Health + Wellness

Healthy Families

Raising Teens: Finding Balance and Connection Article by Paulette Denman, LMFTA | Photography by Stu Denman I’ve been a parent on Mercer Island for almost 18 years. Our community thrives because of the deep commitment so many families have to raising supported, successful kids. When my boys were little, many sweet, well-intentioned people warned me about the dreaded teenage years. As I struggled to get a squirming toddler into their car seat, they’d say “Just wait until they’re teens, that’s...

Life + Culture

The Crawlspace Gastropub Takes Top Honors

Best New Restaurant & Best Korean Restaurant in the PNW Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle When Jason Farrish opened The Crawlspace Gastropub, he wanted to create something that felt both deeply personal and wildly inviting, a place where bold Korean flavors met the comfort of a neighborhood gathering spot. Less than a year later, that vision has translated into major recognition: The Seattle Times named The Crawlspace both Best New Restaurant and Best Korean...

Food + Beverage

Discover The Rock

Mercer Island’s Newest Luxury Event Destination Article by Michelle Alex | Photography by MICL and J Garner Photography Islanders thrive on giving back and love gathering as a community—connecting, celebrating, and supporting causes that strengthen the place we call home.  It’s important to our individual mental health and the health of our community.   And so you asked, and Hill Harper delivered; another special space to come together, to celebrate, commemorate and build community. The...

Food + Beverage

The Mockingbird Citrus & Spice Zero-Proof Spritz

Start your year with all the joy of a Jungle Bird - Spirit Free! Article by Jason Farrish | Photography by The Crawlspace Gastropub Citrus & Spice Zero-Proof Spritz Refreshing, citrus-forward, with a kiss of warm spice Ingredients 1 oz Giffard 0% ABV Apéritif 0.75 oz spiced molasses syrup 0.75 oz fresh grapefruit juice 0.5 oz fresh lime juice Splash of soda water Cinnamon, for garnish Instructions 1. Fill a shaker with ice and add the apéritif, spiced molasses syrup, grapefruit...

Local Services

Local Holiday Treats

Mercer Island Chamber CEO Jen Dean’s Gift List Article by Jen Dean, Chamber CEO | Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle We asked Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce CEO, Jen Dean, for her top local holiday gifts - she made a list - check it twice - for many treats, all nice! Carin Suzanne: Timeless sparkle for the gem in your life. Island Books : From bestsellers to quirky treasures. Macrina Bakery : Deliciousness wrapped in flaky, buttery joy.   MBellish : Give the gift of...

Food + Beverage

Stewed Apple Tequila

A Seasonal Taste Sensation for Chilly Nights Article and Photography by Bunny M. Wordsmith, Crawlspace Gastropub Sweeten your holidays with apples and spice - and a little tequila makes everything nice… When fall settles over Mercer Island, Bartender Bunny—the creative force behind Crawlspace Gastropub’s bar—leans into the season with a signature flair. The Stewed Apple Tequila cocktail is a playful twist on comfort and mischief, inspired by caramel apples and crisp orchard air. Stew Granny...

Arts + Culture

MIHS Mean Girls Shine on Stage

Live theater by MIHS Drama for all to enjoy Article and Photography by Kelly Goto The stage is set at Mercer Island High School as rehearsals wrap up for this fall’s musical, Mean Girls. For months, students have been working every day after school and a few long weekends — perfecting songs, rehearsing choreography, running lines, building sets, and working tech. Now, it’s time to share it with the community. Director Katy Ramsey says the show captures both the fun and the challenges of high...

Finance + Legal Services

A New Era, Navigating Wealth

What the new Tax Reform Means for Your Legacy Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by LPL Financial When I first read about the new tax reform passed on July 4, 2025, I turned to someone I trust for clarity: Matt Tabler, Founder of Pinnacle Private Wealth Advisors. Matt has long emphasized that real wealth is not just about accumulation—it’s about clarity, intention, and living with purpose. With that lens in mind, we discussed the practical impacts of the new tax reform, bringing some of the...

Style + Beauty

Holiday Sparkle & Shine

Holiday Radiance with Barb Hovsepian: Style Confidence Article by Barb Hovsepian, Au Courant POSH | Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle Holiday Radiance with Barb Hovsepian: Style, Confidence & the Season to Shine When it comes to effortless elegance, no one embodies the art of looking and feeling your best quite like Barb Hovsepian. As the creative force behind POSH Style Consulting and Au Courant Hair & Beauty, Barb brings a signature blend of warmth, precision, and chic to every...

Food + Beverage

The Next Course

Denise Moriguchi carries Uwajimaya’s tradition into tomorrow Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by TBD For Mercer Islander Denise Moriguchi , food has always been more than sustenance, it’s a language of connection, heritage, and belonging. As CEO of Uwajimaya , she continues a family story that began nearly a century ago, one that has nourished both body and community across generations. Uwajimaya’s roots trace back to 1928, when Denise’s grandfather, Fujimatsu Moriguchi , started a...