. We provide something for everyone to enjoy including delicious food from our scratch kitchen. Outdoor seating is available.

lombardisitalian.com

Happy Hour 3–6pm & 8pm–Close 3pm to Close on Sunday

1015 Railroad Ave., Ste. #105, Bellingham, 360.223.8325

One Bellwether Way, Bellingham, 360.392.3200, hotelbellwether.com/restaurant

Happy Hour Wednesday – Saturday: 3 – 6 pm

Bellingham’s favorite water view restaurant and bar featuring fresh Northwest cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Craft cocktails. Local brews on tap. Live music and entertainment on weekends. Indoor and outdoor seating available with breathtaking views of Bellingham Bay.

The Black Cat

REDRUM Tiki Bar

1200 Harris Ave. #310, Bellingham, 360.733.6136 blackcatbellingham.com Located on the 3rd floor of the Sycamore Square building, offering a welcoming charm overlooking the bay. Our social house atmosphere has been an attraction to locals and visitors for decades. It is the perfect place to share an intimate cocktail or enjoy Happy Hour with friends.

Happy Hour Mon–Thurs: 3–6pm & every night 9pm–close

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Up for a night of carousing, or just a quiet drink with some friends? Here’s a handy list of North Sound drinking establishments to help you get your bearings. (All listings are supplied by the businesses.)

BellinghamAlive.com

113 E. Magnolia St., Bellingham, 360.306.3689 Sip a classic tiki cocktail, enjoy a rum-braised pork sandwich or one of our many enticing appetizers. Spend happy hour with friends under bamboo umbrellas, and sounds from the 60’s. Hawaiian shirts recommended, but not necessary.

Happy Hour Tuesday–Saturday: 4–6pm $2 Off Appetizers, $2 Off Tiki Drinks $1 Off House Cocktails, Drafts & Wine

Flatstick Pub

902 N State St., Bellingham, 360.594.1315, flatstickpub.com At Flatstick Pub, we love to have fun! Whether it’s a date night, ladies night, or a large group event... We’ve got you covered offering Washington only beers and ciders, along with a selection of wines and cocktails!

Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3–6pm All day with student ID for Western Wednesdays

The Bellingham Axe Bar

1414 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 360.603.9606 bellinghamaxe.com The Bellingham Axe Bar features a great selection of local beers and ciders. We offer chill vibes and the perfect spot to hangout with friends and brag about your axe throwing skills. Located in downtown Bellingham above Bellingham Axe! Come Relax after you throw some axe!

Snowy River Cocktail Co.

100 N Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.526.2821 snowyrivercocktailbars.com Snowy River specializes in creating unique stunning cocktails that are equally delicious as they are beautiful.

Our downtown location offers patio seating and a full menu of tasty snacks and burgers to accompany your libations.

Happy Hour Tues–Sat: 4–6pm $4 off menu cocktails

Pooties Grand Ave.

113 Grand Ave., Bellingham, 360.671.3080 Pootie’s Grand Ave., formally known as the Grand Avenue Alehouse, will soon be featuring outdoor seating! Serving up classic American pub fare for lunch and dinner, Pootie’s is the spot for gathering with friends to play pool, watch sports, and unwind. Daily food and drink specials!

Happy Hour Tuesday–Saturday: 4–6pm

Twin Sisters Brewing Company

Bar Cicotti

Twin Sisters Brewing Company offers a full-service restaurant, tap room and spacious beer garden in the Bellingham Sunnyland neighborhood. Our award-winning craft beers, cocktails and food complement a unique setting designed for gathering with friends and family. We also offer an event and banquet program for private parties and special occasions.

Now open! Bar Cicotti is a coffee and wine bar with fun Italian-style eats including breakfast, lunch, and dinner located inside the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher building in downtown Bellingham. Just as in Italy, Bar Cicotti will serve as a coffee bar during the day and a drinking bar at night. Follow Bar Cicotti on Instagram!

Leader Block Wine Co. & Eatery

Miller’s BACKDOOR

500 Carolina St., Bellingham, 360.922.6700 twinsistersbrewing.com

2026 Main St., Ferndale, 360.306.8998, leaderblock.com Leader Block Wine Co. & Eatery is hailed as a local gem in Ferndale, with outstanding service, exceptional Italian cuisine, an award-winning wine list, and craft cocktails.

Come explore delicious!

Happy Hour Wednesday – Sunday: 4–6pm

202 Grand Ave., Bellingham, Inside the Lightcatcher Building 360.656.6802, barcicotti.com

1119 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, 360.671.1849, backdoorbham.com, @backdoorbham Our colorful and cozy lounge offers a wide range of balanced cocktails prepared by talented and passionate craft bartenders and served tableside. Queer owned and operated, we are 100% LGBTQIA+ inclusive. Established in 2017, Miller’s BACKDOOR was born as an homage to the late Mr. Wayne Miller – Founder of Rumors Cabaret Nightclub.

September 2021 59

DYNASTY CELLARS

The Best Winery in Whatcom County

2169 E Bakerview Rd, Bellingham 360.758.2958 | dynastycellars.com

Allen Law Firm

The Injury Experts Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation Attorney

See our many reviews on Google from clients that feel like family

Serving the Pacific Northwest Since 1996

1900 D Street Bellingham, WA | 360-714-1900 | www.craigkallen.com

Comphy Sheets 65 Fresh Space Redesign 66 Spotlight: Marshall Dobry 68

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62 September 2021 61

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Summer Cabin on Lake Cavanaugh WRITTEN BY JULIE BLAZEK, AIA, LEED AP, CPHC

“

D

O NO HARM” applies to

not only physicians, but also to working on projects that evoke such strong memories of working with HKP Architects founder, Henry Klein.

In 1993, a client commissioned HKP Architects (then the Henry Klein Partnership) to design a two-bedroom summer cabin on the shore of Lake Cavanaugh. The site was a ¾ acre peninsula bisected by a stream that overflowed its banks seasonally. The buildable area on the site was also significantly reduced by the lake’s seasonal rise and fall.

