Here we are already—the last weekend in August. Make sure your summer goes out with a bang by taking part in some of these great Whatcom County weekend events for Aug. 25—27. And be sure to check out our great local farmers’ markets. They are still in full swing. The produce is ripe and ready to enjoy! And don’t forget to check our full events calendar for all the great local happenings this weekend.
WhatcomTalk aims to be your source for positive information and events happening in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and throughout Whatcom County. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@whatcomtalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Bellingham and the surrounding area, visit our events calendar. To submit an event of your own, visit our events calendar and click on the green “Post Your Event” button.
Kohlrabi is the perfect addition to this salad. Photo credit: Frank Koterba.
Submitted by: Joe’s Gardens, written by Frank Koterba
Joe’s Garden’s presents another delicious recipe by Frank Koterba—Kohlrabi Salad with Lemon Sea Salt and Olive Oil. This is a great way to feature really fresh kohlrabi. You could also add fresh daikon radish or carrots.
Kohlrabi is the perfect addition to this salad. Photo credit: Frank Koterba.
Number of Servings: 4
Ingredients
3 large kohlrabies, grated or julienned
¼ c. lemon juice, or more to taste
Lemon zest from 2 lemons
1 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
½ c. extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
I ran the kohlrabi through my mandolin to save time.
Combine kohlrabi, lemon zest, juice and salt in a medium bowl. Allow to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Stir in olive oil. Adjust seasoning as necessary to taste. Serve or let sit, covered, at room temperature for up to six hours until ready to serve.
The Arch of Healing and Reconciliation will be a welcoming symbol. Photo courtesy: Paul Englesberg.
Submitted by: Paul Englesberg
Groundbreaking for the Arch of Healing and Reconciliation, a granite monument honoring Whatcom County’s immigrant communities, will be Labor Day, Sept. 4, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. across from Bellingham City Hall. The arch monument will honor the brave immigrants to the Pacific Northwest from China, India and Japan, and recognize all immigrants who have come to America since the 1800s seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families through hard work and determination.
The Arch of Healing and Reconciliation will be a welcoming symbol. Photo courtesy: Paul Englesberg.
In issuing a proclamation of support, Mayor Kelli Linville stated that the Arch, “symbolizes our renewed commitment to American democratic values and … will celebrate the rich diversity that provides energy and creativity for generations to come.”
The arch, 12 feet high and made of 10 tons of solid red granite from India, is the first part of a multifaceted project to honor and remember the contributions, sacrifices and bravery of the community’s immigrants. The work is led by a group of Whatcom County residents, including the Lynden Sikh Temple, an initial funder of the project, which has pledged $50,000 in matching funds for the project. The Whatcom Community Foundation (WCF), the fiscal sponsor for the program, also pledged $25,000 in matching funds at their July board meeting. As WCF is a non-profit organization, all donations are tax-deductible.
Plans for the Arch have been well-received by the Bellingham City Council, the City Arts Commission and the City Parks Board with unanimous approval. Installation is planned for April 2018.
While the arch is under construction, the Arch Committee continues to raise funds for two more elements of this initiative celebrating the community’s immigrants: a scholarship fund to help children of first-generation immigrants go to college, and an annual ethnic food festival in Bellingham on Labor Day. The committee plans to raise about $2 million, with the bulk of the funds going toward the scholarship fund, which will provide significant educational opportunities in higher education for new immigrant families and their children.
“We believe the best way to honor our ancestors is to educate our future generations. While the granite memorial will be a symbolic reminder about our history, we consider this a learning moment for us all Americans to be vigilant so that such events never happen in the future,” said Satpal Sidhu, a Whatcom County Councilmember and Chair of the Arch of Healing organization.
Bellingham has a long, proud history of immigrants traveling through on their way up and down the West Coast. Many have settled here and have made significant contributions to the community, but the community hasn’t always been a welcoming place for immigrants. Chinese, Indian and Japanese immigrants, in particular, were targeted and forcibly removed from the community. The arch, which will be located on the corner of Lottie and North Commercial streets on the lawn behind the Bellingham Public Library, will include bronze plaques with dates and short descriptions of three episodes in Whatcom County in which immigrants were targeted for removal: Chinese Americans in 1885, Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus from India in 1907, and Japanese Americans in 1942.
