NW Way of Life News: Q&A with Janet Lightner

 

Brandon Nelson, of Brandon Nelson Partners, sat down with Boundary Bay’s General Manager, Janet Lightner, for NW Way of Life News.

Q: Janet, tell us about the launch of Boundary Bay Brewery.

A: Ed dreamed up Boundary Bay all on his own. He had graduated wine-making school in Davis, CA, and had taken some malting and brewing classes down there as well. He already had a CPA from the UW and a good solid business sense. He felt strongly that a Brewery or Brewpub rather would be a more secure business model than a winery and chose that route. He loved the NW and wanted to get back so the search was on! He explored Whidbey Island pretty seriously, but was smitten with beautiful Bellingham and the College vibe. So Bam!! Here we are 20+ years after. I consulted with Ed prior to opening on the restaurant side of the business but did not join him for 18 months.

Q: When you and Ed won the Lifetime Achievement Award by 

Sustainable Connections, they wrote, “They think local first, take care of their employees and live the principled life.” Can you explain those key principles that guide your life?

A: Think Local First is one of our Mantras.  I choose to shop locally as I truly believe that is what gives us personality and  longevity as a community.  More money stays in Bellingham this way and you get to know your neighbors! Boundary Bay is more than a business to us. It has become a lifestyle and taking care of people is part of that lifestyle. We love and care about our employees and are their supporters on and off the job! Many have gone off to open their own businesses and that is such a proud moment! Both Mount Bakery and Wake-n-Bakery were opened by former Boundary Bay employees.

Q: What has been the most challenging part of the growth and success of Boundary Bay? What are some unexpected lessons you’ve learned as the business has grown and flourished?

A: The most challenging is that Boundary  did not come with a book or a manual. Sometimes it feels like we are still writing it! When you love and care about your staff you take on more personal risk, at times I have felt like Mom to over 100 people (and as a Parent Brandon you know the intensity of those feelings)! When the staff thrives, you thrive too! When mistakes are made you feel the hurt as well. So yes, in a nutshell, the people have been the most challenging, but I would not do it any other way. Unexpected lessons!?? WOW!! The whole opportunity has given me so much!  My instincts about the good inside all of us has been reinforced! I have dug deep in myself and found strength that I did not know I had. Working hard, dreaming big, caring lots.

Q: Janet, tell us the story of the most meaningful experience you had during your trip to Nepal.

A: Having lost my son Zack early in 2014 I was searching for a trip that would provide me with a physical challenge coupled with Spiritual relief. Trekking along the “Hemline of Heaven” provided both. The people sharing Namaste around each bend, the colorful prayer flags and the majesty of the Himalayas assuaged my heart and built back my stamina and zest for living. I am forever grateful.

Q: Your Women’s Ski to Sea Team has an unmatched legacy of 16 straight victories! What’s it like to be the organizing force that brings these women together year after year?

A: Yes! This will be year 17 for our Women’s Ski to Sea Team and we have won the competitive Women’s division 16 years in a row. The only Team I see beating that record or coming close to that is the Whatcom County Women’s Team. The organizing of the Team has become more event/reunion focused over the years as many athletes return year after year. There have been years of high stress trying to fill a spot on the roster. Injuries occurring days before the race have turned my world upside down. I’ve sat glued to the computer, or back in the day the telephone, waiting for a reply, clicking refresh, refresh, refresh! It has always worked out, but the anticipation can be brutal. It has been an honor to see our women go on to the Olympics and Worlds and becoming role models in their communities for women and girls to get outside and have fun! Going to Vancouver Olympics and watching Dasha Gaiazova race was an experience I will never forget. You can see her jersey hanging in the Tap Room at Boundary Bay right beside our Ski to Sea plaques! Our Team has blessed me with friendships to last a lifetime and a glimpse into the world of elite athletes that few may get to see.

