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Whidbey Island Food Links

03 Mar

This issue of Whidbey Island Food Links starts with a recipe from the Smitten Kitchen. Walnut Jam Cake looks to die for!

Italian foodies brings you a very famous but simple pasta dish called penne alla vodka.  LuCucina Limerick says that you shouldn’t be put off by the vodka, this is one of the nicest pastas there is. The flavor of this dish is rich, creamy and completely indulgent!

The Proud Italian Cook brings you Pesto Fish Roll-Ups and a Clafoutis. You can use sole, flounder, tilapia, or as in this case where she has used a pacific cod. You’ll have to go to her link, highlighted above, to find out about Clafoutis. It will be worth your time; pretty unique! Both are simple to make.

The last link is from The Wednesday Chef. She gives us Tesstaccio’s Gnocchi alla Romana and takes you through all of the steps. This is a meal for you and your friends; the recipe will serve 6.

 
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Posted in Whidbey Island Food Links

 

Mystery Weekend Langley

24 Feb

Ready for a Mystery Weekend?

The quaint seaside town of Langley will be ushering in their 26th annual Mystery Weekend on the 27th and 28th of February. This is your chance to solve a murder and spend some time exploring this wonderful town on Whidbey Island.

I’ve put together a slideshow of Whidbey Island for those of you who haven’t had a chance to visit.  The first part of the slideshow is of Langley and the rest are various shots of Whidbey Island just click on the photo of Langley below.

 

When you arrive in Langley you might venture out to the Prima Bistro for a glass of wine before you move on to the local visitor center to pick up a copy of the Langley Gazette.  This special edition will give you the basic details of the case, all of the characters running around town and where you might want to look for clues.

This year more than 20 character actors will be seen roaming the streets of Langley. So, join the crowd and start picking up tips from the 35 clue holders; you’ll probably want to visit the local shops and other destinations in Langley.

The story unfolds when Yuri Enluc is found stabbed through the heart outside the post office. As I hear it the weapon was a letter opener. Yuri was born on Whidbey Island but he grew up in Plotsylvainia. He had returned to the island and had started a pen pal service connecting would-be brides in Plotsylvainia with bachelors living on Whidbey.

This doesn’t have to be an overnight event; though what could be better fun! If you have to leave you just need to drop off your investigative findings at the visit center. You can still be eligible for prizes if your not around when they reveal who the murderer was. 

You don’t want to be too naive; I’m guessing that our character actors are not going to make it too simple. 

Remember that at 1 p.m. on Feb. 27th  the coroner will be delivering his report to City Hall; perhaps revealing more details of the crime. At 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28th the murderer will be revealed at Langley Middle School. Will you know the answer? This is when the prizes will handed out to the super sleuths among us and perhaps a few others.

If you click on the photo below you can view a short video on last years event.

Pick up a copy of the clue-filled Langley Gazette at the Langley Chamber of Commerce Office and Visitor Information Center, 208 Anthes Ave., Langley, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 27 and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 28.

Entry forms are due to the visitor center by 3:30 p.m. Feb. 28.

The murderer will be revealed at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at Langley Middle School, 723 Camano Ave., and at 8 p.m. on the chamber’s Web site.

Mystery clues are all within walking distance of downtown Langley. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress warmly.

Cost: $10 per person or $25 for groups of four
.

 
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Posted in Events, Langley

 

Green Links Whidbey Island

22 Feb

This weeks Green Links Whidbey Island begins with a slide show from CNBC. “Here Comes the Electric Car” gives you a view of some of the electric cars that are expected to hit the market this year or within a couple of years.

What Does Apple’s iPad Tablet Really Mean for Our Society? Jaymi Heimbuch writing for treehugger takes a look at the new technology and what it may mean for you.

Treehugger also has an article on Solar Powered iPods and iPhones. Bridgette Meinhold shows us what the future may hold in store for us.

