Bellingham Alive October 2021 by K & L Media

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Contents 52 Best of the It’s that time of year again: The leaves are changing, Halloween is around the corner, and we’ve tallied up the results of our 12th annual Best of the Northwest competition. Even after another year of twists and turns, 75,324 of you (!!!) showed up to cast your vote. There are plenty of familiar faces to celebrate, but with 119 categories of winners, perhaps you’ll also be inspired to seek out new experiences. No matter how well you think you know the North Sound, this competition proves that there’s always something surprising to stumble upon. From fine dining to nonprofits and everything in between, let this issue be your guide to the local businesses that give our region its character.

BellinghamAlive.com

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

Northwest

Thank you FOR VOTING US

#1 APPLIANCE STORE

OCTOBER 2021 LIFE 20

DIY Pumpkin Carving Ideas

Heard Around the Sound

Out and About Meet the Mushrooms

Top Picks

TASTE

STYLE

Savor the San Juans Pumped Bellingham Ashuri Baklava and Cafe Rocky Horror Q&A Monthly Giveaway

Q&A Betty Be Good Boutique

Local Find Madrona Wear

Necessities Cashmere Finds

120

Community Dawn Posey

Beauty Karmela Botanica

SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Book Notes Reviews and Events

Who Knew? Alfred Hitchcock

Game Changer Sabah Randhawa

HOME

Green Living Ridwell

Apps We Love

Spotlight Erica Bauermeister

5 Faves Local Subscription Boxes

Spotlight The Little Free Art Gallery BellinghamAlive.com

122 Sip Bellingham’s Judged Wine Competition 123 Dining Guide 124 Local Find Bar Cicotti 126 Review Sweet As Waffles 127 Recipe Maui Mule 129 8 Great Tastes

Courtesy of Karmela Botanica

Courtesy of Dawn Posey

Review Infusion Cuisine

130 Local Find V GO’s 133 Drink Drops 134 Mixing Tin Butterbeer

Shop Local

106 Featured Home Grant Street Passivhaus 110 Local Find Northwest Rain Solutions

NOTES 8

Online Exclusive Pumpkin Stencils

Editor’s Letter

Contributors

Letters to the Editor Meet the Team Tony Mueantonthian

112

Spotlight Auda Sinda

114

Necessities Fall Decor

116

Remodel Tanna by Design

136 Lasting Image

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

First Fed Bank

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Notes What’s Online

Online Exclusive

INSTAGRAM

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

PUMPKIN CARVING Pumpkin carving is a time-honored Halloween tradition that the whole family can enjoy. Classic jack-o-lanterns are always in style, but you can also use your pumpkin to show off a little bit of local spirit. This month’s online exclusive contains plenty of printable templates inspired by our Pacific Northwest community, and if you’re in need of some easy and unique carving ideas, you’re sure to find a design that suits your front porch. Head to BellinghamAlive.com to download and print the stencils.

There’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. Read more about it in the full article by Becky Mandelbaum, photos by Tony Mueantonthian. Link in bio! @blackfernbham @beckymandelbaum @ways_of_tonino

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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Fairhaven’s new Bella Rose Boutique is owned by Kimberly Hoctor, a selfproclaimed serial entrepreneur who has started multiple small businesses. ... 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. Read more in the full article by Jaya Flanary, photos by Emilie Friske. Link in bio! #bellinghambeauty #fairhavenbellingham @bellarose_wa @jayaflanary

So thankful to all of our Loyal Clients who have been doing business with us for many years. Also thankful to all the Newcomers who decided to travel from surrounding counties and to give us an opportunity to earn their business. Without all of your support, we wouldn’t be where we are at today and certainly wouldn’t have achieved the great Honor you bestowed upon us by helping us capture the Best of the Northwest award. I would like to also thank our outstanding staff for taking great care of our clients and believing in our Customer First Culture.

Sincerely, Rob Hourani, General Manager

We take pride in our dealership and treat everyone how they would want to be treated. We work as a team and make sure that everyone is taken care of at the highest level. — John O.

We are the best because we actually pay attention to what our customers want and need. — Peter F.

What I like about working for our dealership is the transparency and integrity we have developed over the years with our clients and community. — Michael L.

Thanks for voting us Best Dealership in Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties 1100 Iowa Street, Bellingham 360.676.0600 toyotaofbellingham.com

Notes Editor’s Letter

A Few Thoughts on Community

S A CHILD, I BELIEVED WHOLEHEARTEDLY that

I’d end up in New York City someday. I wanted everything that my hometown couldn’t give me: An artistic community, diverse opinions, hustle and bustle, a sense of opportunity. All I really knew about New York was that I could see Broadway shows there, but even so, it had to be more interesting than anything in Alabama. In retrospect, I did manage to find a few noteworthy stories in my hometown. A favorite childhood hobby involved interviewing anyone who’d give me the time of day, then using that content to make homemade magazines. I’d distribute them to friends, each issue clumsily cobbled together in Microsoft Word 2000 and brought to life by the family InkJet printer and staples. Isn’t it funny how things work out? I never did make it to New York; instead, I lived in London for a year and a half during graduate school. The experience broadened my worldview exponentially — while also challenging preconceived notions about the kind of place I wanted to call home. Getting bored was impossible, but something felt... missing. Who knew how easy it was to feel like an outsider in a place that’s jam-packed with 8.98 million other people? Sure, it’s cliched, but I never realized how much I valued genuine community until I lacked it. I didn’t find what I was looking for until I moved to Bellingham. It’s common to know our neighbors here, just as it’s common to feel a sense of allegiance to the places we frequent on a regular basis. This area is made special by all the local businesses and individuals that create the fabric of our community — not to mention all the incomparable nature (but that’s a story for another issue). It’s clear that our readers share this sense of community pride, especially considering that 916,029 votes were cast in this year’s Best of the Northwest competition. This turnout is extremely heartening after nearly two years of living with COVID-19, and as the pandemic continues to evolve, local businesses still need our support now more than ever. As you flip through this issue, I invite you to reflect on what makes the North Sound area important to you

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personally. From the bartender who remembers your name to the boutique owned by a friend, we all have people and places that make us feel seen. This annual competition is all about celebrating the best our area has to offer, and you’re sure to stumble across some familiar names in these pages. Before moving on, I’d like to extend a hearty congratulations to this year’s winners, as well as express gratitude to everyone who cast their vote. Thank you all for supporting the magazine, our advertisers, and each other. Warmly,

COCOA LANEY Editor In Chief

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Notes Contributors Emma Radosevich As a child, Emma developed a love of literature by reading chapter books with her dad; she made sure he got every character’s voice just right. She still appreciates a great narrator. Emma is a Collection Development Librarian for Whatcom County Library System, where she gets to work with fellow book lovers. When she’s not working, she likes walking on Bellingham trails while listening to an audiobook or NPR podcast.  p. 27

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST OF THE NORTHWEST

Tanna Edler

360.715.1052

1215 Old Fairhaven Pkwy Suite B Bellingham, WA

Nicole Kimberling

INC.

SalonBellissimaBellingham.com

Tanna Edler, principal of Tanna By Design, is the only interior designer in Yakima and the state of Washington to have won an Interior Design Society’s Designer of the Year award for five consecutive years. She is also the first in the Pacific Northwest to have received the coveted Impact Award for charitable interior design contributions in her community. Her notable skill in conceptual design development has earned her a wellrespected reputation across the nation and her work has been recognized during numerous Tour of Home venues.  p. 116

irresistibly

Nicole Kimberling is a novelist and the senior editor at Blind Eye Books. Her first novel, “Turnskin,” won the Lambda Literary Award. Other works include the “Bellingham Mystery Series,” set in the Washington town where she resides with her wife of thirty years, and an ongoing cooking column for “Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet.” She is also the creator and writer of a serial fiction podcast called “Lauren Proves Magic is Real!” which explores the day-to-day case files of Special Agent Keith Curry, supernatural food inspector.  p. 106

fresh flowers

Thanks for voting us Best Florist!

Dan Radil

Call Belle Flora 360.734.8454 2408 Yew St., Bellingham

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Dan is a lifetime resident of Washington who took an interest in the state’s wine industry in the mid-1980s. A freelance wine writer and educator for the past 20 years, he and his spouse, Zacchoreli, make a habit of enjoying great food and Northwest wines both at home and on the road. His free time often centers around the yard and garden, volunteer work for the Whatcom Beer & Wine Foundation, and following his beloved Washington State University Cougars.  p. 122

Thank You, Bellingham, for voting us the Best Audiology Clinic! We have continued to safely serve our patients and cater to their hearing health needs during this difficult time. Call to schedule a free screening appointment

360.312.7272

PUBLICATIONS Bellingham Alive NSL Guestbook Couture Weddings Welcome Newcomers Guide

today!

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Lisa Karlberg

EDITOR IN CHIEF Cocoa Laney

ART DIRECTOR Dean Davidson

2114 James St • Bellingham

Pamela Spencer, M.A., CCC-A, FAAA Shonie Hannah, M.A., CCC-A, FAAA Suzie Jennings, Au.D.

SpencerAudiology.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Devan Ballard | Kristy Gessner Mia Sperandeo

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mariah Currey

EDITORIAL/MARKETING COORDINATOR Anelyse Morris

CONTRIBUTORS Tanna Edler | Nicole Kimberling Dan Radil | Emma Radosevich

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Emily Bishop | Ian Ferguson | Jaya Flanary Marissa Muljat

PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT Tony Mueantonthian

OFFICE MANAGEMENT Jenn Miranda

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

INQUIRIES & SUBSCRIPTIONS

Historic Hospitality

info@bellinghamalive.com bellinghamalive.com 360.483.4576 x4

COVER Photo by Tony Mueantonthian Taken at Black Drop Coffeehouse

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Letters to the Editor Notes

Your September article, “A Year in Cocktails,” was amazing! I really loved the stunning photos and local appeal! Fun coffee table read for the husbands. Please keep them coming. — Brad W., Fairhaven A YEAR IN

COCKTAILS

I’ve been reading your magazine from when you first started printed, you have upgraded and improved so much. It always contains so much relevant information. I’m never out of good stuff to read, I just turn the page and there’s more! Thank you! — Jennifer K., Birch Bay

Cocoa, I just read your initial column, “A Toast to Togetherness.” Nice work — I like your warm and welcoming tone! Congratulations on the new position.

[Welcome Guide 2021] is such a huge info-packed resource. — Amy G., Bellingham

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

Whatcom Local Rebel Artists Wines Bar Guide of Whatcom 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.

— Cheryl M., freelance journalist “Welcome” is K&L Media’s annual guide to Whatcom County for newcomers.

Correction: Our September edition erroneously credited the article “Summer Cabin on Lake Cavanaugh” to Julie Blazek. The correct author is Brian Poppe, partner at HKP Architects in Mount Vernon.

October 2021 15

Photo by Hunter Meyer

Notes Meet the Team

Tanatchapoom “Tony” Mueantonthian What is your role at the magazine and how long have you been with K&L Media?

A healthy body is a body in motion.

I have been working at K&L Media since the middle of June as part of the intern team. Within this position as a photographer, I work with the art department and editorial department on photo assignments, contacting individuals and businesses to coordinate photoshoots on-location or in-house, editing/retouching images, preparing photos for print production, and taking the photos for the staff writers.

What is your background?

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Call to schedule an appointment. MOUNT VERNON

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I was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. Ever since I had a chance to take a language exchange program in Australia for the first time, I became addicted to traveling to places and learning cultures from different perspectives. The most important move that I have ever made in my life occurred when I graduated from high school. I decided to go to the U.S. for college because I love the culture and norms that I have never experienced back in my country. My plan for the future is to build my existence as a photographer in this country.

What is your favorite part of working for a regional lifestyle magazine? Working with K&L Media has given me many opportunities to meet the local businesses that I sometimes never know existed. As I am a person who loves to communicate, working as a photographer is the best way to find an opportunity to talk with the locals and learn about the business practices that I could apply to my business in the future. Also, I love to travel to places in my car.

What are some of your hobbies? I like to collect and do some intensive research about the mechanics of film cameras during my free time. My main goal is to bring film photography back to life again because, in my opinion, film photography is something that every photographer should know. Another hobby that I have is creating random dioramas. Making dioramas requires a lot of concentration while putting everything together. I would say that I could spend six hours making a miniature wall look real. Even though I don’t make dioramas as much as when I was back in my country, I am looking forward to doing more once my life is settled. 

WE THANK YOU WECU is honored to be voted “Gold” seven years in a row for Best of the Northwest. Many thanks to our local community for its continuing partnership.

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Pumpkin Carving Ideas 20 Dawn Posey 26 Local Subscription Boxes 34

Life

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Spotlight

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36 October 2021 19

Life DIY

Pumpkin Carving Ideas to Inspire You This Halloween WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY

CTOBER IS HERE, which

means Halloween is just around the corner — and perhaps it’s time for a trip to the pumpkin patch. No matter your age or skill level, carving pumpkins is a time-honored way to celebrate the spookiest season of the year. In need of a little design inspiration? Read on for some easy yet eye-catching ideas that are sure to impress this Halloween night. It’s impossible to go wrong with a classic jack-o-lantern, but if you’re in the spirit to shake things up, we’re here to offer your porch some alternatives. Before getting started, here are a few handy carving tips to bear in mind: • Pumpkins have a long shelf life, but they begin to decompose as soon as you cut into them. To ensure your jack-o-lantern stays fresh, wait til right before Halloween to start carving. • You can also prolong the life of a cleaned-out pumpkin by soaking 20

BellinghamAlive.com

•

it for an hour in a solution of bleach and water (1 teaspoon bleach to 1 gallon water). Alternatively, give it a quick spritz with diluted peppermint dish soap. Step away from the kitchen knife! Keep things simpler (and safer) by purchasing a pumpkin carving kit from the store. Pumpkins also benefit from a skin care regime, and to prevent wrinkles, rub its insides with vegetable oil or petroleum jelly. It’s also advisable to refrigerate your pumpkin when it’s not in use. Use an ice cream scooper for added ease when cleaning out your pumpkin. Save, wash, and toast your pumpkin seeds for a delicious seasonal snack.

Practical pumpkins Carved jack-o-lanterns traditionally contain candles, but have you ever thought about what else a pumpkin could hold? Think outside the box

and your gourd could serve a purpose beyond its usual task of greeting the neighborhood on Halloween night. Make it: Carve your jack-o-lantern with an extra-large mouth, fill it with sweets, and voila — you have an alternative candy bowl that’s sure to delight trick-or-treaters. Planning a Halloween party for grown-ups? You can chill wine inside a pumpkin by carving a large oval into its side and pouring in ice. For something even simpler, place a bouquet of flowers into the top of a hollowed-out pumpkin for a seasonal and stylish botanical display.

Polka dots and power drills If traditional carving utensils aren’t quite your style, have you considered swapping them for power tools? It’s a lot less extreme than it sounds, and drills can be used to create a variety of designs ranging from kooky to downright elegant. Make it: Hollow out your pumpkin and use a small-diameter drill bit to

Polka Dots and Power Drills

adorn it with twinkles akin to a starry night sky — you can even connect the dots to create constellations. Alternatively, get creative and spell out letters, create patterns, or even make a face for your pumpkin out of polka dots. In accordance with the electric-over-analog theme, place battery-operated LED lights inside your pumpkin for added glow. Have access to a larger drill bit? For a truly unique design, try cutting out larger circles for a Swiss cheese effect. Add some rubber mice from the Halloween store and you’ve got yourself a one-of-a-kind pumpkin that’s creative and just a little creepy.

Animal inspired My beloved cat kept me sane during the pandemic, so I’m always looking for a reason to celebrate her. Fellow animal lovers can take inspiration from their own furry friends or even more exotic animals to turn a porch into a pumpkin menagerie.

Animal Inspired

October 2021 21

Life DIY

Pumpkin Home

Make it: The most straightforward approach is to carve an animal face onto your pumpkin using a stencil. Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle offers several animal-inspired stencils on their website; alternatively, you can download them directly from us at bellinghamalive.com. For added pizzazz, look to local craft stores for accessories. Make ears and tails out of felt, whiskers from pipe cleaners, or break out the paint pen to add hassle-free stripes.

top off a butternut squash and scoop it out using a large spoon or serrated knife. Although traditional pumpkins aren’t terribly delicious, these squashes most certainly are, so make sure to save the insides to cook with later. Next, give your squash a face using a pumpkin carving knife and a template of your choosing if desired. You can sub the squash for turnips, watermelons, peppers, or even a pineapple if you’re feeling tropical.

Make the most of seasonal squash

For a decoration that’s more cozy than creepy, turn your pumpkin into a pint-sized cottage. The customization options are unlimited, and you can even incorporate miniature figurines (human or animal) for added cuteness. Make it: To begin, cut out windows and a door using a carving knife. You can even glue crosses made of toothpicks on the inside for a window pane effect. If your pumpkin is large enough, draw a face on a miniature pumpkin and place it just inside to

Here’s a Halloween history lesson: Jack-o-lanterns originated in Ireland, but they were very different from the gourds we display today. Why is that? The very first jack-o-lanterns were turnips, not pumpkins, and they were used to ward away unwanted visitors. Bearing in mind the holiday’s history, it’s not so unusual to adorn your porch with alternative produce. Make it: For an especially expressive jack-o-lantern, cut the 22

BellinghamAlive.com

Pumpkin home

give your house a resident. Use a paint pen to draw in details and, for the finishing touch, try gluing fluff from a cotton ball to the pumpkin’s stem for a smoking chimney effect.

Keep it local With a little creativity, you can even use your pumpkin as a canvas to honor what you love most about this community. What inspires you about where you live? Use your own experience as a starting point to make a pumpkin that’s truly unique to you and your town. Make it: You can pay homage to some of the area’s most distinctive geographical features — think mountain ranges — or even outdoor activities. Stencils for sports such as skiing and mountain biking are easily located with a quick search on Google or Etsy. For something even more local, check out our website for stencils inspired by the Bellingham flag, Mount Baker, Western Washington University, and more. 

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Life Heard Around the Sound

You’re a Name, Not a Number First Fed Bank

Photo by Lindsey Smith

Savor the San Juans Returns for Its 14th Year T COULD BE ARGUED that the

best way to experience a region is through its food, and there’s no shortage of local bounty in the San Juan Islands. You’re invited to indulge your senses at the 14th annual Savor the San Juans event, back in full force after going virtual in 2020. “We celebrate the bounty of the islands with music, farm tours, brew fests and wine tastings, specialty harvest dinners, and more,” says Erin Wygant, digital marketing and outreach manager for the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau. “Savor the San Juans is a time for residents and visitors to come together and honor these special islands and the stories they hold.” The month of October is packed full of delicious festivities, marking the turn of the season as well as the culmination of summertime agriculture. Visitors at restaurants and markets can expect plenty of fall flavors such

When was the first time you saw the Rocky Horror Picture Show?

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as squashes, pumpkin, and apples. There’s no shortage of libations either, and drinks range from fresh cider to cocktails made with locally grown lavender. As of this year, farms will also be working with local artists to incorporate live entertainment, art installations, and hands-on activities at stops along their tours. Film lovers, mark your calendars for the Orcas Island Film Festival (October 7–11) and the Friday Harbor Film Festival (October 14–24). Attendees have the exciting opportunity to see internationally acclaimed films — many of which are award contenders — before their official release. The Friday Harbor Film Festival also offers options for online streaming. With so much goodness to look forward to, it’s no wonder that Savor the San Juans is often heralded as a feast for the senses. Head to visitsanjuans.com/savor for more information and a full calendar of events. COCOA LANEY

OR ALMOST 100 YEARS, First Fed

has provided community banking in locations across Western Washington. First Fed opened its doors in 1923 in Port Angeles, eventually expanding along the Olympic Peninsula over the following decades. There are now 15 First Fed banks with three located in Whatcom County. Each operates with a focus on local communication and attention to each client’s individual needs. “A community bank, in our viewpoint, is a bank that is involved in the community, that has a pulse on what the ‘business climate,’ if you will, is. What’s going on in those communities financially,” says Troy Wills, the first vice president and regional retail manager for First Fed. This ethos is demonstrated through the bank’s numerous charitable actions. First Fed makes donations to food banks in Bellingham and Ferndale as well as local charities such as Lydia Place, a nonprofit that serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Wills described banking with First Fed as “boutique banking.” The environment is inviting and calming, and the experience is relaxed yet structured. It’s easy to start banking with First Fed. Customers can walk in to meet with employees face-to-face or fill out forms on the bank’s website. There are always representatives available to field questions, making the banking process simple and stress-free. “You’re not a number at a community bank. You’re a name,” says Wills. “You come in, it’s like ‘Cheers.’ Everybody knows your name.” 1215 12th St., Ste. 105, Bellingham, 360.647.5696, ourfirstfed.com EMILY BISHOP

Lisa Karlberg — Bellingham “When I was 14 in Anchorage, Alaska. We would go as a group and Time Warp in the aisles of the theater. So much fun and great memories!”

Kevin McKay — Bellingham “It played at the Neptune Theater which is an old single screened theater... When they would talk about Frank-NFurter people would throw hot dogs. Everybody would sing all the songs, it was pretty spectacular.”

ENTER-TO-WIN Monthly Giveaway

Photo by Nicole Shive

Pumped Bellingham Makes It Easy to Shop Sustainably

ACH MONTH, we give you the opportunity to

win a prize from local merchants. You can enter once per day on bellinghamalive.com. A winner will be chosen by random draw, and notified via email and/or phone. It’s our way of saying thank you for your support and for continuing to help encourage shopping and dining local. Below is the Enter-ToWin prize for October.

$50

EAH FOSTER knows firsthand that cutting down on waste can

be a daunting task. Working in the airline industry made her mindful of our society’s reliance on disposables, and after becoming a mother, she noticed that her own family was going through more of everything. Household necessities such as shampoo, dish soap, and baby products are traditionally sold in plastic. However, finding sustainable alternatives proved challenging. Intuiting that other families might be facing similar dilemmas, Foster decided to become part of the solution by opening Pumped. Pumped is a mobile zero-waste shop specializing in household essentials — minus the plastic packaging. The business operates out of a tiny truck, and shoppers are invited to fill reusable containers (either purchased or brought from home) with a variety of everyday products such as cleaners and detergents. “I think a lot of times, when you think of zero-waste packaging or quality zero-waste products, it feels a little bit unattainable financially or not sustainable financially,” notes Foster. “So I’ve tried really hard to put this at price points that are affordable to most.” In addition to being cost effective, all products at Pumped are sourced from either zero-waste companies or closed-loop companies that reuse packaging. Many of their goods are also vegan. Unsurprisingly, the reception for Pumped has been more than welcoming. Many local businesses have been eager to host the Pumped truck, and the shop is also frequently parked at markets and around downtown Bellingham. Foster is excited by the idea of working together as a community to reduce waste and to keep our home beautiful. “I am always looking for opportunities to be hooked up with and collaborate with different like-minded organizations in town,” she says. For added convenience, you can set up home delivery via their website. Follow @pumpedbellingham on Instagram for more details and to find out where they’ll pop up next. Bellingham,

downtown coffee shop, is introducing Bellingham residents to the traditional Turkish coffee house experience — strong coffee, decadent pastries, and a place to enjoy good company. Owners Kristofer and Lukas Konutgan, who were born and raised in Istanbul, opened the shop in hopes to bring a piece of their home to Bellingham and introduce more cultural diversity into the town’s growing food scene. Stop in to order authentic Turkish coffee and pastries like baklava, börek and simit, all sourced directly from Turkey. “I’m super excited just to be able to be myself and introduce where I come from, introduce the foods that I come from, and the culture that I come from,” Kristofer said. “Just that alone will be very fulfilling to me.” 103 Grand Ave., Bellingham, ashuri.

pumpedbellingham.com COCOA LANEY

co IAN FERGUSON

Corinne Gardner — Bellingham “The first time I went to see Rocky, my friend told me to lie so I wouldn’t have to go up on stage with the other ‘virgins.’ I was thankful to be able to hide in the crowd, and going to the show became an annual tradition for us.”

Lombardi’s Ashuri Baklava and Cafe Brings Turkish Coffee and Goods to Bellingham

SHURI BAKLAVA AND CAFE, a new

Bailey Kouchakji — Bellingham “It was a cold autumn evening. I was with a friend of mine. We had just started dating and, truth be told, I don’t remember anything of the show… just that she smelled like roses.”

Brian Hewlett — Bellingham “The first and only time I went was with a group of friends in college. We were all Rocky ‘virgins’ and had no clue what to expect. I had toast land in my lap and rice sprayed all over me.”

October 2021 25

Life Community

Dawn Posey Announced as New Concertmaster Bellingham Symphony Orchestra Returns To Live Shows WRITTEN BY JAYA FLANARY | PHOTO COURTESY OF DAWN POSEY

HE BELLINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S

new concertmaster is Dawn Posey, a violinist who comes from a family of musicians. Posey, who attended her first live concert when she was 10 days old, chose the violin as a child because she thought it looked easy to play. Hindsight, of course, is 20/20. Throughout her childhood, Posey learned under a teacher who used the Suzuki Method. At 13, her family moved to China where her dad was conducting an orchestra. She took lessons for six months from a teacher who didn’t speak English. “We had a translator for a few lessons, and then realized it wasn’t really necessary,” Posey says. “The way that he was able to help me connect with music and expression really changed the course of my life.” Upon returning to the States, Posey knew she wanted to grow up to be a professional musician. She played in many community orchestras such as the Kansas City Youth Symphony and all- state orchestra. Though she knew she wanted to go to music school, she wasn’t sure what her career could look like. “I knew what my parents did. I knew there were professional symphonies,” Posey says. “But I just didn’t really know much beyond that. I just knew I wanted to go get really immersed in playing the violin.” After attending Boston Conservatory and Cincinnati Conservatory, she played in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. “The great thing about being in an orchestra is that your sound becomes amplified. Your voice becomes amplified and blends with all these other voices to create something that you can’t do by yourself,” Posey says. 26

BellinghamAlive.com

“To feel the energy of other people on a stage working towards creating a phrase or a shape is incredibly meaningful and special.” Posey is looking forward to her new role as concertmaster for the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra (BSO), and after driving cross-country from Pittsburgh to Bellingham, she will call Pacific Northwest her new home. “It was a hard competition and Dawn played so beautifully,” Music Director Yaniv Attar says. “We wanted somebody who has natural musicianship and flawless technique. But beyond [that], we really wanted somebody who we thought our players would connect to.” One of the things that drew Posey to the BSO was the initiatives they have taken to promote inclusivity and diversification. “There’s a lot of great music out there that people don’t know about,” Posey says. “Unfortunately, you have to dig for it now. One of my personal hopes is that we can reach a point where we’re not having to dig quite so hard for this stuff.” According to Attar, the BSO operates differently than many orchestras because they don’t just play what people already know. One of their series, Harmony from Discord, presented work from composers who died in the Holocaust. The series has shifted into including a variety of voices not usually heard in classical music. “We want our symphony experience to be as diverse as we want life to be,” Attar says. These values align with those of the Kassia Ensemble, an all-women’s group in Pittsburgh that Posey will remain a part of even after her move. The group focuses on promoting female entrepreneurship, equal representation in programming,

and amplifying composers of color. Due to the pandemic, the ensemble’s busy 2020 season was postponed, so Posey will be going back to Pittsburgh to participate in larger projects over the next year. While her first piece with BSO was soloing on Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending” in September, she will be one of seven soloists for the baroque concert in November. During the pandemic, there were no live concerts. Attar remembers the last rehearsal before the shutdown. Right before it began, they learned the show was canceled. “We did the rehearsal anyway,” Attar says. “We still wanted to play that repertoire together, the last time until… who knows?” It has now been over a year since that rehearsal, and the BSO is playing live shows again. They plan to return fully in January, but until then, they’ll be performing small ensembles at Mount Baker Theatre. 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com 

Book Notes Life

Literary Events

Book Reviews WRITTEN BY EMMA RADOSEVICH

October 12, 6 p.m.

CIRCE WAS THE BOOK that launched a thousand Greek

A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes

Jonathan Franzen in conversation with Maria Semple, Crossroads

mythology-inspired retellings, and “A Thousand Ships” is another welcome entry to the genre. In Haynes’ version of the Trojan War, the real heroics are found not on the battlefield, but in the homes of the women left behind. Haynes uses multiple narrators — both mortal and immortal, all women — and a nonlinear structure to bounce the reader back and forth between moments leading up to, during, and after the Trojan War. Her characters are sympathetic and realistically drawn, especially the women of Troy. The cruelty of men is a major theme and readers should prepare themselves for human sacrifice, although this book isn’t entirely bleak: Snarky letters from Penelope to Odysseus lighten the tone and the goddesses are petty and provide humor that I appreciated. This retelling doesn’t cover new ground, but Hayne’s effortless writing style and recognizable characters make this novel a joy to read.

Virtual — Village Books 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com

Village Books is hosting a conversation with Maria Semple, author of “Where’d You Go, Bernadette,” and Jonathan Franzen, author of the recently released “Crossroads.” The event is held in cooperation with five other bookstores in the Pacific Northwest. Tickets are $35 and come with an autographed copy of “Crossroads.”

October 16–17, 10 a.m.

Jump Start Your Memoir with Erica Bauermeister

Virtual — Whatcom County Library wcls.org

During this two day workshop, Erica Bauermeister will lead you through interactive writing exercises designed to “prime your pump.” You will walk away with skills that will help you both recall memories and put them to the page. All ages and skill levels are welcome to register.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO TRICK FATE? As children, a fortune

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

teller sees greatness in Zhu’s brother’s future — and nothingness in her own. When her brother dies, Zhu decides to claim his fate. Dressed as a boy, she becomes a monk and escapes certain death by bandits and famine. But in Parker-Chan’s brutal imagining of 14th century China, not even a monastery can protect Zhu forever. When conflict arrives at the monastery, Zhu becomes an improbable general in an uprising against the Mongol Empire. Zhu must navigate a strange new world of wartime politics rife with fleeting alliances, power-hungry officers, and betrayal. Despite facing impossible choices, Zhu remains convinced that she is destined for greatness. Fans of military history and historical fantasy will appreciate Parker-Chan’s attention to detail. The contrast she builds between the opulent Mongol court and hardscrabble soldier life creates a narrative that is bleak but ultimately compelling.

October 10, 2 p.m.

Motherhood by the Book

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

Motherhood by the Book is a monthly book club that celebrates all aspects of motherhood and what it means to be a mother. This month the meeting will discuss Polly Rosenwaike’s book, “Look How Happy I’m Making You: Stories.”

Who Knew? Alfred Hitchcock A Fitting Moniker

Ornithophobia

Foniasophobia

Scopophobia

Having pioneered the thriller genre, it’s understandable that Alfred Hitchcock was dubbed “The Master of Suspense.” His movies have garnered more than 45 Oscar nominations, but Hitchcock never won an Academy Award for Best Director.

In one of the final scenes of “The Birds,” Tippi Hedren’s character enters an attic filled with birds. This scene took a week to film. Real birds were used, and Hedren received several injuries from the gulls that were thrown at her by crewmen.

Originally, Hitchcock planned for the iconic shower scene in “Psycho” to have no music. Composer Bernard Herrman decided to compose a piece for the scene anyways. Hitchcock was so pleased with what Herrman had written that he doubled his salary.

Hitchcock modeled the villain in “Rear Window,” Lars Thorwald, after Hollywood producer David O. Selznick. Thorwald’s actor was costumed to resemble Selznick and was directed to mimic the producer’s mannerisms. EMILY BISHOP

October 2021 27

Life Game Changer

Leading the Return to Normalcy Sabah Randhawa WRITTEN BY EMILY BISHOP PHOTOS COURTESY OF WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

OR THE PAST FIVE YEARS, Sabah Randhawa has

led Western Washington University as its president. Under his guidance, the university has worked to evolve and improve its campus. The finished construction of Carver Gym, the addition of the Multicultural Center, and other infrastructure improvements have all occurred during his tenure. Looking to the future, the university plans to add new buildings for electrical engineering and computer science courses, as well as a Coast Salish-style longhouse in the arboretum. “This is work in progress. It’s a journey,” says Randhawa. But challenges often arise — especially for Randhawa, who is in a unique position to make key decisions. The COVID19 pandemic completely changed the university’s operation, meaning that the past year has required innovation WWU first went fully remote in the spring semester of 2020. Randhawa says this was an easy decision to make; however, it was the execution that proved to be a challenge. Most faculty at WWU had never taught an online course. Beyond this, there were issues around access to necessary technology and internet connections for students. “You know, a lot of credit to them for rising to the challenge,” says Randhawa. “That was very difficult.” WWU remained remote for the entire 2020–2021 school year. The situation was reassessed each quarter, and a decision 28

BellinghamAlive.com

was made on how classes should operate. Health and safety were the biggest concerns when deciding whether or not to stay remote. Given that Western is a residential campus, Randhawa says remote learning was a less than ideal situation. While some aspects of college can be easily moved online, many others cannot. Students grow and learn from activities in and out of the classroom and from interacting with one another. With the increase in vaccination nationwide, WWU has returned to in-person classes for the 2021–2022 school year. All faculty and students are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before returning to campus. Masks are also required for everyone in the classrooms. The university also has on-site testing and is following a strict cleaning and sanitation protocol. “We are closely following the Delta variant now,” says Randhawa. “Overall, I remain hopeful that with vaccination, and with appropriate precautions, we’ll be able to deliver in person education in fall, but we are keeping a close tab on how things are moving.” As things move forward, there is hope that life will begin to more closely resemble pre-COVID times. In-person classes are evidence of a slow return to normalcy, and enrollment has also increased. The size of the incoming class for the 2021–2022 school year closely resembles the size of the last pre-pandemic cohort. “I am also, again, very thankful to the community and particularly to our faculty and students who have stuck with us during this time,” says Randhawa. Western Washington University, 516 High St., Bellingham, 360.650.3000, wwu.edu 

Green Living Life

APPS WE L VE Chic Me Geeko Tech. Shop from more than 20,000 styles and 1,000 new products with Chic Me. This app is affordable and inclusive, with a focus on providing clothes for every body type. Order now and get 30% off your first purchase and free shipping on orders $80 or more.

Recycling Made Easy WRITTEN BY EMILY BISHOP

IGHTBULBS, BATTERIES, PLASTIC FOAM: All items

that are recyclable, but not without a little effort. Given the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be difficult to make the time to take these items where they need to go to be given a new life. Ridwell is a subscription service that specializes in sustainability, and they aim to make recycling easy. When you sign up for Ridwell, you’ll receive bags in which to store your plastic film, threads, and other hard-to-recycle items. Every two weeks, Ridwell comes by to pick up your stuff. More niche items, such as electronics and glasses, fall into “featured categories.” Due to the extremely location-specific nature of recycling these items, featured categories rotate on every pickup. Natale Szabo, the Community Manager for Bellingham, says that Ridwell partners with area specific organizations, nonprofits, and artisans to find these items new homes. “The idea is to just help people recycle more and make it extremely convenient,” says Szabo. Founder and CEO Ryan Metzger got the idea for Ridwell when he and his son were trying to get rid of old batteries. They asked neighbors if they also had dead batteries in need of disposing, and soon a recycling carpool was born.

Ridwell has expanded beyond Metzger’s neighborhood and is now found in more than 40 cities. Most recently, the service has expanded to Denver, Colorado. Since starting in 2017, Ridwell has grown to more than 35,000 members. “It helps connect a lot of people who may want to make sure that their items are reused locally, or they may really want to support a local organization doing great work, but they don’t necessarily know about it,” says Szabo. As a consumer, there’s a lot of research to do when figuring out what non-standard items are recyclable and what to do with them. Ridwell makes recycling these items convenient, but it also increases people’s awareness about how many items are recyclable. Additionally, it creates an ecosystem of reuse within participating communities. “It allows this connection where Ridwell kind of acts as the link between people who have stuff that they don’t necessarily need, but they want to make sure that it’s responsibly reused, and the people and organizations and groups who need that stuff and know what to do with it,” says Szabo. Signing up for Ridwell is as convenient as the service it offers. Just visit their website, fill out a form, and you’re good to go. You can start supporting local sustainability and reusability with just the click of a button. 888.982.7785, ridwell.com 

Freeletics Training Coach Freeletics Have your personal trainer in your pocket. Freeletics lets you set your own goals and work toward them at your own pace. Receive personalized workouts that adjust based on your feedback, and get nutritional support for less than the cost of a fitness class per week.

Sweatcoin Sweatco Ltd. Turn your sweat into money with this app that rewards you for exercising. All you have to do is download the app and start walking to earn coins. Exchange your coins for actual prizes like headphones, athletic wear, cosmetics, and more.

Zelle Early Warning Services, LLC Zelle lets you transfer money with ease, making sure you never have to fret over how to split the bill ever again. It all works in three easy steps. 1. Find your friends by linking your phone contacts, 2. Enter the amount you want transferred (and review), and 3. Hit send, and get a virtual confirmation. ANELYSE MORRIS

October 2021 29

Life Special Advertising

ALLEN LAW FIRM The Injury Experts

Back in the Groove. Return to work success, after injury. WRITTEN BY KENDRA NICHOLAS | EDITED BY KIM DAVEY PHOTOGRAPHED BY JAMES HADDOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

LLEN LAW FIRM REOPENED

their (physical) doors, following the spread of covid-19 more than a year later on June 1st, 2021. That awkward feeling of getting back in the groove post-quarantine, has given us a newfound understanding for our injured clients. Most of our significantly injured workers are taken off work completely or moved to light duty to heal from unfortunate events, such as a car accident, work injury, or in some cases, dog bite wounds. It may be redundant, but we will go ahead and

BellinghamAlive.com

say it again, life is unpredictable. That has been proven globally this past year. We all felt the train derail, as the doom of quarantine set in. Our western society offers little option to our working class, we work to make a living. When that gets taken away due to unforeseen injury, there is nothing but time, that ticking of the clock, the clicking of the remote, the crumbling financial tower. At first the break feels surreal compared to our work heavy lives, and a much-needed reprieve. The pink cloud, as they say,

soon fades, and we are left with all the wait, and no answers. Here at Allen Law Firm, we are used to getting many calls from our clients unable to return to work, waiting, hoping, wishing that something would change, and they would be that much closer to the light at the end of the tunnel. You wait, and wait, and wait some more. Until something gives, and boom! You are back to work, my friend. Let’s say for example, it takes one year to recover from an injury. After that one year, you’ve got to pick up

The settlement that Craig and his staff were able to achieve for me, relieved a lot of the financial stress, that resulted from being out of work for so long. the pieces of your former, or new job, business etc and keep going. But do you remember how? Is it like riding a bike? We asked one of our clients for some insight on the matter. Lindsay was injured on January 5th, 2020, and because of it, unable to operate her business. To make matters worse, her hobbies were taken, by traumatic injury, as well. Lindsay is also a mother of four young daughters, need we say more? She’s got her work cut out. And then you throw a pandemic on top of it… have mercy!

Lindsay owns and operates “Lindsay’s Crazy for Kettle Corn” food truck. Featuring nearly 100 different flavors, from Tutti Fruity to cookies and cream. For those of us who currently work, or have worked in food service industry, it’s fast paced and requires stable physical condition in order to keep up every day. That coupled with being a sole business owner, the pressures and financial deficit were unavoidable. We were lucky enough to feature Lindsay and her kettle corn, at our

annual customer appreciation day this year. Thank you, Lindsay! By June, Lindsay’s physical condition had vastly improved, and she was compensated for her pain and suffering, through negotiation by Allen Law Firm, on her behalf. Lindsay comments: “I truly love what I do. It’s my passion. When that was taken away from me, I felt very lost. Finally, being able to open back up, and put the past behind me, gave me the happiness I was missing, for what felt like forever. The settlement that Craig and his staff were able to achieve for me, relieved a lot of the financial stress, that resulted from being out of work for so long.” To all of the clients here at Allen Law Firm, it brings us true joy, when we see you back in the groove. 

October 2021 31

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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.

Spotlight Life

Q&A with author Erica Bauermeister WRITTEN BY ANELYSE MORRIS

celebrated its 75th anniversary with a new annual event, “Read & Share.” Read & Share aims to spread the love of reading while connecting the community through ideas, information, and a nonfiction book by a regional author. This year’s book is “House Lessons: Renovating a Life,” by four-time bestselling author Erica Bauermeister. A collection of essays in memoir format, the book follows Bauermeister’s journey renovating a house in Port Townsend, WA. If you’ve ever poured your heart into a home, you’re sure to enjoy this story of marriage, family, and roots. Get to know Bauermeister and her work in this Q&A and through these events by the Whatcom County Library System:

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: October 12, 7 p.m.

BOOK TALK: October 14, 7 p.m.

MEMOIR WORKSHOP: October 16–17, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your experience writing “House Lessons: Renovating a Life?” A: “House Lessons” was written over the course of 15 years. The first draft was written in 2001, as the events were actually occurring. While writing in the midst of the action meant I captured lots of vivid details that came in incredibly handy later, I didn’t yet have the perspective to step back and truly understand the lessons the house was teaching me and could teach others. They say at the end of a good memoir, the reader knows more about themselves than the author, and that requires time and distance on the part of the writer. When I came back to the story 15 years after the events occurred, with the maturity and compassion that time can give you, I was ready to write a book that took on the more universal aspects of the experience. That’s when the story became a memoir in essays, and I had the chance to play with topics such as how the psychology of space and how the houses we live in affect us, or how the parenting we experienced affects the parenting we give, among other things.

Q: As a longtime Washingtonian, how would you say the Pacific Northwest has impacted your writing? A: From the first time I flew into Seattle, over that beautiful jigsaw puzzle of land and water with all those beautiful hiding places for stories, I knew I was home. There is something about the nooks and crannies of our geography, the long and rainy winters, the silver of the sky and water

Courtesy of Erica Bauermeister

N 2019, WHATCOM COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

set against the greens of the trees, that sets my imagination going. Because my soul feels so comfortable here, I find it easier to access compassion and insights, and to move out of my comfort zone.

Q: What made you decide to share your story in this format? Has your past work influenced this book in any way? A: I am a writer who thinks in images, who loves to explore the serendipitous connections between and the larger implications in things. It’s an approach that is both light and deep at the same time, and it makes sense that I am drawn to interconnected stories and essays as a structure. I tried to write “House Lessons” as a straight chronological description of events, but it was when I switched it to a memoir-in-essays that everything came together for this book.

Q: “House Lessons: Renovating a Life,” and you are the focus for this year’s WCLS “Read & Share.” What are you looking forward to about this? What are you hoping attendees will take away from it? A: I love when I hear from readers who say, “I am looking at my house in a whole new light now.” I am excited by the idea of people learning to think of their homes as dynamic spaces that can help them become better people. And I am excited to think that this book might inspire someone to save an old house, or take on a new challenge that might seem overwhelming. Because if we can clean out 7.5 tons of trash and lift a house off the ground, just imagine what else is possible!  October 2021 33

Life 5 Faves

Acme Farms & Kitchen Build your own box of local produce and meats, or let Acme do the work for you and pick one of their dozen curated box options. Curated boxes come with a recipe for three or four different meals, and each meal serves about four people. 909 Squalicum Way, Ste.

FIVE FAVES

BellinghamAlive.com

Local Subscription Boxes WRITTEN BY IAN FERGUSON

Photo by Bekah Durias

104, Bellingham, theacmebox.com

Bliss Box Support local businesses and make the perfect gift box with locally sourced products from Bliss Box. Build a box with Samish Bay Soaps, jerky from Carnal, Bellewood Farms peanut butter, and more. blissboxcollective.com

Osprey Hill Farm Put together your own box of produce and poultry from Osprey Hill Farms. This Whatcom County farm delivers to the Bellingham area every other Thursday, every month. Acme, ospreyhillfarm.com

City Sprouts Farm Receive a weekly or bi-monthly box of the freshest vegetables of the season. In efforts to increase accessibility of fresh produce to more households in Whatcom County, City Sprouts Farm offers their boxes on a pay-what-youcan scale. Bellingham, citysproutsfarm.com

Raven Bakery This Bellingham-based bakery offers weekly subscriptions of wholemeal and sourdough breads and pastries. What’s better than fresh baked bread? The fact that it is delivered by bicycle! Bellingham, ravenbreads.com

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October 2021 35

Life Spotlight

A Creative Spark From Tiny Art Katrina Lyon and The Little Free Art Gallery WRITTEN BY MARISSA MULJAT PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATRINA LYON

ICTURE AN ART GALLERY. What do you see? Perhaps

a large building with pieces carefully and thoughtfully lined up on the walls, each work of art unique. Now picture that same gallery, but one thousand times smaller. The Little Free Art Gallery is an extremely petite art gallery located in Bellingham near the corner of West Street and Eldridge Avenue. Freelance graphic designer Katrina Lyon built it in May of this year as a hobby. Before the gallery, Lyon was already interested in creating her own miniature “scenes.” She accomplished this by arranging tiny human figurines in nature and then photographing the results. When a friend sent her an article about Stacy Milrany starting the Little Free Art Gallery in Seattle, Lyon became eager to make one of her own. She ordered a “gallery” online and painted it inside and out. Thus, a Bellingham Little Free Art Gallery was born.

