Orcas Island - Revisited

It has been a year since we spent a few days on Orcas Island. We wanted to share again our experience of Orcas Island in the off season…

Cascade Bay Orcas Island, Washington

Orcas Island

Ferry Terminal Anacortes, Washington

Ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island with a stop at Shaw Island, then on to Rosario’s.

Moran Mansion at Rosario

Rosario Resort and Spa***+ 1400 Rosario Road
Eastsound, WA 98245
(360) 376-2222
http://www.rosarioresort.com

Music Room at Moran Mansion

Moran Mansion

Moran Mansion at Rosario is like stepping back in time. Built between 1906-1909 by Seattle Shipbuilder and Mayor Robert Moran, the mansion features original photographs from the late 1800's and early 1900's, original furnishings and fixtures, and an extensive display of the ships built by the Moran Brothers Company in Seattle.

Moran Mansion

Rosario Resort's guest rooms are surrounded by beauty of the San Juan Islands with views of East Sound and Cascade Bay on Orcas Island. We stayed in the Bayside Rooms located in the Skagit Building, a short walk from the Moran Mansion and Rosario Marina. Our room featured one king bed with sliding-glass doors that open onto a balcony with island views. The room has a television, small refrigerator, wireless internet (free) coffeemakers and private bathrooms, but no microwave. We enjoyed the room very much. The room was serviced daily even though we did not leave at the crack of dawn. 

View from our room

Visitor

After checking in and getting settled it was off to Eastsound, Washington for lunch.
Eastsound is the population center for Orcas Island, the second-most populated and physically largest of the San Juan Islands. Eastsound consists of a few hotels and several restaurants, numerous gift stores, a large downtown grocery store, natural food store, hardware store, pharmacy, airport, and several churches. There is a public park that hosts events including the farmers market.

Lower Tavern Eastsound Orcas Island

We choose to have lunch at Lower Tavern, were they say they has “The Best Hamburger on the Island” you know what? It may be! It was the best we have had in a long time. Those fries were dynamite…

Lower Tavern**+
46 Prune Alley
Eastsound, WA 98245
360.376.4848

Cheeseburger and Fries at Lower Tavern Eastsound

The Madrona Bar & Grill***+ 310 Main Street, Ste. 105
PO Box 127
Eastsound, WA 98245
360.376.7171

The Madrona Bar and Gril

Madrona Bar and Grill Eastsound, Washington

View from Madrona Bar and Grill



The Bar at Madrona Bar and Grill

The Restaurant at Madrona Bar and Grill

Dinner was at The Madrona Bar and Grill where we started of with Bruschetta**+, Flat Iron steak****, with Blue Cheese, Potatoes Confit and Sliced Tomatoes and Coho Grilled Salmon****, with Roasted Yams, Broccolini.

Bruschetta - The Madrona Bar and Grill

Iron steak, with Blue Cheese, Potatoes Confit and Sliced Tomatoes - The Madrona Bar and Grill

Salmon, with Roasted Yams, Broccolini - The Madrona Bar and Grill 

The Madrona Bar and Grill

Then off to fine some place for an after dinner drink. We found a place next door called Vern’s Bayside Restaurant, we choose the Lounge…

Vern's Bayside Lounge **+
246 Main Street
Eastsound, WA 98245
360.376.2231

Bayside Restaurant Eastsound Orcas Island

Vern’s Bayside Restaurant Eastsound Orcas Island  

Day Two – Orcas Island

Mia’s Eastsound, Washington

Mia’s Eastsound, Washington

Mia's***+
Eastsound Square
109 North Beach Road #A2
Eastsound, WA 98245
360.376.6427

Hot Cabana Sandwich - Mia’s Eastsound, Washington

Lunch time, we found a place called Mia’s. It’s a small breakfast and lunch only cafe. What a great place! The serves was right on and the sandwiches, very delicious. We both had the Hot Cabana Sandwich***+ on a baguette, with Ham, Salami, Jarlsberg, Kocher dill, mustard and coleslaw. Great use of coarse ground mustard, on the sandwich and in the coleslaw. 

