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There’s a saying, “Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.” This October, we bring to you stories that exemplify this sentiment, where food and drink become a medium of connection, a symbol of unity, and an instrument of change.
In this edition, we invite you to explore the profound symbolism of the Peace Pole in our community. As you read Joy Matsuura’s “In Search of Peace,” you will discover how food transcends cultures and languages, uniting us in our shared commitment to peace.
We then take you on a sweet journey with Jenny Harrington’s “Baking a Difference: Mercer Island’s Pies Against Cancer Fundraiser,” demonstrating how the simple act of baking pies can spark significant change in the fight against childhood cancer.
Our exploration of the profound essence of the Japanese Tea Ceremony will open a window into a cultural tradition steeped in mindfulness and respect, while our coverage of the Salon NUR Inaugural Member Dinner will immerse you in an experience of farm-to-table dining and meaningful conversation.
Finally, we introduce you to an endearing neighborhood tradition in Mary Ann Flynn and Angela Johnson’s “First Fridays,” demonstrating the power of community and the joy of shared meals.
Each of these stories represents a thread in the tapestry of our Mercer Island community. They exemplify how food and drink can be a platform for unity and a testament to the power of community.
We hope you’ll be inspired by these stories and perhaps find new ways to connect with your own neighbors and loved ones over food and drink. We are grateful for your continued readership and welcome your article ideas and constructive feedback. Feel free to reach out to us as we continue to showcase the vibrant community and lifestyle of Mercer Island.
With warm regards,
CHRIS AND MIKE
@MERCERISLANDCITYLIFESTYLE
October 2023
PUBLISHER
Chris Ishii | chris.ishii@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Michael Stein | michael.stein@citylifestyle.com
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ARTICLE BY JOY MATSUURA AND MICHAEL STEIN
When it comes to the themes of peace, unity, and community, food has always been a powerful symbol. Sharing a meal or a drink with someone is an act of fellowship, a gesture that transcends languages and cultures. On August 19, Mercer Island saw a unique fusion of these ideas when the local United Methodist Church on First Hill unveiled a newly installed Peace Pole in its garden.
The Mercer Island community was invited to attend this dedication, reaffirming our commitment to promoting peace and understanding. Proclaiming “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in eight languages, this pole will join the other beacons of hope that grace the parks, schools and places of worship throughout the community. The Peace Pole is intended to be a beacon of hope and a testament to the diverse heritage that makes Mercer Island a cultural haven.
The dedication ceremony was a wonderful blend of solemnity and celebration. Attendees
gathered around the Peace Pole, united in their shared commitment to peace and understanding. Amid uplifting music and a brief ceremony, a spirit of shared humanity pervaded the air, a reminder of the importance of peace in these uncertain times.
Following the ceremony, the atmosphere shifted to that of a jovial neighborhood gathering with a lemonade social in the church’s Fellowship Hall. The crisp, tangy lemonade, served in tall glasses, was a refreshing counterpoint to the summer heat and a symbol of the sweet harmony we all yearn for.
As the attendees sipped their lemonade, they engaged in activities like rock painting, while sharing reflections on peace. The humble act of painting rocks together served as a reminder that unity and beauty can be found in the simplest of activities.
What was truly special about this gathering, however, was the opportunity it provided for attendees to connect over food and drink. Laughter echoed through the hall as residents, both young and old, exchanged stories, shared experiences, and discussed the importance of peace in their lives.
The Peace Pole is an Eagle Scout project by Islander Nathan Yang from Troop 647. Amid the distressing escalation of conflict in Ukraine and rising tensions across the globe, Nathan felt a compelling need to bring the message of peace to the forefront.
Commissioned in 2022, the Peace Pole was meant to instill optimism in the midst of a
pandemic and war. It also serves as a symbol of hope for the Mercer Island High School’s graduating class, inspiring young graduates to strive for peace as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
As we continue to navigate these uncertain times, let’s take a moment to appreciate the diverse culinary landscape of Mercer Island. Each language inscribed on the Peace Pole represents not just a culture, but a unique cuisine, a rich tapestry of flavors that brings us closer together.
