Here are two pieces about food in Bremerton that everyone can appreciate.

The first is a Bremerton Foodline fundraiser. The 3rd Annual Empty Bowl Dinner Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Hall located at the corner of Veneta Avenue and 11th Street. For a donation of $10 or more per person, you will receive a wonderful one of a kind ceramic soup bowl crafted by a student or a volunteer under the direction of Bremerton Clayworks and a delicious dinner selection of soups and breads donated by local Bremerton restaurants and businesses. All proceeds will go directly to the Bremerton Foodline.

Many of my close neighbors and friends have spent the last several months and endless hours putting together and planning this event. Many of them will be volunteers at the event either serving or cleaning up. This is a wonderful way for the people of Bremerton to help feed and take care of the people of Bremerton. I plan on being there. I also plan on bringing my own son. Not just for a meal, but for the overall experience of how community charity can be served with dignity, appreciation and friendship.

Money is much tighter for everyone this year. As we enter into the holiday season, be careful and smart with your charitable decision making and donations.  There is a very real connection to the dollars you give locally. Money and food donated to local charities like the Bremerton Foodline goes directly to your fellow community members with faces and names that you most likely already know.

The second Bremerton related food piece I have, has to do with a fun quirky café on 15th Street named the HI-Lo Café. We did family breakfast at the Hi-Lo this past Sunday. I love that place. The people that work there are always fun and friendly. When you enter through the door it feels just like a big bear hug from your very best friend. The food is also fantastic. Downhome easily recognizable items as a base with an unexpected twist that makes each dish special and unique.

The café is small and on weekends pretty popular so you might have to wait a bit, but trust me that wait is well worth it. Any angst you might have experienced having to wait is immediately dispelled as soon as you take that very first bite of yummy goodness.

So take your pick. Feed yourself or feed your fellow community members. Food is life. Enjoy what Bremerton has to offer.