Vashon Island = Fantasy Island!

I've never taken a girls' weekend before, but given my recent stress load, Erin, a great friend of mine came to the rescue and we took a weekend away from the chatter of children to get a little r and r. I can't take much credit since I really didn't do much of the planning, but what an amazing place - Vashon Island!

I'm not sure there are a lot of recreational things to do (besides hiking), but if you are just looking to relax and have some great food, and perhaps get a massage - this is the place.  Located just west of lower Seattle, Vashon Island has many bed and breakfasts and a few amazing restaurants.

Coming from the Eastside (Bellevue, WA) we took 2 bridges and 1 ferry boat to arrive on Friday evening and check into our accommodations at the Betty MacDonald Farm.  It is quaint country set lodging (we actually stayed upstairs in the barn).

Then Erin and I set out to find some dinner.  A friend had recommended a local French restaurant la Boucherie.

Scrumptious, delectible, tantilizing could all describe the menu.  We decided to get everything on the menu and just split it all.  Yes, we ate the whole menu!! And it was great.  Described as ultra-local, the food was fresh and so flavorful, right from Sea Breeze Farm down the road.   Why is their food so yummy?  Because it is real food.  Next time I plan to visit the farm.

In their own words :

OUR PHILOSOPHY...

We are a diverse, multi-species, "beyond organic", grass-based animal farm. We practice an intensive pasture rotation in lieu of commercial fertilizers. Our freely-ranging poultry flocks effectively forage, fertilize and cleanse the pastures behind our dairy herd. The resulting meat, dairy and eggs are remarkably flavorful, gorgeously colored and fantastically healthful. It goes without saying that no herbicides, pesticides, antibiotics or artificial inputs exist on our farm. We take pride in our commitment to sustainable, traditional, and healthful whole-food production.

If you would like to learn more about this kind of farming, I suggest you read You Can Farm by Joel Salatin.  (You can also find it on Amazon) I'm reading a copy from my local library.




I wish I had taken my camera so I could show you every course. 

Because we are such cute girls, the manager/waiter sent us away with a bag full of breakfast foods at a great deal.

8 eggs (darkest yolks I have EVER seen)
2 handmade sausages (huge things, one pork, one beef - made with wine and spices)
the remainder of our Real Milk (all grass-fed, raw), which we had started at dinner with our dessert.
raw butter (illegal to sell, but aparently not illegal to serve - Yum!)
some french bread
2 pints of fresh raspberries

Needless to say our next 2 mornings' breakfasts were so very yummy and filling.

Stuffed with yummy food, we went back to our lodgings and watched Moulin Rouge, one of my favorite movies.

As the rain poured on our roof we had a great night's sleep and slept in as we pleased!   After watching some America's Next Top Model reruns we headed out to the local farmers' market around lunchtime.   I ate a yummy fresh carrot and my friend Erin bought a big bag of squash and pumpkins! 

Tempted to return to La Boucherie for lunch, but knowing that we couldn't afford to eat there for every meal, we set out to find another great eatery.  Some kind ladies at the local art gallery steered us towards the Monkey Tree.  We were not disappointed!  It was great.

I had the cauliflower and dill soup and then we split the poached pear with gruyere sandwich.  Then we got some desserts to go.

The rain finally let up and we were able to explore the grounds of the Betty MacDonald Farm.  We picked some apples and ate them.  Found some wild mint and made some fresh tea from it; a nice relaxing afternoon.

By the way, laughter is the best medicine - I actually feel human again! Thanks Erin.

I plan to go to Vashon Island again very soon...