Tucker House Inn Bed & Breakfast

San Juan Island Bed & Breakfast; San Juan Island Lodging, Friday Harbor

2009-12-28T12:53:00.000-08:00

Green Cardamom and Cranberry Sorbet

(perfect for an palate cleanser between courses or as a savory dessert)

1 1/2 lbs. fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed and any stems removed
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. water
1/2 c. orange juice
1/4 c. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. Triple Sec

1 tsp. green cardamom ground with mortal and pestle

1. Make a simple syrup by adding the sugar, water and cardamom and bringing to a boil. When the sugar has dissolved, add the cranberries and orange juice.
2. Continue to boil until the cranberries burst, about 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Let the mixture cool. Puree in a food processor or blender and strain.

4. Stir in the lemon juice and liqueur.
5. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let completely cool.
6. Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's directions.

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

Culinary Travel, San Juan Island, Coho Restaurant

2009-11-20T17:28:00.000-08:00

Sweet Potato Bread

2 sweet potatoes
1 c. milk
2 Tbsp. barley malt
3 Tbsp. butter
1 ½ tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. butter
1 Tbsp. yeast
1/3 c. warm water
4 c. bread flour
1 c. rye flour

1. Peel potatoes and cut into 1 inch cubes. Toss with oil, salt and pepper, and roast in a 400 degree oven.
2. When potatoes are soft and well browned, transfer to food processor and purée with butter, milk, barley malt, and salt.
3. Proof yeast in warm water. When yeast is frothy combine flours, potatoes, and yeast.
4. Let rise until doubled in size about 4 hours.
5. Punch down, shape and let rise.
6. Bake in a 425 degree oven until golden brown.

Recipe Note: This recipe was developed by Paul Stevens, our Chef at Coho. We present two breads daily in our bread basket. This sweet potato bread has become a real favorite with our guests. Sometimes we add currents or swap out the rye flour with whole wheat. We brush it with an egg wash or heavy cream and sprinkle some caraway seeds or sesame seeds before putting it in the oven.

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

San Juan Island, Washington - Friday Harbor Things to Do

2009-11-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

A Star is Born!

The Center for Whale Research discovered J-46 on November 11th born to J-28.

(Photo Courtesy - Center for Whale Research)

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

San Juan Islands, Washington Thanksgiving at the Tucker House

2009-10-25T15:03:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving Dinner
November 26, 2009

3-8:30 p.m. Coho Restaurant

Amuse Bouche
(Lunetta Prosecco NV Brut - Italy)

AppetizerRoasted Pork Belly with Potato Pancake & Cranberry MarmaladeorCorn Fritters with Wilted Mizuna & Maple Syrup
(Saint Laurent Winery Lucky White 2007 – WA)
Soup and SaladRoasted Yam Soup with Candied Pecans
and
Mixed Green Salad Tossed with an Apple Cider Vinaigrette and Topped with Quail Croft Farms Goat Cheese
(Andeluna Torrontes 2007 – Argentina)

Intermezzo
EntréeSmoked Turkey Breastor Turkey Leg Confitor Pan Fried True CodEntrée served with Oyster-Apple Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Sage Gravy and Seasonal Vegetables
(J Lohr Valdeguié Wildflower 2007 – Monterey – CA)
DessertPumpkin Cheese Cakeor Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pieor Cinnamon Ice Cream with Ginger Snaps

(J.P. Azeitão – NV Moscatel de Setubal – Terras da Sado – Portugal)

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

Fine Dining Friday Harbor, San Juan Island - Coho Restaurant Receives Wine Spectator Award

2009-08-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

Coho Restaurant receives 2009 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator

Coho Restaurant is proud to be the recipient of a 2009 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. Coho’s wine list, culled from the great international producers as well as those from Washington, Oregon, and California complement the range of menu offerings. Coho seeks out small producers that create authentic, handcrafted wine using natural and sustainable techniques that convey a sense of place. This parallels Coho’s use of local agricultural products evident in their participation in the Island’s Certified Local Program.

“We are passionate about food and wine”, says Anna Maria de Freitas, one of Coho’s co-owners. “While the ingredients that we use are local, our wine list is international to match the diversity of our menu.” Coho’s wine list of 225 bottles includes sparklers, whites, reds and dessert wines from the Pacific Northwest and the great wine producing regions of the world including Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America. “We make every effort to demystify and create a stress-free atmosphere for choosing the perfect wine to accompany our guests’ meals.”