BellinghamAlive.com

Out and About Life The concept is similar to that of the Little Free Library, but instead of books, the gallery is for art. Anyone can come to the gallery and leave a small piece of art (6 inches by 6 inches or smaller), take a piece of art, or both! “People, local artists have just contributed really cool little things. And it’s just a way for people to experiment with new mediums [and] to play,” Lyon says. From tiny pots to quilts to paintings, Lyon has seen a miniature version of just about anything you can think of inside the gallery. She loves the way that people have embraced the concept and simply had fun with it. “I like to arrange the gallery and swap out who is visiting and take a photo for Instagram, but when people bring or take art, they often re-organize things too,” Lyon says. “A couple of times now someone has put in some kind of bed or couch and I will find one of the ‘people’ laying down inside the gallery.” The gallery has motivated Lyon to create art more regularly. Additionally, other Bellingham locals — both children and adults — have also been inspired. A woman recently told Lyon that, since discovering the gallery, her young daughter has wanted to visit it every day. The gallery has not only inspired her daughter to create more art but herself as well. “As adults with bills and jobs, we can forget how much fun it is to play. But being playful is one way to spark your creativity, and with the gallery, there’s an outlet for all of it.” Lyon explained how the gallery has created a “little community” of creative people, and this community is constantly growing. These connections the gallery fosters among creators are being made both in-person and online. “It’s open to all artists, creative pursuits, amateur, professional, dabbling,” Lyon says. “If there’s a piece of art that strikes your fancy, you can have it — it’s free. It’s really just about sharing creativity, inspiring each other to be creative.” Follow @littlefreegallery_bellingham on Instagram to see what’s happening in the gallery today! Near the Corner of West St. and Eldridge Ave., Bellingham 

QUICK STATS Length: 3 hours Fee: $50

Meet the Mushrooms: Fungus 101 with Evan Holmstrom WRITTEN BY MARISSA MULJAT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN HOLMSTROM

AVE YOU EVER WANTED to

learn more about mushrooms, or maybe you’d like to be more aware of the nature that surrounds you? Now is your chance to do just that. The North Cascades Institute (NCI) is putting on a workshop titled “Meet the Mushrooms” that allows participants to interact with and learn more about fungi. “Fungi inhabit their own kingdom of life,” says Evan Holmstrom, the workshop’s instructor. Holmstrom has been working in environmental education and wilderness learning for about 10 years. He appreciates the fungal variety that Bellingham has to offer and is excited to share his love for this species with others. Workshop participants will meet at Fairhaven Park and head into the 100 Acre Woods to locate and learn about mushrooms. “We’re not just talking about mushrooms and looking at pictures,

but rather seeing them where they occur,” Holmstrom says. “Hopefully, by the end of the day, we can have a basic idea of what identification looks like for mushrooms.” This workshop will occur in two sessions on October 9. The morning session is from 9 a.m.–12 p.m., and the afternoon session takes place from 1–4 p.m. Sign-ups can be made online at ncascades.org. NCI was started in 1986 with a mission to connect the community to nature. Holmstrom explains that the organization helps people learn how to sustain and develop a reciprocal kinship with the natural world. “Essentially, our goal is to educate, inspire, wow, [and] delight people with experiences in nature to the degree that they develop a higher awareness and a deeper familiarity with how amazing and wonderful the natural world is,” Holmstrom says. 360.854.2599, ncascades.org 

October 2021 37

Life Special Advertising

New PeaceHealth MitraClip Procedure Provides Less Invasive Heart Valve Fix

HE MITRAL VALVE, LOCATED BETWEEN the left

atrium and left ventricle of the heart, is comprised of flaps that regulate blood flow between the two chambers. When working properly, the valve keeps blood flowing the right direction, through the heart and into the body. But if the mitral valve becomes floppy or leaky and won’t seal properly, blood leaks back into the heart instead of continuing out of it. It’s a condition known as mitral valve regurgitation, with symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing and heart palpitations, among others. Fortunately, cardiologists can repair the valve to reduce or stop severe forms of the condition. This traditionally requires open-heart surgery, but now, a less-invasive procedure called the MitraClip is available for qualifying patients at Bellingham’s PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. The MitraClip procedure uses a catheter inserted into a small groin incision. The catheter, which includes the small clip device, is then guided through a leg vein to reach the heart, where the valve is clipped to minimize or stop occurring leakage. PeaceHealth St. Joseph began offering MitraClip in July of 2021. Three patients have undergone the procedure, with several more scheduled soon, says Dr. Eric King, an interventional cardiologist and the sole conductor of MitraClip procedures. All three patients, Dr. King says, are recovering well. So why does the mitral valve become dysfunctional in the first place? There are several reasons. One is simply degradation as people age, causing the valve to tear. Heart failure, leading to enlargement of the heart muscle, and other serious illnesses that affect the heart can also adversely impact the valve’s function.

Who’s a good candidate? For patients with mitral valve regurgitation, milder versions can be treated with medications. But when severe forms of the condition necessitate surgery, open-heart surgery is still the standard of care for optimal mitral valve repair. Due to advanced age, heart or lung conditions, however, open-heart procedures simply provide too much risk of complication for some patients. For them, the MitraClip procedure is ideal. Patients for the procedure must also be free of infection and blood clots, be able to tolerate blood thinners, and have a mitral valve condition that’s not caused by a case

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of rheumatic fever. The screening process of qualification includes diagnostic tests like blood work and an angiogram, as well as both an echocardiogram and a transesophageal echocardiogram. The MitraClip procedure can last three to four hours, a timeframe similar to the open-heart version of the valve fix. However, the recovery time of MitraClip is typically much quicker. “Patients are usually able to get up out of bed after about three hours,” Dr. King says. “Usually, they go home the following day.” Moving forward, the use of the MitraClip procedure in Whatcom County will save some of the most vulnerable mitral valve patients a lot of time and worry. “Previously, our patients were having to go down to a different center in Seattle to get this procedure done,” Dr. King says. “Now, having it here…it’s a pretty awesome thing for the community.” Patients who have concerns about mitral regurgitation or are interested in MitraClip should contact their primary care physician or cardiologist to learn more. Authored by and republished with permission from WhatcomTalk. 

Life Top Picks

OCTOBER

Courtesy of Stigma Stomp

STIGMA STOMP October 2, 10 a.m. Get your blood pumping at the Stigma Stomp Fun Run & Walk, brought to you by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Whatcom. Sign up early for this event and start submitting photos of activities you do before the event, in support of Moving for Mental Health. This event will start and finish at Bloedel Donovan Park and totals 2.2 miles (or 4.1 miles if you take the extra loop). Bloedel Donovan Park, 2214 Electric Ave., Bellingham, 360.671.4950, namiwhatcom.org

Courtesy of Twiddle

TWIDDLE AT WILD BUFFALO October 29, 8:30 p.m.

WHATCOM LITERACY COUNCIL’S TRIVIA BEE October 1, 7 – 9 p.m. What is “a fun night of trivia with friends?” The Whatcom Literacy Council hosts its 25th annual Trivia Bee online! Field a team of three for $75 or watch for free. Scotty VanDryer of KAFE Radio and Jeopardy! star Ken Jennings co-host this entertaining trivia match, where teams go head-to-head to win the traveling “Totten Trophy.” Whatcom Literacy Council, 360.752.8678, whatcomliteracy.org

BELLEWOOD FARM’S PUMPKIN PATCHES October 1 – 3, 6 – 10, 13 – 17, 20 – 24, 27 – 31, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Enjoy the crisp autumn air, fresh cider, and caramel apples at Bellewood Farm’s Pumpkin Patch. Every Wednesday through Sunday in October, visit Bellewood Farm for a unique and rustic experience. Visitors can also stop by the tasting room to sample their farm-to-bottle spirits. It’s fun for the whole family, and you can even bring a pumpkin home to commemorate your visit. Bellewood Farms, 6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden, 360.318.7720, bellewoodfarms.com

LAKE PADDEN TRAIL HALF MARATHON AND 5K October 9, 10 a.m. This challenging and memorable half marathon will take you on a trek through the dense forest surrounding Lake Padden. 40

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Vermont-based rock band Twiddle is coming to Bellingham to perform “PLUMP,” an album made possible through Kickstarter donors. The 27-song album that was recorded over two years is a reflection of the four band members’ struggles. This show will follow Wild Buffalo’s reopening guidelines which include proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test upon entry. Wild Buffalo House of Music, 208 West Holly St., Bellingham, 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net

The race is designed for intermediate to advanced runners. In addition, there is a 5k race at which everyone is encouraged to wear costumes! Visit nwenduranceevents.com to sign up for this thrilling and adventure-filled run. Lake Padden Park, 4882 Samish Way, Bellingham, nwenduranceevents.com

COMMODORES October 9, 7 p.m. Get your funk on with “one of the greatest Motown and R&B/funk artists of all time.” At the pinnacle of the Motown era, these artists were consistently at the top of the Billboard charts. The group is best known for their songs “Three Times a Lady,” “Zoom,” and “Brick House.” Don’t miss your chance to witness this genre defining band. Tulalip Resort Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip, 888.272.1111, tulalipresortcasino.com

BLEEDINGHAM HORROR FILM FESTIVAL October 29 – 31 Mainstream horror not scary enough for you? Check out the indie horror scene at Bleedingham Film Festival. Celebrating its 10th year, Bleedingham is a fun and competitive film festival that’s sure to put you in the Halloween spirit. You won’t want to miss these bone-chilling films you can’t find anywhere else. Pickford Film Center, 1318 Bay St., Bellingham, 360.738.0735, pickfordfilmcenter.org

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We are proud to welcome our new cornea specialist to the NWEC surgical team Dr. Denise Dudley, MD

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Happy Halloween! Celebrating Oct 28th31st! Get 25% off most items in the store along with 30% off select edibles and topicals. *$20 min purchase

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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.

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! u o y k Than for your votes and winning us silver for best furniture store! It is an honor to serve our community year after year!

360.778.3870 | 168 Birch Bay Lynden Road | Lynden, WA | wisersfurniture.com

Q&A: Betty Be Good Boutique 44 Madrona Wear 46

Photo courtesy of Karmela Botanica

Shop Local 51

Style

Beauty

Karmela Botanica

October 2021 43

Style Fashion Q&A

Style Q&A with Suzanne Smith of Betty Be Good Boutique PHOTOS COURTESY BETTY BE GOOD BOUTIQUE

Can you clue us in on some unexpected trends this season? The shacket! A shacket (shirt-jacket) is a heavier-weight, usually plaid button-up worn as outerwear. While it made an appearance in spring 2021, the true moment of the shacket is yet to come in fall 2021. Expect to see shackets in all the traditional plaid colors — red buffalo check, black and white, and navy — but also in nontraditional colors like magenta, hunter green, camel, and wine. The shacket is the perfect outerwear style for our mild PNW winters, so I can see this trend really being practical for our shoppers. Another trend making a play is the sweater vest. Layered with a classic white collared button up or a basic long sleeve top, the sweater vest is a callback to preppy ‘80s fashion. The tennis skirt that’s been popularized this summer is part of that fashion theme.

After a year of working from home in pajamas, I’m not ready to forgo comfort completely. How can I balance dressiness with coziness when choosing office-ready autumn looks? Fabric is the key to building a wardrobe you love wearing. Office looks have traditionally been constructed of scratchy polyester suiting and blouses that feel awful on the body, but fabric technology has come a long way over the past decade. Bamboo, modal, and cupro are some beautiful naturally sourced materials that are now widely available in basics, blouses, blazers, and dresses. Consider a blazer made of jersey knit for a stretchy and comfortable alternative to the polyester “straightjacket” of the past. Blazers paired with jeans and playful tops or basics are a trendy way to bring back the professionalism to your wardrobe without sacrificing comfort.

Do you have any creative ideas for layering favorite summer pieces like tanks and dresses to wear again during the colder months? We love the idea of transitioning dresses from summer to fall with a cropped cardigan or pullover sweater. There

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Fall fashion is always the most highly anticipated of our collections. Shoppers can’t ever get enough of the chunky cardigans, cozy plaid flannels, and soft knit pullovers. are a few ways to make this work. For a cropped cardigan, the style we love best is a chunky knit with buttons. The cropped-style cardigan brings in the waist for definition of the body and won’t add bulk. Another way is to layer a pullover sweater over a summer dressy using a belt to pull up the sweater to your waist and tuck the sweater out over the belt. This gives the illusion of your dress as a skirt. Very cute!

Fall is my favorite time of year for fashion, but my outfits eventually start to feel repetitive. What would you recommend to spice them up beyond usual gotos like scarves and boots? I always say the most cost-effective way to spice up your wardrobe is with a new pair of jeans. New blues bring

new life to your tops, sweaters, and basics unlike any other single item of clothing. Basics are another place to add more interest and excitement to your closet. Beautiful new basics in soft and wearable fabrics will bring life to everything else you own.

What excites you the most about fall fashion in 2021? Fall fashion is always the most highly anticipated of our collections. Shoppers can’t ever get enough of the chunky cardigans, cozy plaid flannels, and soft knit pullovers. We’re seeing highly layered looks for fall 2021. Knits layered with other knits, plaids layered with vests, cropped sweaters and sweater vests. Everything is knit — including skirts and tops — and I’m truly excited about the return of the sweater

dress. This is, in my opinion, a response to the demand for comfort.

What can shoppers expect to find at Betty Be Good this October? Our shoppers can always expect luscious-feeling knits, basics, tops, and outerwear during the fall season. We’ve fallen in love all over again with plaid, yet we’re taking a less traditional approach with colors as we stock non-traditional plaids with feminine color palettes to dress up or down. Our denim collection is classic, stretchy, and wearable… and always mid-high rise. We are launching the BETTY private label, which is a hand-picked collection of our most luscious styles of the season. This will be the first BETTY brand collection exclusive to our two boutiques. Lastly, shoppers can always expect affordable and adorable fashion, footwear, and accessories with everything in our collection still under $60. Find us in Lynden on Front Street at Fairway Center, Birch Bay Square in Blaine, and online at shopbettybegood.com.  October 2021 45

Style Local Find

Madrona Wear Sustainable Handmade Outdoor Clothing and Gear Repair WRITTEN BY MARISSA MULJAT PHOTOGRAPHED BY WESTON PERSONS

ADRONA WEAR IS A SUSTAINABLE clothing

company born from a passion for sewing and a love for the natural world. It was founded in August of last year by Ruby Spring and Weston Persons, and the couple makes all of their clothing to order using upcycled and recycled materials. Spring and Persons recognized the need for sustainable outdoor clothing and gear repair, especially in a place like Bellingham where nature is such a huge part of life. As Bellingham residents, Spring and Persons understand the large amount of outdoor gear that gets used and eventually breaks. The couple also noticed how the pandemic has inspired many in the Pacific Northwest to spend more time outdoors, which has increased outdoor gear sales and waste. “A big part of our mission is to keep clothes out of the landfill,” Persons says. Clothing and gear repairs are viewed by the couple as a cost-effective way to allow people to continue using their outdoor gear and as a method of reducing waste. Spring learned how to sew from her mother, a professional seamstress, at the young age of six. Her mom passed away before she was able to teach Spring more detailed sewing techniques, but a passion for sewing had already been sparked. Spring taught herself to become a better seamstress. She has also shared her knowledge with Persons, who recognizes that the ability to make clothing is a powerful skill. “It was life-changing for me because I can wear clothes that I feel good about,” says Persons. 46

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“You know, [clothes] that weren’t made in a factory 1,000, 2,000 miles away by 20 people I don’t know.” In addition to offering outdoor clothing items and clothing and gear repair, Madrona Wear fulfills custom orders. Orders can be made through the Madrona Wear website, madronawear.com. “If someone’s like, ‘I want some crazy pants, let me see what fabric you have,’ we will make you some cool pants or shorts,” Spring says. Many of their fabrics are purchased from Ragfinery, a shop in Bellingham that sells donated fabrics and materials. They also purchase recycled polyester fabrics from various other shops. Spring and Persons absolutely love what they do and are excited about the positive impact they are able to make through this business. They encourage the community not to throw away broken gear, but instead, bring it to Madrona Wear to get it fixed! “It just is such a perfect way for us to give back with the skills that we have and run a business doing something that actually helps the world a lot,” Spring says. Bellingham, 406.581.8149, madronawear.com 

Thank You for voting Labels Best Consignment!

Thank you for voting us Best Women’s Clothing! Open Monday-Saturday, 11am-5pm 2945 Newmarket Ste. 107 | 360.734.9595

TWO LOCATIONS 360.676.1210

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Cashmere Finds

KITCHEN DESIGN STUDIO NET “Bespoke Design with Lifestyle and Budget in Mind”

WRITTEN BY ANELYSE MORRIS

HE WEATHER IS GROWING COLDER,

so it’s time to bundle up. If you’re looking for something warm, stylish, and built to last, cashmere is a perfect go-to. While a bit pricier, cashmere is softer, silkier, and lighter than most other wools, so splurge this fall on your soon-to-be favorite sweater. 

Service to Discerning Clients in the Great NW Since 2004. Call Marshall at (360) 966-3929 to Discuss Your Needs And Schedule a Complimentary Initial Consultation.

Kinross Cashmere Drawstring Cowl in Iris Quinn + Foster, $192.50 360.671.2000, quinnandfoster.com

Charter Club Cashmere LongSleeve SplitNeck Twofer Macy’s, $44.93 360.715.6000, macys.com

Women’s Lands’ End Touch Screen Compatible Leather Gloves with Cashmere Lining Kohl’s, $74.95 360.527.0701, kohls.com

Kinross Cashmere Plaited Stripe Boatneck Crew in Birch Quinn + Foster, $269.50 360.671.2000, quinnandfoster.com

October 2021 49

Style Beauty

A Partnership With Nature Karmela Botanica WRITTEN BY EMILY BISHOP | PHOTOS COURTESY OF KARMELA BOTANICA

ROM SOAPS AND LOTIONS TO AROMATHERAPY AND MAKEUP, Karmela Botanica offers a little bit

of everything. In fact, when it comes to skin care products, owner Karma Maclachlan says it’s easier to ask what they don’t make. “We sell everything in our wheelhouse from luxury organic palm-free soaps to candles, incense, and toothpaste,” says Maclachlan. Maclachlan started making skin care products in 2002 under the business name Mother Goose Botanicals. In 2006, the company changed its name to Karmela Botanica, in part to honor Machlachlan’s Sicilian grandmother, Carmela. Maclachlan worked as a massage therapist and noticed that several products she used on clients had chemicals in them that she wouldn’t have used on herself. This inspired her to start making her own products that were more organic and created in partnership with nature. “I work closely with nature and come up with recipes that are designed to delight the senses and be beneficial for the skin,” says Maclachlan. “And it’s not just a concept about nature — we actually grow and wild harvest many of the ingredients we use.” The first product Karmela Botanica offered was a calendula lavender face cream, and Maclachlan says that 50

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this is her favorite product. She designed a six-step skin care regime as well as chocolate and green clay masks when Karmela Botanica first started. However, the products offered soon started to expand to a wider variety of options. “I really just thought, ‘Oh, I should have three bars of soaps to go with my bath salts,’” says Maclachlan. “What keeps the business interesting to me is to always have new products. I could never just do the same old and stay satisfied.” Maclachlan doesn’t keep track of what types of products are trending or popular with other businesses; instead, she gets internal inspiration for her creations. All products are made from scratch by Maclachlan and Maggie Travis. Karmela Botanica sets up booths at farmers markets from Bellingham to Seattle. You can also find Maclachlan and Travis selling at arts festivals. If you can’t make it out to see them in person, most of Karmela Botanica’s products can be purchased online via their website. Maclachlan says the most enjoyable part of her work is the relationship she builds with customers. The happiness expressed when people tell her about how much they enjoy Karmela Botanica is what brings her joy and satisfaction. karmelabotanica.com 

PROMOTION

SHOP LOCAL 1 Bath Bombs and Fizzies Starting at $8 and Up Bella Rose Bath & Beauty Boutique 1134 10th St., Bellingham 360.746.8163, luvbellarose.com

2 “Hunter” wig by Estetica $207.95 Sunset Beauty Supply

1225 E. Sunset Dr. #150 Bellingham 360.758.0359, sunsetbeautysupply.com

3 Jewelry by Judy Morgan, Sterling, 22k bimetal, Pearl and Topaz | $126 WaterWorks Gallery 315 Argyle Ave., Friday Harbor 360.378.3060, waterworksgallery.com

4 Handmade Paper $3.50 – $13 per sheet Art and Happiness

2004 James St., Bellingham 360.206.0389

5 Custom Floral Arrangements $25 and up A Lot of Flowers 1011 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.647.0728 alotofflowersfairhaven.com

6 Unlimited Classes | $75 Monthly Membership Bellingham Jazzercise

1326 Commercial St., Bellingham 360.842.4434, jazzercise.com

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

8 CBD Bath Bombs $7–$14 We Bee Kind mallory@webeekind.com webeekind.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. October 2021 51

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Photo by David Scherrer

Photo by Barron Solar

Courtesy of Augusta Lawn Care Services

Courtesy of Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar

Photo by Blue Umbrella Photography

READER’S CHOICE

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

Courtesy of Highline Construction

AWARDS

Best of the Northwest

2021

Your 2021 Best of the Northwest Results are in!

119 CATEGORIES Photo by Emily Porter

Courtesy of Fringe Boutique

30 DAYS OF VOTING

75,324 ENTRIES 916,029 INDIVIDUAL VOTES CAST

October 2021 53

Arts & Entertainment

Reader’s Choice

BEST CASINO

Silver Reef Casino Resort 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, 866.383.0777, silverreefcasino.com

Courtesy of Silver Reef Casino

This Ferndale-based casino takes the top prize for the first time since 2018. In addition to a swanky resort, they have a spa, more than 1,000 slot machines, and plenty of table games to boot. Even if you’re not feeling lucky, they’re worth a visit for the dining experience alone — we’re big fans of The Steak House here at Bellingham Alive. Silver: The Skagit Casino Resort Bronze: Swinomish Casino & Lodge

BEST LIVE THEATER

Mount Baker Theatre

Photo by Damian Vines

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

BellinghamAlive.com

It’s happened to all of us: You mention a play or entertainer you enjoy and, without hesitation, someone will respond by saying, “Oh, that? I saw it at Mount Baker Theatre back in (insert year here)!” Sound familiar? This beloved national landmark has been bringing live entertainment, culture, events, and more to Bellingham since 1927. It’s no wonder that it also consistently brings home the gold. Silver: Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY) Bronze: Bellingham Theatre Guild

Courtesy of Makeworth Market

Editor’s Pick

Photo by Dean Davidson

Caffeine and creativity collide at Makeworth Market, whose recently established artist-inresidence program features a new local artist every two weeks. If you’d prefer to admire art in the great outdoors, you might be interested in a stroll through the Sculpture Woods, open the first Saturday of each month. These 16 bronze sculptures are themed around humanity’s relationship to the natural world and can be found on a 15 acre stretch of land on Lummi Island. Lastly, you can admire or even leave your own miniature piece of art at the Little Free Gallery, located in Bellingham on the corner of West Street and Eldridge Avenue.