As Mercer Island City Lifestyle readers, let us celebrate this diversity. Whether it’s a Korean kimchi stew, a Chinese dim sum, Spanish paella, Norwegian klippfisk, Swahili pilau, a Hebrew challah bread, or a Lakota wasna, let these dishes serve as reminders of our shared commitment to peace and love of food.
In conclusion, the unveiling of the Peace Pole serves as a reminder of the importance of peace, unity, and community. As we celebrate these values, let’s also use this as an opportunity to explore the diverse cuisines that make up our community, reminding us that through food and fellowship, we can find common ground, even in the most challenging times.
Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony, Aug. 19, 2023
Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony, Aug, 19, 2023
ARTICLE BY JENNY HARRINGTON AND MICHAEL STEIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY HARRINGTON, LISI WOLF
Harrington Lill Family, April 2018
On the quiet southwest corner of Pioneer Park, in the shade of a maple tree, sits a bench with a placard reading, “How can I help?” These were the words of Ewan Lill, a beloved Mercer Island resident diagnosed with an aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at age 6. Despite receiving the best available treatments at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Ewan died in 2018 at the age of 8. The bench serves as a reminder of his spirit and a rallying point for those who continue to honor his memory.
Ewan’s friends, family, and generous donors have since raised more than $70,000 for Seattle Children’s Hospital through the Team Ewan Guild, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the High-Risk Leukemia Program at the hospital. Every year, Ewan’s classmates hold a birthday celebration at his memorial bench, selling baked goods and toasting to Ewan’s memory. The touching tradition raised an astonishing $9,000 last year.
Enter the Pies Against Cancer fundraiser, this year’s new initiative by Team Ewan Guild. The initiative has two halves. One half pairs pie bakers with eaters to raise funds for cancer research and treatment. Pie eaters (“doughnors”) donate to Seattle Children’s Hospital via the Team Ewan Guild donation page.
The other half is a pie-themed party on September 23, the day after Ewan would have turned 14. Surrounded by tall dahlias and pasture paradise, the party takes place at MI Funny Farm and is complete with a pie contest, raffle, silent auction, tie-dyeing, activities for children, a milieu of farm animals, and pie tasting. VIPies handmade by local celebrity bakers: Lauren Ko’s geometric works of art; triple coconut cream pies by Tom Douglas; “Seattle’s best” French apple pie made with love by A La Mode; plump and pretty Whidbey Island Pies.
Ewan’s sister, Elena Lill, is one of the event’s co-chairs. Elena is a MIHS senior and bakes for relaxation and to make something better than what she started with. Elena says, “I like to bake because it’s like science–you measure the right amounts of the right ingredients and come out with something completely new. It allows you to create something delicious out of ingredients that don’t taste good on their own.” Elena can often be found interning in a cancer research lab at Seattle Children’s Research Institute.
The other co-chair, Maggie Tai Tucker, is a family friend who is also a baker. Maggie Tai is a social worker and occupational therapist who serves on the Mercer Island School Board.
“This fundraiser is about pies, yes, but it’s also about the power of community,” Maggie Tai says. “Every pie baked, every dollar donated, every story shared brings us one step closer to a future where no child has to suffer the way that Ewan did.”
The secret to Pies Against Cancer’s success is its volunteers, including island mother and daughter members of the National Charity League (NCL), Evergreen Chapter, dedicated to positive change by helping others. Overlake High School senior and NCL member Noni Chandrakant is the Team Ewan Guild liaison.
Pies Against Cancer is grateful for it generous sponsors, including Island Books and Hip Zephyr. Team Ewan Guild’s next annual event is scheduled for Halloween at Seattle Children’s, where NCL will provide treat bags for children with cancer.
Details of how to bake for this cause and how to donate to receive a thank-you pie can be found at www.piesagainstcancerseattle.org
Every pie baked, every dollar donated, every story shared brings us one step closer to a future where no child has to suffer the way that Ewan did.
