2023 Skagit Dining Guide

Pizza Factory

Scott Richards Insurance

COA Mexican Restaurant

PATIO SEASON

As the weather grows finer, you’re looking for fresh ways to enjoy good food in good company. Whether you’re enjoying a tasty breakfast with the family, grabbing a bite with co-workers or planning an elegant dinner date, there’s no more pleasant atmosphere than a restaurant patio.

How much have you missed the summertime sensations of enticing aromas and a stimulating view of the street, with engaging conversation and laughter? Then there’s the soothing fresh air with warm sunshine or cooling shade. It’s time to make up for lost time and create new memories with an enticing meal and wellearned beverage.

Many restaurants, bistros, cafes, microbreweries, vineyards and creameries provide terraces for outdoor enjoyment. This summer, visit the eateries in your area to discover (or rediscover) the myriad of tastes available to delight your senses.

Summertime dining is best done OUTDOORS!

Dining outdoors is one of the best things about summer. Whether you eat at a restaurant, in your backyard or at a local park, you’ll find everything tastes better with some fresh air.

For breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s a wide range of choices available to satisfy your craving for a delicious meal you don’t have to cook. If you think about it, you’ll realize how many options you have: coffee shops, diners, bars, delis, bistros, pizzerias and other eateries are all just a stone’s throw away.

So, for an al fresco experience that will delight your senses, simply order a meal from a restaurant you love and enjoy eating it under an open sky.

Tips for taking advantage of local patios

Nothing says summer like dining outdoors. Follow these tips for a comfortable, relaxed and hassle-free experience.

Stay out of the sun

The sun’s rays are strongest at midday, so if want to enjoy an outdoor lunch, it’s best to request a table in the shade. If none are available, keep the sun off your head with a hat. You should also protect your skin by applying sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside, and then reapply every two hours. Finally, be sure to remember your sunglasses.

Remain hydrated

If you’re planning on enjoying cocktails or wine on the patio, keep in mind that the combination

of sun and alcohol can quickly intoxicate and dehydrate you. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and let someone else drive you home if you get too tipsy.

Keep pests away

Insects like wasps, bees and mosquitoes are attracted to the foods and drinks served on patios. Use a bug repellant to keep mosquitoes away, be careful when you shoo away bees and if you have an allergy, don’t forget to bring your epinephrine injector.

Remember that the weather can change quickly, even on the most pleasant of summer days. Think ahead by carrying a light sweater or shawl, even if the forecast says it’ll stay warm.

Local producers: making quality a top priority

Across the country, there’s an increasingly high demand for products that are grown and produced locally. Given the benefits, it’s not hard to see why you should opt for goods made in your region.

An abundance of choice

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to products grown and produced in your area. Depending on where you live, the selection at your local markets may include:

• Fruits such as strawberries, apples, blueberries and more

• Vegetables like onions, zucchinis, cabbage and others

• Grains including wheat, corn and oats

• Dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, butter and ice cream

• Fish and seafood items like trout, lobster, shrimp and crab

• Meats including pork, veal, duck and chicken

• Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and cider

What’s more, since small-scale farmers tend to prioritize sustainable practices, you’ll get to invest in products that are safe for your family and the planet.

A local touch

In addition to local farmers and producers, your community is filled with small business owners who offer a variety of goods that can’t be grown in the region. From chocolates and teas to coffee and spice blends, these passionate entrepreneurs use their knowledge to curate a selection of products to suit even the most refined palate.

An accessible option

As regional goods become increasingly popular, it’s easier to find them in supermarkets, specialized grocery stores and public markets. In many cases, you can even have them delivered right to your door. With just a few clicks, you can track down a variety of businesses in your area that can introduce you to the joys of local goods.

Stock your fridge and pantry with tasty local products this summer and throughout the year.

SEDRO-WOOLLEY

4 types of patios to enjoy this summer

When the sun’s out and the weather’s mild, luxuriating on an outdoor patio is an irresistible indulgence. To make the most out of this summer pastime, be sure to try out these four types of patios this summer.

1. Rooftop

You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world from the peak of an office building or hotel overlooking the town. Take in the magnificent view, have a drink or two and enjoy chatting with friends.

2. Waterfront

Whether it’s lakeside, seaside or poolside, sitting by the water on a warm, sunny day is a rejuvenating and enjoyable experience. Add

frothy beverages, finger foods and a friend or two, and you have a recipe for a great time on your hands.

3. Festival

Swilling back beers while listening to live music at an outdoor music festival is a great way to spend a day. Many shows even include covered patios for concertgoers to get out of the sun.

4. Vineyard

Visiting a local winery with friends is a great way to spend a summer afternoon, and the idyllic setting will undoubtedly make the wine taste better. After a tour of the vineyard, settle on the patio for a bite to eat and a glass or two of your preferred vintage.

No matter which venue you choose, patio dining is invariably a delight. Be sure to enjoy this summertime pleasure freely and frequently.

Cascade Pizza

SV Burger Express

The Garage Cafe

SW Chamber

Support Local Producers!

Why do your tastebuds love local fruits and vegetables?

Buying local is an intelligent and ecoresponsible gesture that supports the local economy in your region. When the time comes to select your carrots or apples, your tastebuds also have a say. The good news is, they love the delicious produce lovingly cultivated by your local producers.

Unmatched freshness

The secret to tasty fruits and vegetables comes down to when they’re picked. When harvested at the peak

of maturity, produce is chockfull of natural sugars and essential nutrients. Local produce is extremely high-quality because it travels quickly from the farm to the market.

Conversely, when imported produce travels long distances, it must be picked early, ripening in the darkness of a warehouse or transport truck to land on your plate in edible condition.

Pure goodness

Local produce doesn’t need to be treated with protective coatings. That means when you sniff a tomato grown in your region, no paraffin or mineral oil comes between you and the sweet scent of the earth. You indulge all your senses when you enjoy the fresh farm-to-table taste.

Moreover, since local products tend to sell quickly, farmers don’t have to worry about transportability when selecting their growing varieties. Instead, they have the freedom to cultivate the fruits and veggies their customers love that have the best taste and texture.

When it comes to fruits and vegetables, supporting local producers is more than a good idea. It’s perfectly delicious!