Q: Janet, when I think of you the one word that comes to mind is “Giving.” And we see your endeavors become just so, so successful. Could every business, and the communities they serve, benefit from this “Janet Lightner Approach”? Or am I missing a secret sauce that can’t be replicated? 

A: Giving~ It’s good for us to help others! Part of Boundary’s mission is to give back so I guess it is in my job description and I love it! Bellingham is a special place and I truly believe that the Non-Profits in our community help to weave heart into the place we call home. Helping them succeed in helping others or protecting our natural resources is an honor! I am surrounded by wonderful people who make Boundary successful every day. I used to joke it takes a lot of brains to run mine but it’s true. We have a high retention rate at Boundary with many of our Tribe staying for 10 years and more. I am lucky to have landed here and appreciate the contributions from everyone over the years! I believe in seeing the good in people and situations, resolving conflict for Peace. As for the secret sauce… well that is probably the Beer!

Q: What’s on your bucket list??

A: Hmmmm. Today’s answer… visiting every one of our National Parks!

Buy Your Mom a Beer!

 

It’s a common myth that beer is a boy’s world.  But we know plenty of ladies who love their brews, too.  Which is why we think you should bring your mom here for brunch in our Beer Garden on Mother’s Day!  It’s been a tradition of ours for years and, trust us, the moms come out in full force…and not just because we offer each of them a free Mimosa.

Bring the whole family down to enjoy brunch between 10am and 2pm on Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 11th. Give us a call to make a reservation at 360-647-5593 or tell your server when you’re here having a beer after work and they’ll get you on the list.  Brunch is $25 per person, $17 for seniors, $12 for kids 6-12 years old and FREE for kids 5 years old and under.

On Sunday, May 11th, we’re serving up:

• Scrambled Eggs with Fontina (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
• Roasted Red Potato Home Fries with Paprika and Garlic (Vegan, Gluten Free)
• Assorted Quiches (both vegetarian and with meat)
• Bacon (Gluten Free)
• Sausage Links (Gluten Free)
• Ham Carving Station (Gluten Free)
• Fresh Fruits (Vegan, Gluten Free)
• Caprese Skewers (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
• Grilled and Chilled Marinated Vegetables (Vegan, Gluten Free)
• Spinach Salad with Chevre, Hazelnuts, Fresh Fruit, and White Balsamic-Champagne-Honey Reduction (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
• Fusilli Pasta Salad with Cherry and Sun Dried Tomatoes, Arugula, Pinenuts, Artichoke Hearts, and a white balsamic tomato vinaigrette (Vegetarian)
• Pineapple Coconut Bars (Vegetarian)
• Lemon Blueberry Scones (Vegetarian)
• 
Mini Chocolate Tarts (Vegetarian)
• Lemon Cream Tarts (Vegetarian)
• Bacon Cheddar Scones
• Banana Bread (Vegetarian)
• Shortbread Cookies (Vegetarian)
• Buttermilk Biscuits (Vegetarian)

 

 

Easter at the Brewery

Ok, yes, maybe a brewery isn’t the first place that pops into your mind when you think about what to do for Easter Brunch.  But we argue…why not give it a try?  We’ve got all the fixings of a traditional brunch…and BEER!

On Easter Sunday (4/20), we open up our brewery and beer garden extra early and invite the community to come celebrate with us.  We serve up an all you can eat feast and even have an easter egg hunt (11:15am) in our beer garden for the wee ones.

Those in the know, here in Bellingham, have made this a tradition, so be sure to make your reservations as space can fill up fast here on Easter morning!  We’re accepting reservations for 10am, 11:3oam and 1pm — just call us at (360) 647-5593!  $21 per person, $12 for kids 6 to 12 years, 5 years and under free.

