Willows Lodge

Disgraced Fine Dining Restaurant Willows Inn Permanently Closes | Bon Appétit

"Opened on Lummi Island in 2010, this once-idyllic destination drew diners willing to make the two-hour drive and ferry trip from Seattle for its rustic-chic, hyperlocal tasting menus created by former Noma chef Blaine Wetzel and praised on national best-of lists. The property — a hotel, farm, and dining room set in lush surroundings — later became mired in controversy after a 2021 New York Times investigation and subsequent lawsuits alleging wage theft, sexual harassment, and racist bullying, along with widespread staff resignations and local protests; despite that, it remained open until closing in November and served its final meal the week before Thanksgiving. The owners donated the sprawling, roughly $2 million property to a Christian nonprofit, and it is unclear if the site will reopen as a restaurant and hotel or be sold to raise funds for the nonprofit’s work. Reports that the former chef and his wife planned a separate Mexico project were later followed by his statement that he would not be involved." - ByAli Francis