Where and what to eat? It’s a question people face every day.

If it’s not at home, there is a profusion of eating establishments on South Whidbey from which to choose.

In fact, Southenders can now dine at seven more restaurants than at this time last year.

After a trend that saw several restaurants go out of business during the past few years, the question arises about the survival of this new crop of eateries, given the geographically isolated market of South Whidbey and the current economic downturn.

Local restaurateurs’ opinions about the competition and the economy are as varied as their menus.

John and Pat Powell, owners of 6-year-old Langley Tea and Sushi, aren’t worried. They believe their regular, loyal customers return to the restaurant for its unique fare. The Powells serve English tea and sandwiches and, for the more adventurous, sushi.

“We see the same people over and over, even now. And our winters are as busy as summer,” Pat Powell said.

But perhaps uniqueness isn’t the answer for most restaurants in the area. Part of the answer no doubt lies with the diners themselves.

Rachel Kizer of Clinton says she eats out only once or twice a month.

“I cook all weekend, so that I don’t have to eat out,” she said.

Greenbank resident Anne Wickstrand and Debbie Neely, from Clinton, said they are both eating out more, but for different reasons.

“I’m eating out more because of the downturn, since I work more now,” said Wickstrand. “I eat out daily for lunch during the workday, and only occasionally on the weekends.”

Neely’s reason for dining out is related to the increase in restaurant choices.

“I eat out more often because there are more good restaurants to choose from,” Neely said.

Statistics speak

Based on 1990 census numbers, South Whidbey’s 1996 population was extrapolated to be 12,425 people. According to the Island County Economic Development Council, licensed restaurants and catering services in 1998, two years later, reflect a total of 40 such businesses.

Today in 2002, with 35 restaurants and catering businesses in operation, the closest population figures from 2000 show 12,662 people.

When considering the restaurants that have closed during the past five years, the repeat failures in the same locations stand out. For instance, both La Creperie and the Pot Belly Deli closed on the same site in Freeland.

Then there’s Blueberry Jazz, which recently closed its doors in a location previously occupied by Blueberry Hill. So the advice, “Location, location, location,” works for restaurants as much it does for residences.

However, some restaurants succeed “where others have failed,” such as the successful China City in its former Cascade Avenue site in Langley, where many other eateries had struggled and failed repeatedly.

Jack Ng, the owner of China City, says success in the restaurant business is a matter of finding out what people want and caring about and meeting those desires, especially with locals.

“We work hard and try to make every customer as happy as we can,” Ng said.

He also said quality is important to the dining consumer. Ng is reusing that winning formula at his new restaurant, the Edgecliff, which he opened in China City’s old Langley location.

Edgecliff customers are coming, Ng said. Bellingham residents Dick and Jeanne Allard visited Langley recently one Sunday. While shopping, they had lunch at the Bistro and planned to have evening dinner at the new Edgecliff.

“We’ve eaten at the Bistro several times,” said Jeanne Allard.

At China City in Freeland, which opened May 31 at the former failed Teddy’s site, Ng says he’ll continue with his proven business philosophy. He’s promoting some new capabilities, including more catering, upstairs conference and gathering spaces, and entertainment in the bar every weekend.

Menus refined

At La Paz in Clinton, run by proprietors Troy and Stephanie Cook, Troy Cook agrees with Ng about quality as a draw for business. And he goes one step further.

“We’ve got the reputation for quality and good food. Now we want to introduce things that will help us stand out, such as the 25 hot sauces in the display case in the dining room,” Cook said.

The Cooks continually refine their menu in response to diners’ suggestions, incorporating seasonally fresh ingredients.

The Stickerberry Bakery in Freeland has survived the winter slow season after opening in August of last year.

As at La Paz, owner Sue Scofield and her staff have implemented some menu and product changes, including reduced prices for cookies and lower-sugar and gluten-free baked goods. And just in time for the good weather, there’s a new outdoor dining area.

Joining forces with The Eagles Club in Freeland as of May 31, Patty Howard, chef and owner of the Casual Gourmet, serves food for diners and takeout meals at the club.

Howard maintains that The Casual Gourmet’s multiple revenue streams, including catering, personal gourmet services, and serving food to go as well as in the club’s dining area, will enable the business to succeed during the economic downturn.

Howard believes the emergence of new restaurants in South Whidbey is a good thing, because it causes businesses to offer consumers their best.

“I’m happy about it. Competition is good. It challenges us all to do our best,” she said.