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Tammy Goodall and Tom Gerkins' Seaplane Wedding

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Aug 13, 2014 Mikaela Cowles
Tammy Goodall and Tom Gerkins' Seaplane Wedding

Back in the days of “You’ve got mail” and Yahoo email addresses – back when online dating was a tad bit taboo and flip phones were the rage – Tammy Goodall signed up for a free week of Match.com.

Thank goodness for the Internet.

Thirteen years later, on the rooftop of a Lake Union houseboat, Tammy and her husband Tom Gerkens shared their story and a glass of wine with me.

It’s not a classic boy meets girl, bended knee kind of tale. Theirs is an untraditional epic love, so whacky it has to be real.

Theirs is a story that’s taken them around the world, across the country and up several dozen flights of stairs. It’s taught them seasickness is real; tuna tastes best when caught, sliced and eaten with your fingers on the back of a boat; and home is wherever you’re standing (or floating) together.

While Tammy and Tom love Seattle, they’ve only lived here a short time. Originally, they met in San Francisco.

Unlike the classic coffee shop, ‘I met you online,’ stranger meet up, Tom went for it. That first night he took Tammy to dinner and a Sharks game. “We talked the whole night. And at the end, he walked me to my car and didn’t make a sleazy move on me or anything,” Tammy recalled.

The 3-Year Sail

They’d been dating eight months when Tom went to Hawaii on a family vacation. Tammy sent him with Tania Aebi’s Maiden Voyage – the tale of an 18-year-old barfly who spent two years sailing around the world.

Tom read. He read a little more. And then, he called Tammy. “This book is really good. You want to sail the world with me?” he asked.

“I said yes,” she told me. “I didn’t think he meant it. I certainly didn’t think he meant we’d do it anytime soon.”

But when Tom returned, the two started planning. With just four weekend sailing classes, they sold everything they owned, bought a 46-foot sailboat from a shop in Westlake and set sail around the world.

At times they were stranded and at times they were sick. But together they made it, visiting continent after continent, eating what they caught and taking shifts at the helm.

The Grand Central Station Proposal

Under the guise of his celebrating his mother’s birthday, Tom lured Tammy to New York City. She didn’t think anything of it. Nor did she think anything of it when he suggested they visit Grand Central Station.

“I just told her there was going to be some event and I wanted to check it out,” Tom said.

An event it was. March 13, 2013 at 3:13 PM, the drums of a Brooklyn marching band erupted within the lofty arches and elegant marble of Grand Central Station.

They played for 19 seconds. That’s how long it took the police to get there and shut them down.

Nineteen seconds isn’t a lot of time. It certainly wasn’t long enough for their family and friends to unroll the sign Tom had made. It read:

Tammy will you marry me? Love Tom

But, it was enough to knock Tammy’s socks off. “I was absolutely floored. He’d arranged for all our friends and family to be there. I just started crying,” she said.

A Seaplane Wedding

Tammy and Tom like to do things a little differently. They’re the kind of folks who enjoy touring the country on motorcycles and took living at the top of Queen Anne as a challenge to get in shape.

When it came to planning their wedding, they were determined it be untraditional. Toying with a variety of ideas, they arrived at seaplanes organically. From the rooftop deck of their new Lake Union houseboat, they’d been watching the planes take off and land for weeks. A pilot himself, Tom was intrigued by 51Âé¶č’s water landing babies and when Tammy discovered Joy Stewart’s – a catered, seaplane adventure – they were sold.

And so, on an afternoon in June, Tammy, Tom; their sons Kyle, Warren and Philippe; Tammy’s maid of honor and sister, Laura; and Tom’s best man and his wife jumped into an Otter. They headed to Dabob Bay – a secluded beach located on Hood Canal, accessible only by seaplane or boat.

“It was incredible,” Tom said. “Eventually, I could make out a few houses across the way. But really, we were in the middle of nowhere.”

From the red carpet their pilot, Joe Leatherman, rolled out upon arrival to the champagne Joy had on ice, every detail was cared for. Tammy said:

Joe was a sweet heart. He was so bubbly and excited that it felt like he was part of the celebration. That really made it special. The food was amazing, especially the chocolate covered strawberries. And, our photographer did a great job capturing the entire day.

