Bainbridge Island has attracted many talented individuals in a variety of fields. Beyond the island’s well-known population of artists and authors, other local individuals and businesses have been receiving much acclaim lately:
Brendan McGill, owner of Hitchcock Restaurant, a haven for European-inspired Northwest cuisine, recently won Food & Wine’s People’s Choice Winner Best New Chef Award 2013. Hitchcock opened in 2010 and has quickly become a favorite for islanders and Seattlites who frequently take the ferry solely to dine there. Earl on, Hitchcock received notice being named among the 10 best restaurants in the area in 2011 as chosen by the Seattle Times and Seattle Met magazine.
Just across the way (Winslow Way), Hitchcock has competition. November 2012 Seattle Times food critic Providence Cicero named Marché one of the top 10 restaurants in Seattle. With an eye for detail and a much-anticipated opening in spring of 2012, owners Greg and Betsy Atkinson have already established this fine bistro as the place to be. Atkinson has had a long successful food career as chef as well as writer, winning the James Beard Foundation’s M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award 2000, and a pair of American Food Journalism Awards in 2005 and 2006.
In March 2013 Library Journal named Bainbridge librarian Audrey Barbakoff one of its “50 Movers & Shakers” for 2013, a national list recognizing innovators in the library industry. Since arriving on the island, Barbakoff has increased the number of programs for adults as well as attendance to library programs. From murder mystery nights and DIY classes to book club meetings on the ferry, this librarian clearly pushes the traditional library experience to new levels (lucky for us islanders!).
If you’re a fisherman, you’ve no doubt heard of Bainbridge Island’s Sage fly fishing rods. Their rods and reels continue to earn awards. In the March 2013 issue, Field & Stream Magazine named the Sage CIRCA ‘Best of the Best.’ In 2012, the International Game & Fish Association named Sage winner of the fly rod category, with 40 record-breaking fish caught using Sage rods. The award was presented to Sage at the Tenth Annual World Record Achievement Awards ceremony.
In the “fast footwork” category, from the Bainbridge Island Rope Skippers competed in the World Jump Rope Championships held in August 2012 in Washington D.C. Battling almost 500 other jumpers, the Bainbridge team brought home several gold medals including Single Rope Speed and Double Dutch Speed. The team also won in freestyle and a four-person synchronized routine.
The island couldn’t be prouder of these islanders and their accomplishments! And we’ll all stay tuned for more!
