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in a former general store and with a great view of the water, serves good break-
fasts, lunches, and light meals.
Bilbo's Festivo
MEXICAN If you catch the scent of a mesquite fire as you
wander the streets of Eastsound, it isn't your imagination. At this casual restau-
rant housed in an old bungalow in the heart of Eastsound, the Southwest comes
to the Northwest. The garden outside is purely Northwestern but the stucco, tile
work, and low wall around the patio dining area all say New Mexico. The menu,
though it has plenty of Mexican standards, is most noteworthy for its more
unusual regional dishes such as mesquite-grilled chicken in an herb-and-orange
juice marinade or mesquite-grilled flank steak marinated in lime juice. Summers
see the crowds lining up to get into the restaurant's patio where the barbecue
grill stays fired up with mesquite. The margaritas here are the best on the island.
N. Beach Rd., Eastsound.
&
360/376-4728.
Reservations recommended. Main courses $8-$18. MC, V.
Apr-Sept Mon-Thurs 4-9pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am-3pm and 5-9pm; Oct-Mar daily 4-9pm.
Cafe Olga
INTERNATIONAL Housed in an old strawberry-packing
plant that dates from the days when these islands were known for their fruit, Cafe
Olga is a good spot for reasonably priced breakfasts and lunches. Everything here
is homemade, using fresh local produce whenever possible. The blackberry pie is
a special treat, especially when accompanied by Lopez Island Creamery ice cream.
This building also houses Orcas Island Artworks, a gallery representing more
than 65 Orcas Island artists.
Horseshoe Hwy., Olga.
&
360/376-5098.
Main courses $7-$15. MC, V. Daily 10am-6pm (until 5pm
Nov-Dec). Closed Jan-Feb.
Christina's
NORTHWEST Located on the second floor of an old
waterfront building in Eastsound, Christina's has a beautiful view down the
sound, just right for sunsets. If the weather is pleasant, the deck is
the
place on
the island for sunset dinner. The menu here is short, changes regularly, and fea-
tures innovative cuisine prepared with an emphasis on local ingredients. For the
most part, Christina's showcases its creativity in its appetizers rather than in its
entrees, so whether you crave the unusual or the familiar, you'll likely be satis-
fied here. The desserts can be heavenly.
Porter Building, 310 Main St., Eastsound.
&
360/376-4904.
www.christinas.net. Reservations highly rec-
ommended. Main courses $26-$34. DISC, MC, V. Summer daily 4-9pm; fall-spring Thurs-Mon 4-9pm. Closed
3 weeks in Nov.
The Inn at Ship Bay
NORTHWEST About midway between East-
sound and the turnoff for the Rosario Resort, you'll spot the Inn at Ship Bay, an
old white house that sits in a field high above the water. (Should you arrive after
dark and be tempted to walk over to the water, be aware that the restaurant's
front yard ends in a sheer cliff.) Inside, you'll find plenty of windows to let you
gaze out to sea. Chef Geddes Martin worked at nearby Rosario Resort for many
years and now brings his skills to his own kitchen. You can't miss with the local
oysters on the half shell, and the clam chowder is excellent. If the mussels in
shallot-saffron broth are on the menu, don't miss them. There are always plenty
of other great seafood dishes on the menu as well.
326 Olga Rd., Eastsound.
&
877/276-7296
or 360/376-5886. www.innatshipbay.com. Reservations recom-
mended. Main courses $18-$24. AE, DISC, MC, V. Tues-Sat 5:30-9pm.
Olga's
ECLECTIC Until a few years ago, the building that now
houses Olga's was a little general store. However, it has now been transformed
into an unforgettable breakfast and lunch spot serving unexpectedly creative and
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