Best Place To Be A Button-Pusher BEST FESTIVAL

Northwest Washington Fair 1775 Front St., Lynden, 360.354.4111, nwwafair.com

This local tradition has been around since 1909, and after going virtual in 2020, the Northwest Washington Fair came back this August bigger and better than ever. The normally weeklong extravaganza was extended to include 10 days of entertainment, animals, vendors, carnival rides, and of course plenty of delicious food. It’s an all-out celebration of the best the agricultural community has to offer, and we couldn’t be happier to see it return. Silver: Bellingham Arts and Music Festival Bronze: Anacortes Arts Festival

If you’re a fan of old video games, The Racket Bar and Pinball Lounge is a must-see in downtown Bellingham. Connected to The Shakedown, The Racket has over 15 pinball machines… and serves Philly cheesesteaks! If you’re looking for somewhere to bring the kids, try Ruckus Room Arcade and Fun Center, where you can win tickets playing pinball and other arcade games. No one is ever too old to be a button-pusher.

Top Trivia

Those random facts retained from 10th grade biology class (or a random ‘90s rom-com with Ben Affleck) might just come in handy during trivia at McKay’s Taphouse. Alternatively, head to Farmstrong Brewing Co. on Wednesday night for weekly trivia and a pint of locally crafted beer. Prefer something more scenic? The Beach at Birch Bay is just the place — their Thursday night trivia comes complete with waterfront views.

October 2021 55

Arts & Entertainment

Most Unexpected Art Displays

BEST MUSEUM

Whatcom Museum 121 Prospect St., Bellingham, 360.778.8930, whatcommuseum.org

Arts & Entertainment

What’s not to love about the Whatcom Museum? This historic location was originally built as city hall for the former town of New Whatcom. It now spans three buildings (the Lightcatcher Building, Old City Hall, and Syre Education Center) and offers exhibitions, public programs, and summer camps. Visitors can also find last year’s winner, the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG), in the museum’s stunning Lightcatcher building. The Whatcom Museum is our very own cultural institution, connecting the community to art and Northwestern history since 1941.

Photo by David Scherrer

Silver: SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention Bronze: San Juan Islands Museum Of Art

BEST ART GALLERY

Jansen Art Center

Photo by Randy Fleming

321 Front St., Lynden, 360.354.3600, jansenartcenter.org

BellinghamAlive.com

Anyone who wants to engage with the arts should be able to do so, and Jansen Art Center helps to make this possible for both Lynden and all of Whatcom County. Their seasonally rotating exhibitions feature an array of mediums and artists based in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. What’s more, kids and adults alike can participate in classes to deepen an existing artistic practice, experiment with new materials, or just have fun. Silver: Whatcom Art Market Bronze: Make.Shift Art Space

up-and-coming local artists Gretchen Leggitt Ciara Sana

Thank you for making us Bellingham’s Best Live Theatre

Sarah Finger Quinn Dimitroff Bradley James Lockhart

BEST LOCAL BAND/ PERFORMER

The Replayzmentz 360.371.5436

Silver: J.P. Falcon Band Bronze: SpaceBand

BEST LOCAL ARTIST

Ben Mann Studios

1000 Harris Ave., Studio #18, Bellingham, 360.920.4022, ben-mann.com

Silver: Jennifer Parker ReImagined Bronze: Jody Bergsma

BEST GOLF COURSE

North Bellingham Golf Course 205 W. Smith Rd., Bellingham, 360.398.8300, northbellinghamgolf.com

Silver: Lake Padden Golf Course Bronze: Raspberry Ridge Golf Course

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

The Wild Buffalo 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net

Silver: DownTime Taps Bronze: The Shakedown

MOUNT BAKER THEATRE IS NOW OPEN WITH LIVE PERFORMANCES. This season is kicking off with a variety of live events on the Mount Baker Theatre Mainstage, musical performances in the Walton Theatre Listening Lounge, and fun choices from Movie Palace nights. We’ve gathered an eclectic selection that is sure to have something for everyone! Find the latest upcoming shows and ways we are working for a safer experience at MountBakerTheatre.com and by following us on social media. Our doors are open and we welcome you!

Now, on with the show!

Your safety is our top priority. Learn about MBT’s Health and Safety Plan at MountBakerTheatre.com

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

SEASON SPONSOR

October 2021 57

Fashion & Retail

Reader’s Choice

BEST LOCAL ARTISAN

Jennifer Parker of ReImagined facebook.com/ReImagined.Art.with.Purpose

Courtesy of Jennifer Parker ReImagined

Where some might see trash, Bellingham local Jennifer Parker sees artistic opportunity. She crafts delightfully quirky critters — think owls, fish, cats, and many more — from reclaimed wood and discarded objects. Chances are you’ve seen a few of her creations hanging out in gardens in your neighborhood. If you’d like to take home your own eco-friendly piece of art, look for her booth at markets around the North Sound area or follow her on Instagram at @reimagined. by.jen. Silver: Good Earth Pottery Bronze: Martini Metal Craft

BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING

Statement Apparel 2945 Newmarket St., Ste. 107, Bellingham, 360.734.9595, statement-apparel.com

Courtesy of Statement Apparel

After taking the gold in 2020, our readers have yet again given Statement Apparel the grand prize. This women’s boutique offers clothing that’s contemporary yet comfortable, and weekly shipments ensure that there’s always something fresh to discover. Better yet, they’ve raised more than $20,000 for the Whatcom Hospice Foundation by donating a portion of every sale, so shopping with Statement Apparel is beneficial to both your closet and the community.

Silver: Cheeks Bronze: Sojourn

BellinghamAlive.com

BEST BOUTIQUE

Fringe Boutique 1147 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.312.4067, wearfringe.com

Courtesy of Fringe Boutique

Fringe Boutique aims to “bring Bellingham women style in all areas of their life,” and they accomplish this goal in spades. In need of a wardrobe refresh or a special occasion outfit? Looking for a unique gift for a loved one? We suggest stopping by Fringe to see what’s new. With their variety of clothing, accessories, shoes, and even home goods, you’re sure to find styles to suit any occasion.

Editor’s Pick Meet Your Makers

Brazen Shop + Studio is the place to go for jewelry, home goods,

art, apothecary items, and more. In addition to fun vintage finds, many of their wares are locally made. Seasonal shoppers, mark your calendars for Lynden’s upcoming Red Barn Market on November 19th and 20th. You can peruse a variety of handmade goods and strike up a chat with the folks who crafted them. Lastly, keep an eye out for the Rebel Artists of Whatcom in the Commercial Street Plaza. These inclusive pop-up markets provide a venue for diverse local artisans, and they welcome anyone who wishes to join them.

Conscientious Cosmetics

Courtesy of Brazen Shop + Studio

Sea Witch Botanicals specializes in natural home and body

products, and all items are created by hand with the environment in mind. They offer a variety of ethically sourced scents, but for something especially unique, take a whiff of their absinthe soap. Barn Cat Creations makes products that are good for your body and the earth. Their solid shampoo bars make your hair smell and feel luxurious, but they also eliminate the need for plastic shampoo bottles. If you can’t settle on a scent, try the soap sampler — a winning combination of four half bars of different scents.

October 2021 59

Fashion & Retail

Silver: Betty Be Good Boutique Bronze: Adored Boutique

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING

BEST JEWELRY SHOP

128 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.671.2000, quinnandfoster.com

1730 La Bounty Dr., Ste. 5, Ferndale, 360.384.2803, borthwickjewelry.com

Silver: Bay To Baker Trading Company Bronze: Yeager’s Sporting Goods

Silver: Jewelry Affair Bronze: Bayside Coin & Jewelry

BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP

BEST FURNITURE STORE

Various locations, Bellingham, 360.676.1210, labelsconsignment.com

1904 Main St., Ferndale, 360.384.3388, samuelsfurniture.com

Silver: The Clothes Rack Bronze: Foxxy Brown’s

Silver: Wisers Furniture Bronze: Griffith Furniture

Quinn + Foster

Samuel’s Furniture Store

Fashion & Retail

Labels

Borthwick Jewelry

BEST SHOE STORE

Fairhaven Runners & Walkers

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

1209 11th St., Bellingham, 360.676.4955, fairhavenrunners.com

BellinghamAlive.com

As any athlete can tell you, sometimes a shoe is not just a shoe. Running shoes should be tailored to the runner, not the other way around, and finding the right fit to support your step is a crucial part of the sport. Thankfully, Fairhaven Runners has all the resources to match customers to their ideal shoe. Their four-step process has been refined over more than 22 years of business; in fact, they’re experienced enough that medical professionals often refer foot care patients to the store. No matter how you move, their expert staff can help you identify the best shoes to keep you comfortable. Silver: 12th Street Shoes Bronze: BBay Running

Editor’s Pick Best place to bundle you up

Scarves are a quick and cozy way to kick any outfit up a notch. If you’re feeling the autumn chill, head to Sojourn in Bellingham for accessories that are sure to keep you warm well into the winter. Statement Apparel, located in Bellingham’s Barkley Village, also has plenty of options for comfy and casual outerwear. If you find yourself in La Conner, Skagit River Boutique has colorful and one-of-a kind scarves woven by local artisan Sandy McKellar.

BEST WAY TO BUY IN BULK

Living Earth Herbs Apothecary in Bellingham

has jars upon jars of herbs for teas, tinctures, and all your natural medicine needs. For your next stop, the Pumped Bellingham truck can be found all over downtown. Check out their Instagram at @pumpedbellingham to see exactly where they’ll park next. Bring or buy a reusable container and fill it up with household necessities like detergent, soap, and cleaning products. If you’re looking for a way to unwind at the end of the day, load up on loose leaf tea at The Spice Hut in Bellingham. They offer more than 175 tea varieties, plus more than 100 whole spices and herbs.

Thanks for voting us Best Electronics Store Home Automation designed to simplify and beautify your life Integrated systems customized to suit your home & office Audio/Video | Home Theater | Lighting | Automated Shades | Security Cameras

360.398.8447 • avxc.com October 2021 61

BEST ANTIQUE STORE

Penny Lane Antique Mall

427 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.671.3301, pennylaneantiquemall.com

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

Silver: Penny Pinchers Bronze: Bellingham Bay Collectibles

Editor’s Pick

Photo by Kevin Misiuda

Sport Your Hometown Spirit

If you’re looking for Bellingham anything — shirts, stickers, magnets, maps — Bay to Baker Trading Company is where you’ll find it. There’s also a new Bellingham-centered gift shop in town: Northwest Corner Goods. Brought to you in part by the creator of the Bellingham flag, this store has everything Bellingham that you could ever want. Skagit folks can find their own regalia at Tides of Anacortes. They have adorable Anacortes shirts and hoodies along with several major women’s clothing brands, shoes, and even accessories.

BellinghamAlive.com

Photo by Elyssa Kuik

Fashion & Retail

Penny Lane is the place to go for vintage goods, furniture, jewelry, clothing, art, and collectibles you never even knew you needed. With more than 5,000 square feet of treasures just waiting to be discovered, you’d be hard-pressed to leave empty handed. They bring in hundreds of new items each day, making it a dream location for antique hunters or anyone looking to lose a few hours on a rainy afternoon.

Jazziest Jeans

Finding high-quality and stylish jeans should be fun and easy, right? Cheeks Jeans is a women’s clothing boutique in downtown Lynden known for gorgeous hand-picked designer denim. They also have cute and affordable tops, dresses, shoes, and accessories. As a woman-owned shop, shopping at Cheeks supports women in business as well as their families.

Sustainable outfitters Texture Clothing

What communicating is all about

Madrona Wear elSage Designs Social Fabric The Goat’s Coat

BEST APPLIANCE STORE

We provide physical therapy, bodywork, and feeding therapy to help your infant successfully eat, grow, and develop stress free.

Judd & Black

S K AT E , S N O W , S U R F SINCE 1980

2001 James St., Bellingham, 360.733.7722, juddblack.com

Silver: DeWaard & Bode Bronze: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE

WWS Boardshop 104 E. Maple St Bellingham, WA 98225 wws-boardshop.com 1971 Midway Ln, Suite N, Bellingham, WA

360.756.1495 | CONNECTIONSSLP.com

Thanks for the suppor t!

Yeager’s Sporting Goods 3101 Northwest Ave., Bellingham, 360.733.1080, yeagerssportinggoods.com

Silver: Dave’s Sports Shop Bronze: WWS Boardshop

BEST ELECTRONICS STORE

Reference Media

A better built, high performance house allows more time to care less. And that’s the way it should be. At A1, we design and build for tomorrow today. A more sustainable, affordable community,

1611 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.714.8860, reference-media.net

one house at a time.

Silver: Audio Video Excellence Bronze: CityMac

Let’s start with yours.

BEST BOOKSTORE

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

Silver: Easton’s Books Bronze: Pelican Bay Books & Coffeehouse

www.a1designbuild.coop

October 2021 63

Health & Beauty

Reader’s Choice BEST HEALTH FOOD SHOP

Community Food Co-op Various locations, 360.734.8158, communityfood.coop

Silver: The Green Barn Bronze: Living Pantry

BEST SPA

The Chrysalis Inn & Spa Bellingham 804 10th St., Bellingham, 360.756.1005, spaatthechrysalisinn.com

Courtesy of Bellingham Training & Tennis Club

Silver: The Apothecary Spa Bronze: Kara’s Beauty Barn

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

Tyler Budwey, Bellingham Training & Tennis Club 800 McKenzie Ave., Bellingham, 360.733.5050, betrainingtennis.com

No matter your fitness background or goals, Tyler Budwey believes that you’re stronger than you think. He specializes in combining injury mitigation techniques with sports performance, meaning that whether you’re a pro athlete or rehabilitating an injury, Budwey can formulate a training plan to suit your needs. Follow him on Instagram at @built_by_budwey to learn more. Silver: Gene Kelly, Bellingham Fitness Bronze: Matt Catalogna, Fitness Evolution

BellinghamAlive.com

BEST MANI-PEDI

Jimmy’s Personal Care 1327 11th St., Bellingham, 360.933.4268, jimmyspersonalcare.com

Silver: Happy Nails Bellingham Bronze: Nina’s Nails & Spa

BEST MASSAGE

Still Life Massage and Float 19 Bellwether Way, Ste. 101, Bellingham, 360.647.2805, stilllifemassage.com

Silver: Advanced Medical Massage Bronze: Massage Envy

BEST YOGA/PILATES STUDIO

Yoga Northwest 1440 10th St., Ste. 101A, Bellingham, 360.647.0712, yoganorthwest.com

Silver: Flow Motion Bronze: 3 OMS

BEST PHARMACY

Hilltop Pharmacy

This locally owned and operated pharmacy has been serving Mount Vernon since 1980, and they jumped from bronze to gold in this year’s competition. We’d guess it’s because customers can count on experienced staff and easy prescription-managing services: Think auto-fill, mobile apps, home delivery, and more. Silver: Hoagland Pharmacy Bronze: Rx Mart Pharmacy

BEST FITNESS CENTER

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

Bellingham Fitness Center 1730 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.733.1600, bellinghamfitness.com

Silver: Bellingham Training & Tennis Club Bronze: 30 Minute Hit

BEST SALON

Argyle Salon BEST MEN’S HAIRCUT

Wally’s Barber Shop 314 E. Holly St., Ste. 100, Bellingham, 360.647.0807

Men can count on Wally’s Barber Shop for old-school cuts, banter, and some of the friendliest service in town. Barber Wally Whaley established the business with his wife, Renate, and has kept things in the family since opening shop in 1998. Service here goes beyond just a haircut — it’s a selfcare experience. Silver: Busy B’s Barber Shop & Salon Bronze: V’s Barbershop

1155 N. State St., Ste. 108, Bellingham, 360.752.0788, argyle-salon.com

Silver: Zazen Salon Spa Bronze: Salon Bellissima

BEST FAMILY PRACTITIONER

PeaceHealth Family Medicine 4545 Cordata Pkwy., Ste. 2C & 2D, 360.752.5165, peacehealth.org

Silver: Bellingham Bay Family Medicine Bronze: Family Care Network October 2021 65

Health & Beauty

Courtesy of Hilltop Pharmacy

1223 E. Division St., Mount Vernon, 360.428.1710, rxhilltop.com

Courtesy of Diamond Dental Courtesy of Dr. Sarah Garrett, Fairhaven Integrative Health

Health & Beauty

BEST NATUROPATH

Dr. Sarah Garrett, Fairhaven Integrative Health 1200 Old Fairhaven Pkwy., Ste. 305, Bellingham, 360.676.1285, fairhavenintegrativehealth.com

As a Washington state licensed naturopathic physician, Dr. Garrett’s goal is to “help you realize and maintain the dream of health.” She takes a holistic and integrative approach to natural medicine. In addition to her training as a primary care provider, she also specializes in women’s health and chronic conditions such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disorder, and autoimmune disorders. If you’re looking for a new perspective on healthcare, visit her at Fairhaven Integrative Health for a plan focused on your individual needs. Silver: Dr. Jenna Jorgensen, Northwest Life Medicine Clinic Bronze: Dr. Emily Sharpe

BellinghamAlive.com

BEST DENTIST

Diamond Dental 102 S. Samish Way, Ste. 103, Bellingham, 360.734.1999, diamonddental.com

Diamond Dental does it all: Implants, orthodontics, oral surgery, and general dentistry for patients of all ages. Their locations in Bellingham and Mount Vernon are staffed by some of Washington state’s best and brightest, and in addition to providing top-notch care, they aim to build and maintain long-term relationships with each client. Silver: Bellingham Smiles Bronze: Ferndale Family Dental

BEST CANNABIS SHOP

2020 Solutions

Various locations, 360.746.3440, 2020-solutions.com

Silver: Trove Cannabis Bronze: Western Bud

BEST AUDIOLOGIST/HEARING CENTER

Spencer Audiology

2114 James St., Bellingham, 360.312.4837, spenceraudiology.com

For those experiencing hearing problems, Spencer Audiology offers care that’s truly compassionate. They help patients using a four-step process and cutting-edge technology, and treatment is both individualized and thorough. You can depend on them for assistance with tinnitus treatment, hearing aids, aural rehabilitation, and more. Silver: Hearing Health Center Bronze: Bellingham Hearing Center

Editor’s Pick Special Spa Services

The menu of facials and skin treatments at Spero Spa is extensive enough to include pickme-ups for all skin types, and you even can add on a massage or foot bath. At Flow Motion in Ferndale, clients are invited to unwind in caves made of salt or amethyst. These stunning spaces also host sound baths, yoga workshops, and massages. For something that’s both luxurious and unusual, the seaweed body wrap at Blessings Salon Spa will have you feeling like a new you in no time — especially when combined with a massage or aromatherapy.

Most Adventurous Exercise

If you prefer workouts with an extra dose of adrenaline, Fight Lab might be the place for you. They accommodate all fitness levels and offer classes ranging from kung fu to boxing and even Muay Thai. Think you have good balance? Try doing a warrior pose on a stand-up paddleboard with SUP YOGA Bellingham and find out. If you’re feeling extra confident, workouts with Bellingham Jazzercise incorporate HIIT cardio, strength training, and music worth shaking your hips to. Busting out dance moves in front of a room full of strangers might sound like the most adventurous exercise of all, but everyone is welcome and it’s all in good fun.

PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTENT MARKETING EVENT PLANNING

"Storytelling is a gift. It has the ability to transform perception, motivate action, and elevate awareness. Every facet of Chikara PR is structured around this concept." -Tina Kies, CEO & Owner, Chikara PR, LLC

360.630.9300 chikarapr.com

October 2021 67

BEST MEDI-SPA

RejuvenationMD 2219 Rimland Dr., Ste. 105, 360.685.8408, rejuvenationmdmedspa.com

Silver: evole Mediclinic Bronze: Kucumber Skin Lounge

BEST OB/GYN

PeaceHealth Women’s Health Clinic 4465 Cordata Pkwy., Ste. 102, Bellingham, 360.752.5280, peacehealth.org

Silver: Bellingham OB/GYN Bronze: Barkley Women’s Healthcare

Yeh Orthodontics

Capstone Physical Therapy Various locations, capstonept.com

Silver: Performance Physical Therapy Bronze: Peeples Physical Therapy

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

Natural Way Chiropractic 2000 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.671.1710, naturalwaychiro.org

Silver: Barkley Massage & Chiropractic Bronze: Salish Chiropractic

BEST RETIREMENT FACILITY

Orchard Park

Various locations, 360.676.9222, yehorthodontics.com

844 W. Orchard Dr., Bellingham, 360.647.3708, orchardpark.unicarehomes.com

Silver: Halgren Orthodontics Bronze: Veltkamp Orthodontics

Silver: The Willows Bronze: Rosewood Villa

BEST EYE CARE

Vision Plus Optometric Various locations, 360.393.4000, visionpluswa.com

After taking home bronze in 2019, Vision Plus comes in with gold in 2021. Established in 1999 by Dr. Mark Aginsky, they now have 22 locations in Washington state, including several in Whatcom and Skagit counties. If you’re in the market for a new optometrist, Vision Plus is a one-stop shop for glasses, contacts, medical vision care, and eye exams. Silver: Binyon Vision Center Bronze: Mount Baker Vision Clinic

Courtesy of Vision Plus

Health & Beauty

BEST ORTHODONTIST

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST

BellinghamAlive.com

Spacious Suites

a unique relaxing retreat offering esthetics & permanent cosmetics By appointment only, book online

www.karasbeautybarn.com

THANKS FOR VOTING US BEST MASSAGE

StillLifeMassage.com • 19 Bellwether Way Suite 101 • (360) 647-2805

Bus trips to appointments In person and virtual tours available 24 Hour stafﬁng Great food

Home & Garden

Reader’s Choice BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Érin Landscaping & Masonry 1943 Baltic Way, Ste. 112, Ferndale, 360.312.4509, erinlandscaping.com

Érin Landscaping & Masonry is a full-service landscape design company based in Bellingham, and if you have a dream for your home, they can make it a reality. In addition to landscaping services, they specialize in Old World Gaelic-style masonry walls, meaning that your house and garden is sure to stand out from the crowd. Their experienced team received the top vote in this year’s competition after bringing home silver in 2020.