Embracing these site challenges, the original design separated the residence into two cabins, raised on columns, joined by an unconditioned bridge straddling the stream below. As an intern at the time, I truly appreciated 62

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Home Decor | Design | Window Coverings

SEPT 16TH - 18TH

Grand

Re-Opening

Weekend

www.FreshSpaceRedesign.com

September 2021 63

Home Featured Home

the opportunity to work with Henry on such an interesting project.

Years later, and this time as a partner of the firm, I worked with new owners who wished to add another bathroom and space for yoga, music, entertaining, and overnight guests. All living spaces were to continue to be on one level, allowing for aging-in-place without restriction.

For both the owner and HKP, it was critical to respect the site and the intent of Henry’s original design.

A third cabin would connect to the original cabins with a second enclosed bridge. This bridge, with operable glazed walls on both sides, gives the owners their choice of openness to the lake and courtyards. The new cabin offers a living space, office, murphy bed, storage room, bathroom, and overhead loft.

The impression from the water is of three distinct small cabins standing lightly on the land. Thirty years span the addition and the original buildings, yet they feel as if they are of one and the same project.  Architects: HKP Architects (1991 original and recent renovation/ addition) Photographer: Mike Penney Photography 64

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Get Comfy (and Sustainable) with Comphy Sheets WRITTEN BY EMILY BISHOP | PHOTOS COURTESY OF COMPHY SHEETS

W

HILE WORKING as an

esthetician and spa director, Mia Richardson noticed a need for performance linens in the spa industry.

“I set out to design linens that were luxurious, but that could also perform, didn’t need ironing, could get through the rigors of industrial laundry,” says Richardson.

Richardson wanted to design sheets that could also withstand all the elements of a spa, such as massage oils. Spa sheets often have massage oils on them, which makes laundries reluctant to wash and press them because they worry that residual oils will be left on the pressing iron.

Richardson was successful in designing spa performance sheets and took it to market. She soon discovered that spa directors all across the country had the same issue and were also interested in performance linens.

In 2003, Richardson started Comphy as the founder and CEO. Comphy linens are luxurious, durable, and sustainable. The sheets last five times longer than the average cotton sheet. They do not need pressing and are antimicrobial, so they do not need abrasive cleaning. Richardson says they are also 100% recyclable.

“So, there’s really a lot of reasons why they’re beneficial,” says Richardson. “But what happened was we were able to, after several years, really come up with a fabric that’s really soft and luxurious.”

In addition to offering sheets sized for massage tables, Comphy also sells linens sized for home use.

Richardson decided to expand Comphy’s offerings to home linens after years of inquiry into the sheets.

She says she would receive phone calls and emails from people who had received massages and liked the feel of the spa sheets. People were asking if

they could purchase Comphy sheets for their home.

“When I started the company, I really had no idea that it would turn into a home line,” says Richardson.

Today, Comphy’s home linens are available not just for the average person to have in their home, but for hotels and bed and breakfasts as well.

“We’ve also always done a custom line of decorative pieces for the spa,” says Richardson. “And now we also do decorative pillows, throws, and blankets as well.”

Comphy sells its items online through its website. They also sell directly into the wholesale market.

Richardson says that many hotels and bed and breakfasts that use Comphy linens sell the product in their gift shops.

Curious what Comphy sheets feel like? Ask your local spa — chances are high they use them. 7034 Portal Way, Ste. 110, Ferndale, 323.225.8234, comphy.com 

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Home Savvy Shopper

Fresh Space Gets a Fresh Space Fresh Space Redesign WRITTEN BY ANELYSE MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATHERYN MORAN PHOTOGRAPHY

W

HETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR an expert

opinion on your design project or some snazzy new blinds for your living space, Fresh Space Redesign in Ferndale has got you covered.

Opened by Jennifer Opatz and her husband Andrew in 2015, Fresh Space started as a small window coverings business and has since grown to accommodate home decor and interior design services, launching a new online platform over the summer and a new retail space this September.

“Fresh Space Redesign is all about creating interiors for your lifestyle, and our finished space will do just that,” Jennifer says. “It is exciting to reveal our updated space to the community as it was designed to inspire their next project and to connect them with local resources.”

Design with a Personal Touch With over 20 years of design experience under her belt, Jennifer loves helping homeowners get in touch with their personal style regardless of what is trendy, hence the company’s slogan: Design Defined by You. “We are all interesting and unique as human beings,” she says. “Our spaces should be the same way.”

Whether you’re looking for advice on your DIY project or some design expertise, it all starts with a consultation.

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Advice is personalized per project, with turn-key services that’ll make your ideas a reality. For design consultations, hourly services are a la carte and window covering consultations are completely free.

As far as home decor goes, you can find a mix of old and new both online and in store. Regardless of your style, everything is one-of-a-kind with products from flea markets and local businesses.

Give your home a pop of color or find the perfect statement piece with decorative pillows and throws, magnetic picture frames, bottle openers, vases, and everything in between.

YOUR COMMUNITY REAL ESTATE RESOURCE LILAC LISTINGS

b y

Local Love Jennifer attributes much of Fresh Space’s success to community involvement. In the beginning, before there was a brick-and-mortar shop, local networking was key to keeping the business afloat. In 2017, the SICBA Home & Garden Show opened the door for growth, with Fresh Space Redesign securing “Best in Show.”

“We participated in countless outdoor markets and indoor shows.

The results were amazing — support from visitors was strong, we connected with a community of talented artisans, and sourced goods for the shop. There truly is nothing more powerful than the support of the community,” Jennifer says.

The new retail space aims to continue supporting the community, giving featured artisans a space to help their businesses grow.

Sustainable practices also play a significant role at Fresh Space.

“Sustainability has been at the heart of our company from the start.

When it comes to home interiors, using sustainable products is not the only way in which we can make a difference,” she says.”