In my personal journey of ancestral discovery, Kyoko Matsuda graciously invited me to her Mercer Island home and tearoom to learn the ways of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. We started at the beginning.
Amidst the tranquil corridors of a monastery, a serendipitous revelation unfolded, changing the course of history.
Kyoko Matsuda: Monks (kind of) accidentally discovered caffeine. Drinking matcha at the monastery helped them to stay awake for meditation.”
This discovery breathed new life into their contemplative practice, offering not just a beverage but a bridge between the physical and the spiritual.
KM: Tea was a different form at that time. More like medicine with a thick consistency, like Congee (Chinese Rice porridge). Crossing from China to Japan wasn't easy. Supply ran out and the taste wasn't sweet enough for the Japanese people.
The 12th century illuminated a new chapter. Emerging from monastic solitude, matcha graced high society. With a ceremonious flourish, it became emblematic of prestige and exclusivity.
KM: Zen monks introduced matcha as a health benefit and only to high society people, Shogun. Using the network of the temple, it became very popular (and) only amongst high society. Samurai swords couldn't enter the tearoom. Matcha was first a very expensive thing!
KM: The tearoom was status. Utensils were imported from China and Korea and were all very expensive, like art. The tearoom was a way for wealthy people to show off and became a party, entertainment.
Yet, the most transformative epoch awaited. In the 16th century, Sen
no Rikyu authored a new narrative. Stripping away the flamboyance, he embraced imperfections and celebrated simplicity, birthing wabi-sabi The practice transcended social confines, allowing all to partake in its profound teachings.
KM: Chanoyu was only practiced with men up until 150 years ago. And, amongst High Society only. 150 years ago, Japan opened the country to the West. At this time, Samurai ceased to exist. No more swords. The samurai were kind of out of a job. As Japan focused on the Western way of living, a need to educate the public surfaced, particularly for women. Tea ceremony became an educational curriculum and part of Finishing school. Gradually becoming a women's practice for "Women of style".
KM: Nowadays, anybody can practice. The Tea Ceremony has become artful, Like a musical instrument, ballet. 85% of Tea Ceremony practitioners are women. Now thought of as a "woman's practice".
Kyoko Matsuda's story began to intertwine with the tea ceremony. Her journey, once familiar, found rejuvenation through an encounter with Sensei Chieko Mihori in Florida. Palm Beach County is home to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Tea Garden.
KM: One of the things that anchored me when I came to America was meeting my teacher, Chieko Mihori. I didn't start wanting to teach. But it stayed inside and now, the rest of my life, I want to do it!"
Kyoko moved to Washington embarking on a path that resonated with nature's cadence.
KM: Initially, it was just for summers. We bought a place in Bellingham, just to stay 3 months per year.
KM: And I fell in love……with the area. (She grinned.)
For reasons she can’t explain, Kyoko says she always wanted to be on Mercer Island.
KM: So green, high trees, and the people were so nice.
She also recalls wanting to be closer to Seattle and Japan. So, something pulled her to Mercer Island. Quite serendipitous.
Kyoko's mission to share chanoyu shone ever brighter. Her workshops, private sessions, and cultural events wove its threads into lives across the spectrum. She really touches her students. During the pandemic, her student, Kenji founded the University of Washington Chanoyu Club, an embodiment of Kyoko's indomitable influence. Kenji says, "Matsuda Sensei pushed me to do it".
Each element, from the meticulously arranged utensils to the scrolls adorning the alcove, speaks of reverence. Traditional sliding doors invite in the play of light, casting a serene aura.Kyoko in tearoom 2022 UW Chanoyu Club
“Do” implies a road that stretches far beyond the horizon, winding through time and space without an endpoint. For the tea ceremony, "Do" beautifully symbolizes the perpetual quest for self-improvement, learning, and growth. Just as a path stretches ahead, the pursuit of mastery in the art of chanoyu is an unending journey, inviting practitioners to explore, evolve, and find deeper meaning with every step.
