HISTORY: At these eateries, memories are on the menu.
Alaska celebrated its 50th anniversary of statehood in 2009, a milestone that commemorated a history fraught with fierce independence, literally earth-shaking events and a steady stream of adventurous folks looking to make their mark on the Last Frontier. Some came and went, and a determined few succeeded. This is an introduction to the people and places that have been feeding the hungry, hardy hordes since Alaska first became a state.
The food at all of these restaurants is certainly worth seeking out but the true attraction is the people behind the counter; half a century's worth of Alaska experiences, stories and memories leave diners wanting more even after their bellies are full.
The Rice Bowl, 810 E. Sixth Ave.
In 1954, five years before Alaska became part of the United States, the Rice Bowl opened its doors to the various rugged men and women looking for a hot meal and some camaraderie. Owner William Wong arrived in 1956 as a soldier at Fort Richardson, where he trained as a cook. He married into the Rice Bowl and took it over in 1972. He has watched his very first customers fall in love and have kids, who then grew up and had kids of their own; today, Wong is familiar with every member of many three-generational families, who come in together to enjoy his Chinese and American cooking. Wong is known for a killer steak and great hot-and-sour soup but it is his restaurant's hospitality that keeps the customers coming.
The Arctic Roadrunner, 2477 Arctic Blvd.
Dining here is like experiencing an edible scrapbook; the walls are filled with photographs of the people who have made the Roadrunner one of Alaska's most popular burger joints. Gold miners, construction workers, oil riggers -- everybody loves a good burger and this is where an appetite for food and friendship is satisfied. Owner Dick Sanchis has been "The Local Burgerman" since 1964 and has two locations in Anchorage. Try the locally inspired Kodiak Islander Burger, a juicy burger topped with ham, cheese and peppers, or enjoy a classic cheeseburger in a classic Alaska setting.
The Lucky Wishbone, 1033 E. Fifth Ave.
Entrepreneurs abound in our great state and George and Peggy Brown are two of the first. They arrived in Alaska in 1951, already having tried their hand at ventures in Wisconsin and Arizona. The couple also helped out at brother Leon Brown's now-defunct Mt. View A&W drive-in, famously known for housing a pair of lions. Since 1955, the Lucky Wishbone has been famous for its own brand of animal -- perfectly cooked fried chicken. Many Anchorage residents have been eating here for as long as they can remember, starting with the Junior (two pieces of chicken), graduating to the Mom (three pieces) and now polishing off the Pop (five pieces). A convenient drive-through lets downtown-bound commuters take the edge off rush hour traffic with a sweet strawberry shake.
