Mama Mia! Following on from their notably successful international culinary fare with their Sushi night, Coho restaurant is inviting San Juan Island visitors and residents to sample a taste of Italy’s finest, more recognised and most celebrated traditional dishes with their ‘Notte Italiano’ Italian night. Every Thursday, presenting a flawless service in true ‘stile Italiano’, customers can build their own meal choosing from among a variety of authentic Italian dishes including antipasto, pasta, choice of entrée with vegetable of the day and, in keeping with true Italian tradition, after meal dinner salad followed by dessert. Imagine yourself in a quiet traditional tratorria in any one of a number of quaint Italian villages and Coho will take care of the rest stirring the senses with no fuss simple, delicious food.

And who better to bring you this delicious taste of the old country than Coho’s new chef Bill Messick? Trained and extensively experienced in fresh made mozzarella, ricotta, pastas, breadsticks, bresaola, and more; Bill’s attention to detail and authenticity will ensure that your meal represents the true flavours, textures and fragrances of Italy. Revealing a compelling attraction to a small feel good community boasting many outdoor activities, needless to say, San Juan Island suited Bill’s ambitions to a tee. An enthusiasm reflected unhesitatingly in his work. His allure to simple yet high quality local ingredients resonates in his commitment to producing progressively new, more exciting dishes with the customer experience at the forefront to each and every meal.

Two courses start at $25 dollars so bring la familia along for a truly unparalleled night out at Coho.

Whats your plans for valentines this year? Coho Restaurant have a beautiful evening planned for all. From 5pm – 8pm there will be a prefixed menu served of appetizers, entrees, and dessert and coho’s website mentions plates of  Lobster, Oysters and chocolate!

Reservations are required and the full menu is available online: http://cohorestaurant.com/specials/valentines-dinners/

Its Easy. All you have to do is like us on facebook. We’re looking to hit #100 on our friend list this week, and when we do, we will randomly pick a user to win free drinks at the Cask and Schooner.

The draw will be made before Happy Hour on Friday when we reach #100, so share this with all your friends….$20 goes a long way at happy hour, the chances are they’ll bring you along to help spend it!

Just a quick update on the wedding show tomorrow, Saturday 28th of January 2012. We found out from The Island Inn at 123 West and Roche Harbor Resort that they are offering 50% off rack rate guestrooms for show attendees. So be sure to mention that you were at the show if you end up staying at either of these establishments.

Read More about the discount here: http://123west.com/2012/01/isle-be-we/

Also the word from the Island Inn is that the turnout is going to be great. For any last minute updates be sure to check out the Isle Be Wed Facebook page

The original article about the Isle be Wed wedding show can be viewed here with the full list of vendors: http://sanjuanisland.com/events/san-juan-island-wedding-show/

How better to enjoy the alluring charm of San Juan Islands majestic marine residents than with the help of professional services dedicated to providing an opportunity, not only to see these creatures in all their awe-inspiring glory, but while so doing preserving the peace and tranquillity of the region? World renowned for its breathtaking scenery and biological attractions San Juan Islands guided whale watching tours are devoted to pursuing a positive balance between customer satisfaction and environmental conservation.

Located a mere stone’s throw from Friday Harbors picturesque ferry landing and boasting a 90% Orca viewing rate, San Juan Safaris is committed to providing the maximum viewing experience while steadfastly adhering to ‘Whale watching guidelines’ and respectful viewing ethics.

With their 55 foot whale watching vessel the Sea Lion (you didn’t think you’d be riding a real Sea Lion did you?), described by its owner Bill Wright, as ‘a gleaming marvel of fuel efficiency’ and boasting a customized resistance reducing hull and single quiet engine, San Juan Safaris viewing activities are designed to be as physically and sonically unobtrusive as possible. Whether enjoying the walk around deck or settled comfortably within the generously windowed and heated cabin, patrons are ensured a wholesome, fulfilled viewing experience with San Juan Safaris, whatever the weather. Visitors can also make productive use of the ample guidebooks and viewing material on board, including dozens of pairs of binoculars, all the while benefiting from the guidance of experienced naturalists who are only too happy to interact and share their knowledge with keen observers. Fancy hearing a little whale conversation? The ‘Sea Lion’ will oblige with its submersible hydrophone providing a unique enchanting insight into the behaviour of the local wildlife.

With over thirty years experience viewing, studying, preserving and more importantly embracing the intriguing world of marine wildlife San Juan Safaris never hesitates to reflect the personal ideology of its owners, promoting their business as not only a passion but a responsibility towards the environment.

If whale watching with a view to limited interference with local wildlife while getting as much from your viewing experience as possible is your ambition, then San Juan Safaris is your first stop shop to fulfilling your every expectation.

As a recent update on the sanjuansafaris.com/ site, Bill and Colleen took a special interest in some recent developments to a local pod of orcas. December 17, 2011 a new baby orca was identified. The whale was designated as J-28 and presumed to be the baby of 16 year old J-28 whose name is Polaris. J, K and L pods are all part of the Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) In November of 2011 a new baby orca was born to the L pod. The total number of animals in the SRKW population is now 87. You can get daily updates from twitter @sanjuansafaris and facebook SanJuanSafaris–Orca Whale Watching. In the summer the blog gives daily updates as to what was seen that day on the tours http://sanjuansafaris.com/blog/

Words By Micheal H Gormley

E veryone experiences the San Juan Island’s a bit differently. For some they are a romantic hide away , for others the islands are an opportunity for adventure, exploring them by bike or kayak. But, however you spend your time here you will still all have to make the same decision . The most important decision. Where will we eat?