Cotton fraud, genetically modified organic cotton? Sound interesting? Ecosalon has a post about the problems that are arising in India.

Lastly, Mike Sowden writing for ecosalon describes 10 Urban Eco Trends in his article about Where Cities are Taking Us.

 
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Posted in Green Links Whidbey Island

 

Whidbey Island Restaurants

17 Feb

Whidbey Island Restaurants – Langley (Prima Bistro)

If you plan on visiting Whidbey Island you’re sure to enjoy the small town charm of Langley. After a day of shopping and exploring the town you’ll want to visit The Prima Bistro.

There are many things that make a great restaurant; though most of us think of great food! That is surely the case at Prima Bistro. Often, however, it is the intangibles that make a restaurant special. There is a certain sense of place; the feeling that you get by just being there. You can click here to view a video on the Prima Bistro. You will want to view in the full screen mode for a better visual impact.

Prima Bistro has that sense of coziness and warmth; whether it be on a cold winter night or a warm sunny day.

In 2009 the Prima Bistro was voted the Best French Restaurant in Western Washington. Evening Magazine had their readers nominate and then vote for their favorites. Le Pichet was second followed by Cafe Campagne and Maxililien. All of those restaurants are located in the Pike Place Public Market in Seattle.

Prima Bistro is owned by Sieb and Jenn Jurriaans. It is interesting to note that Sieb started working in the restaurant business at Cafe Campagne.  He became a sous chef at the Bis on Main in Bellevue and then the executive chef at Saltoro’s in north Seattle. Jenn taught at Olympic Hills Elementary for nine years before getting involved in the operation of the bistro.

The original Star Bistro closed for business in 2005. Sieb and Jenn knew the space and they loved the idea of living on Whidbey and starting their own restaurant had always been a dream. In early 2006 Sieb and Jenn secured a small business loan from Whidbey Island Bank and began the renovation. Prima Bistro was born in the summer of 2006 just in time for the busy season.

The roof top deck, though smaller, reminds me of the Pink Door in Seattle. They often have musicians on those warm summer evenings to enhance and keep the atmosphere lively. They have space heaters so even on cooler evenings it’s a great experience.

I was talking to Jenn and she explained how important the locals are to their business. “The local base is really important to us; they are an awesome community.”  They do a lot of fun things for the locals and often use themes. When the Blues Brothers  movie was playing at the Clyde; their bartenders dressed up as the Blues Brothers. Sex in the City; then they had cosmo specials; just good fun!

Whidbey Island is a very green and organic community. So, it comes as no surprise that the bistro found a spot on the roof for their own herb garden!

This business is their heart’s desire. It is a place that they share with their children and the community. A place to be with friends and to meet new ones. You won’t be disappointed!

You can visit their website by clicking here or their blogsite by clicking here.

Prima Bistro is a French inspired Northwest Bistro located in Langley on beautiful Whidbey Island.

201 1/2 1st Street
Langley, Wa
(360) 221 4060

LIVE MUSIC EVERY THURSDAY                                                                                                                                                                                Serving lunch and dinner every day starting at 11:30 – HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 3:00-6:00
FOR RESERVATIONS EMAIL: primabistro@whidbey.com

 
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Posted in Langley Businesses, Langley Food Links, Restaurants in Langley, Whidbey Island Businesses, Whidbey Island Restaurants

 

Team Earth Whidbey Island

16 Feb

Here is a great post from the Good Cheer Food Bank Blog; all about people helping people and preserving this planet Earth.

Team Earth and Harrison Ford are teaming up and bringing awareness to sustainable living on our planet.

Every living organism on this planet is an energy of light in the universe. With enough energy we can bring a new light of hope to this planet. This is all about getting involved and being aware that the actions of a few can start that process moving forward.

This is not about politics it is about having a common purpose that works for everyone.

