Blaine Wetzel, The Willows Chef

The head chef of The Willows Inn on Lummi Island grew up in Washington. He began working in kitchens at age 14, and he’s never stopped. Since arriving on Lummi Island Wetzel has brought international attention to the island. The author of Sea and Smoke: Flavors from the Untamed Pacific Northwest, Chef Blaine was listed by Food & Wine magazine as the Best New Chef of 2012. In 2014 the James Beard Foundation named him Rising Star Chef of the Year and in 2015, he was awarded Best Chef Northwest. Wetzel’s food brings you into an intimate relationship with the landscape he loves, allowing you to touch, taste, see, and smell the ocean, the coastal lands, and the soft gray light on the water. At the Willows, he creates exquisite meals with a commitment to island and locally-sourced ingredients and the traditions of farm-to-table preparation. He designs a provocative, yet honest food presentation, delivering much of it to the tables himself. In this program, Blaine will share ideas and experiences from his remarkable career. Sponsored by Friends of the Island Library. Free (donations to support the Island Library gratefully accepted). All are welcome.