The base of the arch will have 18-inch-square black granite tiles with “welcome” in multiple languages, with special recognition being made to Lummi and Nooksack tribes. Paul Englesberg, a local historian and member of Arch committee, noted, “The historical legacy in Bellingham and Whatcom County of intolerance and hostility towards native peoples, African Americans and immigrants is now being recognized and transformed with community initiatives that demonstrate respect, cooperation and solidarity.”
The goal of all facets of the project is to create teaching and learning opportunities for future generations in the hope of avoiding additional anti-immigrant sentiment and violence. “Never have we been so keenly aware of how bigotry can unravel the fabric of our society. The arch symbolizes respect for others, fairness and opportunity for all – internationally recognized values of hope. It’s time to pitch in and make this project a reality,” said Tim Douglas, former Bellingham Mayor and vice chair of Arch Committee.
Plans for the arch began in 2007 when members of the Lynden Sikh Temple began thinking of ways to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1907 forced removal of Sikh timber mill workers from Bellingham. Over time, plans expanded to include commemorating the expulsions of Chinese and Japanese Americans as well. Further plans developed to establish a lasting monument to honor the community’s history of immigrants with a higher education scholarship and an annual food festival. Terry Bornemann, long-time Bellingham City Council member and member of Arch Committee reflected, “During our current troubled times the soon to be erected Arch of Healing and Reconciliation will serve as both a reminder of our past deplorable events aimed toward the Sikh, Chinese and Japanese immigrant populations and as a welcoming beacon for future immigrants coming to our city.”
The Bellingham SeaFeast is a celebration of our abundant marine waters. Photo courtesy: Bellingham SeaFeast.
Whatcom County is home to generations of commercial fishermen, boat builders, fish processors and others associated with our vibrant maritime industry. Supporting several thousand jobs, our amazing local waterfront resources provide an incredible legacy that enhances our community strength and growth.
With hands-on activities and live demos, Bellingham SeaFeast makes the waterfront come to life for the community. Photo courtesy: Bellingham SeaFeast.
September 22 and 23 mark the second annual Bellingham SeaFeast celebrating our waterfront’s history, lifestyle and community benefits. This year it is stacking up to be even bigger and better than before. It is designed to address all maritime aspects with something for everyone.
“We in Bellingham and Whatcom County are truly blessed with abundant marine waters,” says Debbie Granger, General Manager for Bellingham SeaFeast. “I firmly believe that by getting people down to the waterfront – offering folks a chance to feel and learn how precious and magical it is – that’s how we preserve and enhance it so that it will endure and continue to bless our families for generations to come.”
Through presenting sponsors City of Bellingham and the Port of Bellingham, providing grants and access to facilities, this event has been made possible beyond expectation. Haggen Northwest Fresh also shares the Bellingham SeaFeast vision through their three-year sponsorship commitment, joining dozens of other community partners. “There’s nothing that speaks to our Bellingham roots more than seafood from the Pacific,” says Haggen Northwest Fresh Marketing Event Coordinator Kaily Hetherton. “We love to connect face-to-face with our fellow seafood lovers. We hope to help people understand that there’s so much more to good seafood than just the taste. Understanding where it comes from and how it was caught is crucial to all of our continued enjoyment of this incredible bounty.”
Friday night, Bellingham SeaFeast 2017 kicks off this spectacular weekend with not-to-be missed experiences that take you into life on the waterfront. You will be mesmerized by the FisherPoets-on-Bellingham Bay telling stories of life at sea. You’ll hear original poems, watch fascinating videos and experience sea shanties inspired by those who have lived this life.
Watch a mock rescue at sea by the Coast Guard as you experience life on the waterfront. Photo courtesy: Bellingham SeaFeast.
New to Bellingham SeaFeast this year is the fabulous SeaFeed at the Square, a ticketed event highlighting Friday night ($50 in advance online). Imagine enjoying local craft beer or wine at the Depot Market Square while savoring raw and grilled oysters from Taylor Shellfish Farms and Drayton Harbor Oyster Company. You’ll also dine on melt-in-your-mouth salmon, and an old-fashioned crab boil with locally-grown corn and other ingredients prepared by Crave Catering. Bornstein Seafoods has donated the salmon and Dungeness crab.