Photo by Kelly Pearce

Silver: Molly Maguire Landscape Architecture Bronze: Whatcom Landscapes

BEST HOME DECOR

Greenhouse Home + Life 1235 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 360.676.1161, greenhousehome.com

Greenhouse has been a Bellingham staple since 1972, so it’s not shocking that they’ve received the gold every year since 2015. Eric and BreAnne Green took ownership of the store in 2017, and under their guidance, the legacy of the shop continues to evolve. In addition to home goods and kitchen accessories, Greenhouse offers home design consultations and home staging services for realtors. Silver: Petals & Blooms Bronze: Fresh Space Redesign

BellinghamAlive.com

BEST ARCHITECT

Falconworks 119 N. Commercial St., Ste. 1504, Bellingham, 360.319.2076, falconworksdesign.com

Silver: Jeff McClure, RMC Architects Bronze: [bundle] design studio

BEST FLOORING COMPANY

Fairhaven Floors

2001 Masonry Way, Ste. 106, Bellingham, 360.820.1678, fairhavenfloors.com

Silver: Morris Floors & Interiors Bronze: Mobile Floor Coverings

Editor’s Pick

L E A D E R S IN LUXURY 360.920.4022 • ben-mann.com

Photo by Blue Umbrella Photography

BEN MANN STUDIO GALLERY in Fairhaven. Private Open Studios By Appointment.

Thanks to Bellingham Alive’s readership for ongoing support and accolades Proud participant in the 27th annual Whatcom Artists Studio Tour: studiotour.net

Flower Subscription Services

If your day-to-day routine could benefit from a pop of color, Olio Flowers and Plants have a subscription service that’s every bit as delightful as it is unexpected. Make sure the flowers in your home stay fresh and sign up to receive a bouquet on a weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly basis. Pozie by Natalie also delivers beautifully arranged florals to breathe fresh life into your office or living space. In Mount Vernon, Harts Floral offers subscription services for roses, seasonal flowers, and even plants and succulents.

October 2021 71

BEST KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN

North Haven Remodeling

North Haven Remodeling offers a full-service approach to kitchen and bath remodeling. With more than two decades in business, they understand the importance of a well-designed space and are available every step of the way as you transform your home. Design, lighting, flooring, construction... you name it, and their passionate team can make it happen.

Courtesy of Veronica Major

Silver: Kitchen Design Studio Bronze: Pinecone Inc.

Editor’s Pick Garden Art

Having art in your garden isn’t just good for backyard beautification — it’s also a great conversation piece. Red Grass Designs offer unique metal sculptures all crafted by welder and designer Brett Cleveland. His Asian-inspired designs are made from a variety of materials and often incorporate recycled components. You can see them for yourself on his Etsy (@redgrassdesigns). If you’re keen on adding color to your garden art, look no further than Painted Peace. These custom art poles range in size from 20 inches to 6 feet, and artist Stephanie Burgess crafts every one by hand. Art poles come in a variety of designs and can be ordered to fit your personal flair.

BellinghamAlive.com

Photo by Brett Cleveland

Home & Garden

5305 Northwest Dr., Bellingham, 360.614.2052, northhavenremodeling.com

Thank you to our clients for trusting us with their real estate journey and caring enough to vote!

coastalrealtywa.com

BEST GARDEN/NURSERY

My Garden Nursery

929 E. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, 360.366.8406, mygardennursery.com

Silver: Garden Spot Nursery Bronze: Van Wingerden Home & Garden Center

BEST HARDWARE/ LUMBER STORE

Hardware Sales Various locations, hardwaresales.net

Silver: Westside Building Supply Bronze: Pacific Building Center

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN

Jennifer Ryan Design 2100 G St., Bellingham, 360.319.7092, jenniferryandesign.com

Silver: Kennedy Interior Bronze: Spiral Studios

BEST ROOFING COMPANY

Mt. Baker Roofing THANKS FOR VOTING US BEST ROOFING COMPANY

PREMIUM COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL ROOFING SERVICE IN WHATCOM COUNTY Esary Roofing & Siding has been helping homeowners and contractors with their roofing and siding investments for over 54 years.

928 Thomas Rd., Bellingham, 360.733.0191, mtbakerroofing.com

Silver: Topside Roofing & Siding Bronze: Esary Roofing & Siding

Trending colors for 2021 Ultimate gray Aegean teal Blissful blue

esary.com • 360.318.0604 License # ESARYRS175KE

BellinghamAlive.com

Satin paprika Urban bronze

BEST BUILDER

Highline Construction

Courtesy of Highline Construction

Highline Construction sees building and remodeling as a journey, and they’re here to help you at every step. The company specializes in high-quality construction for both residential and commercial clients in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Clients can depend on them to take care of everything on time and within budget, allowing you to focus on creativity instead of stressful technical details. Silver: Bellingham Bay Builders Bronze: A-1 Design Build

Editor’s Pick

Courtesy of Kramer Knives

Handiest Helpers

Don’t Be Dull

We all have our favorite kitchen knife, but do you ever notice when it gets dull? Luckily, there’s no need to sharpen it yourself when you have trusted professionals to do it for you. We Sharpen It will spruce up your knives, scissors, garden tools, and even lawn mower blades. Better yet, every service is under $10. If you’re interested in taking on the challenge yourself, visit Kramer Knives for some of the finest sharpening supplies, as well as step-bystep instructions on honing, water stones, and stropping.

Whether your door is creaking, crooked, or just downright stuck, a helping hand is just a call away with Bellingham Garage Door Repair. Ferndale folks overwhelmed by home improvement should seek out A2Z Handyman Services, a husband and wife team ready to help with every repair. With more than 20 years in business under their belt, they focus on creating long-term relationships with clients. If you lost a key in Skagit, give the folks at Locksmith Skagit a shout. They’re experts at everything from lock replacement to repair and even door, car, and house lockouts.

October 2021 75

Home & Garden

1420 Meador Ave., Ste. K105, Bellingham, 360.746.5455, highlinewa.com

BEST YARD MAINTENANCE

Augusta Lawn Care Services

Home & Garden

Let’s be honest: Lawn maintenance can be stressful, and no one likes spending a Saturday pulling weeds. Thankfully Augusta Lawn Care can take the load off with their array of services ranging from mowing, landscaping, property cleanups, and more. They have locations across the U.S., and their team of professionals is prepared to tackle even the toughest of problems. Silver: Whatcom Lawns Bronze: North County Lawn Care

Courtesy of Augusta Lawn Care Services

Various locations, augustalawncareservices.com

Editor’s Pick

Courtesy of Ragfinery

Wow-Worthy Woodworkers

Terrific Textiles

To amp up the elegance or keep your home cozy this holiday season, try Lyn’s Draperies for window, bedding, and bath treatments that suit every style. They’ve been serving Whatcom County since 1981 and work with some of the top fabric and trim companies in the U.S. Auda Sinda makes handcrafted artisan rugs right here in Bellingham, and they’re masters at striking the balance between modern experimentation and tradition. If your rug needs repairing, mending torn textiles is made easy by Ragfinery. This nonprofit retail shop has diverted 743,000 pounds of textiles from the waste stream through creative reuse. You can also purchase fabric, sewing supplies, upcycled goods, or even take a class from a local fiber artist.

BellinghamAlive.com

For specialty commissioned furniture, we’re partial to Terra Firma. Their designs are as fashionable as they are functional, and you can even take a woodworking class or two from their expert artisans. K&S Woodworks in Lynden specialize in woodwork and cabinetry for both residential and commercial purposes. They’re experienced in providing custom carpentry for homes, offices, retail stores, and churches. Skagit folks can count on Skagit Architectural Millwork for any and all woodworking needs requiring “today’s technology, yesterday’s craftsmanship.” With 38 years of experience, you can be sure that your project is in good hands.

SPECIALIZING IN and hard to source finishing items for your home.

TOP QUALITY TOP SERVICE TOP WORKMANSHIP

VOTED BEST IN THE NORTHWST FOUR YEARS IN A ROW!

Thank you for voting us Best Hardware /Lumber Store

Celeb

rating 5 yeas

1208 Iowa Street • Bellingham

Ph: 360-676-1025 • Fax: 360-676-4357 Monday - Friday: 8am-5:30pm Saturday: 9am-5pm • Sunday: CLOSED

WWW.WINDSORPLYWOOD.COM

See us on:

Whatcom County’s only factory-certified GAF Master Elite roofing contractor!

OUR SERVICES • Roof Installation • Siding Installation • Roof Repair • Residential Windows • Gutter Installation

360.752.2220 161 E. Horton Road Bellingham, WA topsideroofing.com

Reader’s Choice

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

Kids

BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITY

Marine Life Center 1801 Roeder Ave., Bellingham, 360.671.2431, portofbellingham.com

Bellingham locals pass by it on a neardaily basis, but have you ever stopped to wonder what’s hiding beneath our bay? A visit to the Marine Life Center will answer that question and more. The whole family is invited to spend time with local marine wildlife from the Bellingham Bay, Puget Sound, and the Washington Coast. If you’re feeling extra curious, visit their touch tanks to get even closer to your sea creature of choice. Silver 1-Up Lounge Bronze: 20th Century Bowl

BEST PLACE FOR A KID’S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Summit Adventure Park 4329 Meridian St., Bellingham, 360.227.0202, summitbellingham.com

Silver: Lynden Skateway Bronze: PlayDate BLI

BellinghamAlive.com

BEST STORE FOR BABY

Bellingham Baby Company 100 5th St., Ste. A, Lynden, 360.756.2452, bellinghambabycompany.com

Silver: Lil’ Tugs Children’s Boutique Bronze: Wee Ones Reruns

BEST PRE-SCHOOL

Generations Early Learning & Family Center 2901 Connelly Ave., Ste. B101, Bellingham, 360.752.6336, intergenchildcare.com

Silver: Loving Space School Bronze: A Child’s Life Learning Center

Kids

Courtesy of Majestic Adventures

Editor’s Pick

During the summer, kids need a place where they can just… well, be kids! At Majestic Adventures in Bellingham, your little ones can channel their imaginations as they participate in one of several “quest” options. With the adventure quest, kids will have the opportunity to work together in a magical world to solve various riddles, overcome challenges, brainstorm solutions to dilemmas, and be brave heroes. Quests are available for kids six and older.

Slide and Slide

The splash pads at Cordata Park or Cornwall Park in Bellingham provide the perfect antidote for those hot and sunny summer days. Alternatively, head north to Birch Bay Waterslides in Blaine and keep the whole family cool for a little longer. There are water slides for kids of all ages — and who says grown-ups can’t join in the fun as well?

Courtesy of Wild Whatcom

Most Imaginative Summer Camp

BEST CHILDCARE/AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

Wild Whatcom

Bellingham, 360.389.3414, wildwhatcom.org

Children are never too young to learn to respect the environment. Wild Whatcom encourages youth to build lifelong connections with nature, offering weekly drop-in programs, mentorship programs, field trips, afterschool programs, and more. They help local kids become environmental stewards, thus fostering a generation that is equipped to make a positive difference in the world. Silver Bellingham Childcare & Learning Center Bronze: A Child’s Life Learning Center

October 2021 79

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL

The Franklin Academy

Kids

Courtesy of The Franklin Academy

Various locations, thefranklin.academy

Editor’s Pick

I scream, you scream, and the kids are screaming for ice cream. Of course, they will definitely stop screaming if you take them to Mallard Ice Cream in downtown Bellingham. Mallard boasts fun flavors such as root beer, mint Oreo, super chocolate, and many others. Kids will also drool over the delicious array of flavors and ice cream treats at Big Scoop Sundae Palace in Mount Vernon. They’ll be dying to try the birthday cake, caramel pretzel, cotton candy, and lemon meringue pie flavors. Edaleen Dairy is a Whatcom County classic with locations in Lynden, Fairhaven, Ferndale, and more. With 40 flavors to choose from, you’re guaranteed to come back for another scoop.

BellinghamAlive.com

Photo by Kelly Pearce

Favorite Kids’ Cones

The Franklin Academy, located in Bellingham, offers everything children need to excel. The school features small class sizes, educated and experienced teachers, and STEM-focused academics. Children ranging from preschool all the way through 8th grade are welcome, and in addition to its close-knit academic community, the Franklin Academy encourages community connection and participation through service projects. Silver Assumption Catholic School Bronze: Whatcom Hills Waldorf School

BEST TOY STORE

Fairhaven Toy Garden 909 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.714.8552, fairhaventoygarden.com

Silver: Launching Success Learning Store Bronze: Yeager’s Sporting Goods

BEST SUMMER/ OUTDOOR CAMP

Camp Firwood 1740 Lake Whatcom Blvd., Bellingham, 360.733.6840, campfirwood.org

Silver: Gabriel’s Art Kids Bronze: Majestic Adventures

“You don’t get lost at The Franklin Academy. You ﬁnd something for yourself and, most importantly, for your children.” - Father of a 5th Grader

The Franklin Academy is a supportive community with STEM focused education in a safe, small class environment for all grades.

thefranklin.academy

Schedule a tour today!

Hike with the Whole Crew

Take the kids to Squires Lake Park and trek the 1.4 miles of looping trails that connect Glacier National Park to the Pacific Ocean. Open year-round, this hike is a little off the beaten path, so get your hiking boots on and venture into the wild! If you’d like a walk that’s a little less rustic, a stroll through the urban forest at Lake Padden Park might be more up your alley. Alternatively, walk from Semiahmoo Park up to Semiahmoo Resort on the Coast

THANK YOU To all of my clients that entrusted me to represent them this past year and voted for this award, I appreciate you. I am honored that when it came to your real estate needs, you thought of me. When you are looking for a level of service that is truly special, I hope you will continue to think of me first. -Kristal

Millennium and Semiahmoo Spit Trails. It’s a short enough

jaunt to accommodate little ones, but stunning vistas of the harbor and Mount Baker are sure to wow kids and grown-ups alike.

KRISTAL GRIMSTEAD | BROKER kristalgrimstead.com | 360.441.2202 October 2021 81

Eat & Drink

Reader’s Choice BEST BAKERY/DESSERT SHOP

Iron Rooster Bakery

Courtesy of Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar

1208 10th St., Bellingham, 360.778.1994, ironroosterbakery.com

The rumors are true: Europeans do often begin their days with a pastry, and you can too. If you want to sample Bellingham’s best, head to Iron Rooster and pick from their selection of Frenchinspired croissants, scones, muffins, and more. They also offer tarts, quiche, coffees, and plenty of dessert options such as macarons and cake. If you’re not already tempted, I should note that co-owner Miran Schang was classically trained by the French Culinary Institute, so there’s no doubt about the quality of these goodies. The next time you find yourself in Fairhaven, stop in and treat yourself to the best of the best. Silver: Pure Bliss Desserts Bronze: Calico Cupboard Cafe & Bakery

BEST SEAFOOD

Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar Nell Thorn is a La Conner must-try, and for good reason. With farm-to-to-table fare, craft cocktails, and unbeatable waterfront views, what’s not to love? They offer both entrees and small plates perfect for sharing, and it goes without saying that the ingredients here are as fresh as possible. At Nell Thorn, you can expect your seafood to be wild-caught and often locally sourced from places such as Penn Cove and Samish Bay. Silver: Anthony’s at Squalicum Harbor Bronze: Chuckanut Manor Seafood & Grill

BellinghamAlive.com

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

116 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.4261, nellthorn.com

BEST SANDWICH

BEST SUSHI

Various locations, 360.715.3354, avenuebread.com

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

Avenue Bread Silver: Old World Deli Bronze: The Sandwich Odyssey

BEST PIZZA

La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza 200 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham, 360.647.0060, lafiamma.com

Silver: Övn Wood Fired Pizza Bronze: Westside Pizza

Blue Fin

Silver: Kuru Kuru Bronze: Kyoto Kitchen

BEST BURGER

Fiamma Burger 1309 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, 360.733.7374, fiammaburger.com

Silver: Fat Shack Bronze: Horseshoe Cafe

BEST FISH & CHIPS

Nicki’s Bella Marina

2615 S. Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham, 360.332.2505, nickisbellamarina.com

Silver: Eagle’s Roost Fish & Chips Bronze: Alaska Wild Fish & Chips

Waterfront Dining Packers Kitchen & Bar Keenan’s at the Pier Lighthouse Bar & Grill Anthony’s at Squalicum Harbor

BEST COCKTAIL

Snowy River Cocktail Co.

Photo by Emily Porter

100 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.526.2821, snowyrivercocktailbars.com

Cocktails from Snowy River are sure to make any occasion extra special. Not only are their cocktails delicious, but they’re also pieces of art in and of themselves: Think creative colors, bold rim decorations, and even glitter. Can’t decide what to get? We don’t blame you! Luckily Snowy River offers a cocktail flight for those who are in the mood to experiment. Even the most knowledgeable cocktail aficionado is sure to find something surprising on this menu. Silver: Blue Abode Bronze: BACKDOOR Bellingham

October 2021 83

Eat & Drink

13moons Restaurant

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Salted Grape Bistro

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

Eat & Drink

Eating at Salted Grape should be at the top of any foodie’s to-do list. This bistro moved from Bothell to La Conner during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly established itself as some of the best dining the area has to offer. Chef Nathan Salter brings decades of culinary expertise (plus a background in art and sculpture) to the table, while sommelier Leslie Grover’s thoughtfully curated selection of drinks rounds out the menu. The bistro’s offerings are artfully prepared, often made with locally sourced ingredients, and — of course — completely delicious.

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

Silver: Seven Spice Cafe Bronze: The Rustic Fork

BEST TAKE-OUT

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

4260 Cordata Pkwy. # 105, Bellingham, 360.656.6291, gojibellingham.com

1111 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.733.9900, elagaverestaurant.net

Not in the mood to cook tonight? Thankfully Goji Bistro makes it easy to eat well at home. Their menu of Asian fusion cuisine is diverse enough to please all palates. From noodles to stir fry and even sushi, Goji Bistro’s dishes range from traditional East Asian fare to unique house-made specialties. You might have a tough time deciding what to eat, but no matter what you order, you can feel confident that your dish will be made with only the freshest of ingredients.

El Agave is everything a Mexican restaurant should be: Fresh, filling, and fun. What’s more, their extensive menu means that vegetarians and carnivores alike will feel right at home here. El Agave is also family-owned, and they aim to make every customer feel like a part of the family as well. We dare you to stop at just two tacos — I personally don’t believe it’s possible.

Goji Bistro

Silver: Wanida Thai Bronze: Underground Burger

BellinghamAlive.com

El Agave

Silver: Jalapeños Bronze: Lilia’s Mexican Cuisine

BEST STEAK/FINE DINING

The Steak House at Silver Reef 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, 360.384.7070, silverreefcasino.com

Thanks for Voting

BEST INTERNATIONAL CUISINE!

Silver: Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse Bronze: 13moons Restaurant

BEST BAR & LOUNGE

Endgame Bellingham

118 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.778.1269, endgamebellingham.com

Silver: State Street Bar Bronze: The Black Cat

BEST HAPPY HOUR

Fireside Martini and Wine Bar 416 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, 360.738.1000, firesidemartini.com

Silver: Scotty Browns Bronze: B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar

(360) 746-8098 | 1125 FINNEGAN WAY | BELLINGHAM, WA 98225

BRONZE FOR BEST NEW RESTAURANT 2021. GOLD FOR OUR PATRONS AND COMMUNITY!

BEST BREWERY

Aslan

1330 N. Forest St., Bellingham, 360.393.4106, aslanbrewing.com

Silver: GRUFF Bronze: Stemma

BEST WINE SHOP

Seifert & Jones 19 Prospect St., Bellingham, 360.393.3271, sjwinemerchants.com

Silver: Elizabeth Station Bronze: Community Food Co-Op

I TAPROOM I DINING ROOM I COVERED PATIO I BEER GARDEN I

442 PEACE PORTAL DRIVE, BLAINE, WA. • 360-332-4346 • WWW.THERUSTICFORKEATERY.COM MONDAY: CLOSED • OPEN TUESDAY TO THURSDAY: 4:00PM - 8:00pm • FRIDAY TO SUNDAY: NOON - 9:00pM

October 2021 85

BEST ITALIAN

Lombardi’s

Eat & Drink

Photo by Dean Davidson

21 Bellwether Way, Ste. 112, Bellingham, 360.714.8412, lombardisitalian.com

Located on the harbor in Bellingham, Lombardi’s takes the top accolade in this year’s competition — quite the feat considering they placed above each one of last year’s top winners! Of course, their regular customers certainly aren’t surprised. With waterfront views and fabulous food, it’s impossible to go wrong at Lombardi’s. They’re also a social hub, offering a monthly women’s wine club and other various events throughout the year. Italian food might not jump to mind when you think of vegan or gluten-free fare, but Lombardi’s can accommodate for every diet. This hospitality alone makes them stand out. Silver: D’Anna’s Cafe Italiano Bronze: Storia Cucina

Editor’s Pick

Courtesy of Tony’s Coffee

Cider Houses Rule

Kindest Cup of Coffee

The best part of waking up… is a cup of coffee for a good cause. Coast Salish Coffee, owned by the Lummi Tribe, offers fresh-roasted and ethically sourced coffee grown in Guatemala. They donate 20% of sales to Lydia Place and Saved in America, and their mission is to empower tribal people through employment. However, one bag of beans is never enough, so try Tony’s Coffee for an additional pick-me-up. Take home a bag of their blend “Look for the Helpers,” a medium roast with notes of cocoa and praline. All profits go to the Bellingham Food Bank!

BellinghamAlive.com

Bellingham-based Herb’s Cider crafts cider you can feel good about drinking. They use organic apples sourced from the Pacific Northwest and prioritize sustainability in all areas of business — even their taproom is built from reclaimed wood. For fresh, flavorful cider with no added sugars, check out Ragged and Right Cider Project at Farmstrong Brewing Co. Taste it on tap or find it in stores such as Elizabeth Station and Greene’s Corner. Thousand Acre Cider House offers a selection of ciders from the Pacific Northwest and around the globe. With 24 taps and a bottle shop, you’ll never run out of new things to try. They also regularly host live music.

A SPECIAL

THANK YOU to all of our customers who voted us best seafood this year!

loveShawarma in every pita Falafel Corner of Railroad and Magnolia 360.393.3554 sevenspicecafe.com @sevenspicecafe

Thanks for voting us Best New Restaurant

Thank you for voting us

BEST BAR & LOUNGE HAPPY HOUR MON-THURS EVERY NIGHT

(360)733-6136

3-6PM

9PM-CLOSE

Blackcatbellingham.com

3056 CHUCKANUT DRIVE BOW, WA 98232 www.chuckanutmanor.com (360) 766-6191

SELF-SERVE TAPROOM

BEST INTERNATIONAL CUISINE

Maikham Thai

Fairhaven’s favorite Thai restaurant (pronounced My-Cam) claims the top spot this year. Owner and chef Usanee Klimo cut her culinary teeth in the Issarn region of Northern Thailand, and the menu incorporates the bold flavors of her home as well as milder curries and seafood dishes. Food at Maikham Thai is authentic and often made with locally sourced ingredients. Combine all this with great service and a loyal customer base and you have the recipe for a prize-winning culinary experience.