This is a family friendly event and we love seeing families of multiple generations here that day enjoying our celebration.  We take extra care in our brunch menu, too, to have plenty of options for vegetarians and our gluten-free folks. Brunch is buffet style and will include the following menu items:

Scrambled Eggs (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
Devilled Eggs with Smoked Salmon (Gluten Free, Pescetarian)
Roasted Red Potato Home Fries with Paprika and Garlic (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Lamb Sausage Patties with Dill and Tarragon (Gluten Free)
Sausage Links (Gluten Free)
Ham Carving Station (Gluten Free)
Fresh Fruits (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Caprese Skewers (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
Grilled and Chilled Marinated Vegetables (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Spinach Salad with Chevre, Hazelnuts, Fresh Fruit, and White Balsamic-Champagne-Honey Reduction (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
Corned Beef Hash (Gluten Free)
Shortbread Cookies (Vegetarian)
Orange Cranberry Cream Scones (Vegetarian)
Biscuits and Gravy (Biscuits are vegetarian)
Peas and Mint Farfalle Salad (Vegetarian)
Sour Cream and Fresh Berry Coffee Cake (Vegetarian)

 

 

 

Kayaks, Brews and The Time Of Your Life

Once again, we’ve teamed up with Outdoor Odysseys to give you an experience you’ll never forget!  Join us August 23-25 for a three day Beer Tasting and Kayaking Excursion in the San Juan Islands. But get this, Boundary Patrons can now recieve 25% off the entire trip!!!

You’ll spend three days paddling around the beautiful San Juan Islands with an expert sea kayaking guide and two nights enjoying Boundary Bay beers paired with delicious camp cuisine cooked FOR you.  You’ll camp overnight at Jones Island State Park, a boat-in campground known for it’s beautiful waterfront camp sites and scenic hiking trails.

Adam, one of our employees here at Boundary Bay Brewery, went with the first group on this beer and kayak adventure last summer.  Here’s what he had to say about his experience:

“Kayaks, Camping, Beer & Dinner or is it Kayaks, Beer, Dinner & Camping?  Either way, all of them made my recent trip with Outdoor Odysseys epic.  I don’t know how many people are as lucky as Mike & Kim Dave & Pat, Jon & Lakota and I to experience the San Juan Islands in such a memorable way.

Kayaking from San Juan Island to Jones Island to camp and have fresh organic food paired with local Boundary Bay beer prepared for you isn’t exactly roughing it.  It’s perfect.  Chatting with Sarah, our kayak guide and chef, I had a good idea of what beers to pair with the food.  Along the motto of “Be Prepared” there was enough beer and ten different styles for all to enjoy, Blonde Ale, Pilsner, IPA, Maibock, Oatmeal Stout to name a few.

Seals and pups, bald eagles, fish, star fish, jellies, big horn sheep and deer were everywhere.  The one elusive mammal and perpetual joke among the group, where are the whales?  Well let’s not forget, whales live under water.  That makes them hard to see, from a kayak.

After stunning paddles to Jones, Henry & Spieden Islands, beer paired meals, sunsets, campfires, and a great group of people; it didn’t take long to fully chil-lax!”

Adam, Lakota, Jon, Pat, Dave, Mike, Kim and Sarah (guide)

To receive 25% off your trip: If you’re booking over the phone, just mention you’re a Boundary Bay fan and heard about the offer. If booking online, enter BBAY25 in the “comments” section and the discount will be applied at the time of transaction.   

Dueling DJ’s take the stage at Boundary

Yes, it is true…the eight-year tradition of Reggae Night in our Boundary beer garden has come to a close.  And while we’re all sad to see the DJ Yogoman Saga come to a close, we mustn’t lose Jordan Rain’s Wild Rumpus Spirit!

So fear not, Loyal Bounders, we bring to you an epically fresh FREE Wednesday Night series we’re calling DUELING DJ’s featuring spin masters DJ KitchenSink and DJ IDLHNDS.  So how is this going to work, you ask?

DJ KitchenSink

DJ IDLHNDS

Both DJ’s will be spinning “mini-sets” back and forth giving us as a feel for their individual sounds, while showcasing their ability to vibe off each other. Gabe (DJ IDLHNDS) and Craig (DJ KitchenSink) have vastly different styles, and both have gained a substantial following of fans in our area.  We can’t wait to hear the creative mish mash of music DJ IDLHANDS and DJ KitchenSink will produce as they take the stage in their first DUEL!

