|
|
Friday Harbor Rocks!
Great things go on in Friday Harbor and the whole island is a mass
of scenic beauty. Here are some places to try and some upcoming events.
Island Inn
 The only Silver LEED-certified building in San Juan County sits
right across from the Friday Harbor Marina on what was originally a fuel
and oil storage facility. Talk about an improvement! Current owners
purchased the land in the late 1980s and determined they would "liven up
the hillside with connective spaces," creating a mixed use commercial
and residential development that was completed in 2009. One of the
fortunate things to come out of the economic distress of that time was
that selling condos didn't work and those are now penthouses (7 of them)
and eurostyle guestrooms with private baths (6 of them) that anyone can
rent while in Friday Harbor. These are lovely places and all penthouses
have amazing views. Furnishings, kitchens, baths with steam showers are
all top notch. Absolutely beautiful.
Above: view from a penthouse deck
Making it even more fun is their
partnership with Duck Soup Inn (see below) to offer epicurean travelers
elevated accommodations and exceptional cuisine. Each weekend escape
includes a penthouse stay for two guests at the Island Inn (Friday &
Saturday nights), a bottle of sparkling wine and chef's welcome on
Friday arrival, a cooking class and meal for two with Chef Allison
Saturday, all the gear and ingredients foodie apprentices will need and
take-away recipes for each dish. Each class limited to eight. Rates
start at $249/night (two night minimum stay). Reserve your space by
calling 1-877-512-9262 or visit www.123west.com.
November 18-20, First Impressions: A focus on fresh and local
produce, seafood and meat perfect for creating first courses. Northwest
and international wines will accompany the bites created (optional at
$29 per person). Dishes: duck confit with pear-kumquat relish; seared
weathervane scallops with blackberry vinaigrette; wild mushrooms with
local goat cheese and crackers; Lopez Island pork in a spicy lemongrass
salad.
December 30-January 1, Succulent Celebration: Welcome the new
year in style, preparing a memorable feast. Dishes: duck breast with a
bourbon-soaked cherry sauce; wild mushroom bread pudding; salad with
organic greens, pears, nuts and Mount Townsend ripened cheese; cardamom
crepes with butterscotch sauce and dandelion root ice cream. Wines
optional at $29 per person.
January 20-22, Cabin Fever: It may be cold outside, but you'll
increase your heat with an East Indian epicure experience. Indian
spices, creative cocktails (optional at $29 per person) and a selection
of local organic brews. Dishes: local lamb curry with all the
condiments; fresh chutney; coconut date salad; saffron rice; sweet
poached apricots with walnuts and thick yogurt.
Island Inn, 123 West, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, 360-378-4400,
www.123west.com
Duck
Soup Inn
 Fresh, sophisticated Northwest cuisine can be found four miles
outside of Friday Harbor in a woodland setting. This is no
flash-in-the-pan; Duck Soup Inn has been serving great food since 1975
and has received enthusiastic reviews from publications like Bon
Appétit, Pacific Northwest Magazine, The Seattle Times, Gourmet, Travel
& Leisure and Fodor's. Menus are seasonal and use Pacific seafood,
island produce and homegrown herbs. The Inn is filled with comfortable
booths, a fireplace and paintings from a local artist. A deck allows
outside dining. Always call ahead--hours and open dates
change with the seasons.
Duck Soup Inn, 50 Duck Soup Lane, Friday Harbor, WA 98250,
360-378-4878.
www.ducksoupinn.com
The Market Chef
 Using as much island-grown produce, meat
and seafood as possible, the culinary team of Chefs Laurie Paul
(pictured) and Tim
Barrette create dishes for the deli case (entrées, sides, veggies,
salads, soups, condiments); specialty items like olive tapenades, peanut
sauce, house made granola and their Market Chef Blend coffee; as well as
grocery items they use like imported olive oils, sauces, pastas and
condiments. They offer a good selection of wine and beer to enjoy with
your meal at the cafe or at home. Stop by and have a mouthwatering
sandwich, try their daily soup or a refreshing salad. On your way
somewhere? Pick up a boxed lunch. They're also happy to cater--anything
from a picnic basket to a full-service party. Laurie worked with Greg
Atkinson in the restaurant at Friday Harbor House, staying on after he
left. Her husband Tim also worked at the restaurant, staying on after
she left to start The Market Chef. Shortly after, he left to join her at
The Market Chef. Settle in at a table inside or enjoy the deck.
