Culinary Events

Soon enough Slough Food began offering a small menu of soup, salads, and panini. The courtyard also continued to evolve as DeGloria brought in more seating, lights, and flowers. Over a period of years, the space transformed into a veritable sanctuary along the Edison Slough.

DeGloria, who studied abroad in Italy in the ‘90s, modeled his business after Italian alimentari, or delicatessens, and the international influence shows. The result is a one-of-a-kind hybrid: In addition to showcasing regional culinary offerings, Slough Food would also be right at home in a small-town Tuscan piazza.

“I’ve always blended European specialties and local specialties,” DeGloria says. “So we’ll have some Dalmatian fig spread on the self, and then we’ll also have some strawberry rhubarb jam and some cherry jam that this lovely lady named Anne makes out in Anacortes. We’ll have some pecorino tartufo from Tuscany and then we’ll also have Ladysmith, a delicious fresh cheese from Samish Bay Cheese one mile east.”

The same philosophy applies to wine and liquor; when browsing Slough Food’s vast inventory, it’s not uncommon to see a Portland gin or Yakima Valley cabernet alongside offerings from Spain, Italy, or France.

Customers can certainly pick up goodies to-go, but if you ask us, the best way to enjoy Slough Food is to spend time lingering over drinks and nibbles in the courtyard. From Breadfarm baguette to curated cheese plates, grilled panini, olives, Marcona almonds, and even tinned Matiz octopus, there’s plenty of deliciousness to pair with your vino.

Slough Food occasionally hosts events such as paella parties, oyster parties, or even luaus (no pre-registration is required). But even on a normal Thursday, the courtyard is the perfect venue for catching up with old friends — and perhaps meeting new ones too.

“Something happens almost every single day, it seems,” DeGloria says. “I love it when people come in, and when they’re leaving, they’ve transformed — they feel like their blood pressure has dropped. It’s a very convivial spot, they’ve met someone else … yeah, it’s a real meeting place.”

To experience the magic for yourself, visit Slough Food Wednesday–Sunday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. 5766 Cains Ct., Bow, 360.766.4458, sloughfood.com 

Laminate Pastry: Croissant, Danish, and Puff

August 1–3, 12–5 p.m.

Yearning to be a pastry professional? This three-day course will have you on your way in no time. Learn how to make laminated dough (dough that is separated by thin layers of butter) from scratch. Wow dinner guests when you learn how to create fruit tarts, turnovers, napoleons, pain au chocolat, bear claws, croissants, and more! The Bread Lab 11768 Westnar Ln., Burlington 360.707.4640, kingarthurbaking.com

French Pasty Intensive

August 8–10, 12–5 p.m.

Immerse yourself in French cuisine from our corner of the country! This three-day class covers classic French pastries. Attendees will learn a variety of techniques used to make pate a choux, eclairs, French macarons, brioche, and kouign-amann. Can’t make it this month? You can make your culinary escape to Paris in October too.

The Bread Lab 11768 Westnar Ln., Burlington 360.707.4640, kingarthurbaking.com

Wines of Whatcom

August 13, 4–6 p.m.

It’s that time of year again! Wines of Whatcom is happening for the third time, allowing local vintners to showcase their wines from across Whatcom (and Skagit). Hosted by Bellewood Farms, this philanthropic event includes hors d’oeuvres, food, live music from Matt and Rebecca Ridenour, and a silent auction — all of which benefits Wild Bird Charity. Bellewood Farms & Distillery, 6140 Guide Meridian Rd., Bellingham bellewoodfarms.com

Date Night: Bar Cicotti Dinner and Curator Tour

August 16, 5:30–8 p.m.

Head to Whatcom Museum for a night full of education and libations. Start with a three-course pre-fixed Northern Italian menu and glass of wine from Bar Cicotti. After dinner, Museum Curator of Art Amy Chaloupka is giving a guided tour of the “Many Wests: Artists Shape an American Idea” exhibition. Dinner space is limited so book your tickets while you can! Lightcatcher Building 250 Flora St., Bellingham 360.778.8930, whatcommuseum.org