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Chefs turn the bounty of the sea into something beautiful

By STEVE EDWARDS
Anchorage Daily News

Published: May 17th, 2005
Last Modified: November 8th, 2005 at 07:54 AM

Alaska is famous for fish.

Even if you never wet a line in search of huge halibut or strong-fighting salmon, don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the bounty of the seas while in Alaska. Halibut and salmon are on the menu at most restaurants around town.

If you want fresh seafood, you're in the right place.

If you're not a big seafood fan, maybe it's time you try it again -- it's hard to beat a freshly caught salmon. And local chefs have years of experience bringing out the best of salmon, halibut, clams, shrimp, scallops, crab ... the list could go on and on.

And if you have to have something else, Anchorage has some good steakhouses, pizza places, authentic ethnic restaurants and plenty of well-known chain restaurants.

We'll attempt to give you a glance at Anchorage's restaurant scene. Of course, we're just scratching the surface. Get out and look around; you might find a gem tucked into an unlikely space.

DOWNTOWN

• Club Paris, 417 W. Fifth Ave., 277-6332. Many say it has the city's finest steaks. Others rave about the martinis. What a combination.

• Corsair Restaurant, 944 W. Fifth Ave., 278-4502. 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.

• Crow's Nest, in the Hotel Captain Cook, Fourth Avenue and K Street, 343-2217. It has excellent light American dining, super wine and a fantastic view.

• Downtown Deli and Cafe, 525 W. Fourth Ave., 276-7116. It has a great location along busy Fourth Avenue. It's popular with breakfast diners for its sourdough pancakes. Enjoy chicken soup, Alaska reindeer stew and calico salad.

• Glacier BrewHouse, 737 W. Fifth Ave., 274-2739. Beer and wood-fired pizzas top the menu at the bustling restaurant. It's always busy; that should tell you something.

• Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse, 610 W. Sixth Ave., 276-2337. 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?

• Josephines, Sheraton Anchorage Hotel, 401 E. Sixth Ave., 276-8700. This rooftop restaurant has excellent views. Sunday brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Kodiak Kafe, 225 E. Fifth Ave., 258-5233. Breakfast and lunch are served in a comfortable yet classy setting.

• Lucky Wishbone, 1033 E. Fifth Ave., 272-3454. It's an Anchorage institution. Burgers and the signature "pan-fried chicken" are popular. Don't miss the strawberry shortcake.

• The Marx Bros. Cafe, 627 W. Third Ave., 278-2133. 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.

• Phyllis' Cafe, 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. 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. The warm and inviting restaurant features "new Alaska cuisine" that includes fresh seafood; lunch is excellent. Beautiful artwork adorns the walls and changes monthly.

• 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 & Seaforts, 420 L St., 274-3502. Simon's is where many locals go for their "special" meals, and a large part of the allure is the view -- a stunning look at Cook Inlet. The food, especially if you like prime rib, won't disappoint either.

• Snow Goose Restaurant and Brewery, 717 W. Third Ave. 277-7727. The beer is excellent, but the Goose's draw in the summertime is its twin decks (which go nicely with a beer).

• Snow City Cafe, 1034 W. Fourth Ave., 272-2489. 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.

• Sweet Basil Cafe, 335 E St., 274-0070. Continental breakfast is on the menu, along with unique selections of pasta, salads and sandwiches for lunch. This is the place for freshly made juices. It's right in the heart of downtown.

• Tundra Espresso Cafe, 102 W. Fifth Ave., 644-8338. The cafe offers tasty sandwiches, salads and chowder.

• White Spot Cafe, 109 W. Fourth Ave., 279-3954. It's not fancy, but if you're looking for a good burger or two, stop by. It's been an Anchorage institution for more than 40 years.

ELSEWHERE

Many Anchorage visitors never leave downtown. While that's understandable -- lots of shopping, plenty of places to eat and nifty views of Mount Susitna and Mount McKinley -- consider a trip out of downtown for some good grub.

• Aladdin's, 4240 Old Seward Highway, 561-2373. 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. If you're looking for 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. 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. 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, where you'll need a doggie bag. Sourdough pancakes and omelets are breakfast specialties.

• Jens' Restaurant, 701 W. 36th Ave., 561-5367. The Midtown restaurant with one of Anchorage's most popular and well-respected chefs has a Danish menu at lunch and French and new American for dinner.

• Kincaid Grill, 6700 Jewel Lake Road, 243-0507. It's one of Anchorage's hot spots. Fine seafood, creative specials and decadent desserts.

• Maxine's Glacier City Bistro, Mile 0.5 Crow Creek Road, Girdwood, 783-1234. Outstanding prices for outstanding food. Unexpected menu items may include wild boar and garlic and rosemary lamb.

• The Middle Way Cafe, 1200 W. Northern Lights Blvd., 272-6433. The cafe offers creative food with a vegetarian touch, smoothies and espresso.

• Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria, 3300 Old Seward Highway, 258-2537. For many locals, this is the place for beer and pizza. It's always packed. Choose from a wide variety of locally brewed beers and dozens of innovative pizzas.

• Organic Oasis, 2610 Spenard Road, 277-7882. The funky little restaurant features soups, salads and sandwiches that are 100 percent organic. If you need a wheat-grass drink, this is the place. You might catch some music if your timing is right.

• Roscoe's Catfish and Bar-B-Que, 3001 Penland Parkway, 276-5879. Roscoe's, an Anchorage institution, serves soul food such as fried catfish, barbecued ribs, North Carolina chopped barbecue and pig's feet. Sides include red beans and rice, macaroni and cheese and fried okra.

• Seven Glaciers Restaurant, Alyeska Resort, Girdwood, 754-2237. The view is outstanding from atop Mount Alyeska. The restaurant regularly receives rave reviews.

• Southside Bistro, 1320 Huffman Park Drive, 348-0088. Nightly specials only add to the regular menu that features seafood, beef, pasta, duck, lamb and venison.

• Tempura Kitchen, 3826 Spenard Road, 277-2741. It is popular with many local sushi lovers.

• 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 sedwards@adn.com.