February. It’s mid-winter, a mix of dark, cold, wet, cozy and warm, with the awareness that our days are slowly getting longer as the time of sunset breaks 5 p.m. Warm meals and delicious drinks are comforting through winter, and this month we are hopeful for the coming Spring; the first official day is in sight on the extended calendar. Here’s a look at some local food and drink favorites that will warm your bellies and hearts this month.

A recent weekend dessert special at Bantam 46 included the chocolate torte with espresso whipped cream, hazelnuts and caramel sauce. COURTESY PHOTO

Bellingham Cocktail Week (various locations) is here Feb. 1-8. What started in 2015 has grown into a week showcasing a variety of cocktails and community events. Presented by The Downtown Bellingham Partnership, this year’s theme is “Into the Cosmos” with more than 25 participating restaurants and bars. For a full list of events and locations, see www.bellinghamcocktailweek.com.

The Brown Lantern (412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes) hosts its annual Championship Chili Cook-off on Feb. 2! Also enjoy the Montreal Habi Tots, Fish Tacos, and Monster Chili Burger.

Setsunai Noodle Bar (45 Eads Lane, in the Village, Lopez Island) makes fresh noodles daily, sourcing many local ingredients. Try the Gyoza, Ramen, Udon, Soba, Lopez reef net Salmon, and more. They currently have reduced winter hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Bantam 46 (1327 Railroad Ave., Bellingham) offers delicious chicken and sides. Be sure to try the fried chicken and hush puppies, and happy hour. They recently offered a chocolate torte with espresso whipped cream, hazelnuts and caramel sauce. Let’s hope we can go back for more. Or head next door to Mallard Ice Cream (same owner) for dessert and enjoy a scoop there.

Looking for a satisfying hot chocolate in a comfortable setting? Head to Ristretto Coffee Lounge & Wine Bar (416 S 1st St, Mount Vernon). The coffee and paninis are enjoyed, as well as the sweet and savory baked goods brought in each day from local bakeries.

Dinner at the Il Granaio Italian Restaurant (100 E Montgomery St., Ste. 110, Mount Vernon) is always a delicious way to go. Try the Sunset Special, a 4-course dinner available until 6 p.m. daily. With bruschetta, soup, entree, and dessert (go for the New York style cheesecake or pistachio Spumoni), this may be your best decision of the day.

The Birch Door Cafe (4192 Meridian St., Bellingham) fills your stomach for breakfast. Try their most recent special of cinnamon roll french toast, the bacon or Georgia pecan pancakes, or pigs in a blanket. Also serving brunch, you’ll find what you crave.

Forte Chocolates (1400 Riverside Dr, Ste D, Mount Vernon) offers a truffle making class on Feb. 22. Learn the process, and take home a box of your truffle creations! A perfect time to buy more delicious chocolates, too.

Boomer’s Drive-In’s (310 N Samish Way, Bellingham) annual anniversary celebration, Boomuary, is here through the end of February! Every burger on the menu is $3.19 each. Huge tip: It’s BUSY, so get there early, or call in your order or order online.

northwater (4260 Mitchell Way, Bellingham) is tucked in the Holiday Inn near the airport, and serves great plates and drinks – breakfast through dinner. Try the family style dinners, or for very tasty pizza seek out the creamy garlic and rotisserie chicken, or BBQ pizza. The breakfast menu includes an “energizing juice” smoothie of avocado, ginger, leafy greens, citrus, apple, turmeric, and mineral water that tastes more like a healthy dessert.

Last but not least, the wedges at Pure Bliss Desserts (1424 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham) are always a hit. Pucker up and enjoy the lemon wedge, go for the decadent triple-layered Nanaimo bars, or enjoy the perfect Peanut Butter wedge.

Want to share your favorites? Send to editor@grownorthwest.com.