Recipe Maui Mule

Photo by Tony Mueantonthian

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

THE 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 29 & 31 November 5 & 7

Four Guitars I November 19

Golden Dragon Acrobats I January 22

Mariachi Herencia de Mexico I February 6

KUINKA I April 1

mcintyrehall.org

360.416.7727

On the Mount Vernon Campus of Skagit Valley College 2501 E College Way, Mount Vernon 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.

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 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.

MILANO’S ITALIAN SEAFOOD Italian,

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