Whatcom restaurant set to open; other eateries make changes during the pandemic
Here’s an update on recent retail activity around Whatcom County:
▪ The Rustic Fork in Blaine has set an opening date, starting off with to-go orders and some outdoor seating.
The Italian-style restaurant is planning to open on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 442 Peace Portal Drive, near Interstate 5. The outdoor seating is in the rear patio area known as Capone’s Hideaway and is following proper social distancing and airflow guidelines, according to a Facebook post from the company.
Menu items include artisan-style pizzas, appetizers and homemade desserts.
▪ For those looking for local gifts but are concerned about holiday shipping delays, Whatcom-based Marie’s Bees announced that it is offering free delivery for orders over $35 to Whatcom, Skagit, Island, Snohomish, King, Pierce and Thurston counties every Wednesday and Friday through Christmas Eve.
Gifts include honey lollipops, Douglas Fir bee balm and honey zingers, which is a jar of raw honey mixed with creamed ginger and lemon. Details can be found on the Marie’s Bees website.
▪ Bellewood Farms & Distillery is offering free photos with Santa through Christmas Eve as it celebrates the holidays in a socially distant way.
The farm, which is at 6140 Guide Meridian, will also offer nine different homemade pies from its bakery, a new cinnamon-flavored vodka from its distillery and locally grown and cut Christmas trees. The farm is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; the free socially-distanced Santa photos can be taken 1-4 p.m. on weekends until Christmas.
Plenty of apples are also available from the fall harvest. For more information about Bellewood Farms, call 360-318-7720 or visit bellewoodfarms.com.
▪ Bellingham Cider Company announced that it is temporarily closing its restaurant starting Monday, Dec. 7, and will be focusing on canning and distribution of its cider to local businesses. According to a Facebook post from the company, the restaurant will reopen when it is economically feasible to do so.
▪ After shutting down operations on Nov. 21 because of the rise of COVID-19 cases, Goji Bistro announced on Facebook that it will reopen at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8, for takeout services. The restaurant, which is at 4260 Cordata Parkway near Whatcom Community College, offers a variety of Asian dishes.
A list of restaurants that are temporarily closed during this current set of COVID-19 restrictions, as well as restaurants that are offering takeout/delivery options, is on The Bellingham Herald website.
This story was originally published December 5, 2020 at 9:00 AM.