On Saturday, Bellingham SeaFeast will offer engaging opportunities all day (11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.) centered on our vibrant marine industry and waterfront activities. At the new SeaFeast Wharf containing over 90 booths, you’ll have hands-on educational activity, enjoy a maritime-themed Art Walk and other vendors. This Explore Some More experience is much more than handing out pamphlets; these themed non-profit and maritime related booths are challenged to create interactive fun.
Listen to live music until 8 o’clock. Step aboard a working commercial fishing boat and discover the different aspects of life at sea. Then take in demos of net mending and knot tying during a Dock Walk. You are sure to find this experience full of wonder and excitement.
The Bellingham SeaFeast is a celebration of our abundant marine waters. Photo courtesy: Bellingham SeaFeast.
Taste the Sea: A Sustainable Seafood Experience is another new, ticketed dining activity on Saturday at the Squalicum Boathouse ($10 adults/$5 kids online). This event features samplings of salmon, cod, mussels and other types of seafood from global brands, prepared using different methods. As you weave through the tables, you will learn from chefs, caterers and fish buyers a lot of vital information, including origination and preparation. “We are excited to share our passion for sustainably harvested seafood with attendees at the Taste the Sea event,” says Hetherton. “The bounty of the ocean is precious and finite, and it’s more important than ever to use fishing methods that preserve the diversity of species and habitat – so that SeaFeast can continue for generations to come.”
As you follow the crowds flocking to the water, you’ll become a part of the excitement witnessing a dramatic and true-to-life Coast Guard rescue at sea. Check out a real Coast Guard cutter and experience first-hand the daily environment of those serving in this maritime military branch.
In addition to the incredible dinner and tastings, sample the salmon and cast your vote in the new “People’s Choice” category at the second annual Salmon BBQ Grilling Championships. In this ticketed event ($1 per sample, on site), you watch as 10 teams compete and are judged by members of the seafood industry.
SeaFeast will offer food, entertainment and more. Photo courtesy: Bellingham SeaFeast.
Tying all of this together are two harbor boat rides and tours – one to Bellingham Cold Storage ice house and Home Port Seafood Inc. processing plant, and the other cruising the harbor. Get your ticket online ($10 adult/$5 kids) for a firsthand look at how seafood is harvested, prepared and readied for distribution, and a guided view of the waterfront redevelopment project.
Ready for more food after all of those activities? With 16 food vendors and traditional Lummi Nation open-pit grilled salmon in the food court, you are sure to find the perfect meal. Wash it all down with a beer from the Brews with a View Beer Garden, presented by Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro (also one of the FisherPoets’ four venues on Friday).
Bellingham SeaFeast is a celebration of our historic maritime industry and a celebration of our community. This feast of seafood takes place along Bellingham’s working waterfront which is ever-changing, developing with the times and local needs. It is an event that brings us all together to learn and thrive as a community.
With several thousand expected to attend this year’s Bellingham SeaFeast, this community gathering will continue to grow. Become even more involved in this spectacular event by becoming a sponsor, a volunteer, or even a FisherPoets presenter. “We want attendees to gain an appreciation for the amazing bounty of our precious waters and all these waters have to offer our community,” states Granger.
Musical Storytelling with Mount Baker Theatre will take your breath away. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.
Do you appreciate musicals? Documentaries? Good old-fashioned concerts? Then you will definitely enjoy shows of the theatrical concert experience genre. Never heard of it? It’s a live performance that combines the best elements of watching a live documentary, a Broadway musical and a stadium concert all rolled into one. That mixture can take you back in time—bringing up old memories or providing new context for the past—and let you celebrate the music on a much deeper level. Mount Baker Theatre’sRenowned Sounds just happens to have four great shows ahead that can all help you see why a theatrical concert experience is a truly profound way to appreciate the music you love.
Saturday, October 14 is your chance to relive your favorite songs by one of the most powerful female singers of her time. Texan Janis Joplin shot to the top of the music charts beginning in 1967 with greats like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of My Heart,” “Mercedes Benz,” “Cry Baby” and “Summertime”to become the queen of rock ‘n’ roll.
