What’s New and Cool in the San Juans
Summer/Fall 2024
On the Food and Farm Front
Lone Pine Larder
After moving to Orcas Island in 2023, Sabrina and Spencer Bezaire couldn’t resist an opportunity to feed their new community by opening the Lone Pine Larder. There are daily soups and sandwiches, and the deli case has such offerings as a smoky beet salad, Tokyo turnips, roasted chicken, gourmet cheeses, and housemade sauces and tapenade. The freezer is stocked with vegetarian and carnivorous soups, locally made Lum Farm ice cream, and vegan ice cream bars. The Bezaires hail from L.A. and have been visiting Orcas since 2017, but after becoming disillusioned with how the pandemic had altered their first restaurant venture, they sold their house and moved to the island full-time. Limiting staff for counter service helps make it viable for the Bezaires as owners and operators – providing the balance for them to enjoy the hiking, cycling, and kayaking they love, the reason they chose Orcas, and come back to the restaurant refreshed. For more information, www.lonepinelarder.com
Dawn of Café Aurora
Co-founders, chefs, and husband-and-wife Andrew Martin and Amy Nack began to settle on Orcas Island in 2021 and were immediately captivated by the island’s sense of community and entrepreneurial spirit. Their culinary careers have included highlights like the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, California, the world-famous Little Nell Hotel in Aspen, Colorado, and most recently the New Leaf Café in Eastsound. A natural next step was to branch out independently with Café Aurora. The name is inspired by Aurora, the Roman goddess of the dawn who symbolizes the sunrise, new beginnings, and the budding day, making it the perfect fit for brunch and lunch. The menu includes a braised pork belly benedict, oyster mushroom lettuce wraps, and a “One of Us” special – whatever family meal they’re cooking up for the crew that day. “Our goal is to create an experience where people feel welcome and relaxed, enjoying both the food and ambiance,” says Nack. “We want Café Aurora to be a fun, vibrant place where locals and tourists love to gather. For more information: https://www.cafe-aurora.com/
A Hive of Harmony
Holly Dennis started out brewing chai, using her own recipe, and serving her brew at the weekly farmers’ market, and now has her own establishment overlooking the Orcas ferry landing. Whether you’re seeking a quick grab-and-go breakfast before catching the ferry or leisurely brunching with your besties, the new Harmony Hive Bistro invites all to indulge. Each dish at Harmony Hive reflects a strong commitment to buying local, seasonal produce and responsible local sourcing. The menu boasts a diverse array of offerings from fresh fruit smoothies, vegan/vegetarian/meat wraps, soups, salads, and breakfast items. For more information: https://harmonyhivebistro.com/
New Products, Packages, & Services
Salty & Fried
Is there anything better than a perfectly seasoned, crispy French fry? Now they have a new companion that will elevate those spuds to a new level – the French Fry Seasoning from San Juan Island Sea Salt. A golden combination of parsley, chili, and basil to create a mildly sweet and savory finish for your favorite fries, frittatas, and even sausage gravy. And it will fit right in with the re-release of the Burger and Steak Blend to add an extra island punch to dinner. Add these and other favorites to your spice rack today. For more information, Brady Ryan brady@sanjuanislandseasalt.com or visit www.sanjuanislandseasalt.com
Chocolate Rock
Two simple ingredients. Cacao and Da Hong Pao, one of the most famous oolong teas in the world. Cacao is the fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree and becomes the magical treat we know as chocolate. The Greek word Theobroma literally translates to “food of the gods.” Their black tea leaves come from the famous Wuyi Mountains of China. They are one of five ‘Rock Teas,’ grown in stony farmland. The mineral content in this dense soil gives the tea its signature sweet-roasted flavor reminiscent of baked goods or molasses. Together they create one smooth, exquisite cup. For more information: Bobby Ryan info@inspiredearthtea.com or visit www.inspiredearthtea.com/product-page/chocolate-tea
Fall is in the Air
Savor the views of San Juan Island from above with a special offer from Friday Harbor House and Kenmore Air. Enjoy a discounted rate on both your accommodation and flight.
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:
- Discounted accommodations at Friday Harbor House
- Discount airfare – two (2) round-trip Kenmore Air floatplane flights to Friday Harbor Marina
- A bottle of sparkling wine and a special welcome amenity
- Dedicated and personalized service with flight arrangements
Once your room reservation is confirmed, expect a personalized touch as a dedicated team member will reach out to finalize your flight plans. For more information or to reserve your seat: https://kenmoreair.com/hotel-packages/
New Events & Exhibits
Art at the Airport
Works by contemporary artists of Coastal Pacific Northwest Tribes are on display at the Port of Friday Harbor’s Airport terminal through Spring 2025. Featuring selections from SJIMA’s First Nation Artists Collection, these are works by a new generation of First Nation artists and their honored mentors. Visit Friday Harbor’s Airport Terminal to see and hear the voices of their ancestors speak through the works of these exceptional artists. SJIMA’s First Nation Artists Collection was exhibited at the museum in 2017 and selections will join a host of additional works by contemporary artists of Coastal Pacific Northwest Tribes in Summer 2025 as part of SJIMA’s 10th anniversary celebration.
Wine Weekend at Roche Harbor
Calling all oenophiles! Roche Harbor Resort will host their second annual Holiday Wine Tasting on Saturday, November 16th. Explore 40 varieties of red, white, and sparkling wines, with several winemakers on hand to share their stories. Make a weekend of it with the Holiday Winemaker’s Dinner at McMillin’s on the 17th, featuring the exceptional wines of Avennia and special guest, Chris Peterson, Avennia’s renowned winemaker. Indulge in a curated multi-course meal expertly paired with Avennia’s finest selections. Throughout the evening, Chris will share his journey, wine-making philosophy, and the unique stories behind each wine. Find more information and reserve your seat here: Holiday Wine Weekend at Roche Harbor | Roche Harbor Resort
Arts & Culture
Not Quite Extinct
In tribute to extinct birds from the Dodo to the latest Honeycreeper, San Juan Island artist David Halpern has created an exhibit of Near-Extinct Birds for the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park. According to the artist’s tongue-in-cheek description, the birds featured within the exhibit “once lived in great abundance throughout the San Juan Islands but it’s now believed just a single bird of each of the following still exists.” The exhibit is designed to be a self-guided tour, more like a treasure hunt, as park guests wander the fields and forest exploring the sculptures within the park. Each of the nine birds is tucked into the bushes or hiding within the tall grasses, seen only to the observant birder. “Wildlife extinction is a serious issue,” says Halpern, “but this is meant to be a fun way to increase awareness of the animals who share our forests, beaches, and grasslands.” Download the Field Guide here: https://sjisculpturepark.com/events/
Stone Circle
Stewart Luckman, a founding member of the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA), will have his most recent work, Stone Circle, on display at SJIMA starting September 27 through December 2, 2024. This sculpture is the product of his childhood experiences in Ethiopia as the son of a missionary family and related to the research he’s continued throughout his life. Having shipped a container of marble from the Carrara quarries in Italy to his new San Juan Island studio, he manipulated the marble to shape books and scrolls and carved scrolls as if left by termites. Find this and other exhibitions at www.sjima.org
