Angela Muniz and Michelle Dalrymple have formed a partnership to create a restaurant serving food that fills a niche on the south end of Whidbey Island. Fare Market, at 1675 Main Street in Freeland, opened in November 2021, and features a blend of Vietnamese and Korean foods including Pho, Banh Mi’s, Fresh Summer Rolls, and an expanding menu of items made fresh and from scratch.
Angela and Michelle enjoy working together and have been patiently going through the process to open during the pandemic, which slowed the process to over a year, completely remodeling the space and transforming the look and energy. The two women have extensive restaurant experience on the island. Angela was a co-owner of China City for many years working all aspects of the business and finding her passion in community work. Michelle, following her natural instinct to feed, created her own pop-up, Bep, specializing in Vietnamese street food behind Mukilteo Coffee; and Black Sheep Kitchen that was featured at the farmer’s market; she also served in many front of house positions on the south end.
Together, they have over 35 years of experience in the restaurant industry. They have been acquaintances for many years through mutual friends. With this brick ‘n mortar space and unique opportunity coming up in serendipitous timing, they jumped on the chance to work together. “We wanted to open something on our own” says, Angela. They are both smiling a lot, adding, “We are happy working for ourselves.” They also note that their venue space is designed to be flexible to entertain all kinds of events, needs, gatherings, and creative ventures.
Customers may dine in, pick up take-out, or eat outside when the weather is warmer. There is a grab ‘n go fridge for prepared snacks, treats, drinks, and alcoholic beverages, and retail shelves with dried goods, specialty sauces, unique snacks, and treats. The aisle way to place or pick up your order is lined with retail shelves of quirky finds for your home or as gifts.
Some of the menu items include Pho noodle soup (beef, chicken, or veg), Banh Mi (pork, tofu, chicken salad style), Goi Cuon (fresh summer roll shrimp or tofu), Chicken Satay, Vermicelli Noodle Bowl (cold noodle w/pork, tofu), and many other menu items. Michelle honors her family recipes with her own twist, all while eagerly learning new Korean favorites.
They are offering weekly specials and many other dishes that have a twist to comfort your taste buds, like one of the quick favorites, Mamasan’s2 Meatloaf Sandwich with the added Kimchi Pimento Cheese Schmear. Fare Market also offers wine, beer, and cocktails.
Angela and Michelle are receiving great feedback and they often hear “I’ve heard great things about this place”. They appreciate the comments noticing the uniqueness of the recipes and how the food is fresh and different, and they like not being “pigeon-holed into serving one kind of food.”
Current hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday and Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information about the specialties, schedule of hours, and most up to date info @faremarket1675 on Facebook & Instagram. Order online at www.thefaremarket.com or 360-331-0599.
They will be kicking off some fun events soon with a Sip N Paint in April, and honoring their inner nerds on May the 4th.
