“Bite” into the San Juans, the tastiest archipelago

Published 10:23 am Thursday, October 23, 2014

In a world where the distance between farm and food is getting wider, Savor the San Juans has helped bridge the gap.

The monthlong celebration of local island bounty is coming to a close with the culmination of all Savor events, the first-ever “Bite of the San Juans.” The gathering of food, drink and merriment is Sunday, Oct. 26, 1-4 p.m., at Brickworks.

Coined the “gourmet archipelago,” each island in the San Juans is home to a host of producers of distinctive food and drink. However, for visitors and locals, it’s not always easy to get to another island, and taste what it has to offer.

“Bite” brings visitors, islanders, farmers, chefs, and producers from all of the islands, to one place.

That’s why Richard Daly, owner of San Juan Island Cheese, organized the event. He hopes that the gathering not only gives customers a chance to try something new, but connects chefs and business owners with farmers, to have an even greater system of locally sourced food.

“It’s something we all need to do better,” Daly said. “It’s really hard to get out there and make those connections, when you’re running a business.”

What makes this tasting-event unique is that all mouth-watering, sweet and savory bites will be created through a partnership of food producers and chefs. From the crackers, to the goat cheese, to the salmon—all the food featured is island raised, grown, and crafted.

For the carb lovers, taste fresh, wood-oven baked, wild-leavened bread from Barn Owl Bakery on Lopez Island, and noodles from San Juan Island Pasta Company.

For the non-vegans, enjoy creamy goat cheese from Quail Croft Farm on San Juan, lavender-spiked salmon, and island-raised lamb from Lopez Island’s Jones Family Farms.

If you have a sweet-tooth but are health conscious, try some heirloom fruit preserves from GirlMeets Dirt on Orcas.

And lastly, for those that enjoy a spirited drink, or two, ciders from Westcott Bay Cider, brews from Island Hoppin’ Brewery, and wines from San Juan Vineyard, Orcas Island Winery and Lopez Island Vineyard will all be available for your imbibing pleasure.

The event is sure to tantalize the most novice of palates, and the most seasoned. Whether you’re looking to try something new, or add an element of local ingredients to your kitchen—“Bite” is the place to taste.

“It’s the right thing to do,” Daly said. “To source your food and beverages locally.”

Make it a meal or an afternoon snack. “Taste tickets” are $2 each, with each bite priced by the chef from 1-4 tickets, depending on the dish.