If you have lived in the Pacific Northwest for a while, you most likely have become accustomed to many of the icons of the area: the Space Needle standing sentinel along the city skyline, Mount Rainer majestically showing her white peaks on a sunny day, hearing how grunge music was born here. Of course, Seattle... Continue Reading →
All are welcome at Catalyst Cafe in Everett
Turn off the busy arterial of Colby Ave in Everett, and amidst the quiet side street neighborhood on 23rd sits Catalyst Cafe, an all-inclusive local gathering space creating meaningful change in Snohomish County. At first glance, it looks like any other neighborhood coffee house with a warm, inviting and welcoming vibe. Catalyst Cafe is all this... Continue Reading →
Vegan & hungry in Bellingham? Look for Sage Against the Machine
When you are vegan and hungry in Bellingham - look no further, my friend, than Sage Against the Machine. This plant-based food truck can be found all over Bellingham, hopping around from Kulshans and Stones Throw breweries to the lunchtime plaza at Barclay Village. Just look for the green food truck with the fist logo. Inside the green machine are... Continue Reading →
Fill your cup at Old Towne Grainery Tea Room in Skagit Valley
MAY 02, 2021by MARYROSE DENTON “Life is like a cup of tea. It is to be filled to the brim and shared with friends!” This is the motto of owner Jenni Belisle at the Old Towne Grainery Tea Room in Mount Vernon, which resides inside a historic grainery building from the 1900s, which only adds to the... Continue Reading →
Kaffeklatsch: ‘Gather around coffee’ at this German bakery in Lake City
APRIL 25, 2021by MARYROSE DENTON Grab a coffee and a treat, then relax inside this open airy café. At Kaffeklatsch on Lake City Way, the comfortable vibe suggests slowing down, staying awhile, and connecting with good friends. Owner Annette Heide-Jessen began her German bakery 10 years ago. It happened during the recession of 2008 when both she... Continue Reading →
There is always room for you at Calypso Kitchen’s table in Bellingham
Tucked away in the North end of Bellingham is a small oasis of the Caribbean Islands, better known as Calypso Kitchen. A delicious aroma of West Indian spices wafted in the air as we entered this wide-open commercial kitchen space. Chef Sarah Chan greeted us and lead us over to the stainless steel workspace where she... Continue Reading →
Celebrate the Beauty and Bounty of the Earth at FinnRiver Farm and Cidery
FEBRUARY 26, 2021by MARYROSE DENTON Several weeks ago a slender, glass bottle of golden liquor was gifted to me. It was not the elixir of life but a Brandywine. I have to say, it was the best wine I have ever tasted. I would go so far as to say it tasted like heaven -... Continue Reading →
La Conner and Edison, Two Towns in the Heart of Skagit Valley, Waiting for You.
If you are looking for the perfect Washington state weekend getaway then try these two, off-the-beaten-path, towns in the heart of the Skagit Valley. They can be combined in a single day trip or extended into a leisurely and fun-filled weekend. Skagit Valley is located just about half-way between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. This beautiful... Continue Reading →
When a Weekend Getaway is Wild, Wet, and Beautiful
A Pacific Northwest adventure of the normal kind Tiny droplets of ocean spray hit my face as I turn into the wind. I am bundled up warmly from head to toe; knit hat, quilted jacket, gloves, and warm socks inside my shiny red rubber boots. The sun is at a quarter slant in the sky, for... Continue Reading →
Healthy, raw, vegan…chocolate? It exists, thanks to this Bellingham company
JANUARY 08, 2021by MARYROSE DENTON Healthy, Raw, and Vegan. All words we expect to see on heath and organic foods, but on chocolate? That's a little more rare, but not for Bellingham's LunaVida Chocolates. These mini organic squares of chocolate love you right back, and are handmade from LunaVida's kitchen to yours.Assorted Flavors. (Image: LunaVida Chocolates)... Continue Reading →