Photo by Usanee Klimo

Silver: Ambo Ethiopian Cuisine Bronze: Il Granaio

BEST COFFEE/TEA SHOP

Black Drop Coffeehouse

206 W. Magnolia St., Bellingham, 360.738.3767, blackdropcoffeehouse.com

Whether you take your coffee black or you’re in the mood for something fancy, there’s something for everyone at Black Drop. They brew up high-quality coffee that’s delicious on its own, but also when prepared with their signature house-made syrups (and their specialty drink menu is to die for). Beyond this, we love Black Drop because they strive to be more than just a coffee shop. They’re an all-inclusive community hub, and everyone is welcome here. Silver: Camber Bronze: Tony’s Coffeehouse

BellinghamAlive.com

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

Eat & Drink

1125 Finnegan Way, Bellingham, 360.746.8098, maikham.com

Burgers • Wings

Fat Sandwiches

Thanks for voting us Best Happy Hour!

take-out • delivery Order Online

360.366.8752 • Fatshack.com 414 W. Bakerview Rd. ste. 112, Bellingham Sun-Thurs 11am to 1am

Fri-Sat 11am to 3am

Thanks for voting us Best Burger

Locations in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, & Everson!

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

DYNASTY CELLARS Thank you for voting us

BEST WINERY!

Thank you for voting us Best Pizza! Ferndale: 360.778.1167 | Lynden: 360.354.1555 Everson: 360.922.7395 | Bellingham: 360.756.5055 Hours Vary

2169 E Bakerview Rd, Bellingham 360.758.2958 | dynastycellars.com

BEST WINERY

BEST FOOD TRUCK

2169 E. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, 360.758.2958, dynastycellars.com

Various locations, tapationw.com

Dynasty Cellars Silver: Vartanyan Estate Winery Bronze: Tulip Valley Winery

BEST DISTILLERY/SPIRITS

Bellewood Farms & Distillery 6140 Guide Meridian Rd., Lynden, 360.318.7720, bellewoodfarms.com

El Tapatio Taco Truck Silver: JT’s Smokin’ BBQ Bronze: Big Stick Barbecue

BEST CHEF

Dan Van Norman, 13moons 12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes, 360.588.3525, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com

Silver: Cinnamon Berg, Cosmos Bistro Bronze: The chef team at Carnal

Silver: Probably Shouldn’t Distillery Bronze: Valley Shine Distillery

Editor’s Pick Eat & Drink

Greatest Gluten-Free Goodies

Photo by Dean Davidson

Flax4Life is all about mak-

Most Impressive Wine Lists

Last year Milano’s Italian Restaurant moved to downtown Fairhaven, bringing its massive wine collection with it. They source their wine from famous wineries across the globe, and some of their bottles aren’t available anywhere else on the west coast. In Ferndale you’ll find Leader Block Wine Co. & Eatery, which earned their second Wine Spectator Excellent Award in 2020. Their wine list boasts bottles from the most celebrated vineyards in the Pacific Northwest as well as international selections from Australia, Italy, Greece, South Africa, and more. The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive has also consistently garnered recognition from Wine Spectator Magazine, and for good reason. Their meticulously curated wine list boasts bottles from every major wine region across the globe, and their staff is both knowledgeable and eager to help.

BellinghamAlive.com

ing delicious baked goods that are gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free… meaning they’re perfect for loved ones with food allergies. Next time you see their cappuccino brownies at the Community Food Co-op or Whole Foods, do yourself a favor and grab some. They’re rich, dense, and chewy, but best of all, they’re packed with flax, which means fiber, Omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. You can pair your treat with a latte (regular or vegan) at Avellino Coffeehouse, which stocks a multitude of goodies delivered fresh from their sister location, Avellino Gluten Free. If you happen to find yourself in the charming mountain town of Concrete, stop by 5b’s, an adorable gluten-free bakery. Warning: Their display case can be overwhelming, and you might want one of everything. If in doubt, go for the honey buns.

BEST BREAKFAST

The Birch Door Cafe 4192 Meridian St., Bellingham, 360.306.8598, birchdoorcafe.com

Silver: Old Town Cafe Bronze: Harris Ave Cafe

BEST GROCERY STORE

Haggen Food & Pharmacy

Various locations, haggen.com

Silver: Community Food Co-op Bronze: Whole Foods

Voted Best Cocktail!

BEST FRESH PRODUCE

Bellingham Farmers Market 1100 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, 360.647.2060, bellinghamfarmers.org

Silver: Youngstock Nursery & Produce Bronze: Community Food Co-op

Thank you!

100 N Commercial St., Bellingham Happy Hour 4-6pm Daily.

BEST FRESH MEAT/ SEAFOOD

Barlean’s Fishery Inc.

4936 Lake Terrell Rd., Ferndale, 360.384.0325, barleansfishery.com

Silver: Skagit’s Own Fish Market Bronze: Haggen Food & Pharmacy

Voted Best Chef and

BEST CATERER

Best Caterer!

Cosmos Bistro 1151 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.255.0244, bellinghamcosmosbistro.com

THANK

YOU

FOR

YOUR

SUPPORT!

Silver: Calypso Kitchen Bronze: Kelley’s BBQ and Catering 1151 N State Street, Bellingham www.bellinghamcosmosbistro.com

October 2021 91

Pets

Reader’s Choice BEST DOGGIE DAYCARE

Rover Stay Over

6451 Hannegan Rd., Lynden, 360.306.5931, roverstayover.net

All dog moms and dads know the anxiety that comes with leaving pets alone, whether it be for a workday or a full-on vacation. Thankfully, folks in Whatcom County have Rover Stay Over to help ease their minds. This Lynden-based pet resort offers dog boarding, daycare, pick-up, and even spa services, so you can feel at peace knowing that your pet is more than safe and sound. In fact, we’d venture to say that Rover Stay Over puts pups in the lap of luxury.

Courtesy of Rover Stay Over

Silver: Tails-A-Wagging Bronze: 3 Schips and a Girl

BellinghamAlive.com

BEST VETERINARIAN

Kulshan Veterinary Hospital

Various locations, 360.354.5095, kulshanvet.com

Kulshan Veterinary Hospital is Lynden’s first to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, and they’re claiming the top prize for the second year in a row. They offer both acute and preventative care to animals big and small using state-of-the-art equipment. What’s more, they also have an Angel Fund that offers assistance to stray animals and pet owners in dire financial need. You can make a donation via their website. Silver: Maplewood Animal Hospital Bronze: Animal Emergency Care

2015 2016

BEST NORTH BEST WEST of the

of the

NORTH

WEST

BEST PET STORE

ZE BRON

Mud Bay

Various locations, mudbay.com

Silver: Bellingham Pet Supply & Aquatics Bronze: Bow Wow & Woofs

BEST BOARDING KENNEL

Hyline Hotel For Dogs

Where every dog is special! 8115 Birch Bay Square St., Suite 111, Blaine 360-332-3647 | bowwowandwoofs.com

1012 E. Hemmi Rd., Everson, 360.398.0174, hylinehotel.com

Silver: Northwest K-9 Inn & Spa Bronze: Pooch Palace & Kitty Kastle

BEST GROOMER

City Dogs Grooming

711 E. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.756.9515, citydogsgrooming.com

Silver: Happy Pooch Styling & Spa Bronze: Bailey’s Neighborhood Pet

Thank you for voting us Best Pet Store October 2021 93

BEST DOG TRAINER

Cedarwoods Canine School 5602 Guide Meridian Rd., Bellingham, 360.384.6955, cedarwoods-k9.com

Courtesy of Cedarwoods Canine School

As a family-owned business for 28 years, Cedarwood Canine School uses a unique training method that teaches obedience while also deepening your bond with your dog. Canine companions are invited to participate in obedience courses, advanced-off lead training, and tune-up classes so you can make sure your pup stays focused even after their course ends.

Pets

Silver: Bossdogs Training LLC Bronze: Adam Schuller, PACK-9 TRAINING LLC

Editor’s Pick

Photo by Shannon Finn

Beer with Man’s Best Friend

BellinghamAlive.com

After a year spent at home, separation anxiety is inevitable for pets — and, if we’re being honest, also their humans. If you’re in the mood for a brew but don’t want to leave your pup at home alone, Paws For a Beer is the place to go. You can let your dog roam free both inside and outside while enjoying a selection of beers, ciders, and kombucha. Gruff Brewing Co. in Bellingham and North Sound Brewing Co. in Mount Vernon are also dogfriendly as long as your four-legged friend is kept on a leash.

Courtesy of Are You My Human? Dog Rescue & Lounge

TRAILFP.COM

Align your Finances with your Values Fiduciary advisors. Fee only advisory firm. Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Washington. FINRA CRD #165063

Best Place for Puppy Love

Whether or not you’re looking to bring home a new member of the family, a visit to Are You My Human? Dog Rescue & Lounge in Bellingham is sure

to raise spirits. Everyone is invited to stop in for tail wags and snuggles by booking a 50 minute session on their website. If you do meet your perfect match, know that the lounge partners with local rescues. All of the dogs available for playing are also available for adoption.

Best Food for Four-Legged Friends Bow Wow & Woofs in Blaine

isn’t your average bakery. Everything they make is natural and nutritious, but their goodies are for pets, not people. For more top-quality treats, pick up some salmon snacks from Bellingham-based Fat-Cat Fish. They use only the finest wildcaught fish, which means their products are sustainable and good for the earth in addition to your pet’s health. Over in Lynden, Happy Pooch Styling & Spa, Inc. offers a great selection of all-natural dog food as well as grooming services.

Thank You

to everyone that voted us one of the Best Golf Courses in the Northwest. We appreciate your continued support.

6827 Hannegan Rd., Everson 360.354.3029, raspberryridgegc.com

October 2021 95

Romance & Outings

Reader’s Choice BEST DATE NIGHT

Bellingham Axe 1414 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 360.603.9606, bellinghamaxe.com

When planning a romantic evening with an element of competition, perhaps activities such as bowling jump to mind. However, if throwing a bowling ball isn’t extreme enough, have you considered throwing an axe instead? Bellingham Axe is the place to go for just that, and you don’t have to have any prior experience or athleticism — according to their website, the key is form, not strength. Once you get the hang of it, date night may never be the same.

Photo by Pearl Photography by Elena

Silver: DownTime Taps Bronze: Flatstick Pub

BEST FLORIST

Pozie By Natalie Take one look at Natalie Ransom’s work and it’s clear that her creations aren’t simply bouquets — they’re art. Her bespoke floral arrangements are perfect for weddings and events, but they’re also an elegant way to show a loved one you care. Ransom also practices what she calls “floralanthropy” by donating her time to local charities, nonprofits, and other organizations. Given this dedication to both her clients and the community as a whole, we aren’t surprised to award her the top spot. Silver: Belle Flora Bronze: A New Leaf Flower Shoppe

BellinghamAlive.com

Photo by Emily Porter

Bellingham, 360.927.1286, poziebynatalie.com

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

Katheryn Moran Bellingham, 425.766.3755, katherynmoranphotography.com

BEST WEDDING VENUE

Lairmont Manor 405 Fieldston Rd., Bellingham, 360.647.1444, lairmontmanor.com

Photo by Cocoa Laney

Silver: Erin Cox Photography Bronze: Bryn Marie Photography

Silver: Evergreen Gardens Bronze: Semiahmoo Resort

Rumors Cabaret Hikes off Mount Baker Highway Heliotrope Ridge Chain Lakes Loop Ptarmigan Ridge Trail Skyline Divide Yellow Aster Butte

1119 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, 360.671.1849, rumorscabaret.com

In the mood to dance the night away? You know where to go. Rumors is a proper Bellingham institution, around since 1984 and still going strong. This bar/dance club is open until late and has numerous events throughout the week for anyone looking to let loose, socialize, and meet new people. Rumors is also LGBTQIA+ focused, so no matter how you identify, you know you’re welcome here. Silver: 1-Up Lounge Bronze: Bellingham Bar and Grill

Editor’s Pick Best Mocktails

Forgoing alcohol doesn’t have to mean sacrificing romance on date nights. Fireside Martini & Wine Bar in Bellingham has plenty of mocktail options, and their cozy atmosphere is sure to make any evening feel extra special. For a more tropical vibe, head downtown to Lorikeet Bar for a verdita tonic or — our personal favorite — the Polyjuice Potion. The inclusion of Tiki Bitters soda takes this booze-free creation to the next level. If you’re looking to bring cocktail night closer to home, pick up a bottle of Shrub Farm shrub, made locally by Apple State Vinegar. These fruit-infused vinegar preserves lend a flavorful punch to any drink and supply plenty of prebiotics to boot. Need inspiration? Apple State Vinegar’s website has plenty of recipes for non-alcoholic drinks.

It Takes Two to Tango

For couples with rhythm (or at least a can-do attitude), Cafe Rumba holds salsa night on the first and third Saturdays of every month, plus Cumbia night on the first Friday of the month. You don’t have to be a seasoned dancer to join in on the fun — just make sure to bring shoes you can groove in. Bellingham Tango also offers a weekly event at The Majestic Ballroom. $15 gets you a dance lesson and a two-hour “practica” that mixes traditional and alternative tango music. BHam Hop is a Bellingham-based swing community that hosts a multitude of events including Lindy at the Leo, happening every Tuesday in the Hotel Leo Crystal Ballroom. All skill levels are welcome, and you can show up early for a drop-in lesson.

October 2021 97

Romance & Outings

BEST PLACE TO MEET SINGLES

Services

Reader’s Choice BEST CREATIVE COMPANY

Megabite Design

Bellingham, 360.393.5355, megabite.com

If you’re a business owner, you already know the importance of a well-crafted and userfriendly website. Your website is often your first impression, and Megabite Design is the best of the best when it comes to making sure your internet presence stands out. In addition to designing and developing websites, they even offer SEO customization and WordPress consultancy services. Photo by Seth Dailey

Silver: Joyco Digital Bronze: Sole Graphics

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

Allison Trimble, Coastal Realty

1873 Main St., Ste. 7, Ferndale, 360.961.5537, coastalrealtynw.com

Silver: Brandon Nelson Partners Bronze: Kristal Grimstead, Compass Real Estate

BEST AUTO DEALER

Toyota of Bellingham 1100 Iowa St., Bellingham, 855.467.7848

Silver: MB Motors LLC Bronze: Dewey Griffin Subaru

BEST BANK

WECU

Various locations, wecu.com

Silver: First Federal Bronze: People’s Bank

BellinghamAlive.com

BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP

Bellingham Automotive 4116 Hannegan Rd., Bellingham, 360.676.5200, bellinghamautomotive.com

Silver: SK Motorsport Bronze: Rainbow Auto Service

BEST CORPORATE MEETING SPACE

Four Points by Sheraton 714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham, 360.671.1011, four-points.marriott.com

Silver: Squalicum Boathouse Bronze: Oxford Suites Bellingham

BEST LODGING

The Chrysalis Inn & Spa 804 10th St., Bellingham, 360.756.1005, hilton.com

Silver: The Inn at Lynden Bronze: Hotel Bellwether

BEST AUTO DETAIL SHOP

Final Touch Auto Spa

Silver: Tint Lady Window Tinting & Car Detailing Bronze: Master Auto Detail

Services

Looking to get your car detailed? Interested in upgrading to tinted windows or ceramic paint coating? Look no further than Final Touch Auto Spa. They offer a variety of detailing packages ranging from Silver Express to Platinum, so you can invest in exactly what your vehicle needs. Beyond detailing, they offer paintless dent repair, odor removal services, and headlight restoration.

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

1916 Iowa St., Bellingham, 360.392.8676, finaltouchautospa.com

BEST AGRICULTURAL COMPANY

Boxx Berry Farm This Ferndale-based farm grows some of the most delicious raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries in the Pacific Northwest. You can stop by with the whole family to pick some for yourself, and if the season isn’t quite right, they offer an assortment of frozen berries to take home instead. In addition to berries, they also grow vegetables and flowers. Check their website for harvest dates as well as information on their famous strawberry festival. Silver: Rader Farms Bronze: Eagle Trees Farm

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

6211 Northwest Dr., Ferndale, 360.380.2699, boxxberryfarm.com

October 2021 99

THANK YOU

W H AT C O M C O U N T Y !

w w w. B ra n d o n N e l s o n . c o m 3 6 0 • 3 1 9 • 0 69 6 Brandon@BrandonNelson.com

The Pacific Northwest’s premier event venue

360-647-1444

info@lairmontmanor.com Read over 500 Five-Star reviews on Zillow.com

Thanks for voting us

Best Golf Course

Your neighborhood pharmacy with competitive prices.

Thanks for voting us Best Pharmacy

Durable medical equipment and multi-dose packaging that bundles medications by date and time for patients.

Drive-Thru Window We give the Covid vaccine! Sign up at HealthMartCovidVaccine.Com 205 W Smith Road, Bellingham 360.398.8300 northbellinghamgolf.com

We accept most insurance plans • We deliver! 1223 E. Division Street, Mt. Vernon • 360.428.1710 • rxhilltop.com

Courtesy of Cosmic Games

Courtesy of Quicksilver Photo Lab

Editor’s Pick

The Comics Place is a dangerous place for comic

book lovers — it’s home to hundreds of comics just waiting to come home with you. Stop by to discover a new favorite story or catch up with the newest issue in an already-beloved series. If you prefer collecting cards, continue your hunt at Turf and Dirt. This traditional sports card shop sells single cards and card packs for games such as baseball, soccer, and hockey. Less athletic-inclined collectors will want to visit Cosmic Games for trading cards, video game accessories, and RPG Player’s Guides in store and online.

Second-Hand Bike Shops

Pedal on over to Jack’s Bicycle Center in Bellingham to purchase, rent, or get your bike repaired. Their second-hand bike selection consists of refurbished tradeins and rentals, and each one comes carefully inspected. The Hub Community Bike Shop is another favorite amongst bike aficionados, and in addition to parts, The Hub rebuilds and sells bikes that have been donated. They can even build custom bicycles, and their team is well equipped to bring your dream bike to life.

Best Nonprofits for People with Disabilities

Washington Vocational Services believes that every

person with a disability can be employed, and they aim to help individuals utilize their unique skills to be matched with a job. Their Skagit-based ATTIC (Adult Transition to Independence) program also offers work experience, vocational goal setting, and connections to Adult Services for young people with disabilities. In Bellingham, Max Higbee Center empowers teens and young adults with developmental disabilities by providing opportunities for recreation and community-building.

Preserving Family Memories

Not sure what to do with those stacks of family albums collecting dust in the back of your closet? Quicksilver Photo Lab in downtown Bellingham can suggest some solutions. In addition to photo prints and film developing services, they can scan everything from photos to albums and film from any era. They also offer photo restoration. In Mount Vernon, Ken’s Camera offers a whole host of services such as printing, developing, and copying old photographs. For a final touch, Bellingham Frameworks is located right next door to Quicksilver and builds custom frames to last a lifetime.

Savviest Signage

Owned by a husband and wife team, Lively Signs is all about helping local small businesses succeed. They offer a variety of sign services including menu boards, A-frames, lettering, logo design, murals, and more. You’ll likely recognize their work: Lively Signs’ portfolio includes familiar work around Bellingham such as window lettering for Quicksilver Photo Lab and Sandy & Vale, as well as multiple Black Lives Matter signs and murals. They say they can do just about anything, so send them an email and put that claim to the test.

New Kids on the Block Are You My Human? Dog Rescue & Lounge Phoebe Wahl & Co. Pumped Bellingham V GO’S Bellingham Grit Cycles

October 2021 101

Services

Best Place to Embrace Your Inner Nerd

BEST CLEAN ENERGY COMPANY

Barron Heating Various locations, 360.676.1131, barronheating.com

Barron Heating has been family owned and operated since 1972, offering what they refer to as a “holistic home performance approach.” As an award-winning clean energy company, they also deliver electric and solar services to their clients. Residents of both Whatcom and Skagit counties can trust them to handle everything from generators to solar panel installation.

Photo by Barron Solar

Services

Silver: Western Solar Inc. Bronze: Ecotech Solar

BEST JANITORIAL/CLEANING SERVICE

Northwest Professional Services 191 Birch Bay Lynden Rd., Lynden, 360.354.4145, npsclean.com

Owner Doug Broersma founded Northwest Professional Services — then Doug’s Janitor Service — as a junior in high school. It’s since grown into one of the most respected janitorial companies in the area, serving Whatcom, Skagit, and Island counties since 1974. They provide interior and exterior cleanings for homes and businesses as well as restoration services. Silver: Absolutely Clean Bronze: Wash, Rinse, Repeat Cleaning Services 102 BellinghamAlive.com

BEST PLUMBER

Gary’s Plumbing & Heating 4760 Pacific Hwy., Bellingham, 360.734.9700, garys-plumbing.com

From installation to maintenance and repair, Gary’s Plumbing gets the job done well. No matter the time of day, you can count on them to tackle even the toughest of emergencies, and they don’t charge extra for nights or weekends. Their team services homes and businesses in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, and greater Whatcom County. Silver: Spectrum Plumbing Bronze: Viking Plumbing

BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Nicole Burdick, Waddell & Reed 909 Squalicum Way, Ste. 110, Bellingham, 360.734.4728 x3, consilium-financial.com

Silver: Brian Smith, Bellingham Capital Bronze: Shannon Day, Edward Jones

Talia Moberly

1200 Old Fairhaven Pkwy Ste 204 Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 251-9905

BEST INSURANCE AGENT

Joe Treat, State Farm

2600 Elm St., Bellingham, 360.733.0870, joetreatagency.com

Silver: Alex Kimbler Bronze: Talia Moberly, Country Financial

BEST ATTORNEY

Allen Law Firm

Helping you Protect What Matters Most

Voted Best Insurance Agent!

1900 D St., Bellingham, 360.714.1900, craigkallen.com

Silver: Emily Rose Mowrey Bronze: Ziad Yousef

Lydia Place

We Care How You Look BEST of the

2017

BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

A Blast From The Past

NORTH

WEST

Bellingham, 360.671.7663, lydiaplace.org

GOLD

Silver: Whatcom Humane Society Bronze: Growing Veterans

BEST PLACE TO WORK

Thank You for Voting Us

BP Cherry Point Refinery

Best Men’s Haircut

Blaine, 360.371.1500, bp.com

Silver: Western Washington University Bronze: PeaceHealth

Wally’s Barber Shop

314 E. Holly St. #100 Bellingham, 360.647.0807

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Garden Spot Nursery A Sunnyland staple since 1980

Paige Lanham bought Garden Spot Nursery in January 2021 from Marcy Plattner, keeping this local business alive in beautiful Bellingham. Garden Spot has an incredible staff of experts, ready to plan your garden, plant your pots, and problem solve with you. Their focus is healthy plants, unique local gifts, and fun educational classes. In person classes have returned! Every Saturday at 9 am, there will be a class taught by staff members and local experts on a variety of indoor and outdoor gardening topics at the nursery.

