Page 249 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Alaska

WHERE T O EA T AND DRINK  247

Accessibility
The US is perhaps one of the
world’s most progressive
countries in terms of providing
easy access to public buildings
for guests with mobility
challenges, and new buildings
are designed with accessibility
in mind. Still, many restaurants
in Alaska’s small towns are in
older buildings that date from
the Gold Rush era and have not
been modernized. In remoter
areas where dining options are
Pleasant outdoor seating at a restaurant on Homer Spit limited, it might be wise to
check online or call ahead.
What to Eat typically paid low wages under
Alaskan cuisine (see pp248–9) the assumption that customers Recommended
is hearty, as befits its heritage will liberally tip the servers
as an adventurous, outdoorsy and bus staff. Tips are usually Restaurants
state, and has some of the determined by the quality of The best way to find a decent
world’s finest fish and game. In the service received, with the meal is to ask locals, including
urban restaurants, meals range average being around 15–20 hotel staff and taxi drivers, who
from the usual Alaskan meat-and- percent. A tip of 10 percent will are usually pleased to promote
potatoes fare to international make it clear that the service their favorite spots. Tourist
options such as Italian, Greek, was lacking, while 20 percent offices can provide listings but
Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Korean, will indicate an appreciation of may not make recommendations.
and Japanese food. outstanding service. The restaurants on pp250–55
Above all, Alaska has access offer options for every region to
to superlative seafood, from Vegetarian Choices suit every budget and taste. The
plump, cold-water Kachemak DK Choice heading highlights
Bay oysters and Alaska king crab Despite the local fondness for establishments that offer terrific
to halibut and, of course, wild fish and game, vegetarians will food, exceptional service, or
Alaska salmon, one of the most be happy to find that most perhaps occupy an unrivalled
popular products of the state. In Alaskan restaurants cater to a location; they may simply be
the summer, restaurants and wide variety of preferences, and the locals’ favorite for brunch
tourist-oriented businesses in that Anchorage, Juneau, and or a great steak and beer, or
many towns organize salmon Fairbanks have some excellent elevate food from the mediocre
bakes – often served in an all- places specializing in vegetarian to the sublime with innovative
you-can-eat style – with freshly cuisine. In small towns, Asian use of ingredients, often
caught wild salmon. places are usually the best bet sourced locally from nearby
for vegetarian meals, and fisheries and gardens. Whatever
wilderness lodges offer buffets the reason, they will offer a
Prices and Tipping
with both vegetarian and meat- memorable dining experience.
Despite the fact that shipping oriented selections. Visitors on For map references to
distances dictate higher prices cruises or organized tours will Anchorage see pp68–9.
than those found in the Lower also find that their culinary
48, visitors will find that preferences are almost
restaurant meals in Alaska universally accommodated.
generally represent good value.
In fact, in hotels, locally run
places, and sit-down chain Children
restaurants, generous portions Most Alaskan restaurants cater
of tasty, filling food will cost only to children with simple meals
a bit more than if you prepared that include hot dogs, French
them yourself. What the food fries, burgers, and other items
might lack in sophistication, it that appeal to the younger
amply makes up for in quantity set. These will typically cost
and taste. Even fine-dining around half the price of an
restaurants are reasonably priced adult meal. In addition, many
and provide value for money. places provide high chairs,
As with any restaurant in the play areas, coloring books,
country, tipping is essential. and crayons to keep kids busy Ketchikan’s popular Bar Harbor Restaurant
Restaurant employees are while they wait for their meals. (see p253)

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