Alaska Eats & Shopping

I will do everything I can to keep you away from tourist traps. If I recommend a store, I've shopped there more than a couple of times.

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I have other journals up about activities outside of Anchorage. This one is for folks who will be downtown for a couple days before or after cruises and when getting ready to go out into the country.

Anchorage is wedged into the limited flat land between the Chugach Mountains and to waters of Cook Inlet. It is difficult to get lost with such landmarks. The major hotels are within handholding distance of each other, well almost.

I love the pancakes and cinnamon bread--but I gave up on wearing jeans a long time ago!

On the starting line for the Iditarod, obviously the place to be during the race.

All the dishes that are the best: lamb, venison, fresh fish, and top grade beef. Wonderful vegetables. Of course, desserts that will cause you to buy new clothes in a larger size. Fair warning!

Although the waiters wear tuxedos, the customers wear everything from the top of elegant, business attire and Alaskan nice casual. (lots of wool clothes in winter). I worn a long sweater over wool slacks as I had no skirt packed for that winter trip. I find it very hard to dress up in Alaska especially in winter when the snow is deep.

We had 9 at our table; so we had a lot of fancy table-side preparation. The lighting is dim so a pocket flashlight is handy for menu reading. I have no idea what the total tab was but certainly it was a great deal. Prices are equal to Manhattan or London. 20% tip added for parties of 6 or more.

I'm allergic to shellfish which makes me very nervous in a restaurant; but a word to the waiter was sufficient to keep my meal safe for me. It is not unusual for salad dressings to have shellfish as a flavor! I avoided the ceasar salad which was prepared table-side as the waiter warned me about the dressing and also the use of raw eggs. Another member of our party who was also allergic to shellfish was grateful for this information also.

I had steak Diane which was finihsed table-side. Almost everyone else had something fishy. A vegetarian in our group had a supurb meal that met all of her requirements. All were very happy with the results.

The waiter didn't hover over us!

The banquette seating was a little crowded for those of us on that side of the table. The table would have been comfortable for 8 rather than our 9.

The wine list is large although there were jokes about the wine being shaken in the frequent earthquake tremmors!

Full service of silverware on the table including fish knives when appropriate. The waiters added silverware where needed but (thank heaven) didn't do the dance of removing unneeded silverware.

I was the designated driver and drank a lot of tonic and lime. I can remember the old days in Alaska when a lime was harder to find than a gold nugget.

Fresh flowers on the tables. Another luxury item during an Alaskan winter.

Homemade ice cream and desserts. Sorbet between courses. A little chilling when it's minus plenty outside!

Enjoy this place for major celebrations. Ask price range when you book a reservation so that you don't faint. Our coats were kept turned inside out in a well heated cloak room and were returned to us toasty warm.

All tables have views, perhaps too much so if you have a problem with heights. Chugach Mountains or Cook Inlet. Some tables also have a view of the other towers of the hotel. Sometimes this can be very entertaining! Some folks don't close the drapes!

The usual run of fancy, expensive foods with local specialties of fresh fish, crab legs, venison and other game.

You can tell the locals from visitors when there's an earthquake tremor. Locals sit calmly and finish their meals! Visitors head for the elevators! Yes the tower does sway.

Enormous wine list (shaken slightly) and vast selection of ports and spirits. Binoculars available upon request. White table cloth service. Hotel guests get preference for reservations, but don't delay as the place fills up fast on Sunday if Denali is 'out'. I am uncertain what "dress code enforced" means. I recommend asking when you make your reservation. I have never worn anything fancy to this restaurant. The most 'up' I have dressed is a nice sweater and slacks.

The Captain Cook is a 5 star hotel in the "Preferred Hotel Group" affiliated with the Clift Hotel in San Francisco. This is often a surprise for first time visitors to Alaska who don't expect such luxury and service in the land of the last frontier. 20% tip added for parties of 6 or more. Bar only seating is available.

Do not leave the trail and walk down to the 'beach' or 'strand'. Tides rise rapidly and quicksand/quickmud is everywhere along the water. This is no place for water side activities such as wading or swimming.

The stories of people being killed after venturing out onto the muddy tideline are true, including the story of the honeymooners who were walking (keeping an eye out for gold nuggets) and became separated when the wife's foot stuck in the mud. Although the husband ran for help and professional rescue people arrived, the new wife drowned in front of her husband, only yards from dry land.

Yes, I have seen people swimming in this area, but it is a very stupid idea. This is literally a 'no rescue' zone.

There is good walking around downtown Anchorage, but you have to be wise. Even if you see other visitors trekking the trails under the Midnight Sun, it doesn't mean that its a good idea. Stick to normal 'daylight' walking hours when other people are about.

Stay off the beach and tidal areas even if you see gold nuggets. Avoid following other tourists into dangerous areas. Talk and shake your keys as you walk. If you see a bear or moose on the trails, back up and turn around and go back where you came from. Do not approach wild animals. Moose can be very dangerous, especially a mother with calf.

Maps of the trail are available all over downtown, but it's really very easy. Note the lack of boat and ship traffic. The tides here are very dangerous.

If you see something that you like and want, don't hesitate. I have and I missed the chance to buy a 'Birdsall' print that I loved and have never again seen for sale.

Prices range from inexpensive to extremely expensive. The usual selection of credit cards accepted. I have had this shop ship items and have always been entirely satisfied with the results.