Coho Restaurant, located at 120 Nichols Street in the historic Nichols district serves dinner Wednesday – Monday, October – May and Monday - Saturday during summer beginning at 5:00 p.m. Each night the creative team will prepare a three course ($35) chef tasting menu offered nightly between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. Coho’s intimate setting, with select seating, provides the perfect atmosphere for any occasion. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Coho Restaurant is set in a historic Craftsman House – three blocks from the ferry landing in Friday Harbor, one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2008 “Dozen Destinations of Distinction.”

Background on owners:

Anna Maria de Freitas and David Pass, moved to historic Friday Harbor in 2005 to pursue their dream of owning a bed and breakfast. They started with Harrison House Suites and expanded a year later to include the Tucker House Inn. They have lovingly rebuilt these three historic buildings to provide an atmosphere of casual northwest elegance for their guests. Now, with the expansion of Coho Restaurant, they have the opportunity to share their passion of food and wine with not only the guests at their Inns but also the general public. Prior to moving to Washington, Anna Maria co-chaired the Baltimore Chapter of Slow Foods International. Anna Maria and David have a curiosity and passion for food that extends to their food centric vacation destinations takes them on vacations to food-centric cultures. These trips have expanded their culinary horizons and provided them with a wide palate of flavors and tastes that are evident on Coho’s Menu.

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

San Juan Island Washington Lodging

2009-06-24T14:51:00.000-07:00

I was perusing Mark Gardener's web site and came across this photo. Just as the whales, light houses and beautiful vista's are San Juan Island, this photo also says San Juan Island. It characterizes the diversity of our Islands. Heritage Farms, San Juan Island.

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

San Juan Island Bed and Breakfast; Tucker House

2009-06-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

The first of the season's berries are here. We have been enjoying them for breakfast with our homemade granola, baked in a crisp with rhubarb, and topped with a lightly sweet chantilly cream.

Strawberry Shortcake

Shortcakes
2 c. all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
8 Tbsp. butter
1 lg. egg
½ c. heavy whipping cream
2 Tbsp. raw sugar
1 lg. egg white
1 Tbsp. rice flour

1. Pace dry ingredients and butter in food processor and process until course. Add whole egg and whipping cream and process until mixture forms a dough ball.

2. Lightly dust cutting board with rice flour. Press out to about ½ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter and shape into 3 inch size shortcakes.

3. Place on silicon lined baking sheet. Brush egg white over each shortcake and sprinkle raw sugar on top.

4. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden brown. Cool on a rack. Serves 8

Strawberries
2 lbs. strawberries
¼ c. sugar
½ tsp. aged balsamic vinegar

1. Place 5-6 strawberries in food processor and purée until liquid. Place purée, sugar, and balsamic vinegar in bowl.

2. Cut up remaining strawberries into ¼ size pieces and add to bowl. Let stand 30 minutes to one hour so that strawberries release juices.

Chantilly Cream
½ c. heavy cream
2 tsp. confection sugar
½ tsp. vanilla extract

1. Beat until soft peaks form.

To assemble:
1. Slice shortcakes in half. Place half on a dish and pour strawberries on top.

2. Layer with a dollop of Chantilly cream and then top of short cake. Add more cream and drizzle with strawberry sauce. Garnish with fresh mint.

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

San Juan Island Recipes

2009-05-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

Perfectly Plain Cheesecake

Makes 12 servings.
NOTE: It is very important that the cream cheese, eggs and cream be at room temperature. You may need to let them sit out for an hour before beginning to make this recipe.

Bottom crust
2 c. graham cracker crumbs
2 TBLS. sugar
1/2 c. butter (1 stick) melted and cooled

Cheesecake filling
3 (8-oz.) packages of cream cheese softened to room temperature
1 c. sugar
3 eggs room temperature1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 TBLS. lemon juice
1 c. heavy cream, room temperature

Directions;
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. (315 degrees F. for convection oven).
2. Cover the bottom of an 8-inch with two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil making a double water proof bottom for the springform pan. Cut an 8” round piece of parchment to cover the bottom of the springform pan.
3. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, two tablespoons of sugar, and the cooled butter in a bowl.
4. Use your hands to firmly press the cookie crumb mixture evenly onto the parchment paper on the bottom of the pan and half way up the sides. Place the springform pan into the larger ovenproof pan and set aside.
5. Mix creamcheese on high speed for 3 minutes, add sugar and mix for another minute.
6. At medium speed, add eggs, one at a time. Add lemon juice and vanilla.
7. On low speed, add cream and mix for two minutes. Scrape down the sides, bottom so mixture is smooth.
8. Pour the mixture into the crust.
9. Place the two (2) pans into the oven on the middle rack, and fill the larger with hot water about half way up the sides of your cheesecake pan. Bake until golden brown and edges are firm to about 1 inch from the edge of pan, or about one hour.
10. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, but leave the cheesecake in the oven two until it is cool enough to touch. During this time, the remaining part of the cheesecake will firm up so that it does not “jiggle” when the pan is moved. DO NOT CHECK FOR DONENESS BY INSERTING ANYTHING IN YOUR CHEESECAKE. NOTE: There should be no wet spots or liquid areas in the center of the cheesecake. Remember that a cheesecake continues to cook when it is removed from the oven.
11. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. remove the foil covering the bottom of the springform pan.

