Eating in the San Juans

Eating at Backdoor Kitchen was without doubt my favorite dining experience in Friday Harbour. I would have eaten there every night had my travel companion humored my new restaurant obsession.

The drinks alone were enough to keep me returning for more. Since I'm a lightweight, I only had a chance to try one: the No. 7 - Vodka shaken with "fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, ginger syrup, and Thai basis leaves. Served straight up w/ basil garnish." The refreshing libation hit the spot - and I looked forward to the rest of the repast.

I desperately wanted a salad of organic greens, but I only had room for dessert or an appetizer (in addition to my main course) and dessert won out this evening.

My entree was perfect - I was scraping the plate so that I could get every drop of goodness. I devoured the pan seared sea scallops. For some reason I have never had perfectly cooked sea scallops in Georgia - only on the west coast. Since it has been quite a long time since I have been to the west coast, enjoying a perfectly prepared scallop was long over due. In addition to to it being cooked just right, I loved the ginger sake beurre blanc sauce that topped it. The sesame scallion rice cake pleasantly surprised me. I wasn't expecting so much flavor, and the texture was nice as well. The side vegetables were full of flavor, reminding me the benefits of eating local, organic produce.

I enjoyed a glass of Yalumba 2009 viognier, which was the perfect compliment to the dish.

Dinner ended perfectly with a sundae - the best I have had in over a decade (again, that wonderful experience was in San Francisco). If I wasn't about to pop, I would probably have ordered another one!

My other favorite spot in Friday Harbor was the Doctor's Office which makes great coffee, cinnamon rolls and scones. Enjoying a perfect latte and pastry on the front porch of the Victorian home which looking at the harbor is a great way to start the day. I also enjoyed one of the best vegetarian sandwiches I have had in a long time.

Other places visited on the island included:

• The Bluff. This is a great place to enjoy a drink which taking in the view, preferably sitting in the Adirondack chairs, if available. (Apparently Tom Hanks and wife Rita were doing just that a few hours before we were there.)
• Duck Soup Inn. Only open a few months of the year, this cozy restaurant prepares seasonal Northwester cuisine. Having just started to eat chicken again (after 17+ years), I ordered the blueberry habanero chicken since it sounded interesting. The free range (this part is important to me) chicken breast was lightly coated with breadcrumbs and herbes de Provence, topped with blueberry habanero chutney, goat cheese and served with creamy polenta. This was definitely a comforting (and filling) dish that I thoroughly enjoyed.
• Rocky Bay Cafe. It seems like this is where everyone in town (and tourists alike) eats breakfast. The down to earth, fast and friendly service makes it possible. I enjoyed a vegetarian eggs benedict.
• Herb's Tavern. There's no better way to get to know a place that to share a beer with locals in their tavern. Turns out there is only one bar in town - Herb's Tavern. I enjoyed a Mac and Jack's while talking with a local islander (and his college buddy from Oregon).