The foundation of a great restaurant lies in the passion of the chefs for their work, something which Jamison Rogayan and Cinnamon Berg have in spades. The two met while working at Avenue Bread creating the now defunct dinners offered at the James St. location. After the news had come down that dinners would be discontinued, Jamison walked into work one day and approached Cinnamon with the idea that the two open their own restaurant. She would cook, he would run the front of the house, and they would collaborate on management, planning, and design. The goal was to create a place where they could pursue their culinary dreams, while providing a fun atmosphere and unique menu to Bellingham residents.

The name “Cosmos Bistro” came from Jamison, who got the idea while watching the Carl Sagan educational series of the same name. Jamison wanted the restaurant to be branded under one word, so it would be easy to remember and roll of the tongue. He also felt it fit well with Cinnamon’s cooking repertoire, which he describes as “everything under the sun.”

A Stellar Menu

Although the owners are keeping the specifics of their menu under wraps, they were willing to share a few things. The main theme of the menu will be “Americana comfort food,” Cinnamon’s specialty, and will include a meatloaf recipe she’s been developing since childhood, which Jamison believes is the world’s best. The two also plan to offer menu items based on their upbringings and heritage, including Japanese-Hawaiian influence from Cinnamon and Filipino items such as pork adobo from Jamison. Cinnamon has also received classical French training, and will bring that expertise to the menu as well.

The primary guideline for the Cinnamon’s cooking is “butter and love,” a phrase which can be found on placards both at the restaurant and Cinnamon’s home. Both she and Jamison are firm believers in making everything from the sauces up from scratch. The menu will also cater to most diets, including gluten-free and vegetarian. Cinnamon, a vegetarian herself, hopes the restaurant will appeal to everyone from “vegans to pure carnivores.” Cosmos has also secured a beer and wine license, and will offer a rotation of local beer and Washington wine.

Atmospherics are also important to the owners; although the name is cosmic don’t expect everything to be in chrome. A bookcase made out of old wine crates will include science fiction favorites, but much of the decor is also made out of recycled materials. The tables were purchased from the Shrimp Shack when they closed, and the seating will include upholstery done by Jamison himself. A key feature in the location will be the open kitchen, topped by an enormous range vent system. Cinnamon and Jamison hope that by opening their work (and banter) up to their customers, they can create a more comfortable and fun atmosphere.

Shooting For The Stars

The biggest challenge in getting Cosmos open has been the timeline. The original timeline that Jamison and Cinnamon had set was very quickly exceeded, and renovating the building has taken almost an entire year. Despite the long hours and extended timetable, however, the two are optimistic and enthusiastic about the project.* Although their first goal is to get the restaurant open, they’ve already begun thinking about the future as well.

In the long term, Jamison hopes that the restaurant will be able to expand and even open new locations. Both chefs are full of ideas for menu items, and opening another restaurant with a different theme would give them a new outlet for those projects. Cinnamon also has experience teaching cooking classes, and that’s another avenue both she and Jamison would like to pursue in time. They’re careful to remain grounded in the present, however, and Cosmos is their first priority.

At launch Cosmos will be open Tuesday-Saturday from 8am-3pm, and 5pm to 8pm for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The two-hour break will be used for staff meetings and restocking inventory. The restaurant will also be open for brunch on Sundays.

Cosmos Bistro is slated to open in early April, pending completion of the renovations and final health inspection. Keep an eye out for updates about a specific opening day.

Cosmos Bistro is now open for business. Go check them out!

*The owners of Cosmos Bistro would like to express their appreciation to the following business for their help in opening the location: Kesslau Construction, Daylight Properties, Primac Electric, Bowman Metal Works, Northsound Refrigeration, and Favinger Plumbing.

Summary

Article Name

Cosmos Bistro Promises Out Of This World Comfort Food

Description

If you're a fan of meatloaf, Star Wars, and locally sourced food and beer, head to Cosmos Bistro to satisfy all of your fandoms at once.

Author

Tobias Osterhaug