By using reclaimed materials and salvaged items, the life of products can be extended by decades, ensuring quality over the long haul and staying true to Fresh Space’s focus on timelessness. 6213 Portal

r a c h a e l

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l a u r a

RACHAEL WILSON MANAGING BROKER (360)319.2234

LAURA REHBERGER BROKER (360)224.7496 RE/MAX WHATCOM COUNTY 913 LAKEWAY DRIVE BELLINGHAM, WA 98229

GENUINE RELATIONSHIPS

CUSTOM STRATEGIES WINNING RESULTS

• • • •

Way, Ste. B, Ferndale, 360.739.7315, freshspaceredesign.com  September 2021 67

Home Spotlight

The Architect Who Fell in Love With Kitchens Marshall Dobry, Kitchen Design Studio WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM | PHOTO COURTESY OF MARSHALL DOBRY

M

ARSHALL DOBRY GREW UP KNOWING he wanted

to be an architect. A Nebraskan by birth, he moved to the West Coast when he was a boy and never left.

After graduating from architecture school during the Vietnam War, Dobry went into the Air Force, where he designed office buildings. From there, he moved to Los Angeles, where a former architect teacher took him under her wing.

One of their first projects together was a house remodel.

As part of the project, they worked with an 86-year-old kitchen designer.

“She was listening to clients and would speak for the clients,” Dobry explained. When the remodel was finished, it was the kitchen the clients couldn’t stop oohing and ahhing over. Officially captured by the world of kitchens, Dobry decided to start his own business.

What sets Dobry apart from other designers is his architecture background and laser-like attention to form and function. For Dobry, true kitchen design is not about decor or putting materials together, but about creating a kitchen that addresses his clients’ lifestyle needs.

In this way, Dobry is known for revolutionizing how we think about kitchens. Back in the day, kitchens were often separate from the rest of the house — isolated work areas typically meant for wives and mothers. Many kitchens followed the “work triangle” model, with three fixed points: sink, stove, and fridge. Dobry questioned this notion right off the bat. Why not bring the kitchen into the center of the house and make it a place for living? Why follow the rules?

Dobry wants to know about your life before he designs your kitchen. Do you have pets? He’ll make a dedicated space for their food and water bowls, so they’re not in the way. Does your house have a great view from a certain direction? He’ll install a window so you can gaze at this view while chopping onions. Love to watch TV? He’ll design a space that lets the kitchen flow into the TV room.

Love to entertain? He’ll figure out a space perfect for accommodating guests.

His client list speaks for itself. In his 30 years of work, he’s designed custom kitchens for high profile celebrities like Sting and Wolfgang Puck.

“I have learned a lot from the wealthy and famous,” he says, “because they can afford to experiment with new ideas.”

Dobry moved to Bellingham in 2004, seeking a quieter life than his life in Los Angeles. For years, he operated a showroom in Fairhaven.

Talking to Dobry, I got the sense that kitchens are his raison d’etre, and for good reason. He’s really, really good at designing them. When we spoke, Dobry showed me 3-D blueprints for a house he’s working on in Bellingham. Dobry hand-draws all of his models on a computer, and the results 68

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What sets Dobry apart from other designers is his architecture background and laser-like attention to form and function. are incredibly fun to look at. The before-and-after kitchen he showed me went from a cramped space with few cabinets to a dynamic working area that made use of an island that flowed seamlessly with the rest of the house.

To him, kitchens are a puzzle to solve. He enjoys looking at an impossible space and making the most of it.

“Problems aren’t problems,” he says. “They’re challenges.”

Beyond his design abilities, he also has local connections that help bring a project to life. He works with Hertco Kitchens in Ferndale to make custom cabinets for clients, and enjoys “playing cupid” by matching different professionals on a given project.

Want to experience Dobry’s talents firsthand? If your kitchen needs some love, he offers free consultations in your home, and is always willing to work within your budget.

360.966.3929, kitchendesignstudio.net 

ANYTIME. WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE, I WORK TO ENSURE MY CLIENTS SUCCESS. WWW.KARENTIMMER.COM KAREN@KARENTIMMER.COM | 360.410.0848

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Home Necessities

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Bartender’s Friends WRITTEN BY LISA KARLBERG

A

NIGHT ALONE is just as enjoyable as an intimate group gathering with the right bar equipment, tools, and recipes. Look below as we offer up some suggestions that will take your bartending skills to the next level. Whether it’s wine or whiskey, those mixology skills will be tested and your mouth will be watering as you take your first sip. 

1

Crafthouse Smoking Cloche for drinks

by Fortessa Greenhouse, $199.95

2

Classic 30 Sub Zero Dual Zone Wine Fridge Judd & Black, $8,905

3

Samuel Whiskey Mate Ice Cube Tray

4

Hotel Collection 6 Piece Bar Set

5

The New Craft of the Cocktail

by Dale Degroff

Amazon.com, $25.98

Macy’s, $109

Barnes and Noble, $35

September 2021 71

r

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Full Service Fish Market and Lunch Available

Celebrating One Year at our Mount Vernon location!

Shop Our Selection of Locally Made Goods and Gifts Jams • Jellies • Salsas Honey • Sauces

Mon�Sat ��:����:��pm lunch served until �:��pm Sun ����pm lunch served until �pm

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Artisan Mexican Eatery & Cocktails Mon-Thurs: 11am–9pm Fri-Sat: 11am–10pm, Sun: 11am–8pm 1810 Riverside Dr. Mount Vernon 360.840.1938

214 Maple Ave. La Conner 360.466.0267

coaeatery.com

Thanks for voting us Best Seafood

Locations in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, & Everson!

The Best Pizza in Whatcom County

Ferndale: 360.778.1167, 1887 Main St. | Lynden: 360.354.1555, 107 3rd St. Everson: 360.922.7395, 102 W Main St. | Bellingham: 360.756.5055, 4260 Cordata Pkwy #107 Hours Vary

The Fairhaven 74 Garden Path Fermentation 78

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

Westside Pizza 80

Sip

Black Fern

Taste

76 September 2021 73

Taste Review

Sandwiches Savory and Sweet The Fairhaven WRITTEN BY EMILY BISHOP | PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEAN DAVIDSON

J

ENNIFER SHAPANUS AND MICHAEL MILLER already

had years of restaurant experience under their belts when they decided to open The Fairhaven.

