Food + Beverage

A Holiday Feast

Missy Claridge of Von’s 1000Spirits shares her father's cherished holiday tradition: his renowned Bolognese recipe. Article by Von’s 1000Spirits | Photography by AnneMarie Zarba Bobbee’s “All Day” Bolognese  Ingredients :  1# Von’s 1000Spirits Sourdough Pasta  1# Italian sausage or spicy  1# ground beef   2 tablespoons olive oil   1 tablespoon butter   Sofrito (1 medium onion,1 large carrot, 1 celery stalk. All finely chopped)  4 garlic cloves, finely chopped   1 (6oz) can tomato...

Finance + Legal Services

Mercer Island Women Leading Venture Capital

Empowering Founders through Education, Mentorship, and Investment Article and Photography by Laura Ohata Women in venture capital on Mercer Island are not only breaking barriers but also creating powerful opportunities for education, mentorship, and involvement for anyone looking to make a difference in a male-dominated industry. At intimate house parties, women like Jennifer Wrenn Henry, a fund manager at VentureUs, are creating spaces where founders, investors, and mentors can connect...

Life + Culture

Seattle Samurai: From the Bride’s Eyes

Honoring Japanese Heritage Through the Art of Shigeru “Sam” Goto Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by Goto Media This fall, Seattle Samurai, a unique blend of Japanese heritage and cartoons, was released at Island Books. The collection, created by the late Mercer Islander Shigeru “Sam” Goto, was compiled by his daughter, Kelly. Sam, inspired by comics like Lil Abner and Peanuts, used his art to blend humor and Japanese culture. Kelly organized his work around key aspects of Japanese...

Arts + Culture

The Children’s Dance Conservatory of Mercer Island

Island Youth Ballet’s Gifts to Dancers and Audiences for Decades: It’s Nutcracker Season! Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by J Garner Photography For decades, Susan Valencia has been a guiding force for young dancers on Mercer Island. As the founder and artistic director of The Children’s Dance Conservatory or Mercer Island: The Official Ballet School for Island Youth Ballet (IYB), a nonprofit formed in 1998 to sponsor high-quality performance opportunities, she has instilled in her...

Shopping

Mercer Island Makers

Shop Local with Special Holiday Gifts by MI Designers Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by Amber Fouts, Ling Ling Zheng Looking for the perfect holiday gift with a personal touch?  We suggest these locally designed treasures that capture the spirit of our community.  Haley Street, The Westerly Co. Photos by  The Westerly Co. is a coastal-inspired blanket company based on Mercer Island. The blankets are thoughtfully designed by Haley to embrace a casual coastal style with colors picked...

Life + Culture

A Tribute to Mercer Island Giving

Mercer Island City Lifestyle’s Publisher Reflects on a Year of Thankful Gratitude and Community Building Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle Mercer Island has always been a community that exemplifies the power of giving back. This core value, deeply woven into our island’s culture, is reflected in the incredible charitable organizations and initiatives that serve and uplift us. At the heart of our charitable network is Mercer Island Youth and Family Services...

Food + Beverage

Washington Apple Martini

Fall in a Glass: Crisp Apple, Tangy Cranberry, and Warm Bourbon Bliss Article by Northwest Spirits | Photography by AnneMarie Zarba Premier Pour of the Month   Northwest Spirits Washington Apple Martini  Every fall my cousins host a Cider Festival on our family's tree farm in Arlington. It prompted me to create the perfect Washington Appletini with our Savor Spear Bourbon. The crisp apple and tangy cranberry mixed with our Savor Spear Bourbon capture the essence of autumn in every sip...

Life + Culture

Mercer Island Voices

Josie Vermeulen: A Life of Kindness and Giving Back Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by TS Bishop Photography Imagine standing on the docks, watching as the last ship of the year prepared to set sail for America. Josie Vermeulen, 25, clutched her toddler as she and her husband faced the devastating reality that they’d have to wait three years before they could immigrate. Josie was also pregnant, adding urgency to their situation. Then, by chance, the captain's wife overheard their...

Home + Design

Feast for the Senses

Thankful for Nature’s Fall Abundance: Designing Fall Centerpieces from House of Posie Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by House of Posie As the leaves turn golden and crisp, and the cool air hints at the coming holiday season, the art of creating fall floral centerpieces can add joy and beauty to an abundant season. At House of Posie, founder and floral artist Jessika Mazure, shares, “We believe in elevating the ambiance of any gathering with the perfect mix of flowers, candles, and...

Food + Beverage

Try these!

Favorite Eats on Mercer Island Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle Metropolitan Market Deli's go-to option is the Prime Rib Sandwich. Priced at $19.99 it is truly top-tier take-out. Sushi Joa - Sashimi salad for $20 lunch is the greatest value I've ever seen in a Japanese Restaurant! House dressing is perfect for dipping or drenching and a nice bite of sashimi all the way to the bottom of the bowl!  L’Experience – The $14 Salade Nicoise has swirling...