Croquet Takes Cafe Staff By Storm

Orcas Island is pretty dreamy right now.
The view out of the cafe windows is of endless blue sky, boats in the distance and calm, sparkling water. In January.
On days like this I have no regrets about leaving NYC behind.

We had amazing weather here all weekend.
It gave the whole resort a giddy, longing-for-spring kind of feeling. We celebrated with an epic croquet match in between breakfast and dinner service for the cafe staff spearheaded by Ande.
I soon found out why Ande was so eager to play when I witnessed her mad croquet skills honed on the mean greens of Volunteer Park in Seattle.
She and Freddy battled for the win, with Erica coming in a close third. I was left hilariously in the dust. I hit wickets, my own foot, the air, and on several occasions sent the mallet flying, much to the amusement of my coworkers.

Obviously, there are reasons I am a chef and not a player of competitive sports.

My triumph came when I finally perfected my new roasted pear panna cotta recipe which I put on the menu this weekend. It's an appropriately sexy dessert as we near the most romantic holiday of the year.
Speaking of romance if you are booking a stay at the resort we now offer room service. You can order a selection of house-made truffles and Champagne or a selection of local cheeses and Warre's port waiting in you room when you arrive!

If that doesn't create the right mood I don't know what would.

Get out here and enjoy the sun while it lasts!

best wishes,

Abigael

A New Year At Doe Bay Cafe

Things have not slowed down here in at Doe Bay Cafe since our amazing New Year's Party.

Pizza night this past week rivaled most summer evenings with incredible music provided by Bruce, Al, Carlos and many others. The best part of Pizza Night was the impromptu gathering of all the farmers who supply our cafe with beautiful produce. Sarah Ross of Taproot Farm, George from Orcas Farm and John from Maple Rock were all spotted enjoying the music and the food. I have to admit I was nervous how my roasted beet and blue cheese pizza would be received by John, the "Pizza King of Orcas Island", but I passed my test with flying colors.

I'm looking forward this summer to holding a series of special dinners featuring menus designed around the produce from one local farm each evening. I'd love to combine it with farm tours if people are interested.

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and I just finished our menu for the big day! I have to say I am pretty excited. It is always my favorite event of the year to cook for. It's nice to think that we here in the cafe are creating a little more romance in the world. Check out our menu on the cafe web site.

The cafe will also be offering special room service option. Starting in the month of February you can surprise your sweetie with a iced bottle of Gruet Champenoise, a fantastic sparkling wine from New Mexico and a selection of house made truffles waiting in your cabin upon arrival. I can't think of a better way to start a weekend getaway.

Eat well and keep in touch!

best,
Abigael