After lunch we visited Kathryn Taylor Chocolates to fine some Artisan chocolate to with our wine. Kathryn Taylor Chocolates is an intimate space with quiet corners enjoy an elegant desserts os baked goods, coffee, espresso, chocolates or teas.

Kathryn Taylor Chocolates - Eastsound Washington

Kathryn Taylor Chocolates***
109 N Beach Rd, Suite D101
Eastsound Village Square
Eastsound, WA 98245
360.376.1030
http://www.ktchocolates.com/

Chimayo Restaurant, Eastsound Washington

Chimayo Restaurant****
Our House Mall
North Beach Road
Eastsound, WA 98245
360.376.6394

Chimayo Restaurant, Eastsound Washington

Diner time found us at Chimayo. Chimayo’s is an interesting place, Mexican restaurant by day and Italian restaurant by night. We started our meal with a wonderful appetizer of mussels. Cozze Siciliano***+ the mussels were prepared in a tomato base broth with onions, celery with a touch of red pepper flacks. Carrot Ginger Soup*** was next. For the main course we had Lamb Ragu**** Risotto with roasted fresh vegetables and Flank Steak**** Marsala demi glace with risotto and roasted fresh vegetables

Cozze Siciliano - Chimayo Restaurant

Carrot Ginger Soup - Chimayo Restaurant

Lamb Ragu - Chimayo Restaurant

Flank Steak - Chimayo Restaurant

Day Three – Orcas Island

Vern's Bayside Restaurant and Lounge

Restaurant and Lounge**+
246 Main Street
Eastsound, WA 98245
360.376.2231

View From Vern's Bayside Restaurant and Lounge

Vern's Bayside Restaurant

Bacon and Eggs - Bayside Restaurant

Fried Clam Strips - Bayside Restaurant

Lunch time on Orcas Island. Today we went to Vern’s Bayside Restaurant, nice decor and what a view. I love breakfast for lunch and since they were still serving breakfast I had their Bacon and Eggs*** with hash browns, they eggs were fresh and cooked perfectly. We also tried their Fried Clam Strips**, they had great portions.

Bilbo's Festivo - Eastsound Washington

Bilbo's Festivo****
310 A Street

Eastsound, WA 98245

Phone: 360-376-4728

Bilbo's Festivo - Eastsound Washington

Bilbo's Festivo - Eastsound Washington

For dinner we tried Bildo’s Festivo. What great decor both outside and in. Bildo’s reminded me of great TexMex restaurant’s in Austin, Texas. They food was the best I have had in the state in some time. We had Chili Relleno****+ stuff with jack cheese, zucchini, chopped Spanish onion, and toasted pine nuts, with Spanish rice and refried beans, the chili was coated in a wonderful tasting coating and Crab Enchiladas*** with seafood sauce, rice and beans. Great place, great food, service was a bit to efficient for a evening meal.

Bilbo's Festivo - Chili Relleno

Bilbo's Festivo - Crab Enchiladas

Day Four – Orcas Island

Orcas Island to Anacortes Ferry

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Luca’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Lake Stevens listening to singer, songwriter and pianist Nikki Schilling

Luca’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Lake Stevens listening to singer, songwriter and pianist Nikki Schilling

We spent a relaxing evening (after our week long snow) at Luca’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Lake Stevens listening to singer, songwriter and pianist Nikki Schilling.

Nikki has a vast repertoire of songs that features soulful jazz classics, new age, classical and pop music. Her arrangements across all genre’s are unique and her voice is reminiscent of jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald and Anita O’Day and contemporary singer Norah Jones.

