Support the Blue Fish

When we learned about the problem with the Liquor Control Board, we were about to write an obituary, expecting that the restaurant would be forced to close. But Genee’ Haws Kay of the Chamber of Commerce reported in an e-mail that Larry Campbell, the general manager, advised they would stay open, inviting people to try their new menu. Then came the message that the Blue Fish would host the Chamber’s February luncheon meeting. This was good news for members concerned that the restaurant was not participating in Chamber activities. “They’re a different culture,” said one.

We’re from San Francisco where everyone is a minority and everyone eats all cultures. Al learned to use chopsticks in Seoul, at the only on-limits restaurant for GIs at the time, 1956. And he well remembers Wendell Wilke’s ‘One World’ speech in the 1940 Presidential Campaign. If you put all the Asian-owned businesses in Birch Bay in one column and all the others in another, which column do you think is generating the most retail sales tax -- income that we need to support a city government or to get our way with the County?

Grant Cho, the current owner, grew up in Seoul. From two brief conversations, we expect he could be a respected member of the community. (He’s tall enough to be a pillar.) The first conversation was when we crossed the Drive after an unsatisfactory meal at another restaurant. Mr. Cho handed us his business card saying, “Have a free meal on us.” Several days later, we enjoyed a baked salmon. The next time we visited on our own check, we had bacon-wrapped prawns and baked oysters. Both first rate.

Lisa Guthrie, of Homestead, who was involved in the development of CJ’s Beach House, says a place like Birch Bay needs at least two good restaurants to be a destination for folks from Bellingham and other parts of the county.

We’ll be back for a Valentine’s dinner when there will be a piano player. We can drink wine when we get home.

Try the Blue Fish for yourselves and tell us about your experience at birchbayblog@hotmail.com