The Market Chef, 225 A St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, 360-378-4546.
The Market Chef Facebook page
The Place Restaurant & Bar
 The only restaurant in Friday Harbor that
extends over the water, you have a wonderful view of marine activity
from your table. Ferries and seaplanes come and go, pleasure craft slip
by and the beauty of the San Juan islands is before you. Family owned
and operated since 1996, its comfortable interior has you relaxing in
moments and there's even a tiny bar with 4-5 seats. Northwest dishes are
made from organic produce from local farms, seafood from sustainable
fisheries, naturally-raised meat and lamb, locally roasted coffee and
wines from the island and beyond. They bake their own break, make their
own sauces, soups and desserts. Dinner only. As with almost all places
on the island, call before heading over as hours change seasonally.
The Place, One Spring St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, 360-378-8707
www.theplacefridayharbor.com
San Juan Safaris
 With more than 30 years of experience in
the eco-tourism field, Bill Wright runs San Juan Safaris based on the
principles of respectful interaction with wildlife and serious fun,
merging his professional goals with environmental concerns. As he
states, "Our guests would rather be guided than herded and we would
rather share our knowledge than shout it over a microphone." Groups are
small and intimate. San Juan Safaris naturalists are happy to interact
with guests and answer questions, excited to share their own
experiences. Check out their website to plan your whale watching and
wildlife tours.
San Juan Safaris, Two Spring St Landing, Ste 6, Friday Harbor, WA
98250,
800-450-6858,
www.sanjuansafaris.com
Vinny's Ristorante
 A large dining room with a small counter
area, Vinny's manages to be higher-end without being fussy. Pacific
Northwest seafood and steak are offered, but many guests come back for
the Italian specialties. There's something for everyone here--lamb,
chicken, salads. Menu items change monthly as they feature seasonal
items. While there is no official bar, they do serve cocktails along
with wine and beer. Hours also change seasonally.
Vinny's Ristorante, 165 West St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250,
360-378-1934.
www.vinnysfridayharbor.com
Pablito's Taqueria
 Tucked away, Pablito's can be easy to
miss. Like most island eateries, it's easy to miss hours-wise as well
with times/days open changing seasonally and, it sometimes seems,
arbitrarily. However, the fresh Mexican food made by hand with Northwest
ingredients is worth a visit. There are daily specials plus their
coffee-braised pork tacos, chipotle marinated red snapper tacos,
chorizo-kale-roasted garlic empanadas and cinnamon beef-pinto bean-queso
fresco tamales.
Pablito's Taqueria, 140A 1st St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250,
360-378-3317.
www.pablitostaqueria.com
 Back Door Kitchen
You might have to get directions to find
it, but you'll be happy you made the effort. An inviting interior leads
to an even more inviting patio. They offer international cuisine: a corn
masa cake or oysters baked with Pernod, vegetable and goat cheese crepes
or pan seared scallops. A relaxed bar offers cocktails, beer and wine.
Back Door Kitchen
400b A St
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
360-378-9540.
www.backdoorkitchen.com
The
Whale Museum
For 30 years, they've promoted stewardship
of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research.
The least you can do it visit and see what's happening! Adopt a baby
orca and shop in the museum store.
The Whale Museum, 62 First St N, Friday Harbor, WA 98250,
360-378-4710.
www.whale-museum.org
Getting to Friday Harbor
Kenmore Air
 Give yourself a real experience and fly to Friday Harbor on San Juan
island. See the islands and amazing beauty from above, then land on the
water and taxi right up to the dock. You're within walking distance of
just about everything! Founded in 1946, Kenmore Air has grown to be one
of the largest and most respected float plane operations. They currently
have 25 aircraft, 52 pilots and more than 250 employees in peak season.
Kenmore Air, airline or charter/group reservations 425-486-1257 or
866-435-9524.
www.kenmoreair.com
Washington State Ferries
 Even for locals, riding the ferries never gets old. The view are
stupendous. If you're a visitor, at least take a short ride to and from
somewhere to see what it's all about. The ride from Anacortes to Friday
Harbor is about an hour but you'll feel you're a million miles away.
|
| Visit
our sponsors soon |
|
|
|
Sound
RIDER!
the Northwest's ultimate
motorcycling resource
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