“Just enjoy this moment. The Japanese word “Do,” when translated, holds profound significance. Beyond its literal meaning of “path” or “way,” it encapsulates a philosophy that the journey is never truly complete.”
- Kyoko MatsudaYet, it is within Kyoko's tearoom that her story finds its crescendo. Each element, from the meticulously arranged utensils to the scrolls adorning the alcove, speaks of reverence. Traditional sliding doors invite in the play of light, casting a serene aura.
KM: We did everything step-by-step because this is the Grandmasters design. Dimensions down to the inch. Tatami mats cut to same specs. Everything from the wallpaper paper, stucco, and bamboo. All spread the same way as the Grandmasters. All Carpentry was even done with traditional tools.
The tearoom reverberates with wakei seijaku— respect, purity, tranquility, and harmony. Here, Kyoko's legacy entwines with ancestral teachings. It is a space where seekers transcend time, basking in a moment that bridges past, present, and future.
Thus, as guests step into Kyoko's tearoom, they traverse more than the physical space.
Kyoko refers to this as “Crossings”. Where you are leaving daily life and job. Where you begin focusing on this moment and very simple things.
At the time we published “Manhattan to Mercer Island”, Salon NUR was a bit of a stealth project. The founders, Nikki Baidwan, Sharon Perez, and Suzanne Zahr, sought to create highly curated content for a very special group of women focused on their own personal journey to “rest, renew, and shine”. They placed a lot of weight on participant privacy and event intimacy. Since then, Sharon has moved to full-time as the CEO while Suzanne continues to run her companies and Nikki maintains her Executive position in Tech. Knowing this history made it a very special honor to be included in the Salon NUR Farm to Table
Dinner to welcome inaugural Salon NUR members!
The Farm-to-Table dinner event stands as a milestone in Salon NUR's evolution. It marks a turning point, propelling this close-knit community forward into a new era of growth, connection, and empowerment.
The event was also a coming out party for the Mercer Island Funny Farm. Carly, Caretaker, and farm manager carefully managed everyone's experience, and let me know they are open for events and parties.
Throughout her career, Suzanne Zahr has been passionate about placemaking. In co-founding Salon
NUR, Suzanne has emphasized the need to create safe spaces for self-expression and soulful connections. “Though beautiful settings, such as the MI Funny Farm at the sparkle of sunset, serve as stunning backdrops for our events, it’s truly the soulful beauty and authenticity of our participating members that allow us all to shine brightly from within.”
The enchanting setting of MI Funny Farm, the delectable dishes from Della Terra Catering, and the exquisite Drum Roll wine set the stage for an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie.
Members were encouraged to bring a guest to create an enhancement to the vibrant and dynamic gathering. Upon arrival, everyone was greeted by Nikki, Sharon, or Suzanne. During check-in, everyone was immediately engaged in the evening's theme by selecting a name tag with their preferred "rest". This directed seating arrangements. A great way to get mingling started and the first sprinkling of pixie dust.
Della Terra served craft cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while Matt and Sundee Frazier poured their “Drum Roll” wines! (Look for their tasting room opening this Fall.)
Before dinner, we watched the video for the dinner discussion theme. The theme was inspired by the NY Times article "It's Quitting Season" by Lindsay Crouse and Kirby Ferguson and it ignited impassioned conversations about the concept of quitting, reinventing oneself, and embracing change. The discussions started at dinner and echoed throughout the night, sparking ongoing reflections and revelations.
We were all seated for dinner and began to discuss our “rest” preference(s). We first discussed something we recently cut out of our lives, followed by what we would say “no” to (if we could). All while enjoying a tasty and healthy meal artfully presented by the staff of award-winning caterer, Della Terra. Their Farm-to-Table dinner was served family style and was simply delicious! It was so much fun and incredibly fulfilling to participate in these energetic and considerate conversations. It blew me away! We all made dear friends for life.
