Submitted by the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild.

The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild invites you to celebrate local food with the “Bite of the San Juans” tasting event at historic Brickworks in Friday Harbor.

The talented chefs and unique foods grown, made and gathered in the San Juans create an exceptional culinary destination here in the islands. Try mouth-watering samples of seasonal cuisine all under one roof at the “Bite of the San Juans” tasting event on Sunday, Oct. 27, noon-4 p.m. at Brickworks in Friday Harbor during the Friday Harbor Film Festival.

Farmers and chefs from around the islands will team up to showcase locally sourced sweet and savory tastes and honor the people that make that food possible. Last year, more than 200 visitors enjoyed bites from a dozen food purveyors featuring eight island farmers and producers. Highlights included dumplings with local lamb and greens, grilled lamb, fresh goat cheese with spicy tomato preserves, apple tarts and more. “’The Bite’ also is an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to learn about the fantastic foods we produce right here in the islands,” said Ag Guild Director, Steph Coffey.

“The Bite of the San Juans” event promotes the Island Grown in the San Juans brand—a program that brings together San Juan County producers, food purveyors and supporters who value local products. “We like connecting at the event with other restaurants, farmers and consumers in the islands that are focused on local food,” said Chef Nick Coffey of Ursa Minor on Lopez Island. The event supports new partnerships between chefs and producers, as they work to showcase the best of the season. In 2018, 100 percent of the chefs surveyed made a connection with a new farmer or producer.

There is no admission fee. Tickets for food start at $3. Come for a bite or stay for a meal on this island gourmet adventure. Brickworks is conveniently located within two blocks of the ferry.

Proceeds from the event benefit the San Juan Island Agricultural Guild’s programming. Working to support island farmers and food systems, last year the Ag Guild launched two great new print resources for farmers and local food enthusiasts alike: The Savor the Flavors Farm to Market Map and the San Juan County Food & Farm Product Guide connecting more than 70 island farms, producers and restaurateurs with local food buyers. Copies can be found aboard the Washington State Ferries and at the Chamber of Commerce on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands.

This event is part of Savor the San Juans, a multi-month fall celebration of food, art and culture in the San Juans. Related events can be found at visitsanjuans.com/savor, and islandgrownsj.com.