To top off the excitement, Joe tipped his wings to the wedding party after he dropped them off.

Congratulations you two. It was an absolute pleasure to hear about the adventures of your courtship and your wedding ceremony. Here’s to many more years of exploring together.

Joy Stewart,
Joy’s sea-to-sky odysseys are food-filled adventures that you’ll never forget. Join her aboard a 51Âé¶č seaplane for a trip to a remote picnic beach, where all you’ll have to worry about is having enough room to eat all the goodies she prepares.

Renata Steiner,
Renata is a Seattle based portrait, wedding and event photographer who specializes in making her couples feel at ease. Tammy said:

We really wanted our pictures to look natural and unstaged. That’s exactly what Renata did. She captured the moment as it actually happened.

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Nanaimo Bar Trail Look 2

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Jun 18, 2014

The exact origins of the Nanaimo Bar are unclear, but one thing is certain – Nanaimo knows how to throw down when it comes to this chocolate and custard treat. In years past, Nanaimo was the only place you could find this specialty dessert. Today renditions of this bar pop up all across the globe, but this quaint coastal city is still the best place to sample, savor and indulge Nanaimo Bar style.

In large part, we can thank Chelsea Barr for this. (You can find her at . The office is located in downtown Nanaimo, near the harbour. If you see her, she deserves a huge high five)

Chelsea recognized the numerous Nanaimo Bar versions throughout the city and slowly began bringing the dessert enthusiast together, creating what we now know as the Nanaimo Bar Trail. If ever you needed an excuse to eat your way through glorious dessert after glorious dessert, this is it.

With a chance to hit up the trail again, I joined Joan Kinsey, her amazing photographer Mike Hays on a Nanaimo Bar Trail adventure.

We hit up a few of the stops I’d already made, including the Bocca CafĂ© where specialty Nanaimo Bars include a Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bar and Chilli Nanaimo Bar. We stopped by , where the folks threw down another round of Nanaimo Bar Martinis that’ll knock your socks off. I popped into and strolled past . Oh, it was a delightful day indeed.

We also visited some new stops along the trail, some new – mind-blowingly impressive stops including:

Nanaimo Bar Chocolate Truffles from
Cherub Chocolate was opened in 2013 by former advertising guru Veronika Kononova. Switching career paths later in life, Veronika had the life experience to know quality is king, especially when it comes to chocolate. Her small batch chocolates are made with only the finest ingredients, hand crafting and packaging each chocolate.

Heck, when I showed up, she was in the midst of making a new batch of Nanaimo Bar Truffles. She had just finished filling the chocolate shells with cream and was about to start prepping their coconut coating. “These are one of our most popular items,” she told me. Popular they sure are. Veronika only had one left when I showed up!

Beyond her Nanaimo Bar Truffle, she also created a Nanaimo Bar Praline. During the summer, she also scoops up Nanaimo Bar ice cream! (Word to the Wise: If you are worried about finding room for multiple stops along the Nanaimo Bar Trail, Veronika’s treats can easily be taken to-go and savored later.)

Truly Decadent Bacon Topped Nanaimo Bar from
We’re not going to pretend this dessert doesn’t include fat. It does. And, we’re oh so glad for it.

“People think fat is bad,” said Smokin’ George’s BBQ owner, George Kulai. “But it’s not. Fat is good. It’s great. We all need some of it in our diet.”

And here, at this southern inspired, slow smoked BBQ joint, we dug into bacon so flavorful it made entire tables groan with pleasure. As did the poutine – French fries smothered in house made gravy and cheese curds.

(Insider Gravy Tip: George says the trick to exceptional gravy is rendered chicken fat. Rendering the fat from chicken skin, he thickens his gravy with it rather than with flour.)

The Bacon Topped Nanaimo Bar is one of the newest additions to the Nanaimo Bar Trail. Created by the restaurant’s manager, Darcy, this amazing bite of heaven is coconut free and maple infused. The bacon is locally sourced and smoked for four hours with apple wood. It’s then sliced, diced, pan friend and sprinkled on top of their Nanaimo Bars.

