BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – There are many restaurants in downtown Bellingham known for their quality beverages and bites, but some of the minds that make a dine-in experience unique work behind the scenes.

Storia Cucina, which directly translates to “kitchen story,” is a locally owned restaurant inspired by traditional Italian cuisine. Everything is made from scratch and many of the ingredients used are sourced through farmers around Whatcom County.

The kitchen serves variations of Italian pasta, pizza, bread and salads while the bar specializes in classic Italian cocktails. The aroma that wafts out from the open kitchen pairs well with the hum of chatter and intimate seating throughout the establishment’s space. It culminates an intimate and comfortable atmosphere for both staff and guests. 

Chris Cheesman found himself seeking that atmosphere and wanting to become part of a busy Whatcom County restaurant like Storia Cucina. Though he pursued a degree in geology in college, he says he always came back to bartending throughout his career.

Now in charge of beverage and operations, he enjoys the relationships that Storia Cucina fosters like new conversations and the sharing of food between strangers at the bar.

The lunch rush settles in on a Tuesday afternoon at Storia Cucina. Photo by Ellie Coberly

“I think [food] is a bond that you form, I see it a lot at the bar top,” Cheesman said. “Some of my favorite days are when I see strangers intermingling over something. That’s what I really enjoy seeing in a town like this. Food is that interaction, sharing, bonding, conversation or new friend that you get.”

Cheesman went on to share that he still has a clear memory of where he was and how he felt the first time he had cioppino made by Storia Cucina’s chef de cuisine, Helen Lofton. He believes that moments like those truly show how important good food can be.

Helen Lofton has worked at Storia Cucina for around four years and is in charge of food operations, recipe, menu and team development. She attended culinary school at Seattle Central Community College and planned to pursue her career in Seattle, but fell in love with Bellingham after coming to Whatcom County two decades ago. 

Lofton said that as a Black woman, she has had to work twice as much to get even a little bit ahead in the world. However, she comes from a family where she’s used to pushing the envelope and is determined to continue doing so in her culinary journey. 

Supporting one another and the Whatcom County community is a key part of Lofton, Cheesman and Storia’s mission.

Fresh orders of pasta are plated on the line and ready to be served. Photo by Ellie Coberly

“Farmers have struggled for years and years, so being focused locally means that we can support our neighbors and that’s what [local food] is about, building community,” Lofton said.

“The plate that you get at Storia has at least been touched by someone that works here, and often even four or five more people have put their energy into that food.”

The team at Storia has found a way to incorporate local ingredients while also staying true to owner Jonathan Sutton-Cicotti’s family recipes.

Lofton’s background in working with seafood comes through in several of Storia’s menu items such as the Squid Ink Linguine and locally harvested Taylor Shellfish Clams. Food specials depend on what is available locally, while hand-crafted pasta, pizzas and antipasti hold a permanent residence on Storia’s menu.

“Food is neutral. It is not political,” Lofton said. “In a good meal, it gets really loud and then it’s quiet.”

In 2025, Lofton and Cheesman hope to see more expansion in the restaurant’s catering efforts as well as the continued use of locally sourced ingredients on their menu.

For more information about Storia Cucina, head to their website at storiacucina.com.

We are Whatcom is a weekly column featuring Whatcom County residents making a positive impact on the community. To submit a Whatcom County resident to be featured, click here.