Luca’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Lake Stevens - Regina Margherita Pizza

Luca’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Lake Stevens 

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Leavenworth Washington - A Slice of Bavaria

Leavenworth Washington - a slice of Bavaria

Leavenworth Washington - a slice of Bavaria

Leavenworth Washington - a slice of Bavaria

München Germany - Bavaria

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München Germany - Bavaria

"Everyday Drinking for Under $20" - Wines to be Enjoyed Every Day

“Everyday Drinking” wines: wines to be enjoyed every day

“Everyday Drinking” wines: wines to be enjoyed every day.

2010 Chateau Moulin de Ferrand Entre-Deux-Mers White Bordeaux*** bright, grapefruit, citrus

2009 Cedergreen Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley*** citrus, honeysuckle

2009 Cuatro Pasos Mencia, Bierzo, Spain*** black plum, cherry

2006 Chateau de Jau Cotes du Roussillon Villages, France*** tobacco, fruit, spice

2008 Sean Minor, Napa Valley Merlot***+J red currant, cedar, spice

2009 The Ghost of 413, Red Blend Columbia Valley**+J red cherry, anise, blackcurrant 

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Around the Area:

Snow is good for something…

No outdoor cooking for us…

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Cooking at Home - Pan seared lemon chicken with brown butter lemon sauce, Shiitake mushroom risotto and Oven roasted green beans

Cooking at Home 

Pan seared lemon chicken with brown butter lemon sauce, Shiitake mushroom risotto and Oven roasted green beans

Pan seared lemon chicken with brown butter lemon sauce, Shiitake mushroom risotto and Oven roasted green beans 

Pan seared lemon chicken with brown butter lemon sauce 

Ingredients: 

1/3 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped 

1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon zest 

½ squeezes lemon 

fresh ground Pepper 

lemon pepper

2 medium size Garlic Cloves, minced 

3-4 tablespoons of Butter 

extra-virgin olive oil 

skinless Chicken Breast Halves {brought to room temp} 

1/4 - 1/2 cup of chicken stock

Directions: 

Season the flour with lemon pepper.

With flat side of meat mallet, pound chicken breasts (placed between 2 sheets plastic wrap) to ½-inch thickness. Cut to serving size.

Lightly coat chicken with the prepared flour mix, shaking off excess {flour from the chicken will also help thicken the brown lemon butter sauce}

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken in butter and olive oil until browned, turning only once in between.

Transfer to heat proof casserole dish and Roasts 350 until chicken is no longer pink.

Remove the skillet off of the heat; add in the stock and scraping up the brown bits and ½ squeeze lemon. Add ½ cup of dry wine. Return back to the heat and bring to a simmer, stirring. Add garlic, fresh Parsley and reduce.

When chicken has cooked add the brown butter lemon sauce, add in lemon zest and Fresh Parsley.

Ready to serve...

Pan seared lemon chicken with brown butter lemon sauce - With flat side of meat mallet, pound chicken breasts (placed between 2 sheets plastic wrap) to ½-inch thickness

Pan seared lemon chicken with brown butter lemon sauce - Lightly coat chicken with the prepared flour mix, shaking off excess

Pan seared lemon chicken with brown butter lemon sauce - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken in butter and olive oil until browned

Pan seared lemon chicken with brown butter lemon sauce - Turning only once in between

Pan seared lemon chicken with brown butter lemon sauce - Cook chicken in butter and olive oil until browned

Brown butter lemon sauce - Remove the skillet off of the heat add in the stock and scraping up the brown bits

Brown butter lemon sauce - Add in 3/4 of the lemon and ½ squeezes lemon

Brown butter lemon sauce - Add ½ cup of dry wine

Brown butter lemon sauce - Return back to the heat and bring to a simmer, stirring

Brown butter lemon sauce - Add 1/3 cup Fresh Parsley

Pan seared lemon chicken with brown butter lemon sauce - When chicken has cooked add the brown butter sauce, add in lemon zest and Fresh Parsley

Shiitake mushroom risotto 

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 cups arborio rice 

1 pound shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces 

extra-virgin olive oil

fresh-ground black pepper 

1 small onion, chopped 

1-1/2 cup of chicken stock, heated

Directions: 

In the large pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and butter over moderately low heat. Add the onions and Shiitake mushroom sauté for 3 minutes.

