Lovefest with Langley, Washington and The Inn at Langley!
I have been dying to go to Whidbey Island, an island off the coast of Washington state, 40 minutes from Seattle, ever since Mary discovered it on an anniversary trip with Napper several years ago. She described it is a perfectly quaint little town nestled on the shores of the Puget Sound where there is a book store on every corner, amazing farm to table food (before it was the thing) and incredible hikes. Langley is every bit as adorable as Mary described and I was delighted to discover that rounding out the town's bookstores, are wine tasting rooms, art galleries and well curated gift shops selling aromatherapy products and natural goods. With the crisp, clean, pristine air, a slight chill, and a cozy room at the Inn at Langley, - the town of Langley captured my vision of idyllic, cozy, coastal heaven.
The Inn at Langley is an oasis in itself. Located on the edge of the Saratoga Passage all of the Inn's rooms feature 180 degree coastal views complemented by the Cascade Mountains shimmering in the distance. The scenic serenity can be appreciated from your large, private porch-style balcony, in front of the wood burning fireplace, or in the over-sized jetted tub! I myself delighted in a luxurious "swim" (the tub is literally that large), enhanced by ila's "Beyond Organic Bath Soak for Pure Relaxation." And relaxed I was.... Thankfully dinner in the Inn's restaurant was only steps away and a walk through a charming herb garden.
Northwest award-winning Chef Matt Costello's nine course tasting dinner made our stay at The Inn At Langley even more special. The dinner was out of this world. Creative, inventive and delicious all prepared with the freshest seasonal ingredients Whidbey Island has to offer. Chef Costello welcomes diners and offers some insight into his creations throughout the dinner. While the food is immaculately prepared and presented the three hour dinner feels very warm and comfortable. The restaurant's open kitchen allows you to watch Chef at work, and the feel of the restaurant, while modern, featuring sleek wood tables, is made more cozy and ambient by the double-sided river rock fireplace. Everything was exquisite and Chef Costello revealed a little of his sense of humor with his final parting presentation - "Grandma's Handbag," where everything was edible.
We opted to forgo the wine pairing option, despite the Inn's extensive wine list. My boyfriend, Hayden, who is a wine director, was pleasantly surprised by the selection of wines at The Star Store, located less than block away from the Inn. The Langley locals prove to be not only intellectual, but also epicurean. Hayden selected Hirsch Gaisberg Riesling 2003 and a Vietti Barolo Castiglione 2008 which paired perfectly with Chef Costello's savory creations. A slightly more economical way to approach a wine pairing dinner....
Prima Bisto was the other culinary highlight of our stay in Langley. We cocooned into this warm, picturesque spot for a late lunch of amazing gluten-free calamari, mussels, french onion soup and escargot. We were impressed with it all!
The wonders of Washington State continue to wow me! A visit to Whidbey Island is perfect any season. Can't wait to return.