Travel

Exploring Morocco

A Journey Through Harmony, Heritage, and Hospitality Article by Brenda El-Ghazzawy | Photography by LUXXE Travel Some places don't just leave an impression, they shift your perspective. Morocco is one of them. My recent journey through this North African country was a study in contrast and connections: from the vibrant energy of Marrakech to the stillness of the Sahara, the historic medina of Fes to the serene luxury of Kasbah Tamadot in the Atlas Mountains. Morocco is more than just a...

Food + Beverage

Classic Chicken Katsu

Chef Jason Farrish of The Crawlspace Gastropub Shares a Taste of Hawaii Article by Jason Farrish | Photography by The Crawlspace Gastropub Chef Jason Farrish, co-owner of The Crawlspace Gastropub on Mercer Island, brings a rich tapestry of cultural influences to his culinary creations. Born and raised in Hawaii, Jason’s upbringing was steeped in diverse culinary traditions. His family established the renowned Yummy Korean BBQ in 1986, a legacy that deeply influenced his palate and cooking...

Travel

Explore: A Life Set to the Wind

By nature and by trade, Captain Ari Sheer is an explorer. Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by J Garner Photography For Mercer Island yacht broker Ari Sheer, the spirit of exploration began at seven years old—and it’s still charting his course today. Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Ari Sheer’s love of the water came naturally. He grew up racing dinghies and ocean yachts along the Australian coast, developing a fierce passion for the sea and a hunger for adventure. By his teens...

Travel

Mercer Islanders In the Wild

Curated Journeys. Mercer Island Style. Article by Brenda El-Ghazzawy | Photography by LUXXE Travel Inspired in India The Atkinsons explored India over the 2024 holidays, from sunrise at the Taj Mahal to rolling chapatis in Delhi, visiting ancient caves in Mumbai, and celebrating the New Year by the sea in Goa. Swiss Peaks & Scenic Rails Mercer Island friends explored the Swiss Alps in style. Skiing in Zermatt, viewing the Matterhorn, and breathtaking scenery aboard the Glacier and...

Arts + Culture

Translating Experiences

Meet Artist Heather Adamek at Clarke & Clarke Gallery July Mercer Island Art Walk Article by Ginny Clarke, Gallery Director | Photography by Clarke & Clarke Art+Artifacts HEATHER ADAMEK “TRANSLATING EXPERIENCES” Heather is an Oregon based artist who we discovered while searching for a special painting for Sara McAllister for her Mercer Island restaurant “Allister”.  Heather’s painting is the focal point of the main dining area and she is now also one of our regularly featured artists.  As a...

Life + Culture

Gents Shaping Style, Sound, Flavor, and Design on Mercer Island

The Connoisseur, Style Authority, Music Man, Taste Makers and the Modern Creative Article by Sharon Perez & Chris Ishii | Photography by Les Lee & Jim Garner The Connoisseur | Hill Harper You may know Hill Harper as an acclaimed actor, bestselling author, and humanitarian—but step inside ASA Gathering , and you’ll meet Hill the host. Hill the curator. Hill the connoisseur of spirits who has quietly created one of the most thoughtful and inviting spaces on Mercer Island. ASA isn’t...

Local Services

Man’s Best Friend

From Boyhood to Fatherhood: How Dogs Walk Beside Every Man Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by Island Animal Hospital If you’ve ever felt like your dog understands you better than most humans, you’re not alone. Whether it’s the tail-thumping greeting when you walk through the door, the quiet companionship during tough days, or the excuse to get outside and move, our dogs often know what we need before we do. And if you’re a dog owner, chances are you’ve already felt this connection—that...

Real Estate

Rewriting the Neighborhood

What HB1110 Means for the Future of Our Communities Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by RSIR In neighborhoods across Mercer Island, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Snohomish, a quiet but powerful shift is underway. Backyards, driveways, and empty side lots may soon take on new life, thanks to House Bill 1110 (HB 1110) —a bold new law reshaping residential zoning across Washington State. Passed in 2023 and now taking effect, HB 1110 requires many cities to update zoning codes to allow two to six...

Finance + Legal Services

Seeing the Future Clearly

The Exceptional Vision of Gary Furukawa Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by Sasha Reiko, Furukawa Family Gallery Some people see things just a little sooner than the rest of us. Gary Furukawa , founder of Freestone Capital Management , has built a career and a reputation on spotting trends early , thinking differently , and making bold moves that weren’t always the most popular at the time—but ultimately proved to be ahead of the curve. From his days on Wall Street to launching...

Home + Design

Man Cave Plus

The New Center of the Home Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by Kara, Tim, Emily It often starts as a simple idea—a comment made in passing, a room above the garage, a quiet space in the basement, or a patio just waiting for purpose. “I’ve always wanted a space of my own.” But in the homes we’re featuring here—beautifully built by Gallagher & Co. with added expert insights from Hi-Tek Group and Baklinski Home Improvement —those simple ideas become something greater: a room with...