Reflecting on a three-week vacation through Italy, my wife and I recall the sage and butter ravioli and spaghetti al arrabiata as fondly as the Tuscan vineyards and the Roman Forum.
What it'll cost you
Average entree price:
$: Less than $7.50
$$: $7.51 to $15
$$$: $15.01 to $22.50
$$$$: $22.51 to $30
$$$$$: More than $30
What it'll cost you
Average entree price:
$: Less than $7.50
$$: $7.51 to $15
$$$: $15.01 to $22.50
$$$$: $22.51 to $30
$$$$$: More than $30
While a meal quickly finishes its job as nourishment, food memories have a way of sticking with us long after the meal. The taste, the aroma, the presentation can all mingle to form a perfect snapshot of the entire vacation.
Alaska is a long way from Italy, but the dining experiences can be just as unique and memorable. Alaska staples are fresh seafood, excellent herbs and a surprisingly large variety of vegetables.
In accord with Anchorage's multicultural population, menus around town are equally varied. In addition to traditional dining places and plenty of chain restaurants, the community has a large number of sushi, Thai, Mediterranean, Korean, vegetarian-friendly and Cajun restaurants.
For visitors, Anchorage's dining scene can be divided into "downtown" and "elsewhere." Here, we'll try to give you a sampler platter of dining options around town.
DOWNTOWN
• The Bridge, 221 W. Ship Creek, 677-6771, www.thebridgesalmonbakeand grill.com. The restaurant is in an old bridge spanning Ship Creek, where you can watch anglers trying to hook salmon. The menu is fusion. $$$
• Club Paris, 417 W. Fifth Ave., 277-6332, www.clubparisrestaurant.com. It is frequently mentioned as the city's top steakhouse. It also gets a nod for its bar items, including the martinis. What a combination. $$$$
• Corsair Restaurant, 944 W. Fifth Ave., 278-4502, www.corsairrestaurant. com. The restaurant specializes in continental and American cuisine, with an emphasis on French haute cuisine. Expect halibut and steak. It has one of the state's largest wine cellars and has frequently been recognized by Wine Spectator magazine. $$$$
• Crow's Nest, in the Hotel Captain Cook, Fourth Avenue and K Street, 276-6000, www.captaincook.com. The view from atop the hotel is fabulous. The restaurant has received a AAA Four Diamond and Wine Spectator awards. The menu features innovative French and new American cuisine and tableside-prepared desserts. $$$$$
• Downtown Deli and Cafe, 525 W. Fourth Ave., 276-7116. It has a great location along busy Fourth Avenue, especially if you get a sidewalk seat. The menu includes standards -- calico salad, Alaska reindeer stew, sourdough pancakes and chicken soup. $$
• Glacier BrewHouse, 737 W. Fifth Ave., 274-2739, www.glacierbrewhouse. com. Beer and wood-fired pizzas top the menu at the bustling restaurant. Unique takes on Alaska seafood include bourbon barbecue salmon, halibut Southwestern and oven-roasted prawns. It's always busy; that should tell you something. $$$
• Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse, 610 W. Sixth Ave., 276-2337, www.humpys.com. About 50 beers are on tap in the busy bar. You've got to try the blackened halibut or fish and chips. There also is a gift shop if you need to have something that says "Humpy's" -- and who doesn't? $$
• Lucky Wishbone, 1033 E. Fifth Ave., 272-3454. It's an Anchorage institution. The signature "pan-fried chicken" and burgers are popular. Try the strawberry shortcake. $$
• The Marx Bros. Cafe, 627 W. Third Ave., 278-2133, www.marxcafe.com. The restaurant is in one of Anchorage's oldest homes and offers innovative cuisine, a famous Caesar salad and excellent wine. There are more than 500 choices on the wine list. $$$$$
• Muffin Man, 817 W. Sixth Ave., 279-6836. There are more than muffins here: Grab deli sandwiches, homemade soup or fresh salad. The building has a touch of history too. And don't forget to grab a muffin -- they're wonderful. $$
• Phyllis' Cafe and Salmon Bake, 436 D St., 274-6576. A salmon bake is served outdoors under canopies, along with other seafood favorites, steak, ribs and desserts. $$$$
• Ristorante Orso, 737 W. Fifth Ave., 222-3232, www.orsoalaska.com. It's a touch of Italy mixed with Alaska. The menu reflects the seasons, and the atmosphere is hard to beat. $$$$
• Sacks Cafe and Restaurant, 328 G St., 274-4022, www.sackscafe.com. The warm and inviting restaurant features "new Alaska cuisine," which includes plenty of fresh seafood. The menu changes daily, but favorites include organic free-range chicken, asiago cheese dip and New Zealand lamb rack. $$$$
• Sassafras Coffeehouse and Cafe, 343 W. Sixth Ave., 222-2512. The coffeehouse sells more than a good latte. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, quiche and smoothies. It's easy to find across from Nordstrom. $
• Simon and Seaforts, 420 L St., 274-3502, www.r-u-i.com/sim. Simon's is where many locals go for their "special" meals, accompanied by a stunning view of Cook Inlet. The food, especially if you like prime rib or shortribs, won't disappoint. $$$$$
• Snow Goose Restaurant and Brewery, 717 W. Third Ave., 277-7727, www.alaskabeers.com. The beer is excellent, but the Goose's draw in the summertime is its twin decks (which go nicely with a beer). Pizza, burgers, barbecued salmon, prime rib and ale-battered halibut top the menu. $$
• Snow City Cafe, 1034 W. Fourth Ave., 272-2489, www.snowcitycafe.com. The breakfast is worth getting up early for, but it's served all day -- so sleep in if you like. The food is creative, with many vegetarian options and sandwiches. The restaurant closes at 3 p.m. weekdays and 4 p.m. weekends. $$
• Sweet Basil Cafe, 335 E St., 274-0070. The cafe's philosophy is "cooking with your palate rather than a cookbook." It shows in some creative daily soups and specials. Freshly made juices and smoothies are tops. $$
ELSEWHERE IN TOWN
Many Anchorage visitors never leave downtown. While that's understandable for some, consider a trip out of downtown for some good grub.