This fall, Garden Spot is the place to find pumpkins, gourds, squash, seasonal decorations, and gifts. Soak up all of the autumn fun at their many events or contact them to set up your own private workshop. There is always something new and exciting happening at the nursery! Go big on bulbs! They have a bigger selection than ever, so stock up for a stunning spring display of color. Sign up for their famous Lasagna Bulb potting workshop, available Monday through Friday, 10am to 3pm.

At Garden Spot Nursery, their motto is ‘We Grow Better Together’. It is important to pursue your passions, learn something new everyday, and enjoy each other. Come see your Garden Spot friends anytime! Visit the Garden Spot at 900 Alabama Street seven days a week, 9am - 6pm. Contact them via phone at 360-676-5480 or through their website: www.garden-spot.com

Northwest Rain Solutions 110 Spotlight: Auda Sinda 112 Remodel: Tanna by Design 116

Home

Photo by Greenwoods Photographic Arts

Featured Home

An Eco-Friendly Oasis in the Heart of York

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October 2021 105

Home Featured Home

Grant Street Passivhaus Green Build in Historic York District WRITTEN BY NICOLE KIMBERLING

ELLINGHAM’S DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOODS might not

be the first place you’d look for a new high-performance home. However, this rebuild snuggles right into the existing historic neighborhood perfectly, providing its residents with the comfort of modern style while maintaining easy access to the vibrant downtown scene. Living right in the heart of the city can be noisy, so this home features extensive soundproofing, including triple-glazed windows and exterior cork insulation to keep it quiet on days when it’s time to relax, recharge, and retire. Speaking of retirement, this house is designed for aging in place, featuring a separate mother-in-law suite with ADA features, plus a discreet exterior ramp to increase accessibility.

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October 2021 107

Home Featured Home

Passive House strategies reduce the house’s energy usage. Not only is it air-tight, but it also boasts cellulose insulation on the interior. Solar panels allow the building give back all the energy it takes. Overall, this green home proves you don’t have to retreat to some idyllic wilderness cabin to think about building your own lighter-on-the-planet sanctuary. With the right partners, you can create an eco-friendly oasis right in the middle of town.  Architect: [bundle] design studio Interior Design: Nicole and Dawn Kimberling Contractor: Instinct Builders Photographer: Greenwoods Photographic Arts Energy Modeler: Ecoe Company 108 BellinghamAlive.com

We m e a s ur e s uc c e s s diffe r e ntly .

We believe in democratic decision making and a fair distribution of profits.

We recognize and appreciate

the good will of our clients, the beauty and abundance of our Pacific Northwest home, the camaraderie and friendship of our coworkers, and the

opportunity to express ourselves creatively through our craft.

We strive to reduce our environmental impact through conscientious business practices, thoughtful design, and building with respect for our limited resources.

We pursue our work because it brings us joy and satisfaction. For a complete list of our Guiding Principles visit our website.

October 2021 109

HOAGLAND

PHARMACY Your health matters.

THANK YOU! for your continued support & votes as we were awarded

BEST Automotive Repair Shop again in 2021!

4116 Hannegan Rd Bellingham, WA 98226

360.676.5200

BellinghamAutomotive.com

Local Find Home

Elysian

Saving Rain for a Rainy Day Northwest Rain Solutions WRITTEN BY ANELYSE MORRIS PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORTHWEST RAIN SOLUTIONS

ERE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, we are no

strangers to rain. Whether or not you’re a fan of the frequent showers, have you ever stopped to think about where that rain ends up? If you ask Northwest Rain Solutions, there are endless answers. Rainwater harvesting can increase potable water availability, help flush your toilets, water your lawns, and even fight fires. “A lot of people struggle to find a reliable water source, a lot of wells have high amounts of iron and even arsenic,” says Melody Kuschnereit, Northwest Rain Solutions marketing and communications lead. “Rainwater is a lot more pure, plus it’s renewable.” Established over a decade ago, Northwest Rain Solutions aims to tackle the water challenges of the Pacific Northwest including availability, access, quality, and quantity issues, says owner CJ Huxford. The mission is to find reasonable and affordable methods to promote sustainable development using on-site rainwater harvesting and stormwater management. Rainwater harvesting methods can be put in place for both residential and commercial locations. Northwest Rain Solutions will often work with cities, counties, and builders to implement both potable and non-potable harvesting systems. “It’s not putting a strain on local aquifers and it’s helping reduce run-off,” Kuschnereit says. “Having these systems in

place could really help people get through, particularly in regards to disaster resilience.” Having drainage issues? Try one of the bioretention and infiltration systems for stormwater management. These systems include French drains, perimeter drains, rain gardens, bog gardens, and infiltration gardens/trenches. Most importantly, these systems help treat stormwater before it makes it to critical bodies of water. In areas with drier climates like eastern Washington, rainwater harvesting can also be used to fight fires and help reduce flooding in wetter areas. “Having a reliable supply of stored water can improve resiliency and speed recovery after a major disaster,” the website says. “Rainwater can also be used as a water source for fire suppression sprinkler systems.” If you’re interested in implementing a rainwater harvesting or stormwater management system for your home or business, all you have to do is call or fill out a form online. Northwest Rain Solutions is here to help with individual consultations, designs, installations, and innovations. Keep an eye out for the new WaterFrog wet conveyance system that can transport your rainwater wherever need be, even uphill — letting you control the direction of rainwater flow, save space, and eliminate the risk of freezing pipes. Northwest Rain Solutions, 360.303.9725, nwrainsolutions.com  October 2021 111

Home Spotlight

Auda Sinda Handwoven Rugs Made in Bellingham WRITTEN BY MARISSA MULJAT PHOTOS COURTESY OF AUDA SINDA

T AUDA SINDA, an artisan design studio in the

Pacific Northwest, you can purchase a custom handwoven rug that is both unique and gorgeous. Owner Amy Tyson started her business in 2014 with hopes to create bespoke rugs crafted locally in the United States. Tyson attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and graduated with degrees in painting and textiles. From there, she went on to work in the rug industry in New York City. Her job entailed designing rugs that were then made in the Middle East and Asia. After moving to Bellingham, Tyson met a retiring owner of a rug company who was looking to sell all of her equipment. Buying these tools allowed Tyson to jumpstart her own business, which she named Auda Sinda. “It was really hard for me to design things that are being made by other people on the other side of the world,” Tyson says. “So, I felt like it would be really exciting to be able to make things and design things and be more hands-on.” Auda Sinda does not have a physical store, opting instead to sell rugs through design showrooms across the country. Tyson also fulfills a large number of custom orders. She loves approaching technical challenges and is constantly coming up with new techniques for designing and creating rugs with her employees. “My favorite projects are always the ones where customers ask us to do something that is really technically challenging and I don’t know how we’re going to do it when we start,” Tyson says. Tyson differentiates herself by creating rugs as large as 17 by 20 feet. She hopes to give her customers exactly what they want by working with the size, shape, colors, and materials that they desire. Auda Sinda is a business to watch, and Tyson believes that there is always more room to grow, expand, and possibly start up some new projects in the future. 720 Sunset Pond Lane, Ste. 2, Bellingham, 360.647.3395, audasinda.com  112 BellinghamAlive.com

Megan A. Barnes 206.383.4407 meganbarnes@windermere.com

“I do my best for the clients I work with and our community.”

Home Necessities

4 3 5

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YOUR COMMUNITY REAL ESTATE RESOURCE

Fall Decor

LILAC LISTINGS

b y

WRITTEN BY EMILY BISHOP

l a u r a

RACHAEL WILSON MANAGING BROKER

(360)319.2234

HE WEATHER COOLS DOWN, the leaves change

color, and your favorite coffee shop starts offering pumpkin flavored drinks. All these changes and more let you know that autumn has arrived. With the change in season, why not add some changes to your home decor? Whether it’s something as simple as a new decoration for your coffee table or a sign for your living room, embrace the change in seasons outside and inside your home. 

r a c h a e l

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

GENUINE RELATIONSHIPS

CUSTOM STRATEGIES WINNING RESULTS

Handmade Ceramic Owl Sculptures by Ann Marie Cooper Good Earth Pottery, goodearthpots.com, $55 – $395

Glass Pumpkins West Elm, westelm.com, $30 – $85

TokyoMilk Dead Sexy Perfumed Reed Diffuser

Harmonia Soy Gem Candle (Healing Amethyst)

Cotton Printed Lumbar Pillow With Embroidery + French Knots, Multi Color

Shelley’s Shack, shelleysshack. com, $56

The Third Planet, thirdplanetbellingham.com, $6.95 – $19.95

Greenhouse Home, greenhousehome.com, $44.95

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Home Remodel

One Room Challenge: Outdated to Oasis Bathroom Remodel from Tanna by Design WRITTEN BY TANNA EDLER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY NIC ASTON

HE SPRING 2021 “ONE ROOM CHALLENGE” is a

supportive and enthusiastic event held twice a year, with Better Homes and Gardens as the official media partner. It is not a competition; rather, it’s a celebration of creative and inspiring ideas. As a guest participant, we entered a bathroom remodel and shared each step — the good, the bad, and ugly — with everyone on Instagram. We challenged ourselves, our clients, and our trades to complete this primary bathroom remodel as quickly as possible! Our client’s wishlist included a steam shower, an optional bathtub, a coastal vibe, and extra storage. With our floor plan layout, the best space for the steam shower was directly in front of the large picture window — which also was the only source of light in the room. We decided to use this location, remove the existing window, and replace it with a transom. Then, we creatively opened the space with a glass exterior door and one more window over the toilet, illuminating the whole area. We did not have room for a bathtub, but we took advantage of the new exterior door, poured a concrete slab outside, and added a hot tub. We were also able to add a tower to the new custom vanity and a custom hair salon station in one of the cabinet drawers. What was dark and drab is now a fresh and inviting coastal spa. From the pebbles on the shower floor to the added starfish accents, it looks as if a cool sea breeze is consistently flowing through the room. Most importantly, the client was blown away by the final product. The result is the vacation oasis our clients had always dreamed of — now in the comfort of their own home! See more work by Tanna Edler at tannabydesign.com and follow her on social media at @tannabydesign. 

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES

INC.

INSPIRED COMMERCIAL  RESIDENTIAL  SERVICE spectrumpandh.com | info@spectrumpandh.com | 360.739.9207

THANKS FOR VOTING US

BEST PLUMBER We look forward to continuing to serve our community for many years to come.

Exceptional Dining for Over 45 years

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1211 11th Street, Bellingham, WA, 98225 (360) 676-1011 www.dirtydanharris.com

Join our team!

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BEST GROCERY STORE 2021

• 10% family discount on groceries every time you shop • Health benefits with just 16 hours per week • Competitive wages and shift premiums • Full or part time hours available

APPLY TODAY WWW.HAGGEN.COM

Haggen Food & Pharmacy • Visit haggen.com to view our weekly flyers, store hours and more Barkley Village • Sehome Village • Meridian & Illinois • Fairhaven • Ferndale

Infusion Cuisine 120 Sweet As Waffles 126 Local Find: V GO’s 130

Photo by Cocoa Laney

Mixing Tin

Butterbeer

Taste

134 October 2021 119

Taste Review

Italian and Mexican and Chinese, Oh My! Infusion Cuisine WRITTEN BY EMILY BISHOP PHOTOGRAPHED BY TONY MUEANTONTHIAN

OR SEVEN YEARS, Infusion

Cuisine has been serving up a little bit of everything. Founders Eduardo Diego and Yesenia Pulido designed this restaurant to please every palate. Having worked in the restaurant industry for years, Diego noticed that the three most popular types of cuisine were Italian, Chinese, and Mexican. All the dishes on Infusion Cuisine’s menu fit into one of these categories. Like most restaurants, the COVID19 pandemic affected business, but Infusion quickly made the best of the situation by opening a pick-up window for to-go orders. They plan to keep this new feature even as pandemic restrictions are lifted. Pulido says the support of their customers during the shutdown was so great that Infusion Cuisine was able to completely remodel its interior. The restaurant got much more than a paint job with new flooring, tables, chairs, and even the addition of a bar.

What to Order Start your meal off with the Chinese Chicken Salad ($15.99). Napa cabbage, cashews, rice noodles, and wontons combine to create a crisp and crunchy start to your dinner. The salad comes served with an in-house dressing which mixes ingredients such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. 120 BellinghamAlive.com

The Spring Rolls ($5.99) are handfilled with Napa cabbage, bell peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, mushrooms, and rice noodles. One bite and you’ll understand why this is Infusion Cuisine’s most popular appetizer. For those craving a taste of Italy, try the Chicken Piccata ($19.99). This pasta dish comes with chicken breast, linguine noodles, a vegetable medley, and garlic cheese bread. The aglio oil and wine sauce deepen the flavor of the linguine. For something Mexican-inspired, try the Carne Asada ($18.99). Meat lovers in your family will particularly enjoy this meal. Served with refried beans, Mexican rice, guacamole, and corn tortillas, you’ll leave the table satiated and satisfied. For those craving Chinese fare, order the Kung Pao Chicken ($17.99), the most popular dish on the menu. Onion, oyster sauce, chili flakes, and cashews come together to add a zesty flavor to this plate. If chicken isn’t your meat of choice, order the Kung Pao Shrimp instead ($19.99). Every weekend, Infusion Cuisine offers a new weekend special. Offerings range from halibut and oysters to steak. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s something for everyone at Infusion Cuisine. 6912 Hannegan Rd., Lynden, 360.778.1726, infusioncuisine.com  October 2021 121

Taste Sip

Bellingham’s Judged Wine Competition Gives Northwest Wineries Reason to Celebrate WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAN RADIL

HE 2021 Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival Judged

Competition was one for the record books. It featured a record number of entries, participating wineries, and gold and double gold medalists. It was also capped with a pleasant surprise: the Best in Show award for the top pointreceiving wine ended in a tie. The sixth annual event, organized by the Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation, took place at the Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel and Conference Center on July 3, 9, and 10. 351 wines from Oregon and Washington were blind tasted by a panel of seven judges over the threeday period. Best in Show honors were shared by a Washington red and a Washington white wine: the Callan Cellars 2019 GSM from Woodinville winemaker Lisa Callan, and the Longship Cellars 2020 Mind and Memory Sauvignon Blanc from winemaker Kyle Welch in Richland. Both wines originated from the Yakima Valley American Viticultural Area. Callan’s blend of 84% syrah, 14% grenache, and 3% mourvèdre came from Boushey Vineyards, while Welch’s first-ever sauvignon blanc was sourced from the Valley’s Sugarloaf Vineyard. There were plenty of other notable award winners, with seven wineries earning three or more double golds (unanimous gold scores) from the judges. In addition to Callan Cellars’ three double golds, four other Washington wineries scored triple doubles: Lake Chelan’s Tsillan Cellars, Wit Cellars in Prosser, Quincy-based Jones of Washington, and Van Arnam Vineyards in Zillah. 122 BellinghamAlive.com

Two wineries also earned an event-record four double gold medals: Zerba Cellars, based in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, and Thurston Wolfe Winery in Prosser, Washington. Participating wineries from the Whatcom and Skagit County areas also fared exceptionally well in the competition. Vartanyan Estate Winery in Bellingham had a standout performance as one of the judging favorites. Winemaker and owner Margarita Vartanyan entered 14 wines and came away with 14 medals. Her 2018 Cabernet Franc Reserve and 2017 tempranillo aged in American, French, and Russian oak barrels scored double golds, while seven of her other entered wines received gold medals. Other honored Whatcom County wineries included Dynasty Cellars, which received three golds for its 2016 DCQ, 2017 Riesling, and Irresponsible Red Wine Blend; Samson Estates Winery, recipient of a double gold for its Oro Hazelnut Wine plus three Silvers; and GLM Wine Co., which scored a silver for its 2020 Pinot Noir Nouveau. Skagit County wineries were also recognized for several medal-worthy wines including double gold awards to the Eagle Haven Winery 2017 sangiovese, Skagit Cellars 2017 cabernet sauvignon, Skagit Crest Vineyard & Winery 2018 pinot noir, and Tulip Valley Winery 2019 Gewurztraminer. gold medals also went to Bertelsen Winery’s 2017 merlot and 2019 cabernet franc. A complete list of all 2021 medal winners along with individual wine point scores is available at whatcombeerandwinefoundation.org/wine-festival. 

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.

B-TOWN KITCHEN AND RAW BAR

DIRTY DAN HARRIS Steakhouse

Seafood, American

1211 11th St., Bellingham 360.676.1011, dirtydanharris.com

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

BANTAM 46 American, Southern 1327 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.788.4507, bantambellingham.com A bantam is a type of small chicken. At Bellingham’s newest southern-inspired chicken rotisserie, you get what the name promises. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken has breading that’s thick, crispy, and — somehow — not greasy at all. While the downstairs is family-friendly, the upstairs is reserved for those 21 and older. BRANDYWINE KITCHEN Regional NW

Named for the farm where they began growing their decadent heirloom tomatoes, Brandywine Kitchen sources many of its ingredients locally, upholding their “from seed to plate” philosophy. The menu offers vegetarian and gluten-free options and a rotating selection of beer from local breweries. COMRADE BURGER American 1232 N. State St., Bellingham 360.306.3587 If you’ve been to Carnal in downtown Bellingham, you know meat is their forte. For even more protein-forward goodness, head to the restaurant’s burger offshoot, Comrade, located right next door. Created as a destination for casual takeout during the pandemic, Comrade’s menu is short and sweet, featuring elevated burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and fries with house-made dipping sauces.

11TH HOUR TEA & COFFEE BAR Tea, Coffee

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

COSMOS BISTRO American Bistro, Comfort Food

1151 N. State St., Bellingham 360.255.0244, bellinghamcosmosbistro.com

1102 Harris Ave., Bellingham 360.922.7494, fairhavenpoke.com You’ll be taking a personal trip to the islands when you bite into Fairhaven Poke’s poke bowl concoction. The iconic raw fish, doused in a unique blend of sauces, along with a variety of other topping options are piled onto a bed of homemade sushi rice or salad. Customers then garnish their bowls with additional condiments such as furikake, a Japanese nori seasoning.

GUUD BOWLS American, Ready-to-Heat Bowls

2625 S. Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham 360.510.4880, guudbowls.com Guud Bowls is unlike most food services because they don’t have a storefront. Every weekday, owners Mike Duncan and Meredith Steven cook and chill bowls of food in a commissary kitchen and hand-deliver anywhere in Whatcom County. Choose from a rotating menu of gluten-free bowls filled with colorful, fresh ingredients. Pop the ready-toheat bowls in the oven, microwave, or saute in a pan. HILLTOP RESTAURANT American 5645 Guide Meridian, Bellingham 360.398.2462, hilltopcooking.com Three years after Hilltop Restaurant opened, the small cafe turned into a classic diner open 14 hours a day, seven days a week, with delicious takes on all the classic diner eats. It’s the type of place where you’ll hear Ariana Grande’s music softly playing in the background while a waitress in a white apron asks if she can top off your still half-full coffee.

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.

FAIRHAVEN POKE Hawaiian

1317 Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.1071, brandywinekitchen.com

833 N. State St., Bellingham 360.788.4229, 11thhourteaandcoffeebar.com

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

INFUSION CUISINE

Italian, Mexican, Chinese

6912 Hannegan Rd., Lynden 360.778.1726, infusioncuisine.com Infusion Cuisine has a menu that features a little bit of everything. The three most popular types of cuisine are Italian, Asian, and Mexican, and all the dishes on Infusion

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Taste Local Find

When in Downtown Bellingham, Do as the Italians Do Bar Cicotti WRITTEN BY COCOA LANEY PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEAN DAVIDSON

HEN CONSIDERING how best to use an empty

space in the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher building, restaurateur Jonathan Cicotti took inspiration from his Italian heritage. Italian bars, such as the ones he visits with his family in Italy, are “espresso bars by day, drinking bars by night.” Modelling the space after this concept allowed him to utilize it for two ideas in one. That idea comes to life at Bar Cicotti, a simple yet elegant Italian-style cafe and wine bar. It serves as an excellent complement to Storia Cucina, Cicotti’s original Bellingham restaurant, and the two locations are within a short walking distance of each other. If you find yourself on the waitlist at

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Storia Cucina, head down the block to Bar Cicotti. You can sip a glass of wine until your table is ready. Bellingham may have breweries in spades, but Cicotti notes that the city is lacking in options for wine and wine bars. At Bar Cicotti, however, wine is the star of the show. Their drink menu is straightforward and well-curated, offering an excellent wine list in addition to a selection of beers and spritzes. If you’re looking to unwind in style, you’re invited to share a bottle with friends in Bar Cicotti’s secluded courtyard (preferably around golden hour when the setting sun illuminates the Lightcatcher wall) For wine fans on the go, the bar’s interior boasts a retail shelf offering up take-home bottles at a 40% discount — an appealing option for anyone looking to impress at a dinner party. During the daytime hours, the espresso takes center stage. It’s sourced from Caffe Umbria, a Seattle-based roastery known for blending and roasting their beans using traditional Italian methods. The quality of this espresso means that there’s no need for complicated recipes or sugary syrups. “It’s like we’re letting the espresso speak for itself: Classic espresso, macchiato, cappuccino, latte,” explains Cicotti. “There’s not 20 different versions of each one of those drinks.” The food menu further demonstrates Bar Cicotti’s emphasis on high quality ingredients, offering simple yet creative Italian dishes from breakfast until dinner. For a truly authentic Italian experience, Cicotti recommends the formaggi and salumi platters. Can’t decide between meat or cheese? Order the grande platter for a mix of both. “La dolce far niente” is an Italian phrase that roughly translates to “the sweetness of doing nothing.” You can live out this concept by taking in the scenery, getting lost in thought, or lingering over a perfectly prepared espresso — the point is that you are fully present in the moment. In lieu of a piazza in Milan, Bar Cicotti is the perfect place to unwind as the Italians do. 202 Grand Ave., Bellingham, 360.656.6802, barcicotti.com 

Thank you for voting us BEST MEDI-SPA! Treatments we offer: • Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser

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evolé Mediclinic (formerly Glow Mediclinic)

1500 12th Street Bellingham, WA 98225 evolemediclinic.com • info@evolemediclinic.net • 360.647.6991

Voted Best Coffee House

Voted Best Breakfast

1011 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA, 98225 October 2021 125

Courtesy of Sweet As Waffles

Taste Review

A Delicious Dream Seven Years in the Making

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

Courtesy of Sweet As Waffles

Sweet As Waffles

126 BellinghamAlive.com

WRITTEN BY IAN FERGUSON

WEET AS WAFFLES OFFICIALLY OPENED to the

public at Stemma Brewing Company in June of 2021. For the owners, Nate Brown and Graham Berkwitt, the grand opening was the culmination of a vision several years in the making. It all started with an idea that came to Brown while on a year long vagabond throughout the South Pacific in 2015. On his return, he pitched the idea to Berkwitt and they began taking the steps to create Sweet As Waffles. Three years later, in 2018, they drove down to Oregon to purchase the trailer that would eventually become its storefront. Now, every Thursday through Sunday you can stop by Stemma Brewing Company to see Brown and Berkwitt dishing up tasty treats to the Bellingham community. “We spent so long planning and building this thing, where we talked about what we were going to do and how we want things to come out and look like and now it’s like, ‘Alright, we’re actually doing it’,” Brown said. They offer a wide variety of both sweet and savory waffles, all from house-made ingredients and jam-packed with unique topping combinations. They like to get “weird” with the recipes, all of which are crafted from their own creativity.