The diverse group of amazing women, along with their friends and loved ones, contributed to an evening of laughter, heartfelt discussions, and the formation of new bonds. Every attendee spoke highly of each other, the Founders, and Salon NUR. Being there was like being in the core. The spirit was real, and you could almost see the energy. (Imagine seeing a heat wave.) A spiritual life force that was so magnetic, you could close your eyes and see it.
As the days have now turned into weeks, the impact of the Farm-to-Table event ripples outward. The connections made that evening continue to deepen, as attendees reach out to one another, forming friendships and collaborations that extend beyond the initial event. The theme of embracing change and taking courageous steps resonated with many, inspiring them to explore new opportunities and paths they may have previously considered uncharted.
"Gathering interesting people for interesting conversations is a lifelong dream and ambition for me. I’m so grateful for all our members that have signed up to be part of Salon NUR and ecstatic to be with them and their friends and family in this beautiful setting, talking about the choices we make as humans. I’m inspired to keep doing more.” - Nikki Baidwan
Carly, Julie, Ranu, and Laura
The spirit of Salon NUR continues to flourish and evolve. The evening was another resounding success, a testament to the power of connection, thoughtful conversation, and the magic that happens when likeminded individuals come together. The bonds formed that evening remain a source of inspiration, reminding everyone that the power of authentic conversations, shared experiences, and the unwavering support of a community could truly transform lives.
Sharon Perez , Co-Founder and CEO of Salon NUR, shares, "The core mission of Salon NUR is to curate opportunities to come together for reflection, rest, renewal and fun! The Farm to Table Dinner Salon was designed to provide a moment of late summer rest as we fed our senses with a gorgeous farm setting, celebrating the bounty of the harvest season with local food & wine with the community of Salon NUR members and guests." And, the best is yet to come. Stay tuned!
Imagine a monthly gathering that brings together neighbors of all ages, feeding not just their bellies, but their sense of community. Welcome to ‘First Fridays’—a simple concept with large impact, transforming ordinary driveways into vibrant hubs, and neighbors into friends.
COMMUNITY! This wonderful feeling has been quietly growing in the East Seattle neighborhood for 2 ½ years. Angela and James Johnson moved from the east side of Mercer Island to the East Seattle neighborhood in 2016. A friend in Northern California had started a monthly event she called “First Friday.” Angela thought it would be a fun community-building opportunity, a great way to meet her neighbors and, importantly, simple and easy to implement.
With the onset of COVID, people missed socializing. It seemed to Angela like the perfect time to start an East Seattle “First Friday”, since the person hosting would have the event outside in a backyard, driveway or garage. Start time would be around 5:30 pm, ending usually about 8 pm. Neighbors were welcome to casually drop by when it worked for them.
On April 2, 2021, Angela and James hosted the first “First Friday” in their driveway. Ten people came. Month by month attendance increased. The Evite list now has 80 names and is still growing. It isn’t complicated to be a host. Sign up for a month. Set up a table with an appetizer, a dessert, and something to drink. Everyone that comes brings something to share and their own drink. Angela sends out the Evite email and hosts are encouraged to invite new neighbors, which everyone seems to do. Angela said, “In the almost two and a half years of arranging
“First Fridays”, it’s been amazing to see the new friendships, connections and community feelings that have been built from this one gathering each month.” She adds, “I like to call it potluck happy hour”.
At the recent August “First Friday”, nearly 50 people gathered in Erik and Heather Henne’s backyard. There were neighbors of all ages, from seniors to newly marrieds and families with young children. It has been a wonderful way to really get to know your neighbors! We hope other neighborhoods on Mercer Island might be inspired to try this kind of event. You will NOT be disappointed. “First Fridays” are a way to keep that feeling of community alive ALL year. It has made our neighborhood a more inclusive and friendlier place. Give it a try! You might be surprised by the people you’ll meet and enjoy in your own neighborhood!
