Jeffrey S.
Yelp
There is nothing quite possibly as sublime as finding a great pastry while on vacation. There is also something magical about finding a rocky outcropping in the summer's morning sun, near the shores of a great water to enjoy a quiet breakfast. There's something even more special about doing all of this with someone you love, who also treasures this kind of an experience. And then, when all of these other-worldly elements come together, Mother Nature gives a little wink, and sends a big orca whale to that very shoreline to blow water out of its spout, rise, and slap their tail back into the water.
This was my experience, and while it goes well beyond pastries, it was indeed enhanced by them. There I was, pulling up to the island on the ferry, in search of a breakfast, and Yelp directed me here. It's just outside of the main part of Friday Harbor proper, so it's not something I think I would have found otherwise. But that means that parking was a breeze.
We went in, and saw the menu board first. You should note that not all menu items are available at the same time. The cases hold that which already prepared, and then pay attention to other menu items and what time of day there are available. We got here just after 8am so no lunch was ready.
We decided on three items for the two of us; why sample only two? We got a ham and cheese croissant, a pecan tart, and a cheese claw. We resisted the urge to eat right away and instead drove to Lime Kiln State Park and settled in near the lighthouse. We found a sunny rock, sat down, and started digging in. With flaky and sweet baked goods in hand, we watched an orca surface out in front of us, and devoured each of our selections with excited energy. The ham and cheese croissant is a solid win for breakfast. It was warm, salty, sweet, and perfect. The pecan tart was sticky cinnamony, and nutty and made for a great meal topper. But for my money, it's all about that cheese claw. Cheese claw, cheese claw, cheese claw.
We tried to show restraint but no sooner had the orca swam out of sight than did we finish our breakfast there on the rocks. It was one of those mornings that, in the dark days of winter or the long days at work, I will close my eyes and revisit in my mind, over and over again.