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

Recipe Taste

One of Berkwitt’s favorites is the Canadian Quesadilla (Full $10 or Mondo $17). The dish is a grilled cheese waffle sandwich filled with three types of melted cheese, lathered in pesto cream cheese, and topped with candied bacon and arugula. He says the dish is their take on the well-known “chicken and waffle.” “People really come back for this sandwich,” says Berkwitt. “It’s something no one’s really had before.” For all the sweet-tooths out there, there are plenty of options to satisfy a desire for sugar. You’re welcome to take the traditional route with the Home Base ($6) — one waffle with maple syrup, whipped cream, and your choice of a topping. Alternatively, go a bit bolder with a dish like the Baker Blast ($8), a favorite for both Brown and Berkwitt. If you’re looking for a (sort of) healthy option, try the It’s Okay, It’s A Salad ($9). The dish comes with pesto cream cheese, tomato, and mozzarella on a bed of arugula and topped with a maple- balsamic dressing. You can order it as is or get creative with the toppings. Brown said he adds ricotta, candied bacon, and goat cheese — thus making “the ultimate salad.” As with any dish, don’t be afraid to get weird with some personal modifications. Pick from the wide range of extra toppings including Oreos, gummy worms, coconut shavings, or Kit Kats. “We’re like a candy shop on wheels, basically,” Brown said. “It’s super nice to kind of be a little bit creative, and we try to give the customers that creative freedom.” As for the future of Sweet As Waffles, Brown said they hope to “get a little bit weirder.” What exactly does that mean? “You’ll just have to see, man.” 2039 Moore St., Bellingham, sweetaswaffles.com 

Maui Mule RECIPE AND PHOTOS BY APPLE STATE VINEGAR

HE MAUI MULE is a fun, tropical version of

the Moscow Mule with a bright and slightly spicy taste thanks to our Ginger and Hawaiian Chili Shrub. The shrub’s flavor is enhanced by adding sparkling water and fresh lime juice, and the raw apple cider vinegar and ginger offer additional health benefits.

Ingredients Ice 2 ounces vodka ½ ounce fresh lime juice 1 ounce Ginger & Hawaiian Chili Shrub Sparkling Water Crystallized ginger Lime slice

Directions • Fill a copper mug with ice. • Add 2 ounces of vodka, ½ ounce of fresh lime juice, and 1 ounce of Ginger & Hawaiian Chili Shrub. • Top with sparkling water and garnish with crystalized ginger and a lime slice.  October 2021 127

Taste Dining Guide Pacific Northwest Opera Cuisine’s menu fit into one of these categories. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s something for everyone at Infusion Cuisine.

October 29 & 31 November 5 & 7

JUXT TAPHOUSE American 119 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.656.5223, juxttaphouse.com JUXT’s unique 28-tap draft system allows for a rotating selection of locally sourced beer, wine, cider, cold brew, and cocktails. Because cocktails are mixed and ready on-request, JUXT can deliver something unfound in other bars: cocktail flights.The food menu is also large and varied, with options to satisfy any palate or hunger level. True to the bar’s spirit, it juxtaposes fine dining items with pubfriendly comfort foods like nachos, burgers, and poutine. KEENAN’S AT THE PIER

Northwest, American & Seafood

Four Guitars I November 19

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

Golden Dragon Acrobats I January 22 MILANO’S ITALIAN SEAFOOD Italian, Seafood

1210 11th St., Bellingham 360.599.2863, milanosrestaurantbar.com

Mariachi Herencia de Mexico I February 6

Formerly in Glacier, the Milano’s in downtown Fairhaven is your destination for fine Italian dining and seafood. Wine lovers will feel especially at home, as Milano’s boasts the largest wine list in Whatcom County. Despite being a high-end restaurant, it’s also informal. You don’t have to dress up, and everyone is welcome. NORTHWATER Regional NW 4260 Mitchell Way, Bellingham 360.398.6191, northh2o.com

KUINKA I April 1

mcintyrehall.org 360.416.7727

On the Mount Vernon Campus of Skagit Valley College 2 5 0 1 E C o l l e g e Wa y, M o u n t Ve r n o n

128 BellinghamAlive.com

From breakfast to late night dinner, northwater’s 185-seat restaurant features a diverse menu of Pacific Northwest dishes made from locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The restaurant’s waitstaff is personable and enthusiastic — eager to answer our questions about ingredient sources and what desserts they’d recommend.

PEPPER SISTERS Mexican, Pacific Northwest 1055 N. State St., Bellingham 360.671.3414, peppersisters.com Customers have been diving into their plentiful plates of comforting burritos, quesadillas, and other specialties since 1988. The spunky atmosphere only elevates the already upbeat mood of the place. With bright booths, samplings of art, and lively music, it’s nearly impossible to feel sour. Regular patrons groove to Stevie Wonder as they plunge their forks into massive burritos filled with red chili pesto, sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, potatoes, green chilies, and cheese. THE RUSTIC FORK Italian 442 Peace Portal Dr., Blaine 360.332.4346, therusticforkeatery.com On the menu at The Rustic Fork, you’ll find a variety of authentic Italian dishes, from pizzas and paninis to cannoli and lasagna. All pizzas are 12” and feature a fire-baked thin crust, differentiating the Rustic Fork from other pizzerias in Blaine. Stop by during lunch to choose from sandwiches, paninis, salads, and pasta dishes, or grab some pizza by the slice. SAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE Food truck See satm360.com for schedule and location 360.988.1800 If you haven’t yet heard of Sage Against the Machine, you will soon enough. Believed to be Bellingham’s first from-scratch, dairy-free, meat-free, and mostly gluten- and soy-free food truck, Sage Against the Machine has the power to convince the meatiest of meat-eaters that eating plant-based food can actually be enjoyable. SCAMPI OSTERIA Italian 4832 Alderson Rd., Blaine 360.393.4415 This Italian restaurant in Birch Bay is adjacent to The C Shop, just a short stroll from the beach. Scampi’s interior is dimly lit, with soft light entering through large windows at the front and from turned-down overhead lighting. The atmosphere has a romantic and upscale feel, with wall art adding a homier touch. The food can be described in one word: incredible. The menu is wide, and includes traditional Italian meals as well as unique seafood dishes. SCOTTY BROWNS American Cuisine 3101 Newmarket St., Bellingham 360.306.8823 scottybrownsrestaurant.com Scotty Browns offers an edgy, energetic ambiance, a varied menu of mainstream and

upscale creations, and excellent drink options for all ages. Outdoor dining is a popular option during warmer weather. Some items on the menu, like appetizers, change seasonally, so you know you’ll never get bored. Casual to upscale dining options range from hamburgers, rice bowls, and pastas to higher-end seafood and steaks. Just flying through? Grab a bite at their second location inside Bellingham International Airport.

GREAT TASTES

SWEET AS WAFFLES Waffles 2039 Moore St., Bellingham sweetaswaffles.com Sweet As Waffles offers a wide variety of both sweet and savory waffles, all created from house-made ingredients. They like to get “weird” with the recipes and experiment with unique combinations of toppings.

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

WAKE ‘N BAKERY American 6903 Bourne St., Glacier 360.599.1658, getsconed.com Wake ‘N Bakery is a staple rest stop along Mount Baker Highway. If you’re in need of a sweet treat and hot coffee to bring the feeling back to your numb fingers, this will fit the bill. Whether you’re traveling to or from the mountain, watch for its signs as you pass through Glacier — the cafe is about a block off the highway.

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.

Lombardi’s is the perfect venue for date night or a long waterside lunch with friends. Their Salmon Piccata with lemon caper sauce, vegetables, and buttered fettuccine is rich yet fresh, especially when paired with a selection from their extensive wine list. Visit CJ’s Beach House in Blaine for a beautiful view of Birch Bay and the best Baked French Onion Soup in town. Follow with their Famous Birch Bay Fish & Chips with beer battered wild Alaskan cod, served with coleslaw and fries. Pancakes from The Wild Oat Bakery & Cafe are a decadent way to start your day, and they’re sure to satisfy vegans and non-vegans alike. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget to order extra blueberry compote.

Savory and sweet combine on the Sebba pizza from Övn Wood Fired Pizza in Fairhaven. The blue cheese and marinated figs make this pie decadent, while the fresh arugula topping lends the pie a crisp and peppery crunch.

5 6 7 8

If you like things hot, the Phad See Ew at Rachawadee Thai Cafe in Mount Vernon is a must-try. Customers can personalize their heat level (ranked between zero and four stars), but be warned! Rachawadee takes chili peppers seriously, so play it safe if you’re sensitive to spice. If you’re craving meat, the Juxt Char-Grilled Burger from Juxt Taphouse is just what the doctor ordered. It comes served on a potato bun with all the fixings and pairs well with anything from their constantly rotating draft menu. The Lemongrass Organic Tofu/Bun Tau Hu Xa at Soy House is one of those special dishes I could eat every day and never get sick of. Noodles and veggies are paired with saucy lemongrass tofu and topped with peanuts.

Stop by Endgame Bellingham for board games, cocktails, and the Luigi Signature Sandwich. It’s essentially a classic caprese, except nerdier — and quite possibly more delicious. In homage to its Nintendo namesake, this sandwich is best enjoyed over a rousing game of Super Mario 64.

October 2021 129

Taste Local Find

A One-Stop Vegan Shop V GO’s Bellingham WRITTEN BY ANELYSE MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY COCOA LANEY

F YOU’RE A VEGAN OR AN AVID FOOD TRUCK LOVER

in Bellingham, you’re bound to have sampled food from Sage Against the Machine. This beloved food truck features diverse menu items, all of which are two important things: Vegan and delicious. With business booming, Sage Against the Machine started to outgrow its shared kitchen. Owners Tara Folenius and Nate Johnson saw it as an opportunity to look for a commissary kitchen. It wasn’t until three years later that their idea would come to fruition in the form of V GO’s Bellingham (Vegans on the Go). This new space, an old church located on Cornwall Avenue, was purchased back in 2020. After facing multiple setbacks, Folenius and Johnson were able to hit the ground running in 2021. “We definitely bit off more than we thought it was going to be in the beginning,” Folenius says. “But it’s happening. We’re getting it.” V GO’s operates as a mercantile, offering the same great foods from Sage Against the Machine while also allowing for indoor seating and an all-encompassing vegan store. You’ll find a little bit of everything, from clothing and hygiene products to groceries, pet food, and take-and-heat treats. “We wanted it to be a one-stop shop for everything. It would have room for a kitchen, for seating, and for a grocery store,” Folenius says. “We really need it here in Bellingham.” When visiting V GO’s you can shop and eat knowing not only that your products are vegan, but that they’re also sustainable. Folenius says V GO’s will continue to be ocean-friendly by buying in bulk, using compostable products, avoiding single-use plastic, and supporting local animal rescues. “We want to help spread the word for these small nonprofits that are doing amazing, hard work with these animals,” she says. “We’ve also talked to tons of entrepreneurs who make vegan products. We want to feature them and give them their own space.” Folenius also hopes to decorate the building’s large walls with local artwork, giving a percentage of proceeds from their sales to those small nonprofits and animal sanctuaries. You can also expect future food tastings, Saturday morning music sessions, and neighborhood block parties on the horizon. “We have amazing neighbors and we want to showcase them and have fun with them,” she says. “We want to turn [the block] into a vegan destination.” While Folenius is excited for all of this, she most looks forward to being an establishment the community can depend on — one where you can walk in knowing that everything is plant-based, vegan, and good for the environment. 1213 Cornwall Ave., Ste. 102, vgosbellingham.com 

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Dining Guide Taste

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BASTION BREWING COMPANY American 12529 Christianson Rd., Anacortes 360.399.1614, bastionbrewery.com 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.

Best Food Truck! MEXICAN FOOD HOMESTYLE

TAPATIONW.COM CATERING AVAILABLE

CATRINA TACOS & TEQUILA Mexican 517 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.5566, catrinastacostequila.com

LOCATED IN BELLINGHAM AND FERNDALE

Catrina Tacos & Tequila is known for their take on Street Tacos — with a multitude of meat fillings to choose from, double tortillas, cilantro, and onions — but that’s certainly not the only mouthwatering option. With plenty of drinks to sample, there’s always another reason to visit again. 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. FORTUNE MANDARIN Chinese, Mandarin 1617 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon 360.428.1819, fortunemandarin.com Tea warmed over a candle, delicious drinks with a slight exotic twist, tender and flavorful meat, and vegetables cooked to perfection are expected at this peaceful bar and restaurant with Chinese decor. The owner and staff remember regular patrons, creating a sense of community alongside mouth-watering food. GREEK ISLANDS RESTAURANT Greek 2001 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.293.6911, greekislandsrestaurant.shop Some of the very best Greek food in our area comes from this versatile and excellent menu, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and glutenfree options. They serve both authentic food, such as classic gyro plates and spanakopita, while also mixing in American and seafood options, such as pork ribs and fish and chips. NELL THORN Seafood 116 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.4261, nellthorn.com Nell Thorn is seafood-heavy, so trying one of their seafood dishes is a must. Their daily specials take into account the freshest catches,

October 2021 131

Thanks for voting us Best Fresh Meat/ Seafood 4936 Lake Terrell Rd., Ferndale barleansfishery.com 360.384.0325

Thank you for voting us

BEST I TALIAN RESTAURAN T LOMBARDISITALIAN.COM • 360.714.8412

B oxx B erry Farm

6211 Northwest Drive, Ferndale 360.380.2699 boxxberryfarm.com

B ox x B erry Farm

Best Agricultural Company

Providing Fresh Berries, Vegetables and Flowers in Whatcom County since 1960.

Dining Guide Taste but you’ll also typically find a seafood pasta, filet-topped salad, and oysters on the menu.

DRINK DROPS

RAILROAD PUB & PIZZA Pizza, American 122 S. Spruce St., Burlington 360.982.2133, railroadpizza.com Railroad Pub & Pizza in downtown Burlington has all the charm of a rustic pub with quality food and drinks. The menu boasts several artisan pizza options on a 24-hour aged malted dough crust, as well as soups, salads, and sandwiches. The bar offers a multitude of taps for craft beer and ciders. The wide garage-style windows open in the summer, and the central fireplace heats the space in the winter. It’s a great place to watch a game, drink a beer, and eat some pizza. RISTRETTO COFFEE LOUNGE & WINE BAR American 416 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.0951, ristrettocoffeelounge.com Ristretto doesn’t have a kitchen, but the baristas know their way around a panini press. You can also order breakfast all day, fresh salads, hearty bagels, or one of the baked goods brought in three times a week from nearby bakeries. SALT & VINE French 913 6th St., Anacortes 360.293.2222 An international cheese, wine, and charcuterie shop, Salt & Vine offers the best of both 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.

Aslan Brewing Company Enjoy three new hop beers from Aslan this October: The Charlie Foxtrot and the Fresh Hop Kolsch, brewed with Chinook hops from Growing Veterans in Lynden, plus Cascade Bloom from Roy Farms. For a true autumnal delight, lookout for their Satan’s Airport, an imperial milk stout set to be released at the end of October, brewed with coffee from Bellingham Coffee Roasters. 1330 N. Forest St., Bellingham aslanbrewing.com

Stones Throw Brewery

SHAMBALA BAKERY & BISTRO American 614 S. 1st Ave., Mount Vernon 360.588.6600, shambalabakery.com Crack open Shambala Bakery and Bistro’s menu to find all-day breakfast options and an array of sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and lighter fare items such as quiche and soup. Their daily specials take advantage of what’s in season. SKAGIT VALLEY’S FARMHOUSE American 13724 Laconner Whitney Rd., Mount Vernon 360.466.4411, thefarmhouserestaurant.net Craving home-cooked food but don’t want to make it yourself? Skagit Valley’s Farmhouse may be what you’re looking for. When first entering the building, you walk past a mouthwatering pie showcase and through a gift shop that has the perfect items for Ma and Pa. The decor is reminiscent of country living. Even though their breakfasts are famous, try their lunch and dinner menus as well — when you eat here, you’re home. TAQUERIA LA BAMBA Mexican 2222 Riverside Dr., Ste. 850, Mount Vernon 360.424.0824 Off the road and inside a small plaza sits a little gem — a family-run, low-key Mexican restaurant. Taqueria La Bamba offers authentic taco truck food in a sit-down restaurant. The salsas are spicy, full of flavor, and made in-house. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food at a low price, eat here and you won’t be disappointed.

As the weather grows colder, you can warm yourself up with these new beers from Stones Throw Brewery. The Fresh Hop Ale is brewed within hours of the hops harvesting, resulting in a clean and bright beer with a moderately bitter profile. For Oktoberfest, the Fest Bier is back to deliver a smooth and clean taste in a malty German lager form. 1009 Larrabee Ave., Bellingham stonesthrowbrewco.com

Stemma Brewing

DRINK DROPS

Stemma Brewing is releasing two new hop beers this October. Try the Shattered Universe IPA, a collaboration with Juxt Taphouse (plus four graphic designers) that’ll transport you back to summer with flavors of mango and grapefruit. For a berry good time, try the stone fruit and blueberry flavored Mosaic Single Hop, complete with mild bitterness and medium body. 2039 Moore St., Bellingham stemmabrewing.com

October 2021 133

Taste Dining Guide THE UNION TAVERN — LOCAL 902 American 902 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.873.8245, theuniontavern-local902.com

1-Up Lounge Butterbeer

Patrons can get the perfect-size dish in a flavor profile to satisfy any craving. With plenty of beers on rotation, there’s the basics plus a surprise or two. Cocktails are another highlight — you won’t find Red Bull vodkas or overly sweetened Mai Tais here. The staff uses fresh juice, quality spirits, and house-made sours and grenadine. Staffers are encouraged to create their own cocktails, and the tastiest concoctions get a place on the menu.

Ingredients: Cream soda, spiced rum, butterscotch schnapps, house vanilla syrup, Tillamook vanilla ice cream, $15

VAGABOND STATION Southern 2120 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.421.4227, vagabondtrailerfood.com Vagabond Station is known for its mostly Southern-style menu with a few curveballs. Dig into a prime rib sandwich, a meat-lover’s dream that is difficult to find in this day of well-done meat. Try a bowl of Vagabond Chili, the Santa Fe cornbread, or a wiscuit — biscuit dough cooked in a waffle maker. Of course, there’s crispy fried chicken and waffles, and their signature sandwich, the Yard Bird: chicken, cheddar cheese, and gravy piled onto a fresh, fluffy biscuit.

ISLAND COUNTIES CAPTAIN WHIDBEY INN American 2072 Captain Whidbey Inn Rd., Coupeville 360.678.4097, captainwhidbey.com

Photo by Cocoa Laney

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.

VEN IF YOU’RE NOT A HARRY POTTER FAN, this rich and

boozy take on Hogsmeade’s brew of choice is a must-try for Halloween. Spiced rum adds warmth and balances out the sugar of the soda, but it’s the ice cream scoop that takes this concoction over the top. Everything comes served in a tall stein glass and could easily pass for a pint at the Three Broomsticks. Butterbeer is an annual tradition at 1-Up Lounge, and their bartenders are undisputed experts when it comes to whipping up fantasy-inspired libations. Try their version first, then make your own for Halloween parties, Harry Potter marathons, or any evening that could use an extra serving of sweetness. 1121 McKenzie Ave., Bellingham, 360.398.6183, 1-uplounge.com COCOA LANEY

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CYNTHIA’S BISTRO American 65 Nichols St., Friday Harbor, 360.298.8130, cynthiasofcourse.com Located in a renovated 1920s home, this local San Juan Island staple is known for their innovative menu selections. You can enjoy lunch, or even an extended breakfast, daily in spring and summer. They are famous for their brunch, but you might try stopping by later in the evening for their dinner menu — a special treat. FRIDAY HARBOR HOUSE Regional NW 130 West St., Friday Harbor 360.378.8455, fridayharborhouse.com It’s hard to beat the view of the ferry landing, marina, and San Juan Channel from Friday

Harbor House — the hotel and restaurant provide a sweeping panorama of water and sky. In addition to the delicious food menu, Friday Harbor House is one of the few island restaurants to offer a full bar at brunch every day of the week. INN AT LANGLEY American 400 First St., Langley, 360.221.3033, innatlangley.com If beauty were a taste, this would be it. As a guest, you’re taken on a mouth-watering culinary journey through a multi-course tasting menu. Not only is the meal a delight for the taste buds, but there are also surprises at each turn, whether it’s the presentation or the accoutrements. Each guest is served as if they are the only one in the dining room. The menu is prix fixe, with an additional charge for wine pairing. Dinner here is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. $ $ $ $ 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.

Full Service Fish Market and Lunch Available Shop Our Selection of Locally Made Goods and Gifts Jams • Jellies • Salsas Honey • Sauces

Mon–Sat 10:30–5:30pm lunch served until 4:30pm Sun 11–4pm lunch served until 3pm

18042 WA-20 Burlington, WA 360-707-2722 skagitfish.com

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.

Thanks for voting us Best Seafood October 2021 135

Notes Lasting Image

This photo was taken at Waypoint Park. The beautiful sunset in Bellingham during the fall made me want to capture the unique moment so that other people could experience it. I use this photo as a reminder that Bellingham will always be my favorite place to live.

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

TONY MUEANTONTHIAN

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.

136 BellinghamAlive.com

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Bellingham Alive October 2021

Articles inside

Drink Drops

Mixing Tin Butterbeer

Recipe Maui Mule

Lasting Image

Local Find V GO’s

Review Sweet As Waffles

Local Find Bar Cicotti

Dining Guide

Local Find

Spotlight Auda Sinda

Sip

Featured Home

Necessities

Local Find Madrona Wear

Q&A

Out and About

Spotlight

Spotlight

5 Faves

DIY Pumpkin Carving Ideas

Letters to the Editor

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