Head North for Culinary Adventure

As Seattle continues to churn out what seems to be a new restaurant about every other day, it's hard to keep up with 'the scene.' The traffic only gets worse, parking only more painful, and the prices continue to rise. You need to get out of town!

Here are several places up north to try. Some are new, some are staples, but one thing is for sure, they've all got it going on when it comes to satisfying the palate.

Photo: The shrimp curry at BowEdison Fine Food and Drink

The Fork at Agate Bay

This little beauty is tucked away on the north shore of Lake Whatcom. Split down the middle by the kitchen and bar, The Fork is open for dinner 5 days a week and offers breakfast, brunch, and lunch on the weekends. The menu is Northwest, seasonal farm-to-table inspired, with accents from around the world. If you need to work it all off afterwards, enjoy an easy 3-mile loop hike around Whatcom Falls. For a scenic drive, exit I-5 at Alger, drive the Alger/Cain Lake Road and tour the west side of Lake Whatcom before winding your way over to The Fork.

The Fork at Agate Bay
2530 North Shore Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 733-1126
theforkatagatebay.com

BowEdison Fine Food & Drink

Chuckanut Drive keeps getting tastier and tastier. One of its newer additions, BowEdison Fine Food & Drink, adds yet another feather in the cap of Skagit County. Chef/Owner Marty Braken describes her ever-changing menu as "eclectic/modern American." We'd agree with that. The staff works with a high level of confidence, no doubt learned from the seasoned General Manager, Bridget McShane. And while the prices are reasonable, it's an even better deal knowing the service gratuity is included in the price of the food.

BowEdison Fine Food & Drink
5545 Chuckanut Dr
Bow, WA 98232
(360) 399-1233
bowedison.com/

A'Town Bistro

Although it sounds a bit trite these days, owner Tim Moffit isn't afraid to tell you his offerings are focused on local, seasonal foods. When you think about Skagit Valley, bountiful pretty much sums it up. Put it all together and A'Town Bistro insures there is truly fine dining in Anacortes. Need to get beyond fish & chips? Go for the Alaskan Cod served with truffle fries. Ready for a burger diversion? Bite into the Wild Boar Burger. And when it comes to seasonal, you never know what the Ravioli of the Moment is until you ask.

A'Town Bistro
418 Commercial Ave
Anacortes, WA 98221
(360) 899-4001
atownbistro.com

Have a great time exploring and be sure to report back to the office Monday. It's easy to get swept away by the serenity of this area.

Tom Mehren/February 2018