“What if you made food exploration the central idea of your trip?”
All too often, we travel somewhere only to eat at restaurants that are very similar to what we have at home. We’re torn between the desire for a new experience and the need to be comforted by the familiar.
But what if you made food exploration the central idea of your trip? Then, it doesn’t make any sense to head to those chain restaurants or drive-through burger places. But that kind of exploration takes a little planning, and that’s what this guide is for.
In part one, we offered up a two-day itinerary on Whidbey Island that was all about the food experiences in the northern part of the island.
Now, we continue heading south for another round of exploration and education.
Day Three
From Coupeville, we head south to Greenbank Farm. The farm is no longer a working farm. Instead, galleries, small shops, and wine tasting occupy the buildings that were once part of the farm.
A few miles down the road, you reach Freeland, and if you time things right, fresh, organic amazing blueberries could be yours. Mutiny Bay Blues is a relatively new farm, with acres of blueberries set in a wide valley that you can see from the highway. When the berries are ripe, you can stop and buy some fresh from the farm. The organic blueberries are quite the hit, and they only sell when they have a ripe batch, so watch social media for dates they’re open. They sell out quickly.
There is another option, however, and that’s Jupiter Coffee, located right next to the blueberry farm. They often nab some of those blueberries for scones. This is a popular local hangout, and they often feature local musicians on Saturdays. Check their social media for details.
You won’t be able to stop at every great winery and tasting room at this end of the island, but that’s always an excuse to come back another time.
On this trip, let’s stop at Holmes Harbor Cellars. They make a wide variety of reds and whites, on their 20-acre estate and they always seem to be trying something new. The winery has a great view of Holmes Harbor and you’ll be tempted to spend the afternoon there. But, stay the course, we have more exploring to do!
From there, let’s head to the bunker. That’s the nickname the owners of Whidbey Island Distillery gave the partially buried building that serves as both their tasting room and production area. One special item makes this stop something that is not to be missed. Their blackberry liqueur was awarded the prestigious Platinum Medal (98 points) by the Beverage Testing Institute and is the single highest rated spirit of any kind in North America and among the top rated in the entire world! They don’t use a distributor, so it’s sold only regionally and in just a few stores. Be sure to view their production room and the stills that are some of the most unique in the world.
From there we head to the beautiful Spoiled Dog Winery. Their 2017 Escape Blanc won the 2017 Platinum Best of the Best of the NW in the Gold Seattle Wine Awards. They have several other award-winning wines as well. While there, be sure to ask about their commitment to sustainability. Their work in this area is quite good and is your opportunity to learn. And yes, there are some very spoiled dogs at Spoiled Dog Winery.
It’s now dinner time and you have choices. This is where you need to have planned ahead and made reservations. For tonight you need to choose between the Orchard Kitchen and The Inn at Langley. These are two dining experiences where the respective chefs will lead you on a gastro-tour through a multi-course dinner of their choosing. So, everyone eats the same dinner, and are seated at the same time.
Chef Vincent Natress, the owner of the Orchard Kitchen, has taken the farm-to-table concept to a new level by buying the farm next door to the restaurant. Their multi-course menus change each night and are based on what’s in season. He’s a Whidbey native who left, made a name for himself in Napa Valley, and returned home with his wife, Tyla, to bring a Napa-style experience to his home island.
Chef Matt Costello of the Inn at Langley is a culinary legend. He emphasizes the sea and plants in a creative menu. For those who remember the set menu that defined the restaurant, Chef Matt says they’ll still offer them three or four times a year.
If this style of dinner doesn’t quite fit your restaurant style, then Savory in Langley is the perfect choice. It serves what they describe as “eclectic comfort food,” and the menu features items such as Beef Short Ribs, Alaskan Black Cod, and Lasagna. There are no reservations, but you can phone ahead and be put on a waitlist, and they’ll call you when a table is ready.
Day Four
Full, yet? Hope not, because there’s plenty more to taste. For breakfast the Braeburn in Langley will be your choice. The Braeburn features fresh organic ingredients and is downtown. Coffee at Dawn is located a couple of miles out of town, and their specialty coffees and fresh baked pastries are well worth the drive.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you may have the chance to visit one of the many farmers markets that run from May through October. Be sure to stop and shop at one of these markets. Talk to the growers about the produce and what they’re growing and why. Ask how they cook with those ingredients and what works best. Farmers’ markets are not just filled with goodies to eat; they’re filled with people eager to share their knowledge about sustainably growing food.
There are also the farm stands on the island and the guide I mentioned that’s available for download here… South Whidbey is filled with small farms and stands. One that’s a bit different is Glendale Shepherd. They raise sheep and produce award-winning cheeses from sheep milk. Their Island Brebis, is a 2014 Good Food Award winner and is a must-try. Their cheese, along with lamb, is sold at area farmers markets as far away as Seattle’s University District and West Seattle.
It’s a bit of a drive to get to their farm, but the drive is a great chance to explore the south end of Whidbey Island. Don’t worry too much about getting lost. On an island, if you drive long enough, you find either a beach or the main highway.
In fact, we encourage getting lost. Read about that here...
As you’ve traveled the island, you’ve probably seen signs saying, “Whidbey Island Grown.” This cooperative is a true “insider’s secret.” Order online for a Friday pick-up and stock your kitchen with fresh direct-from-a-local ingredients for the week. More than just vegetables, you can order beef, poultry, fish, and prepared foods, as well.
Somewhere in here, you’ll want to work in lunch. The farmers markets are often filled with great things to eat. But if you want something simple, yet memorable, head first to Clinton and the stores at Ken’s Corner. Almost next to each other are two casual eateries, the Whidbey Island Bagel Factory and Pickles Deli. Order to go and unless the weather is really frightful, let’s head to the beach! You’ve spent all this time on an island and you’re probably wondering, “where are all the beaches?”
Get directions to either Maxwelton Beach, Double Bluff Beach or the marina in Langley. All have picnic tables and great views. Breathe in the salty air and chow down on a sandwich or a bagel. Some quiet down time at the beach is as authentic as it gets!
If you’re not in the mood for an impromptu picnic but still crave some comfort food, Clinton still has you covered with The Shrimp Shack at Cozy’s and Island Nosh. Cozy’s doesn’t just have the perfect name for comfort food; they deliver the goods. From spaghetti to nachos to hamburgers, and of course, shrimp! Island Nosh counters with a killer mac and cheese, including one with crab. Other dishes range from Thai Yellow Curry to späetzle and bratwurst.
For your last afternoon on the island, let’s find some more adult beverages, shall we?
Comforts of Whidbey is the spot for those adult beverages. You’ll drive past their grapes on the way to the tasting room. Likely, the llamas will watch with interest as you drive in to the tasting room. Be sure to sample their estate white wines. They’ve been recently experimenting with a sparkling wine that could become a special treat, once you get home. If you come in the fall, time your visit for the grape harvest. Help out and you’ll be treated to an amazing lunch. But, anytime you come, you’ll find a wonderful variety of wines and great people to take you through their tasting menu.
The day is nearing its end, and you’ve likely bought a few bottles of wine to take home. But something is missing! Chocolate! Head back to Langley and Sweet Mona’s Chocolate Boutique. A few bites of her Creamy Dreamy Fudge or truffles and you’ll have your chocolate fix for a month, but only if you buy enough to take home!
It’s dinnertime once again, and we return to Langley and it’s decision-time again. Prima Bistro features French-inspired northwest cuisine that changes with the season. When the weather is warm, the outdoor patio above first street is a must. If you’re craving seafood, then try The Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar. It has a large assortment of oyster and clam entrées.
And that does it for your trip. If you missed the first part, be sure to check all the food-related things to do on the North End of Whidbey Island here.
If you’ve asked enough questions of enough people, you’ll know by now that there are even more great places to eat. From fine-dining to casual and in-between, there are a lot more ways to express appreciation for food around here. So, note what you missed, remember what other suggestions people gave you, pick a different season, and come back and try it again with your own list of must-eats!
