FALL NEWS

Wow, summer has come and gone in literally a blink of an eye. Thank you for helping us achieve such a successful season...it was over the top!

We are thrilled to again be in the running for King 5's Best of Western Washington - in the outdoor dining category again!  We've been flip flopping Ray's, Dukes, and the Pink Door for top spots.  We'd so appreciate it if you took the time to vote for us by clicking on the following link: 
http://ctvr.us/primabistro

 New menu items coming in early October...stay tuned!  We've started a pickling production so there should be lots of interesting things coming your way!









Did you know our server Christian Albright has been nominated as one of the contestants of Mr. South Whidbey...the fundraiser for Friends of Friends, the awesome local organization that  is a community-supported fund offering financial help to South Whidbey residents with medically-related bills they cannot afford to pay.  Anyhow, he's also growing that crazy moustache for some sort of national moustache contest in Vegas this fall...so women keep wanting photos with him.  We decided to combine these two seemingly unrelated things, and we decided that we will be adding a $5 charge to anyone getting a photo with him and it will go straight into his Mr South Whidbey pot.  You can also just contribute any dollar amount you'd like without having to pose with him.  Go Christian!  For more information on Friends of Friends: http://www.fofmedicalsupportfund.org/

We are planning our staff retreat for January, so instead of closing for 3 days in October, we'll just be closing for one day -  Monday, October 8th for a cleaning party and an end of the season celebration with our staff.  Sorry for any inconvenience.

To hear up to the minute updates from us please like us on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Langley-WA/Prima-Bistro/112647415485768
or follow us on twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/primabistro

Don't forget: Mondays are restaurant industry day (20% off bill), every day is teacher discount day (10% off), and Thursdays are live music night!


DJANGOFEST 2012 is already here...this week - the 19th-23rd Langley will be filled with music on street corners, restaurants, and actual concerts and workshops throughout town...visit the WICA website for all the details.   We will be hosting the Saturday night jam session...after the show we'll plan on staying open until 2:00 and serving a limited menu from 10 pm until midnight.
www.wicaonline.com

OKTOBERFEST 2012 is also right around the corner on October 6th.  The Bavarian Village Players are returning, beer garden, bratwursts, server games and more!

Make absolute sure you check out the Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio's website for very exciting destination workshops with amazing artists!
http://www.whidbeyislandfas.com/

Thanks so much for your patronage and hope to see you real soon!
Jenn and Sieb

Summer 2012

basil is planted on the rooftop deck

June 28th marks our 6th anniversary...we'll be celebrating the Saturday after so come down on June 30th around 9:30 for a toast and a little complimentary spread of appetizers to thank you for the years of patronage!

CHOOCHOKAM Arts Festival.  This marks the 37th year of this wonderful festival of the arts, July 7th and 8th.  For more details on Choochokam and other Langley happenings visit http://www.visitlangley.com/

All summer long we'll be raffling off the darling sculpture "Duck, Duck, Goose" of Georgia Gerber.  Tickets cost $5 and are available here all summer, as well as at many of the Bayview Farmer's Markets...proceeds to benefit the South Whidbey Children's Center. 

On Monday, July 30th, we'll be having our 3nd annual Georgetown Brewery beer dinner...beer maker Manny Chao comes out to the island and we pair up at least 5 courses with his great beer... $65/person.  This we'll seat between 5:30-8, call or email for reservations.  360 221 4060.  If you happen to stay late, our new bumper sticker reading "prima bistro, it's the Journey" will make more sense to you. 

the final sketch in this series

Many of you are asking what in the world is with the pigeon???   From the day we opened, local artist David Gignac has sat at our bar sketching on the back of our comment cards.  A few years back he started a series of birds...inspired by the squab special Sieb ran one evening.  We just love the bird sketches and they started showing up here and there.  We have them on the labels of the Whidbey Island winery Prima Red and Prima White, another bird is on the back of the menu, they are on our stickers, etc.  I wanted a tag line awhile back, and I decided I wanted it to have something to do with the birds.  There is a little known saying, "some days you are the statue, some days you are the pigeon."  So I thought...aha..."Be the pigeon".  Now really it's more of something that makes you go "hmmm what in the world does that mean?", and then hopefully if you are in the car behind the bumper sticker you are curious enough to go to our website and check us out!  So there is the pigeon story!

