Life + Culture

John Gordon Hill

In Loving Memory of a Community Champion, Artist, Husband, Father and Friend June 21, 1952 — August 10, 2025 Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by Hill Family & MICL It is with a grieving heart and grateful spirit that I share this memorial for my boss, mentor, visionary, renaissance man and friend, John Gordon Hill. A Mercer Island native, proud son, husband, father and grandfather, arts supporter, community champion and mean harpsichord plucker, John gave his all to so very much.  We are...

Sports + Recreation

Service Above Self in Action

Mercer Island Rotary Hosts Inaugural Pickleball Tournament at Luther Burbank Park Article by Sharon Perez & Pat Turner | Photography by Mercer Island Rotary Mercer Island Rotary brought the community together this summer with its inaugural pickleball tournament at Luther Burbank Park. The event drew players of all ages and skill levels to the scenic waterfront courts, celebrating one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Teams competed in spirited matches while spectators enjoyed the...

Food + Beverage

Festive Mezze Platter

Fall Entertaining Made Easy Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle Fall is the perfect season for effortless entertaining—gathering friends and family around a table filled with cozy flavors and colorful bounty. One of the simplest ways to welcome guests is with a festive mezzo platter, a shareable spread that looks abundant, tastes delicious, and requires very little preparation. Perfect for tailgates, potlucks, or cozy nights at home—a festive fall mezze...

Home + Design

Island Sanctuary

A Home That Lives as Beautifully as It Looks Article by Nadine Stellavato Brown | Photography by Kara Mercer Thankful for Home:  A Sanctuary to Share Entertaining with Mid-Century Soul When the owners of this classic Mid-Century Modern residence sought to reimagine their home, their vision was clear: they wanted a space designed for entertaining. What they needed was more than a facelift — it was a thoughtful reconfiguration that honored the property’s architectural pedigree while making...

Food + Beverage

Farmers Market Fresh

Locally Delicious Goat Cheese & Beet Salad from the Mercer Island Farmers Market Article by Chef Sarah McCormick | Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle Goat Cheese & Beet Salad  Serves 2 Ingredients 3 Tbsp McCormick Jam Co. Strawberry Balsamic Jam 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar 3 Tbsp Olive Oil 4 oz. Goat Cheese 3 small or 1 large Beet 16 oz Arugula / Mixed Greens 1/2 cup Pickled Red Onions 1/2 cup Candied Pecans Salt and Black Pepper  Directions : 1.  Roast beets: cut into...

Food + Beverage

From Ancient Tradition to Modern Superfood:

Bone Broth’s Comeback, aKrrush: Clean, Efficient Protein for Everyday Life Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by J Garner Photography I’m constantly inspired by local innovators who find simple yet powerful ways to improve daily life. When I sat down with Solvi Barber , a Mercer Island resident and founder of aKrrush , it was clear her vision was rooted not just in nutrition, but in culture, sustainability, and the way families actually live. What began as a challenge during the pandemic...

Food + Beverage

Bone Appétit!

Homemade Banana Peanut Butter Dog Treats by Island Animal Hospital Article by Island Animal Hospital | Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle With just three ingredients—banana, peanut butter, and oats—you can whip up a batch of homemade cookies your pup will love. Quick, budget-friendly, and healthier than most packaged treats. Ingredients 2 cups oats + a little extra for rolling   2 ripe bananas   ½ cup natural peanut butter (see note below) Directions Preheat oven to...

Food + Beverage

Korean Army Stew

Spicy, hearty one-pot meal for fall days Article by Jason Farrish | Photography by The Crawlspace Gastropub It’s trendy now, but Korean Army Stew has a long history dating back to the Korean war. Koreans would take US Army rations and mix them with local ingredients to make a one pot masterpiece. It’s spicy, hearty, and here’s how to make it. Ingredients 1 packet of instant ramen 1 Heaping Tablespoon of Gochujang (Korean pepper paste) This will come in a red tub 1 Heaping Tablespoon of...

Food + Beverage

Classic Miso Soup

From Takai by Kashiba Article by Ed Kashiba | Photography by Takai by Kashiba There are many different types of miso soup, at Takai by Kashiba, we like the simple classical form. Miso is traditionally enjoyed toward the END of the meal and at Takai, we serve it as a savory digestif. INGREDIENTS : 4-5 cups water Miso paste (Red or White). Red miso is stronger, white is milder. We use a blend of the two. Dried dashi konbu (specific dried kelp for soup stock, not for consumption)  ...

Food + Beverage

Better Together

Recipe for an Award-Winning Cheese Plate (with Wine Pairings!) Article by Jody Elsom, Elsom Cellars | Photography by Elsom Cellars Recipe for an Award-Winning Cheese Plate (with Wine Pairings!) that wins awards and hearts. The Wines & Their Stories Albariño – Born from Washington’s bright, high-desert sunshine and cool nights, this crisp Spanish varietal thrives in our Ancient Lakes vineyards. With lemon zest, green apple, and tropical fruit, it’s a white wine beloved even by red...