Three years ago, the pair purchased the property where the restaurant now stands and designed the layout exactly how they envisioned it.

The Fairhaven was originally imagined as a bistro-type eatery.

However, as was the case with many restaurants, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a change of plans.

“We were scheduled to open the day the quarantine went into effect,” says Shapanus. “So you know, that played a big role in what we do now.”

The Fairhaven quickly adapted to the requirements needed to stay in operation and shifted their menu to be more take-out friendly. The menu is ever-evolving, and rotating specials and seasonal offerings make each visit unique and exciting.

“We’re always kind of doing specials and experimenting and seeing

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what works and what doesn’t,” says Shapanus.

When you visit The Fairhaven, you’ll quickly notice an abundance of raven-themed decor. From figurines to paintings, the black-feathered corvid is everywhere. The story behind this mascot is simple: It’s the “fair-raven.”

What to Order Offerings at The Fairhaven are diverse enough to please every palate.

Each ingredient’s flavors are carefully considered and combined into a memorable dish.

If you’re in the mood for a light and summery sandwich, try the Sesame Seared Tuna Sandwich ($13). It comes with wasabi aioli, avocado, daikon radish, cucumber, and arugula on a toasted house bun.

Looking for a sandwich that’s a little spicy? The Jerk Chicken Sandwich ($12) combines grilled jerk-spiced chicken breast, cumin-roasted onions, romaine, cilantro, avocado, shaved jalapeno, and garlic aioli. What pulls this sandwich together is the toasted curry roll it comes served on.

All the sandwich buns at The Fairhaven are made in-house by baker Caryn Jarvis and designed to perfectly complement the sandwich stuffings.

For lighter fare, the Beet and Arugula Salad ($8–11.50) combines pickled beets and marinated feta with house vinaigrette, lending a subtle sweetness to the dish.

Complete your meal with a side of Thick Cut Fries ($3–4.25) made fresh from Washington potatoes. They come served with fry sauce prepared in-house and ketchup. The Salt Cod and Potato Croquettes ($7) combine the best of land and sea, creating a taste that chef Michael Miller describes as being similar to clam chowder.

Wash it all down with a Rhubarb Soda ($4) made of equal parts rhubarb reduction and sugar, citric acid, soda water, and a sprig of mint.

The Fairhaven is open Tuesday– Thursday from 11a.m. to 7p.m. and Friday–Saturday from 11a.m. to 8p.m.

100 N. Burlington Blvd., Burlington, 360.746.3183, fairhaventogo.com 

Jerk Chicken Sandwich

Beet and Arugula Salad

Sesame Seared Tuna Sandwich

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Taste Sip

Black Fern WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM PHOTOGRAPHED BY TONY MUEANTONTHIAN

T

HERE’S A NEW COFFEE SHOP/WINE BAR in town. Black Fern is located in

the Granary Building, in easy reach of downtown, Waypoint Park, and the new Wednesday Bellingham Farmers Market.

The new cafe/bar is right next to Artivem Mead Co. and is brought to you by the same owners, Carlos Bassetti and Micah Mailand.

Joining them in the venture are Christopher Erdmann, owner of blu.ink Real Estate, and Sarah Palmer, who boasts more than 15 years of experience in coffee. Together, they aim to bring high-quality coffee and natural wines and beers to the Bellingham Waterfront.

“We want to serve high end products, but make it approachable and not pretentious,” says Palmer.

Black Fern sources its beans from Stamp Act, a small-batch roaster in Seattle that fosters direct relationships with farmers and brings in fun, nontraditional coffees. To get a taste of different beans from different origins, you can order a flight of coffee, or keep it simple with one of the shop’s approachable but high-end espresso offerings.

There’s also a bean-to-cup brewer machine, typically only found in high-end restaurants or convenience stores. It’ll brew a fresh cup of coffee in 10 seconds flat, meaning you don’t have to wait for a pour-over or drink drip coffee that’s been warming on a burner.

Black Fern also offers vegan treats from nearby SconeGrown; if you’re standing in line when the train goes by, you’ll receive a free chocolate chip cookie.

The space itself is bright, fun, and approachable, perfect for meeting up with friends or working remotely. A cozy nook in the back corner is lit with a one-of-a-kind, photo-worthy French-press chandelier crafted by Bassetti.

While the front half of Black Fern is all about coffee and tea, the bar at the back of the shop serves natural beer and wines. The shop also plans to make and sell their own cider.

Black Fern will eventually host events, including tutorials on how to brew backcountry coffee when backpacking and skiing. There are also plans for trailhead coffee lessons, in which hikers and bikers can learn about and sample Black Fern coffee before setting off into the mountains. 1211 Granary Ave., Bellingham, blackferncoffee.com 

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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 * Local restaurants need you now more than ever! However, due to COVID-19, some restaurants may be temporarily closed. Remember to call ahead or check online for delivery and pick-up options.

WHATCOM 7 SPICE CAFE Mediterranean 122 E. Magnolia St., Bellingham 360.393.3554, sevenspicecafe.com 7 Spice Cafe owner Helen Neville dreamed up the idea for 7 Spice after falling in love with late-night shawarma shops in Europe.

The cafe’s menu is straight-forward, simple, and affordable enough to become your new weekday lunch destination. Choose from street-food style items like Chicken Shawarma, Lamb Shawarma, or Falafel, all served on fresh pita baked-to-order behind the counter.