Did you know our server Christian Albright has been nominated as one of the contestants of Mr. South Whidbey...the fundraiser for Friends of Friends, the awesome local organization that  is a community-supported fund offering financial help to South Whidbey residents with medically-related bills they cannot afford to pay.  Anyhow, he's also growing that crazy moustache for some sort of national moustache contest in Vegas this fall...so women keep wanting photos with him.  We decided to combine these two seemingly unrelated things, and we decided that we will be adding a $5 charge to anyone getting a photo with him and it will go straight into his Mr South Whidbey pot.  You can also just contribute any dollar amount you'd like without having to pose with him.  Go Christian!  For more information on Friends of Friends: http://www.fofmedicalsupportfund.org/

To hear up to the minute updates from us please like us on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Langley-WA/Prima-Bistro/112647415485768
or follow us on twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/primabistro

Don't forget: Mondays are restaurant industry day (20% off bill), every day is teacher discount day (10% off), and Thursdays are live music night!

Make absolute sure you check out the Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio's website for very exciting destination workshops with amazing artists!
http://www.whidbeyislandfas.com/

And July at Museo:
The annual Whidbey Island Glass Invitational showing during the month of July will feature works in glass by 25 island artists.  The gallery will also be exhibiting new paintings by Kathe Fraga.  The show opens with a gala artists’ reception Saturday, June 30th, from 5 to 7 pm.
The exhibit will run through July 30th.

As always, thank you for the patronage and we hope to see you again real soon...be the pigeon, eat at prima!
Jenn and Sieb

Spring 2012 news!

we miss you Donna!!!!

THE RETURN OF THE LANGLEY CHEF'S DINNERS!!!!  Now called South Whidbey Chef's for Charity (well I just made that up and haven't consulted the other restaurants, but it gets the point across).  Monday, June 11th at Fireseed Catering, this one to support the South Whidbey Children's Center.  Now featuring 7 chefs - Gordon from Gordons, Des from UBCC, Sieb from Prima, Dawn and Dave Noble from Fireseed, Patrick Boin from The Braeburn, and Jess from Mukilteo Coffee.   Tickets cost $100 and will go on sale on May 7th here at Prima.  The meal will include 7 courses, wine included.  If you are not familiar with the South Whidbey Children's Center, visit www.swchildrenscenter.com to learn more about this wonderful school.  Seriously, Prima would not exist without the Children's Center.

New Menu Items!!!  

Georgie's radishes with normandy butter and sea salt

seared sea scallops in pistou

crispy pig ears with a chili gastrique;

chickpea fries with a curry mayonnaise;

arugula salad with brie beignets (anyone remember that spinach salad with the brie pillows a few years ago...that but better!);

tart flambe' - traditional alsatian flatbread with creme fraiche and bacon and sliced onions;

cured beef tongue with sauce verte;

fried oysters with truffle mayonnaise

lamb shoulder ragout (papardelle, olives, fennel, rosemary, ricotta;

spring vegetable and house pancetta risotto

And the Plats du Jour change as such:
Sunday: Lapin a la moutarde (mustard braised rabbit, mushrooms, bacon, creme fraiche, spaetzle);
Monday: bouillabaisse (mussels, clams, white fish, rouille, saffron fume);
Tuesday: lamb shank basquaise (rockwell beans, basque pepper ragout);
Wednesday: foie de veau au poivre (pan seared veal liver, polenta, roasted shallots, green peppercorn jus);
Thursday: Saucisson de maison "choucroute" (house made sausage, new potatoes, manny's beer braised sauerkraut)


To hear up to the minute updates from us please like us on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Langley-WA/Prima-Bistro/112647415485768
or follow us on twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/primabistro

Don't forget: Mondays are restaurant industry day (20% off bill), every day is teacher discount day (10% off), and Thursdays are live music night!

