By popular demand, ELEMENTS hotel & spa room service is now provided by Backdoor Kitchen, San Juan Island’s multi-ethnic gem.

Backdoor is one of those rare, authentic places where diners discover a perfect marriage between setting, service and quality.  Somewhat hidden in Friday Harbor, tucked in among the plants and landscaping of Green Man nursery just a few blocks from ELEMENTS hotel & spa, Backdoor Kitchen has nevertheless risen to the top of the San Juan Island food chain by providing consistently excellent and creative meals and drinks in a setting that is quintessentially San Juan Island.  Ask almost any islander where to find the best food, appetizers, drinks, deserts, setting, service…Backdoor Kitchen is a virtually unanimous choice.

Dinners are available for delivery to your door during Backdoor Kitchen’s normal hours of operation, which vary seasonally; or walk just a few blocks to experience the full effect.  Visit the Backdoor Kitchen website for hours and menus.

Sample the wine and cuisine of Italy’s Piemonte region with a special dinner, prepared by chef Madden at STEPS wine bar & cafe, Friday Harbor’s cutting edge dining experience.

Wednesday, February 6, 6:00 PM

$100 per person (includes tax & gratuity)

(360) 370- 5959

Ho! It looks like a month off left Chef Madden rested and inspired for the new year. The new menu is out, at long last. You can view it HERE, but take heed: viewing this link can cause hunger pangs insatiable anywhere but Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Steps exquisite cuisine is available for in-room dining at ELEMENTS San Juan Island hotel & spa, or just three blocks away at the cutting-edge Cafe. Reservations at 800-793-4756 or ONLINE.

This month’s report begins with a wonderful announcement: Samish (J-14) had her 5th calf, designated by the Center for Whale Research as J-43. This calf was first seen November 6th by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Fisheries research team. If you haven’t seen the video of mom and J-43 go to www.whalemuseum.org and click on **News Updates** then click on 11/9/07 King 5 Cameras Film J Pod With New Calf Near Alki Beach (video follows ad). In the beginning of the video you can see Samish with Riptide on her right and new baby J-43 surfacing between them. Keep watching and see if you can find when the calf surfaces again. It’s a great short video of this new calf and of J Pod. Toward the end you will see Blackberry (J-27) and Mike (J-26) too!….

The full report is available to members of the San Juan Island Whale Museum’s Orca Adoption program.  Visit the Whale Museum Online to join today and receive full reports monthly via email.

ELEMENTS hotel & spa room service from Steps Wine Bar and Cafe is on hiatus all December while the crew takes a well-deserved vacation. You won’t go hungry, though, because there are nearly 2 dozen other dining options within a four block radius of ELEMENTS. Our knowledgeable, friendly front-desk staff are dying to turn you on to some exquisite cuisine. Steps will re-open with a bang for a fantastic New Year’s Eve champagne dinner. Space is limited, so reserve today at (800) 793-4756 or ONLINE. View the Menu.