Add the rice and stir until it begins to turn opaque, about 2 minutes.

Add 1 1/4 teaspoons salt to the rice and about 1/2 cup of the simmering stock and cook, stirring frequently, until the stock has been absorbed.

The rice and stock should bubble gently; adjust the heat as needed. Continue cooking the rice, adding the stock 1/2 cup at a time and allowing the rice to absorb the stock before adding the next 1/2 cup.

Cook the rice in this way until tender, 25 to 30 minutes in all. The stock that hasn't been absorbed should be thickened by the starch from the rice.

You may not need to use all of the liquid, or you may need more stock.

Add parmesan cheese ¼ to ½ cup and black pepper.

Shiitake mushroom risotto - After sauteing the onion and mushrooms add the rice and stir until it begins to turn opaque, about 2 minutes

Shiitake mushroom risotto - Cook, stirring frequently

Shiitake mushroom risotto - The stock that hasn't been absorbed should be thickened by the starch from the rice

Oven roasted green beans 

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 pounds green beans 

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 

1 teaspoon kosher salt 

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

Directions: 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. 

Trim the ends of the green beans and add to a large bowl.

Toss with the extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper and spread out evenly on a cookie sheet

Roast, stirring once halfway through, until lightly caramelized and crisp tender, 12 to 15 minutes

Oven roasted green beans

Enjoy...

Pan seared lemon chicken with brown butter lemon sauce, Shiitake mushroom risotto and Oven roasted green beans

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Around the area:

New Years Eve in Leavenworth

New Years Eve in Leavenworth Washington

King Ludwig's - Schweinshax’n

King Ludwig's on New Years Eve was rockin’ or should I say Polkain’ with Bob Otto's Polka Pals…

New restaurant in town - Leavenworth Sausage Garten by cured 

New restaurant in town - Leavenworth Sausage Garten by cured - An outdoor sausage garden serving sausages made in house. Most important, imported beers from Germany.

Leavenworth Sausage Garten by cured - An outdoor sausage garden serving sausages made in house. 

Baren Haus Pizza

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Wine Tasting with Bunnell Family Cellars and Trench Cellars

Happy Holidays – Everett Marina

Bunnell Family Cellars with Owner/Winemaker Ron Bunnell

Bunnell Family Cellars Owner/Winemaker Ron Bunnell

2008 RiverAerie Rosé*** red fruit, light cinnamon

2010 Bunnell Family Cellar Fraiche, Boushey Vineyard*** grapefruit zest, light pepper

2008 Bunnell Family Cellar "´a pic" **** peach, coco, cedar, smoth

2007 Bunnell Family Cellar "vif" ***+ blackberries, ripe fruit

2008 Bunnell Family Cellar Mourvedre*** white pepper, cherries

2006 Bunnell Family Cellar Boushey-McPherson Vineyard Syrah**** blackberry, tar, mocha

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Trench Cellars

Wine Tasting with Trench Cellars

2007 Pinot Gris*** pink grapefruit, melon

2008 Slice of Papa Blanc*** golden raisins, cantaloupe

2006 Barbera**+ rhubarb, dark chocolate

2007 Cabernet Franc***+ black cherries, bitters

2006 Syrah**** tar, lavender, dark fruit, spice

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Around the area:

Back to Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill & Bar

Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill & Bar - Oysters on the half shell

Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill & Bar - Salmon Chowder

Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill & Bar - Northwest Seafood Platter

Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill & Bar 

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Papa’s and Beer - Lake Stevens

Papa’s and Beer - Lake Stevens - Beef Fajitas Taco

Papa’s and Beer - Lake Stevens - Steak Mexicana

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