Make absolute sure you check out the Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio's website for very exciting destination workshops with amazing artists!
http://www.whidbeyislandfas.com/

Gretchen Cole!

Gretchen walked in to apply for a job that first summer of 2006 and she's been an integral part of our lives ever since.  She worked for us off and on for the first 3 years and  immediately became part of our family - both at the restaurant and outside of it.  So here's a little background on one of our past employees, great customer and terrific friend!  Hopefully I'll be better with these interviews and do them once a month as was my original hope...we'll see.


What brought you to Langley…and how long ago?

Well, I first started visiting my brother, Barton, and his family more than 20 years ago after Max was born.  Sometimes I’d bring my cat and bicycle and stay for weeks at a time; I was sort of a local long before I lived here.  I moved here permanently ten years ago and can’t seem to leave, try as I might.  I’m sort of marooned on Whidbey Island, but I can think of worse places to be.

Who is your favorite other Langley local, other than yourself, and what question should we ask them?

My favorite Langley local is Helen who lives in Brookhaven.  Sadly, I don’t know her last name, but I just love her and we have quite a nice relationship.  She’s the little lady that you see around town that’s sort of hunched over (I think she probably has osteoporosis) and is usually wearing a cheery pink or purple get up.  Which suits her personality – she is always so happy and friendly and such a joy to talk to; I love her Brooklyn accent (at least I think it’s Brooklyn) and her chirpy voice.  Her grandson is Austin, one of the Jak’d boards kids, and she always comments on my Jak’d boards sweatshirt – she’s very proud.  She’s absolutely adorable and I’m always in a better mood after I run into her, which fortunately is often.  You should ask her “what is the meaning of life?” and just exactly where her accent is from.  Maybe I will.

What is your drink/food of choice while dining/drinking at Prima?

This might be the hardest question of all.  I love Negronis, and my usual is a Gretchhound; I prefer gin.  I snack on the calamari regularly during happy hour.  I come in on Sundays with my NYT for the Eggs Prima; the chicken is probably my favorite entree; I love the arugula salad with braesola and have tried to emulate it at home (came pretty close, too).  The nicoise, the French onion soup, the sweets, the pate, the burger, of course.  Cheese is my favorite food and I think the cheese list is pretty great.  Now I’m hungry!

Who is your hero?

  John Lennon.  I was in bits for days when he was murdered.  He was an amazing artist in so many genres, he put his money where his mouth is and stood up for what he believed in, he had a very quirky sense of humor and skewed outlook on life, and his voice soothes me.  One of my desert island discs is “John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band.”  There’s a track called “Mother” that just slays me.  Like John, my mama died when I was young (he was 16, I was six or seven), and that song says it all.

 
Have you ever been a part of the shirtless man journey sing alongs?
  They are one of my favorite phenomenons in the world, and yes, I am pretty sure I have been at most of them.  You know my motto: “Journey on, shirts off!”  Don’t stop believin’ that I love seeing all my guys with their shirts off and singing Journey at the top of their lungs.   You know, I hated Journey until I worked at Prima.  I loved those mornings opening up the restaurant with Journey blaring at highest volume (the Star Store had to call and tell us to turn it down a couple of times), and that completely converted me.  Unless Evan was working, then it was songs from Disney animated films – not so much, be my guest.

Why Prima?

Because I love food and wine and especially the combination of the two.  I’m one of Sieb’s biggest fans (outside of Kate Cowles, of course, but that’s only because she knew him first; fortunately she is very generous and shares).  I remember the first shift I worked at Prima; Sieb asked me what my favorite food was, to which I responded, “Charcuterie.”  We all know how much Sieb loves his sausage, and it went from there.  I totally get what Jenn and Sieb are trying to do at Prima and believe in it wholeheartedly, plus they are like family to me.  Also, I love having a “local” and pretty much consider Prima an extension of my own kitchen and living room - I love going in there and knowing everybody.  I’ve made a lot of my good friends as well as some really solid connections from working and hanging out there.

