GRAYS HARBOR, Wash. — Hoquiam is a logging town - and one of the quarter pound cookies at Brunch 101 would easily feed Paul Bunyan. Owner Brittany Figg-Case was making these monsters long before Crumbl franchised their giant cookies.
“I absolutely was. Thank you for saying that!” she said.
Among the many humongous offerings in the bakery case: marshmallow-filled chocolate chip cookies and a Dubai chocolate cookie stuffed with shredded phyllo and pistachio creme that’s based on the viral candy bar.
"It's creamy delicious,” Figg-Case said.
But that's not the only thing that has hungry folks lining up – award winning chicken and waffles, Dutch babies and bougie Bloody Marys make this the best brunch around.
“I love this place,” said customer Nicole Spacek. “It's kind of like a different feel for what you're used to in a small town.”
The food in this place might not feel small town, but this small town helps Brunch 101 thrive.
“Just seeing the support we have in this community is huge. Small towns are just so huge for support, and they truly showed up for us,” said Figg-Case, surveying her restaurant packed with happy customers.
In nearby Aberdeen locals will steer you to Breakwater Seafood and Chowder House, a longtime favorite perched above the waters of the mighty Wishkah, for fresh fish and chips and scratch-made clam chowder. Inside – a market selling seafood from nearby waters. Outside a view that is both gritty and gorgeous.
Another Aberdeen restaurant brings the wild Pacific Northwest inside - and plates it up perfectly.
"We're at Rediviva in Aberdeen. We are located on the Olympic Peninsula, so we try to source all of our food in the peninsula,” said Owner and Chef Andy Bickar. “A lot of foraged stuff, a lot of wild food, a lot of shellfish and seafood.”
Bickar's creations are like a walk on the beach — or in the woods. The scallops come with sea beans that grow wild on the seashore and freshly foraged chanterelles top the tenderloin.
"I love Rediviva because it's the nicest place in Aberdeen, it's where I take everyone that comes to town. It feels like you're entering another world when you come in here, and the foods always amazing – Andy's awesome,” said customer Erin Riley.
Get a locally made lager – and appreciate local loggers at Hoquiam Brewing Company.
Head brewer Drew Granneman says ever since they transformed this historic building and opened Hoquiam’s brewery in 2017, the community has been committed to this place.
“They're so excited, they're so happy that there's some revitalization, there's some momentum, some energy, some passion in the area,” Granneman said.
This town takes timber seriously and this brewery does too. The bar's built from recycled shake-mill lumber, sawmill signs and logging tools decorate the walls.
"The history here's deep,” Granneman said.
So, next time you're on your way to the ocean beaches - slow down, stop in for a pizza and some pints. And raise a glass to small towns with good food!
Sponsored by Unforgettable Grays Harbor County.
KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Contact us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Email.