We simply couldn’t leave you hanging at the end of the summer with nothing to do on Wednesdays! You’re half way through the week, and here at Boundary, that’s something to celebrate. So Head down to our Garden, have some beer, and check out what’s spinning from the stage…

Wendesday, September 12th
8pm in the Boundary Beer Garden
No Cover, All ages until 10pm

Local Beer…and now Local Beef!

Chances are, if you’ve eaten here at Boundary Bay Brewery, you’ve indulged in one of our delicious burgers.  Because, come on…what goes better with beer than a BURGER?!?  Well, we’re now making the burgers we serve in our Bistro and Tap Room even better!  Starting this week, our burgers will now be made with local, natural ground beef from Squaw Creek Cattle Co. in Everson.

Squaw Creek is a family owned and operated business, just like ours.  Which is part of the reason we’re so excited to be serving up their beef patties.  But, it’s also because these cows are grass fed and supplemented with spent grain from our brewery!  Here’s what the people behind Squaw Creek have to say about who they are and what they do:

everybody loves Boundary Bay Brewery – even the cows eating our spent grain!

“We are dedicated to keeping a healthy herd and raise our cattle without the use of artificial growth stimulants and hormones.  We make certain that the grass our beef are raised on is chemical free.  We raise our cattle on large pastures, ensuring plenty of room for healthy grazing.  Our beef is mainly grass-fed, with a supplement of spent brewer’s grain.  Spent brewer’s grain is the byproduct leftover from the process of crafting beer .  It has a high protein and fiber content and is highly digestible for cattle.  The advantage of beef that has been raised with a supplement of brewer’s grain is that the finished product is lean, yet has a quality of marbling that cannot be achieved on a solely grass fed diet.  To us, it makes a lot of sense to feed out cattle spent brewer’s grain because it’s reusing a product that has already fulfilled one purpose and can, now again, be used as an energy source for our cattle.”

So it all goes full circle, and here at Boundary Bay, this is a motto we like to stick by.  Local businesses supporting local businesses!

So, what are you waiting for?!?  Come try a 1/3 lb. patty of local, natural ground beef from Squaw Creek Cattle Company, char broiled with all the fixings on a locally made pretzel bun from Ralf’s Bavarian Bakery.  Served with your choice of roasted potatoes, house salad or Tim’s potato chips.  $9.99

Drinking Beer and Doing Good

If you know us at all, you know that here at Boundary Bay Brewery, we care just as much about giving back to the community as we do about making really, really good beer.  Luckily, those two pursuits go hand in hand pretty often.  This weekend’s Brewers by the Bay beer festival is a perfect example!

This Sunday (July 22nd), from 1-5pm, representative from 30 regional breweries will gather at the Depot Market Square (at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Maple Street) to bring you over 60 different micro brews to sample.  In it’s sixth year, this Bellingham beer festival gathers together craft beer lovers who enjoy great beer, good food and live music while helping to raise money for local non profit organizations.  This year, the music will be provided by The Playlists, Lost at Last and the Lost Highway Band.

Tickets ($25 advance / $30 at the door) include entrance to the event, a commemorative tasting glass, your first five tastes and live music. Best of all, the proceeds from this event go directly to organizations such as Northwest Youth Services, Whatcom Hospice House, Bellingham Boys & Girls Club as well as many other youth and family focused charities throughout Whatcom County.  You can get your tickets in advance here at our brewery or at one of these other locations: Applied Digital Imaging, Natural Way Chiropractic, Chuckanut Brewery and Elizabeth Station.

So, come spend an afternoon with us in downtown Bellingham – drinking beer and doing good!

