MusselFest is on our heels and we’re as excited as ever to see old friends and meet new friends for our annual winter boost in Coupeville.

MusselFest website

As many of you know the Mussel Chowder Tastings are the truest of traditions for MusselFest. To give you a bit about the tickets and their participants here’s the line up and how each location describes itself. Getting familiar may help you choose your tickets. Or just go for all 4.

The Penn Ticket

Captain Whidbey Inn: “Our “living room style” restaurant and dining room reflect Captain Whidbey’s warm and casual approach to hospitality. The restaurant menu veers towards the rustic and hearty, with inventive shellfish dishes, breakfast boards, local produce from our garden, house-smoked meats, house-cured pickles and salmon, homemade bread, jam and other delicacies.” website – facebook – instagram

Little Red Hen Bakery: “Little Red Hen Bakery began by serving bread at our sister restaurant, the Oystercatcher. We expanded, providing island residents and Coupeville Farmer’s Market patron’s access to our baked goods. It continued to grow and in 2019, Little Red Hen Bakery had the opportunity to expand into its own restaurant. We offer small batch artisan breads, buns, rolls, and pastries from locally sourced ingredients.” website – facebook – instagram

Ciao: “I convey my love for people by cooking for them. I find nothing more satisfying than nourishing people. I believe that putting fresh and beautiful food inside ourselves can feed our souls. It was my privilege to apprentice under Enzo Coccia in Naples, Italy as a Pizzaiolo (pizza-maker). The Neapolitan Pizza must be made by hand. From the dough ball to the opening of the dough and the crafting of the pizza – everything at Ciao is made by hand with skill and love.” – Owner Mark Laska. website – facebook – twitter – instagram

Freeland Cafe’: “The Freeland Café has been a Whidbey Island institution for over 44 years. We offer casual dining with friendly service in a relaxed setting. We are comfort food at its best. Breakfast is served all day, home-style cooking, All-American favorites and daily specials. Hash browns made from real potatoes, tempura dishes hand-dipped in homemade batter, fresh-cut vegetables, and old-fashioned milkshakes made in a 30 oz stainless steel cup and delivered to your table.” website – facebook – instagram 

The Cove Ticket 

Current’s Bistro: “Our dishes are heavily influenced by local products grown on Whidbey Island. Our local farm partners are Penn Cove Shellfish, Willowood Farm, Fat Cat Farm, Bells Farm, and Whidbey Island Micro Greens. Fresh, creative Northwest cuisine and a variety of local wines on beautiful Whidbey Island. website – facebook – instagram 

The Cove: “Our restaurant features seafood, wild game and more, using local ingredients as much as possible with a fine selection of wine and craft beer! We are located on the water in the Historic Coupeville Wharf Building at the end of the pier!!” facebook – instagram

The Pizza Factory: “For over 30 years, Pizza Factory has stayed true to its roots. Family-friendly dining and a high-quality product make us who we are. We strive to make everyone feel as if this is the hometown pizzeria. Our hand-tossed pizzas are simply the best. Each pie is made with 100% real mozzarella cheese and our signature sauce.” facebook 

Penn Cove Brewing and Taproom: “Our vision is about the art, skill, and technique of making good things from scratch by local people. We proudly source all of our craft beer from the surrounding area and Pacific Northwest as well as our offerings of wine, cider, mead, and food.” website – facebook – instagram 

Mussel Ticket 

Front Street Grill: “A northwest American Grill featuring local and northwest meats, seafood, and produce. Our guests dine with breathtaking waterside views of the historic Coupeville Wharf and Mount Baker while enjoying fresh sustainable seafood and fresh northwest produce and beef.” website – facebook – instagram

Sunshine Drip: “We created a coffee shop that brings people together from all walks of life. We continually work on improving our knowledge of handcrafted food and beverages. We provide our historic town with a community gathering place, a good cup of organic coffee, and homemade food.” facebook – instagram 

Toby’s Tavern: “Toby’s Tavern has been a tavern and restaurant since the early 60’s. It has been the local center of good cheer for Central Whidbey for generations. The kitchen prepares delicious meals, especially local Penn Cove Mussels, fresh local seafood, steaks, prime rib, and the best burgers on the planet. Toby’s even has its own micro brew, Toby’s Parrot Red Ale.” website – facebook

Pacific Northwest Art School: “The Pacific Northwest Art School is an Art School located on beautiful Whidbey Island in Washington State.  Each year we hold workshops and classes in Fiber Arts, Mixed Media, Painting, and Photography.” website – facebook – instagram – NOTE: Pacific Northwest Art School has members with great cooking skills.

Fest Ticket

The Oystercatcher: “The Oystercatcher has proudly served simply good food for almost 20 years. Chef Tyler Hansen and his team create a harmonious farm-to-table menu to showcase all that the island, and the region, has to offer. Historically, the island provided an abundance of food, with the prairie serving as a sacred place for those who lived here. We honor that tradition at the restaurant today by working with the farmers who continue to keep that heritage alive on the island.” website – facebook – instagram 

Callen’s Restaurant: “Callen’s has been a food service venue since the 1950’s. Callen’s Restaurant offers Whidbey Island inspired real food from an all scratch kitchen. Chef and Owner Michael Weeks has an extensive culinary career spanning over three decades and has operated several restaurants in the Seattle area.” website – facebook – instagram

The Tyee Restaurant: “Established in 1926, the Tyee offers a “home away from home” setting. Known for it’s “Best of Whidbey” awards and comfortable setting, our restaurant offers customers a large menu selection from traditional favorites, daily specials, child dishes, salad bar, prime rib, and fish & chips. From the days of “Aunt Pat’s Confectionery,” residents have known they could come to the Tyee for a delicious gourmet dessert; not to mention our old fashioned milkshakes and malts!” website – facebook   

SO there you have it, the Penn, the Cove, the Mussel and the Festival Chowder Tasting Tickets. Visit the Chowder Tasting page for all the details!! You can also purchase Sunday (only) Chowder Tasting tickets. Saturday’s tickets only available at the fest.

MusselFest Poster available for purchase and shipping here