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...

Health + Wellness

Mercer Island Voices

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Northwest Hope & Healing’s 25 Years of Care and Support Article by Suzette Miranda, MD | Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle Northwest Hope & Healing, a local non-profit organization, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Our mission is to provide immediate, financial assistance to women undergoing treatment for breast and gynecological cancers—helping cover basic needs such as groceries, electricity, and rent during one of the most...

Education

Mercer Island Voices

Cycling for a Cure: 4,200 miles for ALS Cure Article by Tim and Jan Gillespie | Photography by Timm Fenton On May 1, Mercer Island resident Timm Fenton dipped his rear wheel in the Pacific Ocean, strapped on his helmet, mounted his bike, and began a remarkable solo 4,200-mile cross-country ride---all for a charity close to his heart.  After months of training, the 59-year-old cyclist left the Oregon coastal town of Florence headed east. For the next 67 days, he followed the classic...

Style + Beauty

Style with Soul

Where Curated Fashion Meets Connection on Mercer Island Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by J Garner Photography Every stylish woman deserves a place where she feels seen—not just sized and styled. For many on Mercer Island, that place is Hip Zephyr. It’s not just a boutique; it’s a fashion experience. Owner Dana Smith and Store Manager Amy Patton have built more than a retail destination—they’ve created a community of confident, vibrant women rediscovering their edge. Style for Real...

Arts + Culture

Style as Identity

Lin Yang as the Example: Art and the exercise of self portraiture and reinvention. Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by Yuan Ru Art Center Yuan Ru Art Center: Elevating the Power of Artistic Style Showcasing artist Lin Yang’s series of self portraits At Yuan Ru Art Center, founded by Islander Julie Hsieh, style is more than just a visual signature—it’s the defining element that gives each work its character, mood, and meaning. The gallery is committed to presenting artists whose...