The first time I visited Alaska, I expected it to be a lot like home. Having grown up in one of coldest parts of Canada, I know how to survive cold, snow, and wildlife. I expected snow boots, Skidoos, fashion courtesy of North Face and Columbia, and infallible central heating. When I arrived at my parents’ friends’ house, my expectations were blown away. Beautiful stone glazing, walls of windows, and wood beams supporting the roof which overhang the entire porch. This is what they braved the winter in. I quickly learned that since Alaskan’s spend most of their time indoors, they make themselves comfortable.
photos courtesy of alaskahomemag.com
The inside was a continuation of the stone, wood, and glass which greeted me outside, and the views of the water and distant forrest from the windows were better than any art they could put on the walls (although they had that too). The fireplace was lit on the distant wall, but the floor was warm all the way to the door. Heated floors, long before they were popular over here. In my room there was a button next to the bed to close the blinds, ‘To keep the sun out while you’re asleep’ Christie told me. For people who live anywhere else, these would be considered luxuries, but in Alaska, luxury is a necessity.
This extends to fashion as well. Alaska is very cosy-chic with a touch of ski-lodge. Quality knits, cashmere, furs and cute ski jackets abound.
Although stilettos might not fare so well in the snow, high fashion footwear hasn’t been abandoned either. These designer muckluks imported from Winnipeg run up to $400.
available at juliepedersen.com
Alaskan cuisine, like Alaska, is very real with a healthy amount of the unexpected. It’s high end comfort food – all the things you want, with a few new things to try. Of course seafood is very popular, but every restaurant makes a special effort to put their own sauce on it. We’ve been hearing great things about Crush Wine Bistro and Cellar. Along with an impeccable wine selection which earned it a place on Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s list of America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants of 2011, Chef Christopher Vane’s wild red salmon and avocado cakes with whole grain mustard sauce has earned rave reviews.
While Alaskans love wining and dining out, they certainly know how to entertain at home. The whole lifestyle; home, clothes, food, and company is about warmth and comfort. Canapes, cheeses and spirits begin the evening, salmon even finds it’s way into many of the canapes, followed by something warm and filling like a roast for dinner. Alaskans are big fans of dessert wines as well. Ice brandy made from glacier water is a particularly good end to an evening in, and makes a great gift.
Between cold, snow, wildlife, and spending half the year in total darkness, I like many people expected Alaska to be somewhere people know how to survive. I was delighted to learn that they really know how to live.
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