Her unique, distinctive voice, emotionally honest messages and powerful, short life are brought back to us once again through Broadway storytelling. Also celebrated are those that came before her—those blues, soul, gospel and rock singers that influenced her music and performance—Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith.
This exhilarating musical takes you back to witness her volcanic performances, one-of-a-kind style and fearless delivery at places like the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock. Revisiting her music will also help you hear hints of those that have been influenced by her music.
By the end of this fabulous show, you’ll feel like you were there when it all happened.
You can take a stroll through history with one of the world’s most successful music duos, Simon and Garfunkel on Sunday, October 29. This moving story portrays how two young boys from Queens, New York made a lasting impression on millions with their acoustic guitar and incredible, lasting harmonies.
Transport back through time with songs like “Mrs. Robinson,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound,” “Scarborough Fair,” “The Boxer,” “Cecelia,” “The Sound Of Silence” and many more. The Simon & Garfunkel Story enjoyed sold-out performances in London’s West End and is touring around the globe.
Critics agree that the production respects the music itself and that the singers faithfully match the vocal harmonies of this masterful duo with pitch perfect sensitivity. With a full live band and state-of-the-art lighting and projection, this show will make you feel like you were there with them as they made history.
Through the eyes of the spirited Irish people, this production brings forth the stories of the brave and adventurous who left behind their families and lives, traveling across the challenging seas to new opportunity in the wilds of American and Australia, bringing with them their heritage and culture.
Through Irish song and dance, we see the stubborn survival instinct of a people fleeing famine and sorrow to find hope and laughter.
Performed by some of the Emerald Isle’s finest vocalists and dancers, this show is like the voyage they lived, with twists and turns, inspiration and sincerity. Rich costumes and visual imagery adds additional depth to the performance.
You’ll also witness the influence of the old music on what became American sounds. You’ll recognize hints of Bluegrass, Appalachian, Country and Western and enjoy the lasting songs and ballads. Sing along with your favorites like “Danny Boy,” “Isle of Hope,” “Whiskey in the Jar” and “My Love is in America.” The jigs and reels, hornpipes and polkas with have you foot tapping in your seat. Perhaps you’ll be transported back to the time you first heard or learned a tune—in childhood, at a show, while traveling or with old friends and new in a pub.
Celtic Nights—Oceans of Hope will take you on a trip—full of song and dance—for just one magical night.
On Saturday, March 3, you can experience the lasting influence of American folk music by taking a musical journey exploring the history of Americana with the folk legend Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary. Lonesome Traveler: The Concert with Peter Yarrow is the concert version of the critically-acclaimed off-Broadway musical.
Yarrow and his group of versatile and talented young performers celebrates the music of great folk artists from the ‘20s to the ‘60s including Woody Guthrie; Pete Seeger and the Weavers; Gordon Lightfoot; Peter, Paul and Mary; Bob Dylan; the Byrds; Cat Stevens; Don McLean; James Taylor; and Van Morrison including a special tribute to Leonard Cohen.
This immersive, modern multimedia concert will take you back in time to when you first heard the greats. The cast will encourage you to sing along with tunes like “If I Had a Hammer,” “Puff The Magic Dragon,” “This Land is Your Land,” “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Hallelujah.” The songs are honored through skilled performances with guitar, banjo, ukulele, harmonica, keyboards and bass fiddle.
You won’t want to miss this show that took NAACP Award-winner James O’Neil four years to create. Musical direction by Tony nominee Dan Wheetman and orchestrations by Grammy Award-winner George Grove of the Kingston Trio make this an unforgettable experience.
Whether you take the ride through Mount Baker Theatre’s theatrical concert experiences with the raw emotion of Janis Joplin, the iconic harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel, the Irish people coming to new lives and lands, or with Peter Yarrow across American folk history, you’re sure to be instantly transported back to their era. Each journey promises to be as entertaining, memorable and inspirational as the classic music they share.
Signs Plus, Inc. made the Lummi Island Wild truck truly eye catching. Photo courtesy: Signs Plus, Inc.