NOTE: Cool the cheesecake in the refrigerator completely (at least 1 hour) before attempting to remove from the springform pan.

To remove, run a wet sharp knife carefully between the cheesecake and the inside of the springform pan, then simply release the sides and push the cheesecake up out of the pan. The parchment round on the bottom of the cheesecake will make it easy to slide the cheesecake onto a serving plate.

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

Friday Harbor Lodging - San Juan Islands Washington

2009-05-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

One of the most spectacular signs of spring is the flowering ornamental crabapple tree and fruit-producing pear tree. Both trees were in full bloom this week and as the wind blew it rained tiny pink petals.

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

Romantic Getaways Friday Harbor, Washington

2009-04-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

We love taking care of special requests for guests. Last week, we received this email. We are so honored to help them celebrate their honeymoon.

"Greetings, We both lost our spouses 10 days apart in 2007. We were both married for almost 50 years. We met Christmas Eve 2007 at church and we had our first date Fall of 2008. Things heated up by the first of the year and I asked her to marry me in late January. We will be staying at your B&B the second night of our honeymoon. I have been in the habit of bringing her one rose when I judge the last one is through blooming. I would be very happy to pay you for placing one red rose with a card expressing my love in our room prior to our arrival."

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

Friday Harbor, WA Vacation Destinations

2009-04-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

We had the pleasure of assisting one of our guests with a proposal. He asked us to decorate the room upon their return. After we received the text message saying 'success', Shaylynn quickly went to work preparing their room. Here is what they returned to:

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

Friday Harbor, WA Hotels - Tucker House

2009-04-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

We have certainly been busy this summer - putting the finishing touches on our projects as the season is approaching. We painted Evening Star's bath a lovely warm strawberry color.

Four Winds got a new comforter and some fun new pillows!

This is the living room in Four Winds. While we were taking pictures we gave this one a try. While the sunshine is fabulous it plays havoc with the exposure.

Log Cabin - one of our big winter projects. We painted and put in a new floor. The steps lead to a private fenced deck that is shaded by a giant redwood tree.

The kitchen in log got a new granite countertop. We took down the old wallpaper and gave the walls a soft faux finish.

Dove in the Window got new bedding.

And Castle Wall's bathroom got a fresh coat of new paint. A historic Jamestown blue.

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

San Juan Island B&B, Washington Tucker House

2009-04-12T11:36:00.001-07:00

Here are a few more pictures of our winter renovation projects. This is one of the bedrooms in Victoria's Flower Garden. It is a two bedroom - two bath suite.

Here is the living room in Victoria's Flower Garden. There is a wood burning stove and the couch is a sleeper sofa. The Suite can sleep up to 6.

This is the new gas fireplace just installed in the Goose in the Pond Cottage.

This is one of our guest rooms - Patience Corner. It is located in the upper Tucker House and has a great bath with a large 2 person jacuzzi tub and shower.

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

San Juan Islands B&B - Tucker House Guest Book

2009-04-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Anna Maria and David,

Just a quick note in response to your email. Our stay in the log cabin at The Tucker House Bed and Breakfast was amazing. I have given your name and number to several friends and family members already.

We loved and appreciated everything. I believe I experienced withdrawal symptoms my first few days away from The Tucker House Inn, going without your marvelous breakfast and afternoon cookies was a challenge.

Thank you for everything.

Viola and family
Mosca, Colorado

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

San Juan Island B&B, WA Tucker House

2009-04-07T16:54:00.000-07:00

Jennie's Cottage has been another one of our winter projects. We just finished a major renovation with new floors, bed and color scheme. It is a stand alone cottage right off the main deck.

It is a cozy studio with a queen bed, mini kitchen and private bath with a tub. There is also a large walk in closet. It is perfect for a couple or a a single traveler.

The kitchen has a 2 burner stove top, microwave and small refrigerator. There is also a guest barbecue on the main deck outside the cottage's front door. The table and chair inside the suite can be used for enjoying a meal or playing a round of cards. Many guests use the main deck as an extension of the cottage's living area.

The bathroom in the same earthtone color scheme has a vanity with single bowl sink and tub/shower combination.