“Bacon and maple just go together,” said George.

And boy do they! If you’re looking to also eat lunch or dinner at Smoin’ George’s BBQ, I highly recommend sharing a bar. (All portions are extremely large.) If you ask, they’ll probably even cut one up into bite-sized pieces.

Explore additional stops on the

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5 Last Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas

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Jun 14, 2014
5 Last Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is tomorrow. Have you made plans to tell Dad just how much he matters? Or, are you a tad bit behind? If you’re still in need of a little help, don’t worry. We have you covered.

The Car Loving Dad
Tomorrow, hundreds of classic and vintage cars will line Front Street in downtown Issaquah for the ninth annual . Start the morning off with a dad-sized bite at the Triple XXX Drive-in and then let him stroll to his hearts content.

The Adventure Loving Dad
Take dad for a leg-stretching hike with a view. The San Juan Islands offer numerous hikes along windswept ridges and through grassy hillsides. You’ll find two of the best on San Juan Island: .

The Baseball Fanatic Dad
Nothing beats a ballgame with dad. Catch a game. Share a bag of peanuts. Copy the way dad pulls his hat to the side in anguish and jumps from his seat in excitement.

The Beer Loving Dad
Dad’s who love their hops will dig a tour of the on Orcas Island. Here, local brewers craft full-flavored pints and serve them up in a laid back setting.

The Aviation Enthusiast Dad
Let dad get his head in the clouds – literally. Seattle Scenic Flight Tours are unforgettable. From the loud roar of the prop to the feeling of the pontoons gliding over the water, they’ll make your heart race with excitement. As an added bonus, see if dad can snag the co-pilot seat for an up-close look at the controls.

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Nanaimo Bar Trail Look 1

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Jun 11, 2014 Mikaela Cowles

I’m headed back to the sweet, sweet .

That’s right ladies and gents. Right now, I’m headed off on a sugar packed adventure with Joan Kinsey.

In May, I spent two days exploring this harbour city. I discovered lots of amazing things including tea at the , lunch at , beers at the , breakfast at and so much more.

But, one of the best – one the ‘must-dos’ when you visit Nanaimo – was the Nanaimo Bar Trail.

This year there are 34 stops on the Nanaimo Bar Trail. To hit all of them would take a good deal of time and quite the appetite. As it was, I needed a lot of room in my belly for the seven I did visit. It was totally worth finding the room.

Guided by the Naniamo Bar Trail’s inventor, Chelsea Barr (yes, Barr is really her last name), I visited:

  • Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake from
  • A Nanaimo Bar Pedicure from
  • A gluten free version from
  • A deep-fried Nanaimo Bar from
  • The History of the Nanaimo Bar at the
  • A Nanaimo Bar Cake from
  • A Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bar from Bocca Cafe
  • A Nanaimo Bar Martini from

Let’s break it down folks.

The Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake is big enough to be a meal. I highly recommend sharing, especially if you plan to have dinner first. It’s crafted by the folks at Minnoz Steak & Seafood, one of Nanaimo’s best restaurants where dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients and dinner comes with a view.

Calorie free, the Nanaimo Bar Pedicure is no less indulgent than its edible sisters. This multi-stage pedicure includes a chocolate mask that smells so good you – or those you meet post-pedicure – might think about licking your toes. (The rest of the day after my pedicure, I was constantly stopped on the street and complimented for how good I smelled.)

I don’t normally jump on the gluten free bandwagon, but at Mon Petit Choux I’m all aboard. Here the Nanaimo Bar isn’t overly sweet. A touch of cinnamon adds an extra flavor layer and the chocolate ganache top is dark and smooth.

Like a fried Twinkie, a fried Nanaimo Bar seems a little strange. Strange is such a good thing. While it may not be a lot at which to look, this treat is worth every plate licking calorie.

The wholesome goodness of Real Food may make you a little hesitant to try dessert. But, you’ll be thankful for their waist friendly salads once you see their Nanaimo Bar Cake. This towering monstrosity of cake, custard and chocolate is a sight to behold. It tastes as good as it looks. As hard as I tried to only have a few bites, I nearly finished the entire slice by myself. (Sorry for hogging all the goodness Chelsea!)

The Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bar from Bocca CafĂ© wasn’t the most traditional. But, this small cafĂ© didn’t win the 2013 Nanaimo Street Fair competition for nothing. They’re uniquely flavored bars are sweet, smooth and packed with flavor.

Our final stop on the trip was Modern CafĂ© where the bartender whipped up a Nanaimo Bar Martini with all kinds of flare. Here, the brick walls and wood tabletops are impressive. But, it’s the chocolate drizzled, coconut infused libation that’ll make you weak in the knees.

Stay tuned. There will be more Nanaimo Bar Trail insights.

Plus, we’re headed to Tofino for surf lessons, a tour of the and more!

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Beaches on Nanaimo’s North End

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May 20, 2014 Mikaela Cowles

Beaches. Beaches upon beaches upon beaches. Nanaimo is called the “Harbor City” for good reason. Here, beaches stretch for miles. A gateway city, Nanaimo has not yet grown into the bustling metropolis of its nearby capitol. It still has the small town charm of locals waving to each other as they pass on the road.

In some cities, prime waterfront real estate like Nanaimo boasts has been so overrun by mega mansions that finding public access is all but impossible. Here, parks dot the landscape. Neighborhoods have been built around public waterfront access. Though narrow in some cases, a wide variety of these urban oases can seem to be all but untouched by modern man.

The landscapes aren’t packed with gawking tourists. (Thank goodness.) They are visited by locals. The exercising mom is as likely a sight as the grandparents taking their grandchild out for a stroll. You’ll see friends sipping coffee as they walk down the beach and lovers holding hands they sit quietly on benches.

Tides flow in and out, opening daily playgrounds of wet sand where curious minds to explore. Some parks are well marked. Others are less so. Each is beautiful. Most of the neighborhood speckled parks can be found on the north end of Nanaimo. Among the ones I visited, these were my favorite:

Blueback Beach Access
Blueback Beach Access starts near the edge of a steep hillside. Its entrance, tucked between homes, is marked by nothing more than two street signs () and the standard notice of city park regulations. The narrow stretch of public access takes foot passengers down more than 100 stairs, some carved into the ground and others built of wood. Occasionally, the towering canopy’s shade breaks, filling the pathway with bursts of sunlight shine. At its base, the rocky beach is strewn with driftwood. As the tide goes out, it gives way to soft sand that molds with your feet as you walk.

Neck Point Park
With more than 36 acres of waterfront, offers stunning views of the ocean and mountains beyond. Named for it’s connection to a rocky “head” of igneous rock which rests in the water just off its shore, sea lions and sometimes even orcas can occasionally be seen from the tops of its small cliffs. Along its shore, you’ll find rugged rocks, pebble bay beaches and a few sandy ones too. Here, trails twist through Gary Oak groves and the heads of scuba divers can often be seen bobbing just off the coast.

Pipers Lagoon
The size of three football fields, is so close to Neck Point Park they almost seem connected. Sporting the same stunning costal views, its shallow waters are frequently visited by sandpipers, horned grebes, loons, kingfishers, oyster catchers, great blue heron and more. Birdwatchers can often be found sitting silently, binoculars in hand. During low tide, the lagoon offers pedestrian access to Shack Island – a T-shaped slice of short bluffs ringed with cabins.

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Blanket and Spoon – Bed and Breakfast Magic

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May 13, 2014 Mikaela Cowles
Blanket and Spoon – Bed and Breakfast Magic

Tucked into the Woodley Mountain Range, past the goat farm and the ivy covered home that’s long since lost its roof, sits . Here, wind chimes adorn eaves and Adirondack chairs speckle the lawn. This small B&B is nestled in the center of six acres. It looks as though it was plucked from a Jane Austen novel – from a time when days were slower, men opened doors and long afternoons of sipping wine weren’t just dreamed about, they happened. And here, they do.

Your room comes stocked with a small cheese platter and wine. Take it out on the deck or instead opt to curl up on the large daybed. (The 8-inch Tempur-Pedic mattress is so comfortable you might just never get up. Don’t say you weren’t warned.)

