May
1, 2003 — It
can be far too easy to take things for granted with our
convenience-laden lifestyle. When my biggest concern on a Friday
night is deciding where my husband and I will go out for dinner,
it's time for a reality check.
A recent U.S. Department of Agriculture study found that 23.3
million Americans sought and received emergency hunger relief in
2001. On Tuesday, May 6, you can do something to help those in
need in our area.
For the third year in a row, Bellingham's Opportunity Council
is sponsoring Dine Out, an all-day event that raises money for
Maple Alley Inn. This nonprofit Opportunity Council program
prepares hot meals two days a week for people in need, including
the homeless, working poor, elderly and mentally ill.
A variety of 25 generous Bellingham restaurants will donate a
portion of their sales on Tuesday to ensure that Maple Alley
Inn's important work continues.
Maple Alley Inn opens its doors for lunch every Wednesday and
Thursday. Started in 1987, it operates out of the basement
kitchen at the Unitarian Fellowship on I Street and relies on
volunteers and local donations for support. Last year it served
an average of 85 people a day; that number has climbed to 95 to
100 people per day this year.
I've written about many of the restaurants participating in
this year's program in my column; each is sure to serve up a
satisfying meal.
A favorite of many of my friends, Busara Thai Cuisine
creates authentic dishes that satisfy any cravings for flavorful
fare.
My favorite area Greek restaurant, hands down, is Cafe
Akroteri. Stop in for lunch or dinner and enjoy traditional
treats served in a gorgeous, spacious setting.
I discovered the fantastic lunch spot Cafe Hue Hue
last year and have been talking it up to friends ever since. You
can't beat its sandwiches
— or coffee.
My husband and I recently bought our first home, and Cascade
Pizza Inn is just a short stroll away. I can't wait to try
their popular pizza, as well as its highly touted lasagnas.
Dos Padres, a Fairhaven staple since 1973, serves
Mexican meals at the heart of the charming historic district.
Check out the hidden cantina.
La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza bakes my favorite local
pizza and also serves the best side salad around. Not your
average pizza joint, La Fiamma tops its wood-fired fare with
intriguing ingredients like garlic mashed potatoes, prosciutto
and smoked chicken.
Lemon Grass dishes up tantalizing Thai cuisine in an
upscale atmosphere with a pleasant price. Although it's a close
race, Lemon Grass rates as the Thai restaurant I visit most
often in Bellingham.
There aren't many chain restaurants that get my money, but
Bellingham's Red Robin has long been a favorite for
drinks and appetizers, not to mention a selection of 22 gourmet
burgers. All-time favorite appetizer? Red Robin's Cajun clucks.
Serving not only some of the best brew around, Boundary
Bay Brewery and Bistro also offers up fabulous appetizers
and entrees with a decidedly Pacific Northwest feel. The noise
level can get a bit high, but so can the energy.
The Calumet has long been my favorite restaurant in
Bellingham. The ideal place for a special occasion, but just as
welcoming if you show up in jeans and a T-shirt. A can't-miss
for sophisticated, delicious dishes.
D'Anna's Cafe Italiano fits Fairhaven flawlessly. This
charming deli and eatery caters to a lunchtime and early-dinner
crowd with scrumptious salads, soups and sandwiches.
Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant dishes up tantalizing
Italian entrees, as well as sumptuous desserts. Welcoming
ambience and old-world decor make it warm and charming every
time.
Simple, flavorful soups and sandwiches are served at The
Grace Cafe in Sunset Square
— and always with a smile.
Hizzoner's Uptown Deli is a lunch hour hotspot, with a
vast selection of superlative sandwiches, soups and desserts.
Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse creates some of the best
sushi I've had, but it's also known for entertaining tableside
meal preparation. Get a group of friends together and watch in
wonder as your chef slices, dices, tosses and stir-fries your
meal in front of you.
The Northside Restaurant and Lounge on Northwest
serves up American cuisine in a casual setting
— the prime rib is a local favorite.
I've raved about Oriento Grill & B.B.Q. recently
and still hold the opinion that its serves some of the best
Chinese cuisine in the area
— in hefty portions teamed with
reasonable prices.
Skip breakfast Tuesday and enjoy a monstrously sized sandwich
at Our House Deli & Catering. This family-run
restaurant serves up tasty basic chow in gargantuan proportions.
I've long held that Pastázza serves the best desserts
around. It also dishes out extraordinary pasta dishes and salads
made with fresh local ingredients and loving attention to
detail.
Pepper Sisters is one of my favorite Bellingham
eateries. Its Southwest-inspired menu is unlike any other in
town and the colorful, eclectic interior will beckon you back.
With a touch of the Irish and a menu complemented by the
kitchen's powerful wood-fire stove, Sheehan's holds a
special place in my heart. The tenderloin I tried when it first
opened its doors remains at the top of my "best of"
list.
Stanello's Italian Restaurant is a Fairhaven
institution, popular for its pizza and Italian dishes. My
husband and his coworkers enjoy it for after-work drinks and
nachos stacked dangerously high on a huge plate.
Taco Lobo has bounced back unscathed from the fire
that caused extensive damage two years ago. This cozy, colorful
downtown eatery serves authentic Mexican meals replete with
flavor. Don't miss the impressive salsa bar.
I'm told TJ's Place is a fitting setting for a good
old-fashioned diner meal, especially breakfast. I know a couple
of college students who live nearby who subsist almost
exclusively on a TJ's Place diet.
If garlic is your game, get yourself to Wild Garlic
and enjoy the garlicky gastronomy galore. Ideal for a special
occasion or a casual lunch, Wild Garlic has never failed to
knock my socks off.
That impressive list of restaurants must pique your interest
— now let it help you to open your purse
strings.
The first "Dine Out" event in 2001 raised slightly
more than $6,000; last year that number nearly doubled to almost
$12,000. Maybe we as a community can double that number yet
again?
"Dine Out" sponsors this year include Brown and
Cole stores, Bellingham Cold Storage, Group Health, Whatcom
Educational Credit Union, Hempler's, KGMI Radio and Bellingham
Business Pulse.
