8 Ways to Taste San Juan Island

During the longest year on record (2020) I took to entertaining my foodie family with themed dinners & tastings. We missed our weekend getaways to San Juan Island the most, so I tried to get my hands on island made ingredients and goodies to bring a bit of the island home and support our people there. This turned out to be easy and so much fun. If you are longing for San Juan Island fare from afar or you are blessed with a visit to paradise, here are the island tastes not to miss.

Oysters from Westcott Bay Shellfish Farm

We treated ourselves to the “Little Oly Box”, 3 dozen little Olympia oysters delivered right to our door. The beautiful farm is currently open for pick up and lunches (with reservations) from noon to 3:00pm every Saturday.

Pommeau from San Juan Distillery

I cherish San Juan Distillery’s Pommeau, apple port made from their delicious cider, as a dessert wine for a special occasion. Their Gins, Brandies and Liquors are to die for as well. They offer direct shipping to Washington State residents. The Distillery and Cidery are open for tastings, tours and retail sales every Saturday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

Siegerrebe from San Juan Vineyard

This island grown dry white is one of my favorites and last Summer I suddenly couldn’t live without it. So I ordered myself a case. San Juan Vineyard’s tasting room is open each Saturday from noon to 5:00pm for tastings, and bottle sales.

Lemon Pepper Blend from San Juan Sea Salt

My husband puts that on everything. San Juan Sea Salts salt blends, honey and - the best of both worlds - salted honey caramels are readily available at food coops, gourmet shops and the San Juan Island Saturday Farmer’s Market.

Lavender Herbs de Provence from the Pelindaba Lavender Farm

Have you ever cooked with lavender? It is so good on meats and fish. All their 200 wonderful products for the kitchen, house and body are available online, at their gorgeous farm and the downtown Friday Harbor store.

Quarry No. 9 Pale Ale from San Juan Brewing Co

My husband loves the crisp ales and whimsical beer names of San Juan Brewing. We were delighted to find their brews at Total Wine and other beer specialty stores. However, there is nothing like having lunch or dinner right there. Open daily for lunch and dinner and to-go.

Canned Tuna from High Seas Tuna

“Really, canned tuna?” You might say. Their young, surface and troll caught tuna is naturally low on mercury. It is tender and juicy. We don’t eat any other canned tuna anymore. Available online or at the San Juan Island Saturday Farmer’s Market.

Cherry Fig Leaf Jam from Girl Meets Dirt

Girl Meets Dirt make heritage preserves the old fashioned way with local and organic ingredients. Pair the Cherry Fig Leaf with a brie for a heavenly appetizer. Available online or at the San Juan Island Saturday Farmer’s Market