With eight of the only twelve reefnetting commercial fishing organizations in the world right here in Whatcom County, Lummi Island Wild is among the unique and truly sustainable businesses that bring our local fish to our grocery stores and ultimately our dinner tables.
Lummi Island Wild is a local treasure and now they have a sign as special as they are. Photo courtesy: Signs Plus, Inc.
Lummi Island Wild, a locally-owned cooperative business, takes fishing and quality very seriously. From the fishing to the processing, they are part of every step – ensuring the highest quality of their products. As a result, they have become known and respected by authors, chefs, restauranteurs and, of course, our families.
Reefnetting, a historic Pacific Northwest fishing method, involves a spotter who calls to have the nets raised when he sees a school of salmon in place. The salmon are then rolled over the platform and into holding tanks full of seawater where they are allowed to rest. At that point, any unwanted bycatch is released unharmed back into the sea. “We do it differently and we do it better,” says Keith Carpenter, President and Executive Director of Lummi Island Wild. “We are committed to making things better.”
Lummi Island Wild sells directly to local stores, such as Haggen Northwest Fresh and Community Food Co-op, as well as restaurants and even Microsoft. They recently launched their new online store offering a variety of high quality products. And, as the sole provider of pink salmon for Patagonia through their Patagonia Provisions line, they know that their dedication to providing high quality products through a humane and sustainable approach has paid off.
From concept to creation, Signs Plus, Inc. provides clients with innovative ways to build brand identity and strong awareness. Photo courtesy: Signs Plus, Inc.
After five years of building their cooperative business, Carpenter explains that it was time to begin building their brand identity and increase awareness of their business and its story. “You can’t tell a story by just putting a fish in a fish case,” says Carpenter.
To that end, Lummi Island Wild enlisted the help of Bellingham’s Signs Plus, Inc. Carpenter knows the importance of having that strong brand identity, which sets the stage for them to tell their incredible story. With a new location packed with inventory, they are ready to focus more heavily on branding for the business. “We wanted to keep our logo moving forward because it’s who we are,” explains Carpenter. “Now we have that brand identity and we can tell our story.” The Lummi Island Wild logo consists of an image of the traditional spotter that goes hand in hand with their identity.
Jim Sutterfield and the team at Signs Plus, Inc. helped Lummi Island Wild create a look and a color palette using their existing logo. Then they set to work to create a presence and identity that would be seen and discussed around town.
Lummi Island Wild turned to Signs Plus, Inc. for guidance in creating their brand. Photo courtesy: Signs Plus, Inc.
Signs Plus, Inc., a locally owned creative agency, delivers innovative signs that build strong brand identity for clients. What makes them unique is their passionate focus on clear communication and their commitment to discussion through the entire process from planning to installation.
Sutterfield and his team looked at the project, made suggestions and worked through the process with Lummi Island Wild to create that brand identity and presence that would successfully share their brand and story.
“They didn’t tell us what to do,” says Carpenter. “They helped us make better decisions.”
What resulted was a new wrap for the Lummi Island Wild delivery truck along with a sign to hang above the door at their new location. Carpenter enthusiastically says that the truck has made a huge difference in creating presence for the local business. “Jim and his team made this project much better than we ever thought it would be,” says Carpenter. “I hear, ‘That’s the most beautiful truck,’ whenever someone in town sees it.”
Lummi Island Wild connected with Signs Plus, Inc. through word of mouth. “I received really high recommendations for Signs Plus, Inc.,” says Carpenter. “They got our business because of the work they have done for other businesses.”
Signs Plus, Inc. made the Lummi Island Wild truck truly eye catching. Photo courtesy: Signs Plus, Inc.
Carpenter knows the importance of trust when it comes to delivering high quality products. “Partnerships of all types are important in business,” says Carpenter. “To be successful you need to have the right partners. I consider Signs Plus, Inc. a good business partner.”
Carpenter goes on to say that a business needs to recognize if they need help in building a strong brand. Finding a great partner like Signs Plus, Inc. is vital to building that awareness and identity.
You are sure to see the Lummi Island Wild truck around town. It has truly created conversations. “We’re ready to build our marketing presence,” says Carpenter. “We’ve got Signs Plus, Inc. to help with that.”