BIG LOVE JUICE American 1149 N. State St. & 1144 10th St., Bellingham 360.383.5336, biglovejuice.com Cold press juices make up the bulk of the menu at Big Love Juice. However, these aren’t your average juices. Big Love Juice uses a hydraulic press, rather than the traditional high-heat methods that eliminate much of the vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. Customers looking for something a little heartier can also pick from a multitude of smoothies, soups, salads, bowls, and loaded toasts.

BLACK SHEEP Mexican 215 W. Holly St., Ste. 101, Bellingham 360.526.2109, blacksheepbellingham.com Co-owners Charlie Pasquier and Chas Kubis opened Black Sheep with the same approach they took to Goat Mountain Pizza years earlier, with a devotion to scratch-made, fresh ingredients. With homemade tortillas, fresh garnishes, and slow-braised meats, each taco tastes and looks like a small masterpiece just waiting to be demolished.

Camber is more than just a coffee shop.

Customers can order at the counter for a quicker bite, or enjoy table service for the restaurant experience. Throughout the day, customers will find a full menu for breakfast (or brunch, depending on your wake-up time), lunch, and dinner. The food is best described as “new American comfort.”

Fireside is out to make a name for itself.

Their menu changes on an almost daily basis and uses only fresh, local ingredients.

Cocktails are based on in-house infusions of spirits, a collection found only at Fireside, and their beer options range from local to obscure to international.

THE FORK AT AGATE BAY American, Seafood 2530 Northshore Rd., Bellingham 360.733.1126, theforkatagatebay.com

COSMOS BISTRO American Bistro, Comfort

Food

1151 N. State St., Bellingham 360.255.0244, bellinghamcosmosbistro.com The comfort food at Cosmos is always made in-house from scratch at their historic Herald Building location. With award-winning service, plates brimming with creativity for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, Cosmos Bistro offers something for everyone.

Nestled at the fork between Y and Northshore roads near Lake Whatcom sits The Fork at Agate Bay. This relaxed and boat-housechic restaurant offers a seasonal menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all featuring fresh, local ingredients. The bar boasts an impressive drink menu, with a drink selection based on fresh and local ingredients and tastes.

LORIKEET Tapas Bar 215 W. Holly St., Ste. 101, Bellingham lorikeetbar.com

FAT SHACK American 414 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.366.8752, fatshack.com Fat Shack offers a variety of burgers, wings, and their specialty: densely packed sandwiches. The typical “fat” sandwich is some combination of grilled steak and fried chicken, along with cheese and a host of sides, all pressed inside a fresh hoagie roll. It is not for the meek, or for someone looking for a salad bar. Along with its unapologetic embrace of deep-fried food, Fat Shack serves up some surprises. Its hamburgers are hand-pressed, hand-seasoned, and never frozen.

1138 Finnegan Way, Bellingham 360.715.1839 716 Alabama St., Bellingham 360.746.2079, fillingstationnw.com

FIRESIDE MARTINI & WINE BAR 416 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.738.1000, firesidemartini.com

221 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.656.5343, cambercoffee.com

THE FILLING STATION American

Eclectic, Bar

CAMBER COFFEE Coffeehouse, American

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).

Designed to feel like a seaside resort bar, the atmosphere at Lorikeet is beachy, relaxing, and transporting. Food offerings rotate daily, but staples include small plates like ceviche and skewers. The extensive cocktail menu features numerous rum- and tequila- based creations.

NICKI’S BAR AND GRILL/ NICKI’S BELLA MARINA American, Seafood 2615 S. Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham 360.332.2505, nickisbellamarina.com Harborside visitors can grab a bite at Nicki’s Bar and Grill or rent out the floor above, Nicki’s Bella Marina, for private events with spectacular views of Bellingham Bay. Once you’ve had a chance to check out the water, take your first glance at the large menu. The burgers are big, juicy (there are even Wet-Naps on the table), and flavorful.

The 1950s vibe resonates within the walls of this all-American burger joint. From the antique gas pump to the car memorabilia

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Taste Sip

How Garden Path Fermentation’s Unique Process Exceeds Expectations WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JAYA FLANARY

T

HE EASYGOING DRINK. The curious mix methods.

The little horse around. These random words are garden path sentences. And, they are beers brewed

by Garden Path Fermentation.

Created and operated by Amber Watts and Ron Extract, Garden Path Fermentation (GPF) is located in Burlington near the Skagit Regional Airport. The turquoise building is inviting, with plenty of outdoor seating and string lights.

Inside, colorful bottles line the walls.

On the other side of the bar, magic happens. Barrels are stacked to the ceiling; the air smells like yeast. Beer, wine, mead, and cider are being made.

Watts, a beer drinker, and Extract, a former brewer, met in Chicago at a beer bar in 2004. Eventually, Extract switched to wholesale distribution and importing, working for Shelton Brothers for eight years. After moving to Texas and meeting the folks who started Jester King Brewery, Extract became a partner. At the time, Watts was working in academia, but after the couple moved to Austin, she began working for Jester King as well.

“I had spent the previous 15 years or more helping other people to refine and achieve their visions, and I really liked what I was doing. I loved what I did… but, when I left, it was time to move on,” Extract says. “Amber also wasn’t a partner [at Jester King] and we really wanted to build something together. That was our vision.”

The pair envisioned starting their own business in a place where local ingredients were readily available and the climate would allow them to embrace natural temperature fluctuations. In 2016, they landed in Skagit Valley. Initially, they wanted to grow their own ingredients, but farming was a lot to tackle on top of everything else.

They now source ingredients as locally as possible. Their fruit and honey are from Skagit Valley while their hops are from the Pacific Northwest. Their grain is grown in Skagit

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Recipe Taste

Garlic Shrimp with Paprika and Lemon RECIPE BY SAMANTHA FERRARO PHOTO COURTESY OF SAMANTHA FERRARO

and malted at Skagit Valley Malting, and they ferment their products in oak using 100% native yeast.

“Except for some of our hops, all of our ingredients basically come from within 20 miles of the brewery,” Watts says. “I don’t know how many other breweries in the world can say that.”

In April of 2018, they opened GPF with a different goal in mind than many other breweries in Skagit and Whatcom.