• Aladdin's, 4240 Old Seward Highway, 561-2373, www.aladdinsak.com. The restaurant offers a wide variety of foods from the Mediterranean region. There are many vegetarian entrees and appetizers. $$$
• Arctic Roadrunner, 2477 Arctic Blvd., 279-7311; 5300 Old Seward Highway, 561-1245. It's a guilty pleasure -- and you're on vacation. If you want a burger (even salmon and halibut burgers) and some tasty fries or onion rings, this is the place. Enjoy your juicy burgers alongside Campbell Creek at the Old Seward location. Don't miss out on the Roadrunner's shakes -- thick and creamy with tons of real fruit. $
• Bear Tooth Theatrepub and Grill, 1230 W. 27th Ave., 276-4200, www.beartooththeatre.com. Watch second-run movies for $3 and dine on pizzas, Southwestern and Mexican fare along with fine beer. At the grill, you can eat minus the movie. $$
• Double Musky, Crow Creek Road, Girdwood, 783-2822, www.doublemusky inn.com. Reservations are not accepted, but the Cajun cuisine is worth the trip. $$$$$
• Flying Machine Restaurant, Millennium Hotel, 4800 Spenard Road, 266-2249. Watch a sunset over Lake Spenard or watch floatplanes take off and land while dining on Alaska seafood. $$$
• Gwennie's, 4333 Spenard Road, 243-2090. Gwennie's says "Alaska dining" -- the portions are huge and the restaurant is stocked with tons of Alaska memorabilia. It's like a trip to the museum but you'll need a doggie bag to leave. Sourdough pancakes and omelets are breakfast specialties. $$
• Jack Sprat Restaurant, Olympic Circle, Girdwood, 783-5226, www. jacksprat.net. The cozy restaurant near Alyeska Resort offers some tasty options for those who can "eat no fat" and those who can "eat no lean." There are lots of tasty salads, an excellent halibut burrito and big, juicy burgers. $$$
• Jens' Restaurant, 701 W. 36th Ave., 561-5367, www.jensrestaurant. com. The Midtown restaurant with one of Anchorage's most popular and well-respected chefs has a Danish menu at lunch, and the dinner menu changes regularly to take advantage of fresh produce and seafood. $$$$
• Kincaid Grill, 6700 Jewel Lake Road, 243-0507, www.kincaidgrill.com. It's one of Anchorage's hot spots. Fine seafood, creative specials and decadent desserts. $$$$$
• The Middleway Cafe, 1200 W. Northern Lights Blvd., 272-6433. The cafe offers creative food with a vegetarian touch, excellent soups, smoothies and espresso. $$
• Maxine's Glacier City Bistro, Mile 0.5 Crow Creek Road, Girdwood, 783-1234, www.maxinesbistro.com. Outstanding prices for outstanding food. Unexpected menu items may include wild boar and garlic and rosemary lamb. $$$
• Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria, 3300 Old Seward Highway, 258-2537, www.moosestooth.net. For many locals, this is the place for beer and pizza. It's always packed, but it's worth the wait. Choose from a wide variety of locally brewed beers and dozens of innovative pizzas. $$
• Organic Oasis, 2610 Spenard Road, 277-7882. The funky restaurant features soups, salads and sandwiches that are 100 percent organic. $$
• Southside Bistro, 1320 Huffman Park Drive, 348-0088. Nightly specials only add to the regular menu, which features beef, seafood, venison, pasta, duck and lamb. Don't miss dessert. $$$$
• Villa Nova, 5121 Arctic Blvd., 561-1660. Fine Italian dining is offered in a romantic setting. $$$
Special sections editor Steve Edwards can be reached at 257-4316 or sedwards@adn.com.
