OCT 26: Charles Moore To Speak Again in Friday Harbor, WA

OCT 26: Charles Moore To Speak Again in Friday Harbor

Noted marine researcher Charles Moore will give a talk on “Combating the Oceans’ Plastic Plague,” at the San Juan Community Theater on Tuesday, October 26, at 7:30 pm. Two years ago Doris Estabrooks, the Friday Harbor resident who spearheaded the successful crusade to ban polystyrene food containers in San Juan County, arranged Captain Moore’s first appearance in the islands. She has convinced him to return and speak again since, as Doris noted, “passing the ordinance has not made the plastics problem go away.”

Because Doris, who is passionate about this issue, wants as many people to attend Moore’s lecture as possible, there will be no admission charge. But at the same time, she is working hard to cover all the costs of his visit. Donations are still very much needed and appreciated.

Checks (which are tax-deductible,) should be made out to Moore’s organization, Algalita Marine Research Foundation, and mailed in care of: Doris Estabrooks, 2143 Cattle Point Road, Friday Harbor, 98250.

To learn more about the Algalita Foundation and Captain Moore’s work, go to his website at: http://www.algalita.org .

Pot Luck Dinner at Friday Harbor Bed & Breakfast

There were three of us who started working at the same time for Harrison House Suites, Tucker House Inn and Coho Restaurant: myself, Stephanie – Guest Services Coordinator, John Hamilton, Innkeeper and Catering Manager, and Alphonsine Haslet-Phillips, Executive Chef.

Anna Maria, the business owner, decided a staff potluck would be a great ice-breaker for all of us to get to know each other.  It was one of those spur-of-the-moment deals, a day’s notice, casual fare in the Harrison House Suites Café.  As foodies tend to do, we all checked with each other to see who was bringing what, just to make sure everything flowed together well and there weren’t too many desserts and not enough wholesome foods.  Everyone contributed something tasty for our leisurely dinner, which ended up having an Asian flare complete with Sake tasting.  But that night was our first taste of Alphonsine’s true talent.  She brought a Pineapple Tart that was absolutely exquisite.  The center was light and fluffy, the pineapple delicately flavored – not overpowering; beautifully browned bits of coconut on top crunched in perfect contrast to the creaminess of the filling; the crust – oh my word, the crust – it was flawlessly textured: crunchy yet delicate at the same time, not too hard to break with a fork, infused with butter but not overly rich, enticingly golden in color.  It was definitely the crowning glory of the meal.

Alphonsine graciously agreed to share the recipe with Coho Restaurant fans, and it’s reprinted here.  But you know how the same recipe made by 20 different people will turn out 20 different ways?  Somehow I can’t imagine I will ever get the same incomparable results as Alphonsine did that night.  The girl’s got talent, pure and simple.

Pineapple Tart

San Juan Island B&B WA – Harrison House Suites

From our electronic guest book – received – 04.03.09:

Dear Anna Maria & Dave,

Thank you so much for a wonderful stay in your beautiful B & B. It was such a treat getting your delicious breakfasts every morning and your location to Downtown was perfect. We had a perfect vacation with our kids and they really enjoyed it. Especially Mollie and Tucker. Even though the weather wasn’t the greatest and it snowed the day we left!! (We’ve had our fill of snow for this year) we had a very relaxing vacation on your island, it is so beautiful and peaceful. We loved your inn and will definitely be back(in the summer this time) Thanks again to your and all your staff, it was wonderful.

The Eakins Family
WA

Lodging and Dining-Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA. Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant