Bainbridge Islanders,
It's no secret that we have a great food and beverage scene on Bainbridge Island. By some counts we have 78 restaurants and bars. This week, excited family members texted me to say Bon Appetit magazine had named Brendan McGill’s Seabird Restaurant on Winslow Way as one of the 24 Best New Restaurants of 2023. Seabird was listed among restaurants from well-known foodie destinations such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Congratulations to Brendan and his staff on such a well-deserved accolade. I can’t wait to try the sugar-kelp-wrapped king salmon.
Speaking of restaurants, this week the City Council voted to amend and update the Disposable Food Service Ware and Waste Reduction ordinance. The ordinance applies to all retail food establishments, including restaurants. One of the notable actions of the amended ordinance is the removal of the mandated $0.25 disposable cup fee. Restaurants and other food outlets are strongly encouraged to incentivize the use of reusable cups and tumblers, but the fee itself is no longer a mandate.
The ordinance also alters the requirement that all disposable food service ware be home compostable, with the ability to request exemptions. The amended ordinance now requires the use of a limited list of home compostable products that are readily available. The update also includes provisions to ensure reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities or limited language ability. The change to the ordinance is an example of the City Council listening to the community and responding.
We are fortunate that Bainbridge has a wide variety of fun restaurants that cover a range of culinary styles and experiences. Add to that our numerous wineries, distilleries, and breweries along with our blackberries, apples, and strawberries, it’s no wonder I have a horrible time getting rid of my extra ten pounds, (okay, maybe it’s 20 pounds).
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