Not only will you help support many of our local non profits, but you’ll get to enjoy delicious beers from Alameda Brewing Company, Alaskan Brewing, American Brewing Company, Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Big Sky Brewing Company, Boundary Bay Brewery, Chuckanut Brewery, Diamond Knot Brewing, Dick’s Brewing Company, Elysian Brewing Company, Emerald City Brewing, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Fish Brewing Company, Fremont Brewing Company, Georgetown Brewing Company, Harmon Brewing Company, Kulshan Brewery, Lost Coast Brewing Company, Mac & Jack’s Brewing Company, Ninkasi Brewing Company, Oakshire Brewing, Odin Brewing Company, Pike Brewing Company, Skagit River Brewery, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Stone Brewing Company, 21st Amendment Brewery and Two Beers Brewing Company.

Cheers, Graduates!

Another school year is winding down and for some the end of this quarter brings about the end of their college years.  We’re here to say Congrats, Graduates from all of us here at Boundary Bay Brewery!  We know how much hard work has gotten you to where you are and we know that NOW it’s time to celebrate!!

If you’re looking for a place to hang out with your whole family on graduation day, why not bring ’em here for our Graduation Brunch on Saturday, June 9th?

We’ll have all kinds of delicious eats out in the Beer Garden and plenty of room for you, the parents and THEIR parents, your unruly siblings and even crazy uncle Joe!  We’re taking reservations from 10am – 2pm.  For $20 per person ($12 for kids 6-12 years, 5 years and under eat free) enjoy all you can eat:

• scrambled eggs (vegetarian, gluten free)
• boiled eggs (vegetarian, gluten free)
• quiches (some vegetarian)
• sausage
• bacon (gluten free)
• baked corn tortilla egg cups with sour creme and salsa (vegetarian, gluten free)
• granola and yogurt (vegetarian)
• biscuits and gravy
• fruits (vegan, gluten free)
• banana bread (vegetarian)
• spinach salad with champagne-honey-white balsamic reduction, chevre, fruits, hazelnuts (vegetarian, gluten free)
• cucumber tea sandwiches (vegetarian)
• turkey pesto finger sandwiches
• roasted red potato home fries (vegan, gluten free)
• caprese skewers (vegetarian, gluten free)
• tortellini pesto pasta salad (vegetarian)
• chocolate dipped macaroons (vegetarian, gluten free)

We’ll also have the BBQ’s up and running from 2-8pm if you’d rather come for a good ole’ backyard BBQ instead of a big, fancy brunch.  Live music too!  We do suggest making reservations for brunch, though, as it can fill up quick.  Call us here at the brewpub anytime to make your reservations (360-647-5593) or let your server know next time you’re here for a meal or a beer and we’ll get your name on the list!

Ski to Sea Weekend with BEER!

For many years, a big part of Bellingham’s Memorial Day tradition has been the Ski to Sea race and accompanying festivities.  The race itself is a 93.5 relay race from MT. Baker to Bellingham Bay encompassing seven different sports:  Cross Country Ski; Downhill Ski/Snowboard; Running; Road Bike; Canoe; Mountain Bike and Kayak.

The weekend of fun also includes a community block party with music and food (and a Boundary Bay Brewery beer garden!), a junior Ski to Sea Race for the little ones, a hometown parade and special events all around town – including plenty of ones right here at Boundary Bay Brewery.

Starting Friday, May 25th, we’ll have all kinds of family friendly entertainment to keep everybody busy.  This Friday kicks off the Official Ski to Sea Block Party in our Beer Garden!  There’ll be music, dancing, food and fun.  It’s a costume party too (NOT required!), so wear your Ski to Sea themed attire for a chance to win a fabulous prize! Dress as an original 1911 racer or a modern day racer…be as creative as you want.  AND, the first 800 racers who show up with their race bibs get an official 2012 Ski to Sea beer glass for free!  Oh, and be sure to enter the Ski to Sea and Alaska Airlines contest for a chance to win two round trip tickets from Bellingham to ANYWHERE Alaska Airlines flies. We’ll have our BBQ up and running and there’ll be live music by The Atlantics, too!

