Just south of Bellingham, the northbound lanes of I-5 have been closed for weeks following a massive landslide, pushing travelers onto Chuckanut Drive (SR 11). If you’ve got the time, we’re here to encourage you to embrace the detour and take the sugary scenic route, so to speak. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of spots worth a mid-journey pause: Breadfarm sells hand-crafted loaves, pastries, and cookies, while Farm to Market Bakery does sweet and savory treats to go with your coffee, and you’ll melt for the ice cream sandwiches at The Arctic Fox Bakery.

Before you know it, your sweet tooth will be satisfied and you’ll be back on the right track.

Welcome to the winner’s circle

W Bellevue and the Seattle Polo & Equestrian Club invite you—and your most flowery, dazzling, or bombastic hat—to a special event on May 2. “Talk Derby to Me” promises to be a high-energy afternoon filled with fashion, drinks, a live DJ, and of course, the on-track action of the Kentucky Derby. As you sip on signature Woodford Reserve and Herradura cocktails, cheer on the longshots and jockey for position as the most dashingly dressed (there will be a prize for the best headgear).

From New York, with love

A restaurant review from The New York Times has always carried quite a bit of cachet in the dining world, and recently, the publication has been throwing that weight around, sending one of its writers clear to the opposite coast to cover a Seattle restaurant. That’s a hefty bit of news for the rather slender Off Alley, a cozy Columbia City neighborhood spot with exposed brick and “simple-looking but sumptuous dishes,” according to critic Tejal Rao. 

Prepare for an Ethan Stowell summer

The restaurateur has announced two new upcoming Seattle-area projects—Cut Club, a “new, nontraditional version of a steakhouse” that will open inside downtown’s Hotel Max, and Lime Social, a family-friendly Mexican restaurant set for Village at Totem Lake in Kirkland. These are the first moves for Stowell since leaving Ethan Stowell Restaurants last year; that group will soon cede their branding back to the chef, who is also launching a consulting firm called Good Table Hospitality to help people navigate the challenges of the restaurant industry.

Superlative salmon spots

Salmon holds a special place in the stomachs of Seattleites. As we approach Copper River salmon season—mid-May through September—one longtime resident named some of their favorite spots to enjoy the local delicacy, including the aptly named Chinook’s at Salmon Bay and Ivar’s Fish Bar on Pier 54.

Madison Valley, meet your future grocery store

There have been many hoops to jump through in the 10 years since PCC Community Markets signed a lease to open a grocery co-op in Madison Valley, but the finish line finally approaches. This fall, the community-owned business will open its 17th location, showcasing local produce and ethically raised meat and seafood, as well as deli fare like salads, sandwiches, soups, and prepared meals.