Owned and operated by the husband-wife duo, Shayne and Carol Shepherd, this slice of quiet heaven is their home. But, it feels like yours too by the time you leave. Perhaps it’s the feather pillows, multi-head showers and personal hot tub. But, I think it’s the company. The warmth with which the Shepherds greet you and invite you into their home feels like the peaceful familiarity shared between longtime friends – happy to see you, but not overbearing.

The Breakfast*
Arrive hungry. If you need to skip dinner to do so, do it. This isn’t any continental fare. This is an event. Chef Shayne, a French-trained chef who cut his teeth in some of the finest Vancouver restaurants and moonlights at the renowned Mahle House, crafts a meal meant to be savored. His subtle seasonings allow the bold flavors of the locally sourced ingredients to shine. While the menu changes – often daily – it frequently incorporates both sweet and savory courses.

Love cooking? Make sure to get to the kitchen early so you can watch chef Shayne in action. He’s a whiz. The man moves with such skill it hardly looks like work. Where the average cook might be sweating up a storm, fumbling, bumbling and unable to talk – chef Shayne glides from cutting board to stove to grill, all the while happily answering questions.

He and Carol do a wonderful host and hostess dance, filling coffee, plating breakfast and sharing tidbits about the house and the art. They display a collection of pieces by local artist .

You might begin with a blueberry puff pastry strudel. When I visited, this baby arrived still warm from the oven and packed with blueberries so sweet the only added sugar came dusted right on top. It was followed by a pear poached in local tea and sprinkled with bee pollen from the nearby honey farm, Fredrich’s Honey. (Bee pollen is antioxidant rich. It’s a little bit hard, reminiscent of chia seeds. While it does have a touch of sweetness, it carries more of a floral note, adding texture and additional depth to a dish.

For the main event, you might have poached eggs on top of grilled asparagus and a chanterelle potato cake, accompanied by bourbon smoked and locally source grilled bacon.

(I just had a foodgasim all over again.)

Unlike pan-fried mashed potatoes with their soft, gummy center, Shayne’s potato cakes are filled with texture and thickly studded with chanterelles. (Shayne forages for his own chanterelles in the Woodley Mountain Range. His picking locations are a closely guarded secret. But for those interested in dabbling with mushroom picking, he and Carol strongly recommend David Arora’s, Mushrooms Demystified. They have a copy on hand and are more than happy to share during your visit.)

*Shayne and Carol are both very conscious of any dietary restrictions or special needs their guests may have. With a little advance notice, they’re more than happy to create something special just for you.

The Suites
While this B&B may be small (it only has two suites), the rooms are anything but. They’re spaciously situated and feature large beds perfect for lounging. But, most impressive are the small details which didn’t go begging. Prior to opening Blanket and Spoon, Carol spent many a night traveling the world, staying in a wide variety of motels, hotels and bed and breakfasts. She discovered the small nuances which really make a room, some of which you might not have even realized you wanted.

From top down/bottom up shades and expertly placed light switches to shower heat lamps and great toiletry products – Carol didn’t miss a beat. She even stocked the Carriage House – their detached suite, featuring a king bed and private hot tub – with hot tub specific towels.

The Grounds
The grounds themselves at Blanket and Spoon are idyllic. There are towering trees, slopping grass hills and flowerbeds teaming with color. A large fire pit sits just behind the house and is ringed with Adirondack chairs. The trails at the base of the Shepherd’s home lead down the mountainside. They twist and turn through forest. Their causeways run past valleys where deer can often be seen. If you’re up for a light hike or easy stroll – this has your name written all over it.

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51Âé¶č Enthusiasts in Connecticut

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Apr 12, 2014 Mikaela Cowles
51Âé¶č Enthusiasts in Connecticut

There aren’t too many seaplanes in Connecticut, but Phil and Doreen Mikan were pretty sure their twins would be fascinated by seeing planes land on the water. They weren’t wrong.

In the summer of 2012, the couple visited our Emerald City with their then five-year-old rug rats. They made sure to stay close to Lake Union. “I knew there’d be seaplanes. But, I didn’t know what an awesome operation 51Âé¶č had right on the lake,” Phil told me.