Then, on Saturday, May 26th our Beer Garden will open at 2pm and we’ll have the BBQ running all day.  The Bellingham Firefighters Pipes & Drums band will be performing throughout the afternoon along with performances from other pipe and drum bands from the area.  Around 7pm, we’ll start charging a $5 cover for the live music by Sundance which is all ages till 10pm.

The weekend’s festivities will wrap up on Sunday, May 27th with live music by the True Spokes (formerly Flowmotion) at 8:30pm.  The show has a $10 cover as is 21+only, but the Beer Garden and BBQ open at 2, so people of all ages are welcome to relax down there and enjoy BBQ and beer until around 8 when we’ll start charging covers.

Be sure to try some of our Ski to Sea ESB this weekend, too!  It’s brewed specially to commemorate and celebrate the Ski to Sea annual race and this rare brew of ours only gets released once a year.  It’s available on tap here at the brewpub and in 22 oz. bottles sold here at Boundary Bay Brewery and at local grocery stores like Haggens.

Our Ski to Sea ESB is a copper colored English style pale ale that emphasizes the subtle blend of imported and domestic malts. The addition of dry hops adds a delightful hoppy aroma and a slight floral, grassy flavor.

We’ve even got Ski to Sea ESB tshirts and hoodies if you wanna commemorate your experience here in Bellingham this weekend!

Beer + Kilts = True Love!

Highland Reserve Scotch Ale

If you’re familiar with Boundary Bay Brewery at all, you’ve probably tasted (or at least heard about) our Scotch Ale.  It was our original, flagship beer when we opened in 1995, but we’d planned to have it on tap only as a seasonal beer. However, it turned out that our Scotch Ale was so popular that in 15 years we’ve never once taken it off tap even once!

This Scotch Ale has a thick, creamy head and a beautiful red hue with an incredibly smooth finish that lingers.  We make it with roasted, unmalted barley which provides a distinctive flavor and hop it just long enough to give the beer good balance with just a touch of sweetness.  You can pretty much always find our Scotch Ale on tap here at the brewery, at any number of regional restaurants and bars who have our beer on tap and in 22 oz. bottles here at Boundary Bay Brewery and at regional grocery stores and bottle shops.

But, this time of year, our beloved Scotch Ale gets a little bit of competition!  This Thursday (May 17th) we’re releasing our Highland Scotch Ale which is brewed in commemoration of the Bellingham Highland Games.  Made with Dark crystal and peated malts, this beer is rich and dark with a faint smokey finish and is definitely stronger than our traditional Scotch Ale.  This small batch brew is only available seasonally, so be sure to come try it while it’s on tap!  This beer tends to go pretty quickly around these parts and you won’t find this one in bottles, either, so plan your weekends around a road trip up here to Bellingham!

Blessing of the Firkin last year!

You can also enjoy this beer of ours at the Bellingham Highland Games on June 1st – 3rd  out at Hovander Park.  You’ll find it in the beer garden at the games all weekend, but there are a few opportunities for you to get your hands on it early, too!  Here in the Boundary Bay Brewery beer garden, the Highland Games association will be conducting a blessing of the Firkin ceremony on Thursday, May 24th.

They’ll bless the kegs of Highland Scotch Ale heading out to the games and even have some pipers, dancers, game officials and men in kilts…of course!  Here’s the catch though…that special Firkin they’re blessing?  Well, it’s not gonna get tapped until Friday, June 1st which kicks off the Highland Games festivities.  If you head out to Hovander Park that night, you’ll get to enjoy the Kirkin o’ the Firkin AND a Scottish Idol talent show!  What’s a Kirkin of the Firkin, you ask?  Well, $20 gets you a special mug that allows you to drink as much of the Firkin (filled with our Highland Scotch Ale) as you want till it’s gone…that means even the next day if there’s any beer left!