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

San Juan Island WA Weddings at the Tucker House

2009-03-31T12:36:00.000-07:00

We found these pictures of a bride and groom cake from a wedding that we catered this summer at Lakedale Resort. It was one of those hot summer days and the cakes had lots of whipped cream so in order to keep them from melting we kept them in the refrigerator until the last possible moment before bringing them out to the guests. Unfortunately, these shots are from the fridge....The groom's cake was an old fashioned white cake with berries and whipped cream between the layers. The bride's cake was a moist chocolate cake with chocolate ganache between the layers and a rich chocolate buttercream frosting. The blue cascading fresh flowers and white sweetheart roses were a fabulous contrast to the chocolate frosting. With a bit of imagination you can envision what these cakes looked like.:)!

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

San Juan Island WA - Dining at Coho Restaurant

2009-03-29T13:50:00.003-07:00

Join us on April 17th for a Japanese inspired dinner with 5 premium sakes. This is one of our 3 spring wine dinners to benefit Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. We will donate $20 per ticket. It should be a great evenings of food, fun and friends while helping our feathery, fluffy and furry friends at Wolf Hollow. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and reservations are recommended. Check out our menu below.

Japanese Dinner

Amuse

(Coconut Lemongrass Sakitini)

Appetizer

Ahi, Unagi and Avocado and cucumber roll with Pickeled Ginger, Wasabi & Shoyu
(Hakutsura Sake Junmail Dai Ginjo Sho-Une)

Soup & Salad
Miso soup with Tofu & Scallions

Fish
Roasted Black Cod with Soba Noodles, Roasted Shiitake Mushrooms, Snow Peas and a Miso Vinagrette
(Snow Maiden Junmai Nigori NV – Kyoto)

Meat
Ponzu Braised Beef, Short Ribs with Grilled Scallions, Daikon, Seaweed Salad and Roasted Eggplant
(Rihaku Rihaku Wandering Poet – J. Ginjo NV_

Dessert
Ginger ice cream with fried bananas and chocolate sauce
Hou Hou Shu Sparkling Sake

$70 ++

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

Ecofriendly Hotels Friday Harbor, WA

2009-03-19T00:03:00.000-07:00

The Tucker House is pleased to announced that it received a 3 Green Eco-Leaf Rating from istaygreen.

Very Good Rating
3 Green Eco-Leafs

Tucker House Inn Bed and Breakfast

Friday Harbor, WA Hotels

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

San Juan Island, WA News

2009-03-12T14:38:00.001-07:00

The e-newsletters from Harrison House and Tucker House have really become popular. You can keep up with our latest news at http://www.harrisonhousesuites.com/newsletter.php and http://www.tuckerhouse.com/newsletter.php

If you prefer to receive our newsletters sign up on the archive pages above.

Lodging and Dining Friday Harbor, WA San Juan Island
Harrison House Suites and Tucker House Inn
Coho Restaurant

Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast WA, San Juan Island

2009-03-06T16:18:00.001-08:00

Shay has been on a photo tear. Here are some new ones of Patience Corner in the Upper Tucker House.

This guest room is really popular because of the heart-shaped jacuzzi tub.

San Juan Island Hotels - Friday Harbor, WA Tucker House

2009-03-06T15:48:00.000-08:00

This is our Four Winds Suite - also known as our "Honeymoon Suite." It is a fabulous suite. Here are some new photos

This is the living room looking out onto the living room.

Friday Harbor Lodging / Washington - Tucker House

2009-03-06T15:14:00.001-08:00

These are new pics from Evening Star.

Evening Star is down the hall from Castle Wall.

It too has a gas fire place and private balcony. Evening Star also has a king bed.

This 2 person jacuzzi tub is very inviting after a day full of adventure around the Island.

San Juan Islands Lodging - Friday Harbor - Tucker House

2009-03-06T13:16:00.001-08:00

We wanted to share some of the new pictures from the renovations that we have been doing. This is Castle Wall in the Upper Tucker House.

It now has a king bed and fire place in addition to new fir floors. There is a private balcony that has views of the property and the Town of Friday Harbor in the background.

Many of our guests enjoy an end of day bubble bath with our specially crafted private label bubble bath.

Washington Recipes - Tucker House

2009-03-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

Tucker House Inn, a Best Place to Kiss, was featured in the Best Places to Kiss Cookbook just released. The Tucker House's Broiled Portobello Mushrooms stuffed with Italian sausage are included on page 33. The Harrison House was also featured with its Molten Chocolate Cake with cherry sauce on page 112. We feature this yummy chocolate cake at Coho Restaurant for special dinners.

Friday Harbor Hotels; Washington - Tucker House

2009-03-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

SanJuanIsland.com created the Tucker House's first video.
Check it out below!