Our discovery of the year
It isn't often that two hungry people exit a freeway, get lost, and then literally stumble into a restaurant that served us one the best meals in our memory. But that's exactly what happened last night. We headed off the freeway into Bellingham, Washington, parked, walked a few blocks, and then noticed the unusual name Chribin's above the door.

Although my wife and I are definitely not in the college-age category, which seems to be the primary clientele there, we went in anyway. The service was fast and friendly, and we both ordered the gumbo with fried catfish and a glass of one of the local Mt. Baker wines. Wow! It only took one spoonful, and we were in Louisiana heaven! This stuff is incredible! Layers and layers of flavors with just the right amount of spiciness...and the fish was done to perfection as well.

The cornbread at Chiribin's was the best I've ever tasted! It was moist and incredibly delicious and it perfectly complimented the generous bowl of gumbo. The local wine, a Viognier, was also a big surprise since we weren't familiar with the maker. Our pretty blonde waitress was most gracious in bringing out the bottle so we could see the label. We can't wait to come back the next time we're in the area. This place is doing everything right!    [18 Jul 2006 22:26:10]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Gumbo with Fried Catfish

     ­Dr. W. Johnson   

A Reputation Sliding Down Hill Fast!
Chiribin's WAS one of my favorite places to have a meal in Bellingham, this despite the fact the service has been mediocre at best, and downright bad most of the time. The food at least made the service problems tolerable, over the last few months Chiribin's food has matched its service.

My dining favorites there have been the BBQ Po 'Boy Sandwich, the Burger, and the Mac. & Cheese. When I began going to Chiribin's the food was very good, well prepared and well presented, though the size & portion of the po'boy sandwich varied radically every time I ordered it, it still remained very tasty. The Burgers were seasoned to perfection, and prepared to taste with care, and the Mac & Cheese appetizer, was a great treat.

Of late, (meaning the last 5 times I have been there), the quality of the food has been in rapid decline, burgers that are badly seasoned and are delivered well done regardless of how they are ordered. Mac & Cheese that is bland flavorless and dry & overcooked, and the Po 'Boy sandwich, served on stale bread with the flavor profile of yesterdays leftovers.

And let me not forget the 3 take out orders, every single one of them screwed up, with incorrect items, and parts of the order entirely left out, like 3 burgers all without the fries, no napkins or utensils, no condiments. When it is mentioned to the staff on the next visit, its obvious they really could care less, and rather than try to do anything to satisfy a customer behind a problem, it is shrugged off as, "yes, that tends to happen on to go orders"

As I mentioned the service has always been iffy here, but now that the food is as bad, I have made my last visit!    [14 Jan 2007 17:30:39]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: None

     ­Aunt B, Chefmoz