While other breweries value consistency, Watts and Extract aim to create new, surprising experiences for their customers with different beverage editions. Similar to a farm-to-table restaurant experience, where the meal is dependent on the availability of ingredients, each GPF batch is dependent upon variables such as grain, temperature, and time.

Each beverage is available for purchase at the brewery and online:

The Little Horse Around This is no dog and pony show; it’s just simple, well-balanced beer. The Little Horse Around series is oak-fermented, dryhopped table beer, bottle-conditioned with honey.

Black is Beautiful Brewed in collaboration with Otherlands Beer as part of the Black is Beautiful Collaboration Project, this beer was the brainchild of Weathered Souls Brewing Co. out of San Antonio, Texas, where the recipe was created. This idea was to brew a beer for which all proceeds support Black communities and fight for justice against police brutality.

Many breweries around the country participated, making their own version of this beer and donating proceeds.

The Local Harvest Madeleine Angevine 2018 This wine is made with Skagit-grown Madeleine Angevine grapes and fermented by native yeast with minimal intervention. Bringing a floral aroma with hints of citrus and herbs, this beautiful bottle finishes crisp, bright, and dry. 11653 Higgins Airport Way, Burlington, 360.503.8956, gardenpathwa.com 

I

NSPIRED BY THE POPULAR SPANISH TAPA called Gambas al Ajillo, this recipe is

a breeze to put together and perfect to pair with cocktails. Sweet shrimp are sauteed with olive oil, smoky paprika and lots of garlic! Don’t forget the crusty bread to dip into the flavorful sauce. For more recipes like these, visit LittleFerraroKitchen.com

INGREDIENTS 1 lemon cut in quarters 4 medium-large garlic cloves sliced very thin ½ cup olive oil 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika 1 pound of shrimp, tails on with shells and veins removed Salt and pepper Chopped parsley Toasted bread, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS • Heat pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and char the cut lemons. This will give it great smoky flavor.

• Pour olive oil in the skillet and bring to a medium heat. Add sliced garlic to the oil and cook for 1–2 minutes to soften it, not allowing the garlic to turn brown. Stir in the paprika.

• Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and toss everything together. Cook until shrimp just turn pink on both sides, about 5–6 minutes total, depending how large your shrimp are.

• Once done, turn off heat, squeeze charred lemon over everything and garnish with chopped herbs. And get your bread ready for the most amazing dunking experience.  September 2021 79

Taste Local Find

Pizza is Back on the Menu Westside Pizza WRITTEN BY EMILY BISHOP | PHOTOGRAPHED BY TONY MUEANTONTHIAN

A

S MORE PEOPLE RECEIVE their COVID-19 vaccination, restrictions on dining are beginning to ease. Many restaurants are starting to look more like their pre-pandemic selves.

Kristen Jones, the manager at the Ferndale Westside Pizza location, says that, like many restaurants, they were hurt by COVID. “In the very beginning, before anybody really knew what was happening, we shut down one time for I think a week or so. And then of course it affected everybody,” says Jones. “And then after that we shut down again and that one was a lot longer. That one was a few weeks. And that definitely hurt the business.”

For a while, the Ferndale location was only open for carry-out. Customers had to wait outside to be given their orders by staff, which was a challenge due to short staffing.

“The hiring situation is a little bit rough. I think that’s for everybody though,” says Jones. “Right now, we are in a good place. But staffing has definitely been affected by COVID.” Now, Westside Pizza is beginning to return to normal. Like many restaurants, they are still closed for in-person dining.

However, customers can now come in to pick up their orders.

Pizzas are also now available for delivery.

Jones says that while the Ferndale location is not yet selling pizza by the slice, the Bellingham location is. She says that all the stores are reopening in small steps, one at a time.

“We will be doing slices soon,” says Jones. “We are slowly moving back in the forward direction. But we’re taking it one day at a time basically.”

The hours of operation for Westside Pizza have changed throughout the pandemic, and hours vary from location to location. The Ferndale location is currently open from 12–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 12–10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Bellingham location is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m.– 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

If you’re unsure what to order from Westside Pizza, Jones recommends the Garlic Chicken Pizza with Pepperoni, her favorite item on the menu.

“I have to say we do have an amazing customer base,” says Jones. “People emailed and called when we were closed saying only positive things, just ready for us to open. And that’s why we’re here.” 1887 Main St., Ste. 104, Ferndale, 360.778.1167, westsidepizza.com  80

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Burgers • Wings• Fat Sandwiches

take-out • delivery Order Online 414 W. Bakerview Rd. sTE. 112, Bellingham 360.366.8752 • Fatshack.com ® TM

Sun-Thurs 11am to 1am

Fri-Sat 11am to 3am

Taste Dining Guide OTHERLANDS BEER Brewery, European 2121 Humboldt St., Bellingham 360.746.8118, otherlandsbeer.com Keeping in the theme of small European breweries, the menu features only six beers — half ales and half lagers — some of which you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. The café’s menu captures the spirit of European street fare, with dishes like pierogis and falafel. It’s food that allows you to have a couple beers with your friends and feel great.

STORIA CUCINA Italian, Pizza 109 Grand Ave., Ste. 102, Bellingham, 360.734.1929, storiacucina.com Storia Cucina offers a simple, no-fuss menu meant to reduce decision-fatigue and prioritize quality over quantity. All pasta is made in-house on an imported Italian pasta extruder, and ingredients are as local as possible. The restaurant itself is bright, cheerful, and tastefully decorated, certain to lift your spirits even on a drizzly autumn night.

TEMPLE BAR Bistro, Bar 306 W. Champion St.,Bellingham 360.676.8660, templebarbellingham.com Continually recognized for their craft cocktails and small plates, Temple Bar aims to please.

In between delicious bites made from locally sourced ingredients, sip on a unique cocktail with house-made infusions and bitters.