Seafood Ceviche is very popular throughout the Caribbean & South America. Photo credit: Megan Muse Photography.
When you enter Sarah Chan’s home in Birch Bay, your nostrils are gingerly awakened to curry, cardamom, thyme and culantro. With a mug of golden milk (a rich antioxidant blend of turmeric, coconut milk, ginger, black pepper and cardamom) in hand, I sat down with my friend to talk about how her Caribbean catering and product line began.
Cooking up a typical Sunday breakfast of Drunken Eggs (no alcohol here folks) and Fry Bake. Fresh Ingredients are a must at Calypso Kitchen and Whatcom County has lots to offer in that arena. Photo credit: Megan Muse Photography.
The origin of Calypso Kitchen was a long and arduous one for Sarah, who is from the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Her move to the U.S. in 2006 was impromptu, but necessary to ensure the safety of herself and her daughters from an extremely abusive relationship. Unfortunately, like so many other places in the world, there were no real systems put into place to protect victims of domestic violence in Trinidad and Tobago.
Sarah is a social entrepreneur. “My experiences come through my cooking. I have found that when I teach cooking classes, because the groups are fairly small, I am able to really connect with people individually. I am able to not only teach people how to cook delicious food to feed their bodies, but also take a bit of time to feed people’s minds by bringing awareness to pressing issues. Foremost for me are issues of human trafficking, domestic violence and hunger. Most people are very receptive of learning something new. With quite a few successes under her belt, Sarah has been patiently waiting for the opportunity to start anew. She is making this happen through Calypso Kitchen, a business that offers a line of sauces, spices and seasonings, catering, chef services and cooking classes. Starting in September, Calypso Kitchen will be based in Bellingham at 4073 Hannegan Rd.
When asked how she got started, Sarah began her story. “Four years ago when I applied for jobs, I became quite despondent by the lack of responses and the few responses that came back never turned into job offers. I made the decision that I had always been an entrepreneur so that was the direction I would have to pursue. Why not work for myself, create the job that I needed? Hence the birth of Calypso Kitchen and a legacy that my kids could carry on if they wanted.”
This fried bread is soft, light, fluffy, simple and delicious. Photo credit: Megan Muse Photography.
Sarah’s passion for teaching cooking comes from her grandmother, Dolly. Though Dolly was a very quiet woman of few words, Sarah watched her fervently create amazing dishes from her particular region of Freeport, Trinidad, with fresh produce she had grown in her backyard or brought from her visit to the local market. Trinidad and Tobago’s local cuisine consists of an enviable culinary landscape of flavors that ranges from mouthwatering street foods to exceptional fine dining. The cuisine of this twin island nation has been influenced by its diverse population of Asian, African, Creole, Middle Eastern and European transplants. Sarah found that as she was teaching cooking classes, she would also talk about her experiences in Trinidad and knew that they were intricately intertwined with how she cooked and why the legacy of Caribbean cooking was such an important legacy to leave to her daughters.
Seafood Ceviche is very popular throughout the Caribbean & South America. Photo credit: Megan Muse Photography.
Two years ago, as Sarah, our friend Irena and I sat at her kitchen table after a fabulous meal of tamarind jerk chicken, curry chickpeas and pineapple chow, we began to talk about Sarah’s new venture. While learning how to make a bread much like a type of naan called “buss up shut,” we started our marketing strategy around the launch of Sarah’s catering business and her products of sauces and fresh seasonings. To get ideas and be inspired, we watched calypso music videos, and Sarah even demonstrated some dance moves for us. After bantering around a few names, we finally landed on Calypso Kitchen.
Sarah has recently secured a business location in Bellingham from which she will launch Calypso Kitchen Catering. She will also offer cooking classes and host pop-ups out of this location. Sarah occasionally offers cooking classes at Community Food Co-op in downtown Bellingham and, in the past, has offered a cooking class for kids at the Blaine Elementary School. Her goal for Calypso Kitchen is to find a way to offer these same classes to more kids throughout Whatcom County, while growing her business and line of sauces, seasonings and spices she offers. One of the many condiments that she makes, “Mother-in-law” was featured in Maco Caribbean Living magazine along with a recipe by chef and cookbook author, Chef Ramin Ganeshram. Sarah even delivers food to your doorstep on certain days in various locations around Whatcom County.
