There is nothing more exciting for me when I come across people who are passionate about what they do and who do it well. Two such people are the husband and wife pairing of Scott and Stephanie Pendell of The Midnight Kitchen. I first was introduced to them last summer when they stepped in last minute for another chef at a private dinner event and these two rocked the night! I have since had the pleasure of getting to know them more. And the more I know these two, the more I like them. They are just as superb as their food!
Another truly fabulous food find, but surely not a secret to anyone, is Stacy and her Screamin Banshee Breads. No one can go wrong with any of her sourdough crusty loaves from the whole wheat to the seeded baguettes. As always, freshly delivered on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday to Payless in Freeland, Greenbank Store in Greenbank and to both bayleaf in Coupeville and Oak Harbor.
A while back I told you about my love for John Nese the owner of Galco’s Soda Pop Stop and how he could rock my world. Well move over John, I am a fickle girl and I have found a new love with Seattle based DRY Soda. DRY Soda is a sophisticated non-alcoholic soda which is light, crisp and refreshing and will compliment most any meal and palate without giving you a heavy aftertaste. With several fabulous flavors on the market and new flavors in development, this company is one that will be ubiquitous before you know it. Currently, you can find it locally at bayleaf, Albertson’s and most markets.
Speaking of Albertsons, did you know that they have stone crabs, frog legs and a wide variety of other delicacies that one would not expect to find on this Island, let alone Oak Harbor! I know you are mocking me right now, I am too, but the seafood department manager assures me this is not a fluke, Albertsons will special order most anything a foodie craves, just ask. Now you know!
So in the wee hours one morning, I finally made it to Seattle to The Chocolate Box, for their “Tour de Chocolat.” I was excited to partake in this journey as the reviews I had read led me to believe I was in for a truly decadent experience. Here is what I suggest, sleep in, skip the tour and head straight to Theo Chocolate for any one for their chocolate tours, classes or events they offer. With so many chocolate filled indulgences to choose from, you have nothing to lose!
Lastly, it’s market season and a great time to come out and support all the local growers on the Island. Not only are you supporting sustainable farming in our community, but the fresher your ingredients, the better your results so it really is a win-win for everyone!
Some of my favorite vendors are Willowood Farms of Ebey Prairie for the fabulous produce, which can be found at Bayview, Coupeville and Oak Harbor Markets as well as Coupeville bayleaf. Round Tuit Farms at Oak Harbor Market for their gorgeous duck and chicken eggs as well as their pasture raised chickens, turkeys and pigs. Tree-Top Baking at Bayview for every single cracker and crisp they bake, not to mention their croissants, Vennoise bread and other delicious sweets. And Maple Hill Soap at Coupeville and Greenbank Markets for her vast array of goats milk soaps.
Honestly, I could go on and on about all the great food vendors like Dorcas and Matt of Lesedi Farms who cook amazing African food or Columbia Beach BBQ for grilled artichokes and the many flower growers like M&M Flowers or Joan Van Rummsten, but this article would never end. Suffice to say, you can make day out of traveling up and down the Island visiting all the markets and villages as I indeed suggest you do!
Here is a listing of our local farmers market:
- Oak Harbor’s Farmers Market is Thursday evenings from 4:00 to 7:00 pm
- Coupeville Farmers Market is Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Bayview Farmer’s Market is Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
- South Whidbey Tilth Farmer’s Market is Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Greenbank Farm Sunday Market is Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
