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
The Langley Village Bakery makes for a wonderful local story. Misty Moore, the current owner, worked at the bakery from 1993-1999 as a baker/counterperson. She and her husband Johnnie (an aircraft mechanic) left Whidbey Island and spent a year in Arizona before they moved back to Stanwood in 2000.
They were thinking about starting a bakery in Stanwood, but karma took over. They found out that the bakery in Langley was up for sale. With a loan from the bank they were able to purchase the bakery that they named The Langley Village Bakery.
Misty and Johnnie have put their own style into this charming bakery. They did have some help from Wanda, one of the previous owners, who was able to pass along some old recipes to Misty. So, with old recipes in hand, some paint and a little cleaning up they opened up shop. Her husband, an electrician in the aircraft business, starts his day in the wee hours of the morning baking goodies for you and the tourists. Perhaps the aircraft business might be a little easier; at least the hours?
Most days you’ll find Misty at the counter or relieving Johnnie. Misty has a warm smile for everyone. She seems to know everyone by name; this is a real hometown bakery. I suggest it’s the people who own it that give it that atmosphere. Her daughter Taylor (10) and son Monty (14) help out around the bakery; it is definitely a family business!
The bakery is nestled in the part of town known as the Langley Village. There a quaint shops to browse and plenty of quiet spots to enjoy a pastry and a cup of coffee.
Thanks Misty; the cookies were GREAT!
The Langley Village Baker is located at 211 2nd St, Langley, Whidbey Island, WA 98260. You can reach the bakery at 360-221-3525; I’m sure that they can take care of your special needs.
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