Living large means crossing the 49th parallel where everything is bigger and in greater abundance. For fans of Major League Baseball and craft beer, a Mariners game in Seattle is a good excuse for a fun-filled weekend excursion and offers a distinct contrast with a ballgame at Nat Bailey Stadium. With a number of options for exploring microbrews between Vancouver and Seattle, take your time getting down to the Emerald City and enjoy the journey.
^ The Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro, Bellingham’s award-winning brewpub.
Once you’ve made it through the ringer at the 49th parallel, treat yourself to lunch at The Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro. If you’re there on a Saturday, the neighbourhood will be bustling with the Bellingham Famers Market in full swing across the street. However, resist the temptation to spoil your appetite in the market and save a survey until after your brewpub visit.
^ The pub at Boundary Bay Brewing is a laid back place to have a pint and some nosh during the day or enjoy live music in the evening.
If you have children, there’s a separate bistro for family dining. Happen to be there on a sunny day? Soak up the sun on their deck or in an actual beer garden, but you may feel relaxed to the point of not wanting to leave.
While Boundary Bay doesn’t bill themselves as a gastropub, their food is substantially better than your average pub. I make a point of arriving with an appetite. They make an effort to support local providers, so the seasons are reflected in both the menu and the beer.
If you’ve never visited before, it’s best to start of with a sample of their full beer lineup, paying particular attention to the featured seasonals. You can then get a pint of your favourite or whatever will go well with your first course; at happy hour (Saturday – Thursday, 4-6pm), you’ll get $1 off pints.
^ Smoked Salmon Chowder with Chinook IPA, an annual special release beer to raise funds for the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association that features Chinook and Simcoe hops.
^ The citrus notes of Boundary Bay’s regular Northwest-style IPA paired nicely with this Pesto Salmon Sandwich and green salad.
^ A good meal always ends with dessert and pairing opportunities abound at Boundary Bay. In this case, a Cherry Porter Ice Cream Cake is contrasted with a pint of Dry Irish Stout. Make sure the stout is not too cold or the flavour will be out of balance.
At this point, you’ll be looking forward to a nap in the car to rest up for your next stop in Seattle…
~ RG