About Team Earth:

Ensuring the sustainability of Earth’s essential resources while maintaining economic growth is the defining challenge of the 21st century. How we manage the gifts of nature – a stable climate, fresh water and abundant oceans, fertile soils for food, the right conditions for healthy lives and the ability to sustainably balance human needs – will determine the long-term health and prosperity of all people, everywhere.

You can click on the photo below ro view the video. This is a You Tube video and you may want to click on full screen to get a better visual impact when you get to the video.

Are You In?

To read the full article you can click here.

 
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Posted in Green Links Whidbey Island, People Helping People

 

Green Links Whidbey Island

11 Feb

I’ll start this weeks Green Links Whidbey Island with a post from Zachary Shahan at CleanTechnica. Zachary gives us a list the Top 10 Clean Energy Topics to Keep an Eye On.

Vanessa Barrington writing for ecosalon gives us some fun and easy ways to lower our meat consumption. Calling all Carnivores: 7 Painless Ways to Be an Almost-Vegetarian. “Conventional livestock production uses tons of grain, water, and petroleum. It’s extremely inefficient, has huge environmental impacts, and is cruel to animals.”

Every thought of building a tea house? Inhabitat blogger Diane Pham shows us a Tea House Heated by Compost.

Lea Bogdan’s article, also in inhabitat, focuses on green kitchens. She shows us some of the imaginative work of designer Faltasi’s vision of the Eco Kitchen of the Future.

Lastly, we can thank the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy for there actions on behalf of Ebey’s Landing.The land around one of the most iconic buildings in Ebey’s Landing Historical Reserve will maintain its rural character for generations. Here is a link to the announcement.

 
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Posted in Green Links Whidbey Island

 

South Whidbey Restaurants – Harry’s Pizza

07 Feb

There is a South Whidbey restaurant that is celebrating 35 years in the business. Harold and Donna White opened the restaurant as Harold’s Gay 90’s Pizza in 1975. The restaurant was a Pizza and Spaghetti Parlor in an antique general store. The focus, as it remains today, was on a family friendly atmosphere and great food.

Donna White, who passed away in 1997, was very active in the community. She worked with many local service organizations and started the Santa Breakfast. The Santa Breakfast was her way of helping to create family holiday memories for the kids in the community.

The restaurant is currently run by Patrick and Kathy Marshall; though Kathy’s father Harold is still involved.

You should know that Harry’s Pizza is sponsoring a benefit for the Good Cheer Food Bank. It’s Spaghetti Nite at Harry’s Pizza will take place this coming Saturday, February 13th, between 5:30 and 10:00 pm. All proceeds from the sale of spaghetti dinners will be donated to the Good Cheer Food Bank. Here is a link to the Good Cheer Blogspot; you can find out more about the event.

Harry’s Pizza has 20 varieties of pizzas ranging from vegetarian to the famous Cashew Special Pizza. They have a full menu that includes burgers, appetizers, sandwiches (great grinders), pastas and salads.

You’ll also find homemade brownies and cupcakes at Harry’s Pizza.

Fat Tuesday Celebrations are coming to Harry’s!  Blues music with “52 Pick Up” should create a great atmosphere for spending some time with friends and family. I know that Patrick is trying to run down some “Gator Bites”; yes that’s Alligator.

And don’t forget that St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner!

Patrick and Kathy will surely continue the traditions put forth by Harold and Donna; though you can expect to see some changes.  Patrick recently had granite countertops installed and indicated that a few more upgrades are possible in the future.

 
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Posted in Restaurants in Freeland

 

Whidbey Island Food Links

01 Feb

Whidbey Island Food Links starts this week with another recipe from italian foodies. This week Lorraine shares a vegetarian item; spinach and beans with garlic and chilli; looks pretty nice! Lorraine uses her photos well and the recipes are easy to follow. It’s really good on bruschetta too or with some crusty bread, you decide!


Looking for some last minute Super Bowl snacks? These pizzettes should do the trick! The Proud Italian Cook gives us a simple look and if you are looking to do more here is a link to making a grilled pizza; it is a little larger and just as unique as you are.

