Bill Shaw, Author at Northwest Yachting

Written by Bill Shaw

Bill Shaw is the head chef of Roche Harbor Resort and Marina of San Juan Island. Shaw has worked at Roche since 1993. He loves utilizing local ingredients and takes full advantage the area’s seasonal goods.

Blackmouth Bounty

After our long rainy winter, anglers from all over the Northwest look forward to the opening of blackmouth salmon fishing in in the San Juans. Blackmouth are juvenile king salmon, and unlike their older Chinook siblings, they resist the urge...

Steaming Up Valentine’s Day

February 13, 2020 242 Like

In the kitchen at Roche Harbor, there has always been a connection with love and food but there has also been an obsession for the food of love. As a young cook, I was always amused by my first chef,...

Go Hawks! Tailgate Party Ideas

January 3, 2020 352 Like

I can remember my first Seahawk tailgate party as if it were yesterday. The Seahawks were playing the Raiders, who were the heavy favorites. Jim Zorn was our QB and Steve Largent was his target. Sadly, we lost, but the...

Diner Breakfasts Celebrated

December 20, 2019 352 Like

At the heart of every harbor worth its salt is a great breakfast joint. These diners are the kind of places where the newspaper is shared, you pour your own coffee, and the cashier gives you a welcoming smile as...

Turkey Talk

November 25, 2019 395 1

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and while many of my chef friends will be preparing gourmet menus with salmon, duck, and pork, the Grand Bird is the main attraction at my table. Sadly, more than once we have all sat down...

Comfort Food: Tuna Casserole, Photo by Jack Riley

Comfort Food for Fall Flavors

October 29, 2019 332 Like

As the sun is overpowered by the grey clouds of fall, a familiar chill fills the air, reminding us that our precious summer is ending and Northwest rain will soon be dampening our days. The lighter foods we enjoy in...

Taking Classic Side
Salads Seriously

September 24, 2019 413 Like

Earlier this month our family celebrated Aunt Joey’s 70th birthday, and in true island fashion, except for some slow-roasted pork, the food was all potluck. Almost 100 family and friends showed up to honor a woman loved by our small...

Roche Harbor’s Finest

August 29, 2019 729 1

Roche Harbor kitchens are cruising full speed ahead into August with a wedding nearly every day and a full marina, with more boats at anchor waiting to get in. Farmers have their haymaking season, and this is our time “to...

Steak Boot Camp

July 31, 2019 576 Like

When I look out over the Roche Harbor Marina in the summer, I can see that we are not the only cooks in the harbor. Under the plumes of BBQ smoke, some amazing cooks prepare feasts that would rival Martha...

Onboard Improvisation Ideas

June 25, 2019 592 Like

Last month, Roche Harbor was honored to host the Puget Sound Grand Banks Owners Association annual rendezvous. Among the many activities planned was a cooking demonstration featuring yours truly. This year’s demonstration focused on entertaining aboard with great-tasting, simple appetizers....