Two years later, their kids have not forgotten our seaplanes. Just the other day, Phil’s son Andrew asked his dad to take a picture of him in his 51Âé¶č shirt. “51Âé¶č could use it in an advertisement,” Andrew suggested.

Andrew’s sister Maris was quick to add that he should pose in their own airplane, as “That would make it even better.” (The twins recently acquired a teeter-totter shaped airplane that has quickly become a favorite outdoor toy.)

Andrew and Marisa – You weren’t wrong. The picture is fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing!

Staying In Seattle
It’s no surprise Phil knew staying at the would be the perfect location. He was stationed in our fair city with Coast Guard for two years. “Seattle is one of my favorite cities in the entire world,” he said.

Phil – It’s one of ours two. We can’t wait for you and your family to come back and visit again!

The Mikans also visited the and Seattle’s . They visited Port Angeles and Port Townsend. Talk about a fun trip!

Have your own 51Âé¶č story? I’d love to hear all about it. Leave it in a comment below or shoot me an email at: Mikaela at KenmoreAir dot com.

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2 Days in Nanaimo

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Apr 3, 2014 Mikaela Judd

Jaw-dropping mountains and more than 4-kilometers of waterfront walkways make Nanaimo, BC far more than a gateway stop to Central Vancouver Island. Sure it’s the second largest city on Canada’s western landmass and offers easy access to destinations such as Tofino, Ucluelet and Port Alberni. But, it’s also home to a collection of funky art, historic buildings, and quaint pubs. It’s where you’ll find artisan honey producers and a self-guided dessert tour. It’s farm to table restaurants, breakfasts doused in hollandaise and small town charm that’s delightfully welcoming.

Friday

2:00 PM Explore the Cedar & Yellow Point Artisan Trail
At the south end of Nanaimo, where downtown has yet to stretch and the airport welcomes travelers, you’ll find a collection of farms, galleries, and culinary shops. Known as the Cedar & Yellow Point Artisan Trail, there are more than 20 artisan attractions. Discover the difference between “wild” and cultivated cranberry varieties during a Signature Taste Tour at . Get a taste of Island honey collected by Master Beekeeper Theo Fredrich Sr. at . Theo’s been beekeeping for over 60 years! And, explore locally grown herbs at where more than 400 varieties of herb plants are sold.

Yellow Point Cranberries – 4532 Yellow Point Road, Ladysmith, Vancouver Island
Fredrich’s Honey – 2798 Cedar Road, Cedar, B.C.
Hazelwood Herb Farm – 13576 Adshead Road, Ladysmith, B.C.

5:30 PM – Start the Nanaimo Bar Trail off right with a Nanaimo Bartini
Though the exact origins of the Nanaimo Bar remain unconfirmed, this triple layered chocolate, custard and coconut delight is attributed to Nanaimo. The official Nanaimo bar recipe was developed by Joyce Hardcastle in 1985. Over the years, more than 25 local businesses have given it their own twist. Today, they form the Nanaimo Bar Trail, a self-guided sweet exploration where Nanaimo Bars have inspired drinks, cakes and more. To start your sampling off right, begin with a Nanaimo Bartini at

ACME Food Co. – 14 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, B.C.

7:00 PM – Dinner at Minnoz Restaurant & Lounge
Enjoy a short stroll to where modern elegance and exceptional service are paired with a reasonably priced menu. Steak is grilled to order, but it’s the local seafood that shines. Try starters such as Qualicum Bay scallops and Salt Spring Island mussles with chorizo. Larger entrees feature wild BC sockeye salmon and lobster ravioli tossed with local seafood.

Insider Tip: Only a few tables capitalize on Minnoz stunning view of the harbor. Call ahead to reserve.

Minnoz Restaurant & Lounge – 11 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, B.C.

Saturday

9:00 AM – Breakfast at Two Chefs Affair
With a love for food, the husband-wife chef duo, chef Daniel Caron and chef Tammy Deline, offer enticingly addictive cuisine. French toast, aptly titled “Love at first bite,” features a rich egg bread flavored with hints of pumpkin, cinnamon and vanilla. Their famous Eggs Benedict comes topped with lemony house made hollandaise. And, their scrambles are light on the egg and heavy on the extras.