Have you ever fallen down the back stairs?

No, surprisingly enough.  Everybody knows I’m a faller.  I have fallen down stairs and ended up in the ER, but that was in NYC and fortunately not here in Langley – wouldn’t want to make a spectacle of myself in my own back yard.  That’s a rule I try not to break.

Did you meet your significant other at Prima (or the former Star Bistro) and what happened?  And how often? 

Yes, I’m pretty sure I first met Sieb at Prima.

 What is something that you’ve done in this restaurant that we probably shouldn’t know about?

Table 19?  I already told you I don’t like to make a spectacle of myself and try to always maintain a sense of decorum.  Wink.

NEWS!!!

 GREETINGS!!!  We're closing up the books on 2011 and in reflecting on the year in business, I am just so eternally thankful and grateful to you our customers that our business continues to thrive and grow each year.  It's truly an honor to be raising our family in this awesome community!  The picture to the left shows our eldest daughter on the deck here at Prima building a brussel sprout and cork snowman during our snowy week a few weeks back. 

Thank you! 




 

oysters to get you in the mood on Valentines!

 Valentines Day is right around the corner.  It's a night that always fills up quickly, so make reservations soon.  Duo Nouveau with vocalist Eleanor Fye singing romantic love songs from 6-9.  Seatings until 8:30.  Join us!




Langley becomes the scene of a murder every year during "Mystery Weekend" the last weekend of each February.  This year it appears that gold fever has led to murder... "In Cold Mud."  Thousands of people descend upon our little village to solve this mystery...it's a total blast...I really recommend getting a group together and coming out for this weekend.  The range of people who attend is amazing...old, young, families, groups of 70 something women or 30 something couples...it really ranges the gamete and everyone is having a blast!  It's one of those weekends I wish I was a visitor, not a worker!  Learn more at www.visitlangley.com

Recipe of the month: 
People always ask for the recipe for the dressing for our house green salad.  It is a very simple red wine vinaigrette:
1/3 cup red wine vinegar to 1 cup olive oil, one shallot, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp thyme, salt and pepper to taste
everything but the oil goes into the blender, blend until incorporated and then add oil in a slow stream while continuing to blend.
voila

claudia's sheep

 This January and February MUSEO will feature works primarily by local artists during its “Steampunk” show. About 40 artists have created both two dimensional and sculptural works reminiscent of the spirit of adventure, invention and craftsmanship of the early 19^th century.  The opening was last weekend and from all accounts it was amazing.  My mother in law, Cary Jurriaans has a piece in the show...look for it!  This upcoming Saturday is the Langley artwalk...with an opening at Brackenwood featuring the photography of Earl Olson - artist's reception is from 5:00-7:00.  Here at Prima we've got the art work of Claudia Pettis, Lucy Brennan, David Price, and Dave Gignac!

 



PLATS DU JOUR:  Instead of offering a dinner special Sunday-Thursday, we are offering plats du jour as follows: 
Sunday - Coq Au Vin - red wine braised chicken, mushrooms, bacon, fresh fettucine.
Monday - Bouillabaisse - mussels, clams, white fish, rouille, saffron fume'
Tuesday - 1/2 Roasted Duck - cheddar fritters, arugula, citrus-duck jus
Wednesday - CASSOULET!!!  lamb, pork, rockwell beans, garlic sausage, duck confit
Thursday - Saucisson de Maison "choucroute" - house made sausage, new potatoes, manny's beer braised sauerkraut
Fridays and Saturdays we will run dinner specials as usual.  These have been very successful and as we only make a limited number they nearly always sell out...come early if you've got your heart set!

New menu items right around the corner!

To hear up to the minute updates from us please like us on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Langley-WA/Prima-Bistro/112647415485768
or follow us on twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/primabistro

Don't forget: Mondays are restaurant industry day (20% off bill), every day is teacher discount day (10% off), and Thursdays are live music night!

As always, thanks for the patronage and hope to see you real soon!

Jenn and Sieb