Gourmet getaway to Orcas Island

OTHER LOCAL FOOD STOPS

Christina's. Island regional cuisine. $$$$; 310 Main St.; 360/376-4904.

Emily's Orchard stand. Dazzling array of flowers and produce from a lifelong gardener. Deer Harbor Rd. at Emily's Orchard Lane.
 
 

Orcas Island Farmers' Market. No fewer than 44 farmers and food and crafts vendors, including Morningstar Farm (local organic vegetables and flowers). 10-3 Sat through Oct 7; Eastsound Village Green, N. Beach Rd.; www.orcasislandfarmersmarket.org or 360/376-4594.

Roses Bakery Cafe. Killer garlic-parsley-walnut bread and cult Northwest wines. $$; closed Sun; 382 Prune Alley; 360/376-5805.

THE RECIPES

Here are three market-fresh dishes inspired by the bounty of Orcas Island.

Grilled leg of lamb with yogurt-mint sauce
Christina Orchid ties her lamb; we like leaving it untied too, so it cooks faster and gets nicely charred ― and we add a tangy sauce.

Israeli couscous with fresh peas and mint
Also known as pearl couscous, Israeli couscous has an appealing tender-chewy texture.

Deep-summer tomato-basil salad
More an arrangement than a recipe, this salad couldn't be simpler ― or taste more like summer.