Angela and James Johnson
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
OCTOBER 6TH
NW Parkinson’s 11th Annual Celebrate Gala & Auction 2023
HYATT REGENCY LAKE
WASHINGTON | 5:30 PM
Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation achieves its mission through programs that support specialty care, produce, and distribute free educational and support resources, promote events that contribute positively to the Parkinson’s community, raise awareness of Parkinson’s and develop self-care tools that help improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, their care-partners and families.
OCTOBER 12TH - 15TH
South Asian film festival MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Attend panel discussions and watch dozens of films from South Asian countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tibet) at the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival with screenings in Bellevue, Kirkland, Renton, and Seattle.
OCTOBER 19TH
YOUTH THEATRE NORTHWEST, 4400 86TH AVE SE, MERCER ISLAND, WA
YTN’s horror films shot with students over the summer premiere October 19th along with a special Halloween-themed performance by Chaos Theory Improv. Tickets at youththeatre.org .
OCTOBER 23RD
Native dinner & show
DAYBREAK STAR INDIAN CULTURAL CENTER, 5011
BERNIE WHITEBEAR WAY, SEATTLE, WA
Join Na’ah Illahee Fund, a Seattle-based Native-led nonprofit organization to celebrate community brilliance and resilience.
Event Schedule:
Program will start at 4pm and run until 8:30pm. Your time will include a panel discussion, traditional dinner, screen printing station and lino cut art with giveaways, and Na’ah Illahee Fund’s 2022 Spirit of Indigenous Leadership award.
OCTOBER 28TH
African charity party
SEATTLE MARRIOTT
REDMOND, 7401 164TH AVE. NE, REDMOND, WA | 6:00 PM
Join Songea’s Kids Soiree for a fun evening reception, dinner and fundraising auction to support orphans, vulnerable children and their communities.
songeaskids.ejoinme.org/2022Soiree
NOVEMBER 3RD - 12TH
The Wall and the Woods
YOUTH THEATRE NORTHWEST, 4400 86TH AVE SE, MERCER ISLAND, WA
In this fantasy dystopia, 13-yearold Lily is a proud Gatewatcher, defending the great city of Nestuk against enemies from the surrounding woods. When she is captured by rebels from beyond Nestuk’s walls, Lily learns a dark secret about her city and what they’ve been fighting to keep away—leading her to magic beasts, cryptic riddles, and unlikely allies. Tickets on at www.youththeatre.org
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MercerIsland
Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Facebook
"The big opening of the year in Bellevue."
"Jun Takai is the Eastside's center of sushi gravity"
“Winner – 2022 Best Next Gen Omakase Restaurant”
"This is a see-and-be-seen sushi spot" 180
With a background in tech, Sara Seumae McAllister brings the approach to software development into allister, where she embraces the philosophy behind “working backwards from customers”.
“WORKING FROM THE CUSTOMER BACKWARDS”.
Sara believes everything begins with the customer.
This approach is an inversion of the traditional business model. Instead of starting with an idea and then pushing it onto customers, you begin with a clear vision of a delighted customer and work backwards to make it a reality.
1. Crafting the Ideal Customer Experience: Sara pictures a cozy evening where neighbors bump into each other, share laughter, exchange stories, and relish delicious food. She is making a total redesign with adds like, a circular bar and year-round outdoor dining space where customers feel at home.
2. The Menu: Sara is working towards filling a void that is not already being met when it comes to food offerings. With customer feedback, allister will have a menu that resonates with Mercer Island’s tastes.
3. Building Community Ties: By incorporating elements that encourage interaction and bonding, allister is not just serving food and cocktails; they’ll be nurturing connections.
4. Feedback Loops: Sara believes in constant evolution and continuous improvement. One of her first priorities was to read the OpenTable reviews for the predecessor restaurant to identify opportunities for improvement. She’s looking forward to chatting with guests and digging deeper into the data. Don’t be surprised if she stops by your table and asks “if you are enjoying your food!”
In the end, the “customer-backwards” approach is more than just a business strategy. It’s a philosophy that places people at its core. As allister opens its doors, Sara hopes to create not just a dining destination, but a home for the community.
ARTICLE BY CHRIS ISHII | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MERCER ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE
