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...

Travel

Luxury Lodges & Sporting Estates

The ultimate man-cations for the discerning gentleman, balancing rugged adventure with refined comfort Article by Brenda El-Ghazzawy | Photography by LUXXE Travel Premier lodges across the American West and Alaska offer immersive experiences—pairing outdoor pursuits with destinations that blend grit and grandeur. The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana Nestled on 6,600 private acres near Philipsburg, The Ranch at Rock Creek sets the standard for luxury ranch experiences. Guests can engage in fly...

Travel

Luxury Getaways for Women Who Travel Well

Sedona, Napa and Santa Barbara Article by Brenda El-Ghazzawy | Photography by LUXXE Travel For women who travel well, luxury isn’t just about five-star accommodations—it’s about curated experiences that rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Sedona: Desert Retreat with a Spiritual Touch Sedona is an oasis of red rock beauty, luxury spas, and spiritual rejuvenation. It’s ideal for women seeking relaxation, adventure, and a bit of soul-searching. The Enchantment Resort, nestled within...

Health + Wellness

Holistic Women’s Health

Meet Mercer Island’s Expert Providers Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by Les Lee, Premier Catch Mercer Island is home to a remarkable network of women’s health providers offering care that goes far beyond the basics. With expertise in nutrition, sports coaching, fertility and IVF, menopause, bone density, aesthetic dermatology, dentistry, orthodontia, and the healing arts, this vibrant community of professionals embraces a holistic approach to well-being. Together, they’re redefining...

Food + Beverage

Healthy Delicious Dinner

Premier Catch’s Nobu Inspired Miso-Marinated Black Cod Article by Ashley Besecker, Registered Dietition Nutritionist | Photography by Premier Catch Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds Sablefish (4 x 6-oz portions) 1/4 cup mirin 1/4 cup sake 4 tbsp white miso paste 3 tbsp sugar 4 tbsp sesame oil Marinade: Bring mirin and sake to boil for 30 seconds. Turn heat to low, add miso paste and sugar, whisk until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and...

Food + Beverage

Rosemary Lemon Enchantress

A bold blend of flavors for those who own their power and their palate Article by Northwest Spirits | Photography by AnneMarie Zarba Some cocktails are sipped -  this one is savored.  The Rosemary Lemon Enchantress elevates the Lemon Drop with wild rosemary, an orange-sugared rim, and SavorSpear Gin.  Bright, herbal, and effortlessly refined.   ingredients : 1 1/2 shots Savor Spear Gin  1/2 shot Orange Curaçao  3/4 shot Citrus Rosemary Syrup 1/2 shot Lemon Juice  directions: ...