Nanaimo Bar Trail Continued: Those up for a sweet, albeit cold, stop on the Nanaimo Bar Trail should inquire about the Two Chefs’ Ice Cream Sandwich.

Two Chefs Affair – B-123 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, BC

10:00 AM – Take in the Nanaimo’s History
As the third oldest city in British Columbia, even the streets and buildings in Nanaimo tell a story. Begin learning about the region’s heritage at the . Here you’ll be able to walk through an real-life replica of a coalmine, learn about the First Nations people and more. Then, pick up a Heritage Walking Tour brochure from the museum to continue your exploration. While out and about, be sure not to miss the last standing Hudson Bay Company Bastion. At noon a cannon firing ceremony takes place daily. (The cannon firing ceremony is seasonal from May through Labor Day.)

Nanaimo Museum – 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, B.C.

12:30 PM – Lunch at Gabriel’s Gourmet Cafe
Healthy comfort food is often given an Asian twist at . With fare that will satisfy meat eaters, veggie lovers and gluten-free diners alike, you’ll be treated to a menu crafted from local, sustainable products. Though selections change based on availability, you might find items such as a Thai green curry rice bowl with your choice of chicken, tofu or prawns; a curry chicken wrap with apple tomato chutney, cilantro, and green onions; and a three bean chili spiked with chipotle and lime.

2:00 PM – Meander Through Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter (and enjoy a stop on the Nanaimo Bar Trail)
Just up the hill from the waterfront, you’ll find a collection of historic buildings from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Now known as the , this was originally the city’s economic core. Today the area is a hub for galleries, specialty stores, and eateries. Among the highlights is the Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway Station, which continues to serve its original function as a major entry point for the city via a passenger rail service. Also of note is Saint Andrew’s United Church with its stunning collection of stained glass windows and its high hipped roof.

Nanaimo Bar Trail Continued: As your appetite will allow, don’t miss your chance to make another stop (or two) on the Nanaimo Bar Trail. In the Old City Quarter you’ll find selections such as a Nanaimo Bar inspired cupcake at or a classic Nanaimo Bar at .

McLean’s Specialty Foods – 426 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo, B.C.
A Wee Cupcakery – 407 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo, B.C.

6:00 PM – Dinner at Modern CafĂ©
Established in 1946, puts a contemporary spin on classics. Here, old world brick walls are combined with moody recessed lighting for a sultry vibe that begs you to lean in close to that someone special. Their cuisine’s focus on classic tastes features comforting dishes such as three different variations of Mac & Cheese (Moms, Vegetarian and Modern), a saffron spiced salmon, and braised pork ribs. Those up for sharing will love their tapas menu, a collection of small plates including poutine, fries topped with cheese curds and beer gravy; fish tacos featuring avocado mousse and roasted corn salsa; and coconut prawns.

Nanaimo Bar Trail Continued: Continue your chocolate-custard indulgence with another Nanaimo Bar inspired libation. Here, Modern Café’s Nanaimo Bar Martini features a shot of espresso for an additional depth of flavor.

Modern CafĂ© – 221 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, B.C.

Sunday

9:00 AM – Breakfast at Tina’s Diner
Don’t expect fancy and don’t expect light. is true to its name. This local favorite dishes up classic diner fare in a booth and counter setting. Their hollandaise is thick and creamy. Their corned beef hash is studded with onions and packed with well-seasoned potatoes. Those looking for a slight twist on the traditional Eggs Benedict will love the Shrimp Benedict, a seafood inspired breakfast selection that’s sure to fill you up.

Tina’s Diner – 187 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, B.C.

10:30 AM – Hike the Cable Bay Trail
The Cable Bay Trail offers a light, hour-long hike that twists through a forested trail down to an expansive waterfront. Keep an eye out for migrating sea lions. They like to sun themselves on the log booms. Looking for a hike with a little different feel? Pick up a Parks & Trail brochure at the and choose your own.

