Food + Beverage

The Spirit of the Moment

The meteoric rise of Japanese whisky—and the culture, craft, and community behind it Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by Takai by Kashiba and MICL There was a time when Japanese whisky lived quietly—tucked behind the bar, known mostly to insiders, collectors, and those who had spent time in Tokyo. That time has passed. Today, Japanese whisky isn’t just popular—it’s permanent. “It’s not a fad,” says Ed Kashiba of Takai by Kashiba in Bellevue. “It’s just… part of life now. Any place of...

Arts + Culture

Read Well. Gift Better.

Smart books and standout finds for dads and every kind of modern gentleman Article by Lori Robinson | Photography by Laurie Swift Raisys At Island Books, we always think a book is a good idea. And when it comes to picking out a book to give to the dads in your life, ask yourself, what do you think they are looking for? Do they always want to be doing something with you? Are they interested in learning new things? Do they love escaping into a book filled with action and adventure? Are they...

Life + Culture

Where Community Begins Over Coffee

A Chance Encounter That Says Everything About Mercer Island Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by Mercer Island Community and Event Center I stopped by the Mercer Island Community & Event Center to drop off magazines—just a quick errand. As soon as I walked in, I saw that coffee was being served. I thought to myself, "is it Monday?". Within minutes, I saw Jackie Brown of the Mercer Island Community Fund.   Within minutes, we were talking about Community Coffee—one of those simple ideas...

Life + Culture

The Next Pitch

An Anthem for Resilience on Mercer Island Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by Enrico Pozzo It starts quietly. A phrase passed from coach to player. From teammate to teammate. From one moment to the next. Next pitch. At first, it sounds like instruction. Reset. Refocus. Move on. But over time, it becomes something else. It becomes a mindset. Because baseball has a way of teaching what it doesn’t say out loud. It doesn’t promise fairness. It doesn’t guarantee outcomes. In a game where...

Auto + Marine

Return of the Sleeper

BMW’s M5 Touring Rewrites the Modern Performance Story Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by Mark Harrington There are cars that announce themselves—and then there are cars that whisper, only to leave everything else behind. The return of the M series wagon to the United States after a 15-year absence isn’t just a product launch. It’s a philosophical shift. And according to Mark Harrington of BMW Seattle, the response has been immediate—and telling. “It’s actually selling faster than the...

Food + Beverage

The Third Place

Where comfort, craft, and community meet in the space between home, work, and everyday life Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by MICL There’s a space that exists somewhere between obligation and escape. It’s not home. It’s not work. But it’s where people go to feel like themselves again. Sociologists call it the “third place.” Most people just call it their spot. On Mercer Island, that place has quietly taken shape inside Crawlspace Gastropub—a room where comfort and craft meet without...

Life + Culture

Deeply Rooted: The Islanders Behind Wright Brothers Farm

This farm evolves with our community—rooted in flavor, curiosity, and bold, globally inspired produce. Article by Ange Garrett, MIFM Market Manger | Photography by Ange Garrett Last month, I drove north to Ferndale to visit Wright Brothers Farm—and spend time with someone many of you already know from our market: Craig Wright. As the Mercer Island Farmers Market Manager, I spend Sundays talking with vendors, helping shoppers, and watching relationships unfold—but every once in a while, I get...

Food + Beverage

It’s Our Jam!

Mercer Island Farmers Market Exclusive Blueberry Rhubarb Jam & Goat Cheese Stuffed French Toast Article by Ange Garrett, MIFM Director | Photography by Ange Garrett This recipe is a celebration of one of those special finds you can only get at the  Mercer Island Farmers Market —McCormick Jam Co. Blueberry Rhubarb Jam. It’s the kind of small-batch, seasonal product that makes a single morning feel a little more memorable.  Perfect for gifting to off-Island friends and family, and enjoying in...

Life + Culture

Mercer Island Women Mean Business

Local leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals shaping our community. Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by J Garner Photography Mercer Island is home to an extraordinary group of women whose leadership, creativity, and commitment help shape the character of our community every day. From entrepreneurs and medical professionals to designers, builders, educators, and business leaders, these women bring passion and purpose to the work they do. Many are longtime residents deeply connected to...

Life + Culture

Culture Creators Shaping Mercer Island

Leading with Purpose: Women Strengthening Our Community Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by J Garner Photography, Ron Yeh A thriving community is never accidental. It is built—over time—by people who care deeply about the place they call home and who choose to invest their time, creativity, and leadership in making it stronger. On Mercer Island, many of those community builders are women. They lead nonprofits and businesses, create spaces where neighbors gather, support local artists...