Don’t panic, but Sasquatch sightings have increased in recent days.
The forest-dwelling creature has been spotted at area food carts and restaurants on a quest to discover the best waffles in Whatcom County. Its presence has been confirmed by Sustainable Connections, the Bellingham-based nonprofit focused on modeling a vibrant economy built on sustainable practices. They’ve teamed up with the bipedal “spokes-quatch” (my term, not theirs) to champion an event dubbed Waffles for Valentine’s Day, and are hoping to get the public onboard to share the love.
With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, Sasquatch has been checking out eateries such as Waffles in Paradise. The food stand purchases its flour from Cairnspring Mills, eggs from East of Eden Farm, milk from Twin Brook Creamery, berries from Viva and Mariposa farms, and beyond. And although Waffles in Paradise is on hiatus until the Bellingham Farmers Market reopens on a weekly basis on the first Saturday of April, they recently whipped up a batch of heart-shaped lefse waffles for Sasquatch. They’ll do so for you, too, as soon as they’re back from their break.
Also included on the tasting tour was the Sweet as Waffles food truck, where Squatch sampled a savory Wizard Flip Waffle; Storia Cucina’s sourdough brunch waffle topped with blueberries and whipped mascarpone; the Wednesday night chicken and waffles special at Bantam Kitchen and Bar; and the Mount Bakery Cafe, where Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict are served atop a house-made savory Belgian waffle.
By following Sasquatch’s journey on Sustainable Connections’ Facebook and Instagram pages — as well as on a related Say I Love You with Waffles blog — you can get ideas on where to take your own valentine, enter to win giveaways, and even get a waffle recipe from Steensma Creamery if you choose to make brunch or breakfast in bed for someone special.
Sustainable Connections’ Communications Director Amy Vergillo said the event is focused on supporting and investing in those in the community who are already putting love into everything they do.
“Participating in your local economy is its own kind of relationship,” Vergillo said. “You give, and you also receive. Whatcom County is full of these connections that are built on a shared love of community, the environment and good food, of course!”
Community connections can also be found in Anacortes this week, where the eighth annual “Dine and Shop to End Homelessness” on Feb. 10 will help raise funds for the Anacortes Family Center (AFC). With a mission to serve homeless women, children and families in crisis and help them achieve self-sufficiency and success through providing shelter and service, AFC changes people’s lives for the better on a daily basis.
Although the event is not taking place on Valentine’s Day proper, consider taking a date to one of the many participating restaurants and businesses in Anacortes that will be donating a portion of the day’s proceeds to the fundraiser.
Restaurants include Adrift Restaurant, A’Town Bistro, Blackbird Wine Bar and Charcuterie, the Brown Lantern, Calico Cupboard, Coconut Kenny’s, Dad’s Diner A Go-Go, Dockside Dogs, Drink Your Veggies, Frida’s Gourmet Mexican Cuisine, Gere-a-Deli, the Majestic Inn and Spa, Nonna Luisa Ristorante, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Penguin Coffee, Pizza Factory Anacortes, Rockfish Grill, the Store in Anacortes, and Vagabond Station. Select retailers will also open their doors to take part in the fundraiser.
If you miss the big event, donations can be made to the Anacortes Family Center at any time. On its website, the AFC points out that, on average, a night of shelter and the intensive services they provide cost about the same as an entree at a restaurant. For example, a $25 donation could secure one night for a single mother and child, $50 means safety for one night for a family of four, and giving $250 would secure one night of shelter for the AFC’s entire facility.
Donations go toward more than just providing a safe place to stay for a night or two, however. They also help people move one step closer to finding a permanent home. By stepping up to assist your fellow community members, you’ll be showing you care about what happens to them, even if you’ve never met them.