12:00 PM – Get Tea Leaves Read at Calico Cat Tea House
From defining your personality and taste in significant others to exploring how you deal with confrontation and what your future holds, tea readers at have been dazzling drinkers for years. But, readings are performed by reservation only, so call ahead. The tea house is also an excellent place to grab a bite to eat. You’ll find a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, crepes and more.

Calico Cat Tea House – 1081 Haliburton Road, Nanaimo B.C.

Photo provided by

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Northwest Floatplane Picnics

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Mar 20, 2014 Mikaela Cowles
Northwest Floatplane Picnics

Save room for the chocolate-covered macaroons. Save room. I implore you. Save room! You’ll thank me.

Why? Because when you find yourself beyond the city – where driftwood tables rest beside makeshift benches, where the air is crisp and salty fresh, and where the cliffs rise straight up from the water – you won’t think twice about taking a second helping of fresh mozzarella salad or a few extra crab legs.

Though the picnic will be a leisurely one and continuous grazing is to be encouraged, I worry if I don’t warn you now, in a big bold – SAVE ROOM FOR THE CHOCOLATE-COVERED MACAROONS – message, you might forget.

So I did. It’s taken care of. You’ll remember, won’t you?

(If you also take a picture of one for me, that’d be great. I ate the last one before I even thought of it!)

Among the many amazing excursions and trips we’re a part of, 51Âé¶č partners with Joy Stewart for her . These foodie excursions whisk you far from the city’s congestion. In just a short flight, you’ll bypass the constraints of roadways and bridges to a beach only accessible by boat or plane, such as Dabob Bay. (Additional destinations are available. A complete list is available on her .)

A dare devil at heart, Joy has never been one for ‘traditional’ activities. This Medina resident is a former professional parachute jumper. She was a member of the United States Para-Ski Team, competing in a two-event sport that combines “mountain accuracy-parachute jumping” (landing on a mountainside target) and giant slalom ski racing.

Growing up as a tugboat cook and yacht chef, Joy is no stranger to preparing good, hearty meals in exotic locations. It was on one such tour, while Joy was the chef on a 120-foot yacht in Desolation Sound, that she met her husband, Alex Stewart. He was a 51Âé¶č floatplane (aka seaplane) pilot dropping off the Sunday paper.

Twenty years and two sons later, Joy and Alex still combine food and flight. In 2002, Joy and her floatplane picnics were featured in Bon Appetit. Following the article, her picnics gained such a large following she was fielding requests from friends and strangers alike. Northwest Floatplane Picnics was born.

Picnic Insider Tip: When Joy says, “Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet,” be sure to wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet. A chocolate-covered macaroon is even better when eaten with a few toes in the water.

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Romantic San Juan Island Fly Away

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Feb 7, 2014 Mikaela Judd
Romantic San Juan Island Fly Away

Sweep her off her feet. Whisk him out of town. In just 24-hours, this romantic getaway will add that extra va va voom to your relationship.

Day 1

4:00 P.M. – Check-In & Unwind
Begin your getaway on island time with a slow check-in. Don’t just drop your bags in your room and rush back out again. Relax with each other for a moment. Check out the view
from the bed.

6:00 P.M. – Dinner at Coho
Located in the historic Craftsman House, is known for showcasing the local bounty. Salmon, scallops, beef and pork are sourced from the on Lopez Island. Cheese comes from the nearby shop. A selection of local wines is available from . This is an all local, all the time meal that won’t disappoint.


Day 2

10:00 A.M. – Breakfast
While I strongly recommend staying at one of the local bed and breakfasts where room service means you don’t have to think about clothes for at least another hour, I’d be remiss not to tell you about the Rocky Bay CafĂ©. This quaint breakfast spot serves up a variety of breakfast classics including a veggie omelet loaded with all the goodies you need to replenish yourself.

11:30 A.M. – Take a Stroll Through Town
Friday Harbor’s downtown is made up of a quaint collection of art galleries and boutiques where local artists display their work. If you’re a book enthusiast there are two stores you will love. Serendipity features a massive collection of used books. The trendier , features a variety of staff picks with thoughtful descriptions.

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