You can check out her facebook Calypso Kitchen or Instagram Calypso Kitchen where she describes the ingredients to her dishes, how she cooks them and their origin. There you will see a wide variety of dishes that she uses in her catering as well as delivery options.
The perfect accompaniment to any meal to kick it up a notch, “Mother in Law” is a common condiment in Trinidad. Photo credit: Megan Muse Photography.
Seafood Ceviche is very popular throughout the Caribbean & South America. Photo credit: Megan Muse Photography.
This fried bread is soft, light, fluffy, simple and delicious. Photo credit: Megan Muse Photography.
Cooking up a typical Sunday breakfast of Drunken Eggs (no alcohol here folks) and Fry Bake. Fresh Ingredients are a must at Calypso Kitchen and Whatcom County has lots to offer in that arena. Photo credit: Megan Muse Photography.
Spices and sauces offered by Calypso Kitchen - Trinidad Peppersauce (a hot and flavourful sauce made with peppers and fresh herbs), Spicy Crunchy Chickpeas, Hibiscus Concentrate (Sorrel). Photo credit: Megan Muse Photography.
Drunken Eggs! There was always some version of this dish on the Sunday breakfast table, this is Sarah’s version, a rich tomato sauce made from scratch with tomatoes, onions, garlic, bell peppers, scallions and eggs. Photo credit: Megan Muse Photography.
The best meals are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Photo credit: Kevin Coleman.
Submitted by: Kevin Coleman
Located at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites by the airport, northwater restaurant is shaking things up with their new dinner series. For the first time, northwater and Executive Chef Christy Fox, have teamed up with Atwood Ales to bring five course meals like no one has ever seen or tasted. It is not that often that people think of pairing beer and fine dining together, but that’s what Atwood Ales and northwater are all about. It’s all about breaking the mold to new dining experiences.
Chef Christy teamed with Monica and Josh Smith of Atwood Ales to create a memorable meal. Photo credit: Kevin Coleman.
Monica and Josh Smith, of Atwood Ales, were very excited to team up with the first dinner series. “When Chef Christy asked us to be part of the very first Supper Club dinner, we were thrilled,” says Monica. “We’ve gotten to know Christy and her wife, Shannon, co-owners of Evolve Truffles, as part of the Bellingham Farmers Market community.”
Christy Fox explained that she wanted to create food that was introductory to Atwood Ales – the style in which they brew their beer has such familial connection. “I wanted fun choices that were intriguing and not off putting,” says Fox.
Since Belgian and farmhouse craftsman ales were the focus, the ingredients and coursing was done with Monica and Josh in mind. Simple but complicated, flavorful but not spicy, heat that compliments the nuances of the beer. “We share the same belief of community and comraderies and I wanted the base of each dish to be a good view of how I see Whatcom county and offer up an experience delivered by northwater,” says Fox.
Monica and Josh Smith, of Atwood Ales, were very excited to team up with the first dinner series. Photo credit: Kevin Coleman.
Monica continued to say, “The way that Christy plays with flavors in their truffles, caramels and other treats is just the tip of the iceberg that is Christy’s culinary mind. Sitting across a table, tasting beers and discussing menu ideas is always fascinating with any chef, and after an hour or more, Chef probably had three different five-course menus outlined. What came to fruition at the dinner was equal parts delicious, unexpected, textural and incredibly thoughtful. The way that Chef Christy plays with, and contrasts, textural elements while still maintaining an overall cohesiveness to each dish may have been our favorite part of the experience. Salmon crudo with saved fennel, cacao nibs and oyster stout ice cream? Yeah, she did that, and it was wonderful.”
Guests sat down to an intimate setting, with excitement for the five courses and ales that accompanied them. The ambiance and overall feeling were sophisticated and a great way to meet new people. It really was an evening of great fun and food. The menu shows how much creativity and diversity were given to each course.