The Smitten Kitchen has a “labor of love” in her ricotta muffins. She takes you through the steps to making a very fine muffin for you and your family.

 
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Posted in Whidbey Island Food Links

 

Good Cheer Thrift Stores South Whidbey

24 Jan

Here is a nice piece from Kathy McLaughlin and the Good Cheer Food Bank and Thrift Stores. Kathy is the Executive Director at Good Cheer; people helping people is what it is all about.  No better way to spread happiness and compassion:

It’s Back! Good Cheer’s Biggest, Baddest Bag Sale Of Them All!

This is a reminder, a doorbuster sale, that takes place the first Tuesday of the Month between 10:00 a.m. and 5 p.m at the Langley store and from 9:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. at the Clothing Rack in Clinton. Mark your calendar for February 2nd and pile up some real bargains!

Ever wanted a real grab bag? Here’s your chance.

Come shop the Good Cheer Thrift Stores we’ll supply the bag, normal grocery store bag, and you do the choosing, grabbing and stuffing of any clothing item under $10.

Whatever clothing you can fit into one bag, you pay only $5! Now that’s a bargain!

Questions? Call 221-6454 or email kathy@goodcheer.org.

Find a treasure at either of the two Thrift Stores; Langley or Clinton. The bag sale is for clothing only.

Why buy new when used will do… and you can help end hunger at the same time?

Thrift Store (Langley)
114 Anthes / P.O. Box 144
Langley, WA 98260

Good Cheer Two Thrift Store (Clinton)

4777 Commercial, Clinton, WA (Near Clinton Food Mart & Jim’s Hardware)
Now Open 7 days A Week! • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kids clothes too!

Good Cheer Two, Clinton Thrift Store, now sells clothing in an adjacent suite dubbed “Good Cheer Clothing Rack”.
The store sells gently used clothing for the entire family, everything from sleepwear to winter coats, plus shoes and accessories for $7 or less.

Proceeds help fund Good Cheer, which operates the community food bank.

While not clothing the fluffy toys are fun and make a good play thing for Fido.

Good Cheer’s Clothing Rack is open weekdays from noon to 5 p.m. and from noon. to 5 p.m. Sundays thru Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The bag sale is an exception to the normal operating hours; remember the Good Cheer Clothing Rack will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on the day of the sale.

The photos are from the Langley store, I’ll make a point of getting some from the Clinton store in the future.

Good Shopping!

Here is the link to her Good Cheer Blogsite.

 
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Posted in Good Cheer Food Bank and Thrift Stores, People Helping People, Special Places in Langley

 

Green Links Whidbey Island

18 Jan

This weeks Green Links Whidbey Island starts with a post from Jerry James Stone writing for CleanTechnica. Jerry has an article about spray-on solar technology. This technology makes it possible to spray transparent solar cells on just about any glass surface. Sounds like quite a breakthrough.

In another article in CleanTechnica Tina Casey explains a new kind of hydropower; hydrokinetic power. The new technology uses underwater turbines and avoids the use of dams. This looks to be a fish friendly solution; very few fish are injured by the turbines.

Is the Republican Party going Green? It appears that Senator Lindsay Graham is. Zachary Sahan has posted this article in CleanTechnica.

Luanne Bradley has a piece in ecosalon about Costa Rica. She states that “Dutch sociologists who run the World Database of Happiness lists Costa Rica as the leader in happiness out of 148 nations. On a 10-point scale, Costa Rica earned 8.5, followed by Denmark at 8.3. The report says the U.S. ranked 7th at 7.4, while Togo and Tanzania trail at 2.6.

I am reading a book called The Blue Zones. The book explains some of the lessons that can be learned from other cultures; lessons that help us live longer lives. One of those lessons is about reducing the stress in your life.  guess being happy is right up there. You can find out more about The Blue Zones by clicking here.

 
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Posted in Green Links Whidbey Island

 
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