The landscapes of the Pacific Northwest are unlike any other region in the world. The towering mountains, forests of lush evergreen and spectacular valleys that make up the Northern Cascade mountain range in Washington are truly astounding. Combine these natural aesthetics with locally sourced artisan Italian cuisine and you’re in for an idyllic experience. Fortunately, Rifugio’s Country Italian Cuisine in Deming, Washington, offers both of these things: delicious food and fantastic views off of the Mt. Baker Highway.
The eatery dubs itself as a “farm to table culinary destination” and they live up to that self-proclaimed title, as they source a vast amount of their ingredients locally from the surrounding Whatcom County area. Food from local farms is in high abundance at Rifugio’s and can be found in signature dishes such as the favetta and Sichuan citron-chili sauce bruschetta and the 16-ounce veal chop.
More on the former, Rifugio’s offers up to five different kinds of bruschetta at any given time. It is the perfect way to begin your meal at the quaint and cozy restaurant. The favetta bruschetta combines fresh fava beans, an in-house chili sauce and cucumbers. Follow that appetizer with the aforementioned succulent veal chop and you’re in for a very pleasant evening. Local polenta, seasonal vegetables and an herb chimichurri accompany the veal chop for a price tag of $37.
After a brief fall cleaning closure, the restaurant will open its doors again on Nov. 2. with kitchen renovations and a brand new autumn menu, focused more on the Sicilian side of Italian cooking, but still feature local Northwest ingredients.
In addition to the art that’s on your plates, Rifugio’s has a passion for other kinds of art as well. Owner Richard Balogh is also the art director of Sculpture Northwest, a contemporary outdoor sculpture gallery in nearby Bellingham, and is able to bring a large number of both national and international pieces to Rifugio’s own sculpture garden. In addition, the restaurant books a variety of artistic performances that take place in the garden, from live music to installations.
Be sure to visit Rifugio’s during the months of December to March as the Deming Homestead Eagle Park is set behind the garden. Watch majestic birds swoop and soar above the evergreen steeples and truly take in your environment, fork in hand.