3rd Course Oyster Stout Salmon Crudo
Baker River salmon, shaved fennel, oyster stout ice cream, local berries
4th Course Grange Bretta Beef Under Cover
bison sausage wrapped filet mignon, parsnip puree, sugar snap peas, pan jus
5th Course “No Whey Bro” (dry sour) The Up Side
Pear cardamom upside down cake, citrus whip cream, toasted almonds
northwater’s Supper Club is an exceptional dining experience. Photo credit: Kevin Coleman.
It’s all about changing people’s minds about beer and food! “As my wife says, ‘It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” interjected Josh. He continued to explain, “The world is coming around to the idea of craft beer being paired with food on an equal or stronger footing than wine but it’s still not an easy transition for everyone to make, particularly outside of major metropolitan areas. There is so much complexity, variation and nuance to craft beer due to the large palette of ingredients, processes, techniques and yeast and bacteria that brewers have at their disposal. Our ability to create flavor profiles to fit any food situation are nearly limitless.” The great thing about this is chefs and buyers then have access to an incredible array of beer flavor profiles to complement, contrast and enhance the dishes on their restaurant menus.”
The brain child behind this entire dinner series and collaboration began with Juli Wavada, Food and Beverage Manager for northwater. “Events like this are where our passions shine. The food and drink, the ambiance and the genuine connections made represent what we strive for every day.
The right beer from Atwood Ales makes an already amazing meal even better. Photo credit: Kevin Coleman.
“The Supper Club Series also allows our staff to show off all the hard work and training they have put in. The intimate setting puts them front and center and exercises their knowledge and speaking skills, while allowing them to really connect with our guests. I’m so proud of our team and how much they care.”
Josh Smith at Atwood Ales continues, “We have some great chefs and restaurants in town who are pushing to elevate these pairings. It is exciting to work with restaurant industry folks like northwater and Christy Fox, who are excited about using craft beer this way, particularly if they haven’t necessarily been exposed to how well Belgian and farmhouse ales work with food.”
Chef Fox also agrees with Josh and Monica. “I look forward to the next beer dinner, such a fun and inspiring collaboration.”
At the end of the evening, Juli Wavada was very thrilled and excited about the dinner’s success. “The laughter and smiles radiating through the room gave me goosebumps! There’s nothing more rewarding in this industry than seeing people truly enjoy themselves.”
To learn more about northwater and the Supper Club series click here.
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The best meals are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Photo credit: Kevin Coleman.
As many are learning, beer can make an exceptional culinary pairing. Photo credit: Kevin Coleman.
Monica and Josh Smith, of Atwood Ales, were very excited to team up with the first dinner series. Photo credit: Kevin Coleman.
northwater's Supper Club is an exceptional dining experience. Photo credit: Kevin Coleman.
Chef Christy teamed with Monica and Josh Smith of Atwood Ales to create a memorable meal. Photo credit: Kevin Coleman.
Ambiance is a key part of northwater's Supper Club. Photo credit: Kevin Coleman.
The Beef Under Cover was exceptional. Photo credit: Kevin Coleman.
The right beer from Atwood Ales makes an already amazing meal even better. Photo credit: Kevin Coleman.
The Up Side includes pear cardamom upside down cake, citrus whip cream and toasted almonds. Photo credit: Kevin Coleman.
The seared scallops are out of this world. Photo credit: Kevin Coleman.
The Chrysalis Inn & Spa was proud to present their July spa donation in the amount of $1,930 to Our TreeHouse. Our TreeHouse provides resources and support in Whatcom to grieving children, teens, their families and their communities. Because they believe that no one should grieve alone, Our TreeHouse helps families and communities heal together.
The Chrysalis Inn & Spa donated $1,930 to Our TreeHouse. Photo courtesy: The Chrysalis Inn & Spa.
Our TreeHouse is a safe place where families come together to hurt and to heal through Family Night Support groups or Teen Night Support groups. They also provide outreach to any school or business in the community after the death of a student, teacher or employee.
The Chrysalis, a locally owned hotel, spa and restaurant on Fairhaven’s waterfront, recently announced that they will contribute one percent of revenue from the Spa to a Whatcom County non-profit each month. They have given almost $12,000 since February. August’s recipient will be The Lighthouse Mission.
Kevin Wiebe is a Ferndale native. Although he graduated from Ferndale High School, he admits he wasn't a model student. His teachers and administrators...
