Peter Birk recently joined the team of Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham as the new Executive Chef. He brings with him a passion for the freshness of Pacific Northwest foods and 11 years’ experience from the iconic Ray’s Boathouse in Seattle. Originally from Joplin, Missouri, Chef Peter began his culinary career in the family's restaurant in Kansas working all aspects of the business including front of the house, kitchen, and management. After attending The Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon, Chef Peter returned to Missouri to intern at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Kansas City. At the end of the internship, he traveled to various places working in a variety of restaurants, including McCormick & Schmick’s in Los Angeles before heading back to Missouri to open a new restaurant taking his position as Senior Sous Chef. But the Pacific Northwest, where he had worked at a number of restaurants during his days of travel, continued to call him back to a place that inspired him. And in 2000, he joined Ray’s Boathouse as Executive Chef, where he could bring his classically-based preparations with a modern twist to this restaurant known for its high quality of standards. Most recently, Chef Peter was the Executive Chef at BOKA Restaurant and Bar at Hotel 1000 in Seattle. Hotel Bellwether is pleased to welcome him to the Lighthouse Grill where his love of local Northwest products shines in the versatility of his skills. “Having lived in the Pacific Northwest for 20 Years, seafood has become a focus,” describes Chef Peter of what he plans to bring to the Hotel Bellwether and Lighthouse Grill. “I’m looking to source and feature local growers and producers as much as possible. I will continue to strive to grow and educate my team in the process.” Bellingham with its beautiful views, welcoming and friendly atmosphere and the endless array of outdoor activities is now the place he and his family call home. “I was looking for a family friendly place to settle and work,” he says as he describes what attracted him to Bellingham. “It really reminds us of the towns we grew up in with the added benefit of the mountains and sea.” The Hotel Bellwether and Lighthouse Grill is situated on Bellingham Bay with the serene and beautiful views of Mount Baker, the San Juan Islands and the Cascades. This luxurious Bellingham hotel offers a one-of-a-kind experience with easy access to shops, parks and the unique Bellingham community. About Hotel Bellwether: Located at 1 Bellwether Way in Bellingham, Hotel Bellwether is a luxury Bellingham hotel on the waterfront, located on Bellingham Bay in the vibrant Pacific Northwest. To the east is the spectacular Cascade mountains featuring majestic Mt. Baker, a 10,750-foot snow-capped peak known for its brilliant sunrises and world-record snowfall. To the west are Bellingham Bay marina and the world-famous San Juan Islands. Enjoy the stylish shops, boutiques, salons, coffee shops, restaurants and parks that make up the unique Bellwether community of Bellingham.