On an island of around 8,000 people and 55 square miles choices may seem limited. With a little insiders knowledge though you will find a few meaningful epicurean hideouts.

Upon landing in Friday Harbor, no matter what you have planned, your first stop should be Market Chef. At this little eatery almost all the needs of the travel weary can be filled. Peer into their deli case filled with today’s offerings. Everything is weighed by the pound so make your own combo, decide whether you want a light snack or something more substantial. Have them heat you up a plate for now and package up more for your ocean or road side excursion later. Some of our meal suggestions from the current seasonal items include; buttermilk chicken tenders, with chive mash and a side of the Moroccan curried squash rings or for more of a kick try the lightly seared Thai marinated steak atop a tangy sesame noodle salad.

While you are salivating over what you can see in the case don’t forget to check the daily specials board (try the pozole!) Get there early though because they sell out quick. Market Chef also offers an extensive soup, salad, and sandwich menu. The my sister’s favorite sandwich is unique and delicious and  locals recommend the roast beef sandwich. The most wonderful part of the delicious lunch time fare? It is all focused on local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. This fact is not displayed on every menu or plastered on every wall because, using quality food for Market Chef is not a marketing ploy but park of their ethos.

Now that your hunger is satisfied turn your attention to other important matters, coffee. Market Chef easily serve the best espresso drinks in Friday Harbor and quite possibly the best mocha in the world. Made with rich Belgian chocolate and topped with a dollop of real whip, it is a San Juan Island do not miss attraction.

Market Chef’s atomosphere is not particularly original or upscale. All food is self serve and self clear. That is all part of the charm of course. As you walk up people, and their dogs, greet you while they watch the flow of ferries from the front deck. Upon entering the bustle from the kitchen catches your eye. Watch while Market Chef’s many skilled employees chop, sautee, and pull wonderful things from the oven. The dining roon has an airy brightness enhanced by the large windows. Out back enjoy your food and drink on the tree canopied patio. A few minutes and a few menu items later an it’s easy to see why this small deli/cafe has been a favorite for locals and visitors.

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Whales, seals, sea lions, porpoise, marine birds and eagles! Regarding the thousands of visitors who descend on San Juan Island each year, all will affirm its unparalleled excellence in showcasing a unique blend of some of the most breathtaking animal spectacles the region has to offer.

While the presence of killer whales, amongst a myriad of other marine life, comprises one of the primary features of San Juan’s alluring charm, the means visitors can avail of observing these remarkable creatures has always been to the forefront of Island life.

San Juan Outfitters are one organization committed to offering its customers a variety of conveniences to observe the regions marine wildlife as well as striving to cater to all interests and age groups. Trips, they claim, are limited only by the imagination.

Built on twelve years experience the low guide-to-client ratio operating on each tour, coupled with the provision of professional crew and naturalists, visitors are ensured a complete and informative viewing excursion.

However as well as facilitating the relaxing discovery of the regions wildlife from the deck of their sightseeing vessel, San Juan Outfitters unique Kayak guide and rental service affords the more adventurous explorer a singular opportunity to ‘observe without interference’ the local attractions, providing a greener more environmentally friendly experience. Part of a sightseeing network, up to date technology is used to relay information to Kayak guides fulfilling as much as possible the expectation of the explorer therefore ensuring nothing is missed while indulging carefree in the regions ambiance.

Promoting a number of offers from fixed to custom Kayak tours with attractive prices there is no shortage of flexibility regarding the tour you want with San Juan Outfitters.

Words by Micheal H. Gormely

Imagine an island break that endeavours to essay contemporary, cultured yet luxurious lodging for the savvy small town traveller and at the same time offers a unique peace of mind. A peace of mind encouraging the assurance that while you enjoy everything San Juan and its breathtaking surroundings has to offer, your next experience is practically paying for itself!

At 123 West in the very heart of Friday harbor boasting seven plush guest houses and five eurostyle guestrooms, Island Inn strives to progress its high standard of lodging on San Juan Island, not only with the opening of three new Harborview guestrooms in 2012, but also by offering their customers the opportunity to reap immediate benefits through Stash Hotel Rewards.

Keeping in tune with its unique and independent ethos, Island Inn through its partnership with Stash Rewards will afford its customers the convenience of eluding uninspired, bland hotel chains instead advocating the happiness-producing power of travelling to places that convey a unique and interesting story – places with soul. Customers can enjoy the comfort of earning free nights in over 150 independent hotels across North America including Hawaii and The Caribbean while they ‘go with the slow’ embracing the singular beauty of world renowned sights and spectacular wildlife.

Stash Rewards offer five points on every dollar spent on eligible room rates without the inconvenience of expiration and blackout dates associated with many other so-called reward programs. Redeeming your points couldn’t be simpler and opening your Stash Rewards account is free and easy by visiting www.stashrewards.com.