UNDERGROUND BURGER American 8114 Guide Meridian Rd., Lynden undergroundburgers.com If you’re craving a classic burger experience, Underground Burger offers delicious, affordable burgers made from locally raised, certified Angus beef. The restaurant began as a virtual kitchen based out of Jake’s BBQ, but quickly expanded into a permanent spot where you can order dine-in or to-go.

Round out your meal with waffle fries and a chocolate shake.

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.

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A’TOWN BISTRO Regional NW 418 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.899.4001, atownbistro.com

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BASTION BREWING COMPANY American 12529 Christianson Rd., Anacortes 360.399.1614 On the Bastion Brewing Company menu you’ll find classic salads, an array of interesting burgers, and crispy chicken wings drenched in your choice of sauce. Food arrives impressively quick, and even more impressive is the quality of the food.

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A’Town Bistro’s careful sourcing of ingredients, creative approach to food and drinks, and comfortable atmosphere are why it’s about to become your new go-to restaurant. Pair your meal with something off the ever-changing cocktail menu. Bitters, shrubs, and syrup are made in-house and the creative cocktails are composed by staff or sourced from a collection of vintage bartending books.

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BOB’S CHOWDER BAR & BBQ SALMON Seafood, American

3320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.299.8000, bobschowderbarandbbqsalmon.com Treasured for its fresh and local seafood, Bob’s Chowder Bar & BBQ Salmon has long been a favorite dining destination in Anacortes.

The restaurant specializes in all-things seafood, from fried calamari to oyster burgers and grilled wild prawns. Pair your meal with a huckleberry or sarsaparilla soda, wine by the glass, hard cider, bottled beer, or a featured beer on tap.

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Scone lovers should make a beeline for SconeGrown and order the Chocolate Chip Scone. This vegan pastry masterpiece is loaded with chocolate chips and comes with decadent clotted chocolate coconut cream.

After hiking around at Mount Baker, head to North Fork Brewery to refuel with pizza and beer. The Monster is a unique, satisfying pie topped with pepperoni, anchovies, olives, jalapeños, pineapple, and gorgonzola.

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TASTES

Chowder fans: head to Salted Grape Bistro in La Conner for a bowl of their mild and delicious Clam Chowder. It’s creamy, flavorful, and filled with clams. Order it by the cup or bowl.

Start your day with a warm Gourmet Eggenue from Avenue Bread. Bacon, gorgonzola, spinach, and tomato are served on an English muffin, giving you all the energy you need to get your day started right!

CALICO CUPBOARD American 901 Commercial Ave., Anacortes,, 360.293.7315, 720 S. 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.4451, 121-B Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon, 360.336.3107, calicocupboardcafe.com Since 1981, Calico Cupboard has been serving the purest, most heart-healthy, and high-quality ingredients. Using freshly milled, organicallygrown, whole grain and unbleached flour, the cafe aims to promote its local farmers and gratify your body in the process. Sit down for breakfast or lunch, or just order from the bakery and grab an espresso to go. Calico Cupboard will leave you full, but feeling homey, healthy, and happy.

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

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When you’re in the mood for a spiced and savory start to your meal, try the Chicken Samosas at Naan and Brew.

These chicken-stuffed fried pastries come topped with chickpeas and chutneys and are the perfect salty treat.

The Pad See Lew at Thai Maison in Bellingham is sure to tickle your taste buds. The restaurant is also beautifully decorated, making it an Instagrammable location.

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Rock N Rye Oyster House does way more than just oysters. Start your meal with an order of the Ahi Tataki, featuring wild bluefin tuna crusted with sesame seeds, served on a bed of edamame.

It may be hard to choose a favorite flavor at Sirena Gelato, but you can’t go wrong with a scoop of their creamy Hazelnut. Make it even better by ordering it in a crunchy waffle bowl.

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Taste Dining Guide 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.

COA MEXICAN EATERY Mexican 102 S. 10th St., Mount Vernon, 360.840.1938 214 Maple Ave., La Conner, 360.466.0267 coaeatery.com One bite of a taco or one sip of a margarita and you’re hooked. This eatery offers frequent customer appreciation days, offering 50 percent off food if you pay in cash. Deals and good food — what more could you want? Even on a different night, with the choice of fajitas, burritos, chimichangas, or flan, you won’t be disappointed.

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.

THE OYSTER BAR Seafood 2578 Chuckanut Dr., Bow 360.766.6185, theoysterbar.net The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive is perched among towering conifers above the oyster beds. Housed in a structure dating from the 1920s that has survived many incarnations, the restaurant owes its reputation to its remote, quintessentially Pacific Northwest setting. But people don’t dine at The Oyster Bar for its location alone. While oysters are the signature offering, The Oyster Bar offers a variety of other fine-dining choices and is known for its extensive wine cellar.

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.

THE FAIRHAVEN Deli 100 N. Burlington Blvd., Burlington, 360.746.3183, fairhaventogo.com Offerings at The Fairhaven are diverse enough to please every palate, and the flavors of each ingredient are carefully considered. Rotating specials and seasonal dishes make each visit unique and exciting.

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THE SALTED GRAPE Bistro, American

If you’re looking for your new favorite restaurant, head to La Conner and check out Salted Grape Bistro. Before shifting to a career in food, Chef Nathan Salter went to school for art and sculpture. You’ll find traces of his artist talent in his dishes, which are all beautifully plated, with eye-catching shapes, colors, and designs. Pair this with owner and Sommelier Leslie Grover’s wine expertise, and you’re in for a treat.

SWINOMISH SPORTS BAR & GRILL American

12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes, 888.288.8883, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com

CONWAY PUB & EATERY American

Don’t let tiny Conway fool you — this pub packs big flavor. Though the town is unincorporated, business is never slow in this watering hole. Farmers often come here after a hard day’s work, as well as bikers making a pit stop on a scenic weekend ride.

Brimming with beer and Americana spirit, Conway Pub & Eatery is a Skagit Valley icon.

