By Dana Hubanks
I used to be a farmer. And as any farmer will tell you, food makes the world go round.
But not all food is created equal. For three years, I worked on organic vegetable farms throughout the Northwest and what I took away from that experience more than anything is that the more intention, time and care we put into the food we grow, the better it will taste and the better we will feel when we eat that food.
The days are gone now, sadly, when I could pull my dinner straight out of the ground every day. But despite that, I still want to know that the food I’m eating is coming from a local and loving source. So, when I’m looking for a place around town to grab a meal, I often look to these five farm-to-table spots.
All of the restaurants on this list have made a commitment to source at least a portion of their menu from local, organic sources whenever possible.
If you’ve never eaten at Fiamma Burger, you are missing out on one of the best burger experiences around. Fiamma Burger, located in the heart of downtown, serves up a wide range of burgers crafted from all natural, hormone-free, Northwest beef ground fresh in-house. They also serve a delicious handmade veggie burger for those who want to avoid meat.
But Fiamma Burger doesn’t just serve burgers. They’re also open for breakfast, serving a range of hashes and breakfast sandwiches. No matter what you end up getting at Fiamma Burger, you can be sure that it will be unprecedented for a burger joint, both for the taste and for the fact that the ingredients are sourced locally and ethically.
1309 Railroad Ave in Bellingham
Hours:
Sunday through Thursday — 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday through Saturday — 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Price Range: $
The Old Town Cafe is one of my favorite spots in Bellingham. Not only for its mellow atmosphere, friendly staff, and walls covered in local art, but for the fact that their menu is full of ingredients from local farms and suppliers. I love being able to go there for breakfast and know that I’ll be drinking tea from Flying Bird Botanicals, bread from The Breadfarm, and hotcakes made with flour from the Fairhaven Organic Flour Mill.
Be sure to stop in to the Old Town for a breakfast or lunch experience like none other in town.
316 W Holly Street in Bellingham
Hours:
Monday through Saturday — 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday — 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Price Range: $
Brandywine Kitchen describes itself as a “seed-to-table” restaurant. Pulling from local sources like Cloud Mountain Farms and Terra Verde Farm, among many others, Brandywine is committed to serving locally grown and sourced ingredients in an effort to support community and sustainability.
The menu at Brandywine is extremely diversified. From salmon cakes, to banh mi, to fish and chips, Brandywine has something for everyone. And the atmosphere is a treat, as well.
1317 Commercial Street in Bellingham
Hours:
Monday through Thursday — 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday — 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday — Noon to 10:00 p.m.
Price Range: $$
The Ciao Thyme Cafe menu changes every month depending on what’s in season. But no matter what you end up finding on the menu–from fried brussel sprouts, to curry dishes, to house-made ice cream–you can be sure that it will be delicious, well-sourced, and creatively prepared.
Over the past 14 years, Ciao Thyme has grown from a two-person operation to a thriving cafe, catering business, and education center in downtown Bellingham. Owners Jessica and Mataio Gillis have committed themselves to writing seasonal menus and working with local farmers and artisans to bring beautifully curated and prepared meals to your table.
207 Unity Street in Bellingham
Hours:
Tuesday through Friday — 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Price Range: $$
*Editor’s Note: This restaurant has closed since publication of this article.
Operated by The Bellingham Pasta Company, The Table serves a rotating selection of finely crafted Italian cuisine, sourced from local farmers and artisans. Like any true farm-to-table restaurant, the menu undergoes subtle changes as the seasons pass and progress, but their fresh, handmade pastas are a constant.
100 N. Commercial Street in Bellingham
Hours:
Tuesday through Thursday — 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday — 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday — 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Price Range: $$$