110 N. 1st St. Unit A, La Conner 360.399.1166, thesaltedgrape.com

18611 Main St., Conway 360.445.4733

worlds. It’s a boutique artisan grocery where you can sit down and enjoy the offerings, and then, if something tickles your fancy, you can take it home to enjoy later. While some choose to grab-n-go, others decide to stay a while. The cozy, intimate environment works great for a date night or happy hour with friends.

THE RHODY CAFE American 5521 Chuckanut Dr., Bow 360.766.6667, rhodycafe.com The Rhody Cafe is a spot with a cozy, homestyle feel that places emphasis on fresh, local Washington ingredients. Even the pew-like benches that line the walls were built by a local carpenter. Small glass vases hold freshpicked flowers and plants that sit next to small paper dessert menus on pressed wood tables, giving the air of a family dining room. The Rhododendron changes its menu three times a year to follow what is fresh, in season, and available.

SAKURA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR Japanese 1830 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington 360.588.4281, sakuraburlington.com Professional Teppanyaki chefs take you on a journey of delicious and interactive dining at Burlington’s Sakura Japanese Steakhouse.

Using the freshest ingredients and perfect seasonings, they stir-fry your meal right before your eyes, creating a fabulous feast. Choose from steak and chicken to salmon and shrimp; each meal is served with soup, salad, rice, and vegetables. If it’s sushi you crave, they also offer a full sushi bar.

SALT & VINE French 913 6th St., Anacortes 360.293.2222 An international cheese, wine, and charcuterie shop, Salt & Vine offers the best of both

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

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

ISLAND COUNTIES CAPTAIN WHIDBEY INN American 2072 Captain Whidbey Inn Rd., Coupeville 360.678.4097, captainwhidbey.com The entire menu features down-to-earth items that are reasonably priced, locally sourced, and well-balanced. While the inn does serve as a special-occasion spot, folks dressed in shorts and a T-shirt are also welcomed. Built in 1907, Captain Whidbey Inn is a historical gem.

HAPPY HOUR TUES - SUN 2PM - 5PM 25% off Appetizers

$2 off Wine Glass Pours

$1 off Draft Beers & Well Drinks

3056 CHUCKANUT DRIVE, BOW, WA | (360) 766-6191 | CHUCKANUTMANOR.COM

Taste Dining Guide

Redlight Kitchen and Bar

CATKIN CAFÉ American 11 Point Lawrence Rd., Olga, 360.376.3242, catkincafe.com

The Black Mirror

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.

Ingredients: Angelisco Blanco Tequila, ghost pepper simple syrup, fresh lime, pineapple, blueberry preserves, house chili salt on the rim $12

DOE BAY CAFÉ American 107 Doe Bay Rd., Olga 360.376.8059, doebay.com Whether you’re heading toward the San Juan Islands or don’t mind taking a trip for an unbelievable meal, be sure to make reservations at the ever-popular Doe Bay Café. Owners Joe and Maureen Brotherton have stuck to their mission of providing world-class seafood and vegetarian dishes.

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.

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

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HEN REDLIGHT REOPENED AFTER the

COVID-19 pandemic, there were plenty of new additions to the menu to commemorate the occasion. One such addition was the Black Mirror, which is an ode to the show of the same name. Bartender Holly Smith describes “Black Mirror” as a subversive, near-future dystopian sci-fi show, and it’s one of her favorites.

“I think everybody kind of had a really dystopian last year,” says Smith. “So, when we came up with this cocktail menu, we decided to 86

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do stuff that was a little bit more outside of our comfort zone.”

The Black Mirror is a combination of spicy and sweet, an uncommon flavor profile for cocktails, and Sichuan ghost pepper simple syrup makes the drink really stand out. For an extra kick, the glass is rimmed with a mix of three chili salts.

“I mean, I just love spicy things,” says Smith.

The Black Mirror is served on the rocks and comes garnished with a dried lime. 1017 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.393.4483 EMILY BISHOP 

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.

SALTY FOX COFFEE American 85 Front St., Friday Harbor 360.622.2486, saltyfoxcoffee.com When owner Andrea Hampton put together her coffee shop’s food menu, she worked hard to create items that were easy to make, but still healthy and satisfying.

She wanted to be able to serve ferry riders on a time schedule, along with locals who come in for breakfast or lunch. Guests can take anything to go, including sealed wine and beer, much of which is locally made on the island.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR OUR MENU, TAKE-OUT, AND DELIVERY! HOURS: MON - FRI 11AM - 5PM THESANDWICHODYSSEY.COM (360) 738-6919

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.

VINNY’S RISTORANTE Seafood 165 West St., Friday Harbor 360.378.1934, vinnysfridayharbor.com Ciao! Vinny’s welcomes diners to their Friday Harbor Ristorante, mirroring the feel of this warm Italian restaurant. Dishes change monthly and reflect the desire to serve simple, gourmet Pacific Northwest seafood and modern comfort Italian. As well as a good selection of pastas, Vinny’s has seafood and meat entrees, many of them traditional favorites. The cocktail list includes the classics, along with some fun offerings.

Nickis Bar and Grill on the waterfront in Bellingham serving award winning, hand dipped, tempura style fish & chips. Build your own burger featuring our handcrafted USDA chuck patties and fresh baked buns.

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2615 South Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham 360.332.2505 | nickisbellamarina.com

VOTED BEST FISH & CHIPS

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© Jeff Barclay

Notes Lasting Image

“The flower of summer and a haven for bees.”

JEFF BARCLAY

North Sound photographers, we want to see what you’ve got. We’re looking for locally generated photographs for our Lasting Image feature. We’re seeking local nature photographs — ones that freeze a moment, tell a story, evoke an emotion.

We’ll run your photo, along with your name, where you’re from, where the photo was shot, and a short 40-word write-up about the photo (inspiration for it, how you got it, meaning behind it, etc.). The photo must be high resolution (300 dpi) with no watermarks. Send to dean@bellinghamalive.com. Then sit back and enjoy the view.

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