Archive for the tag 'anchorage'

scott

Lunch at Pi. Squared.

Clever, huh? I mean–two of us ate lunch. Get it? HA. 

OKOK…Had to be there. We were there, actually, at the new Embassy Suites in midtown Anchorage–the new PI Restaurant.

We did our best to conquer some of the signature dishes. Executive Chef Jeremy Fike brought out some Hawaiian Sliders to start. Whoo-boy.

Alicia Amberg takes a look at these little sandwiches–Kahlua Pork inside some lovely sweet rolls. Delicious.

That’s just for starters, of course. We indulged in some salt-and-pepper calamari, before moving on to the Crab Mac-n-Cheese. Jeez. It was delicious–and I had to bring some home for my CEO to try. 

Since this was “just lunch”, we did not have a chance to order the Pomgranate Patron Mojito. But it’s in the queue and we’ll be slurping it shortly.

PI–it’s our new sit-down favorite. Check it out at the Embassy Suites in Anchorage: 600 E. Benson Blvd. 

 

Wow. I’ve been watching this hotel from the ground up–and the 169-room property now is open. Carol Chandler, the GM, gave me a tour this afternoon. Pretty fancy! The “standard” room is a two-room suite with leather-trimmed sofas and an oversized work area–plenty of space for your laptop, your notebook and your cell phone! Free wireless internet service is available for HHonors members. (You have to sign up before making reservations at www.hilton.com) . Here’s a snap (of course, you have to move the flowers!):

 

All the rooms have the big flat-screen tvs, a refrigerator, a microwave, a coffee maker, hair dryer–all the basics so you can move right in. In fact, you’re right across the street from Carrs at the Sears Mall, so you can stock up! 

Everyone gets a complimentary, full cooked-to-order breakfast–and there’s free parking, too. There’s even a free airport shuttle! 

Check out the Pi Kitchen + Bar. It’s just off the lobby–and features healthy “global fusion” cuisine.  Dishes include “Hawaiian Sliders”, “Ponzu-Lemon Grass Scallop-and-Shrimp Brochette”, and “Crab Mac and Cheese”. Over at the bar, order one of the Pomgranate Patron Mojitos! 

There’s an indoor pool, a big whirlpool and a fitness center. In fact, there are some suites which feature a Jacuzzi tub! 

Check out the hotel, including the expansive lobby, complete with a stainless-steel whale water feature:

Located at 600 E. Benson Blvd., it’s close to BP, Alyeska, the Moose’s Tooth and the Sears Mall. Dial direct at (907)332-7000 or visit the website

 

It’s not often I get to fly mid-day. Usually, I get on board the late-afternoon or red-eye flights. It’s the nature of things. Cheaper, too.

But today, I headed out to Seattle on Alaska flight #98, departing at the reasonable hour of 10:16am.

The flight was packed. Our own Sen. Ted Stevens was snoozing in an exit-row-aisle seat. Every seat was filled on the 737-400.

The first-class lav. was out of order, so we had the opportunity to stroll back to the rear of the aircraft. The flight attendants were busy handing out the Digi-players, snacks and drinks.

The flight was quick–just two hours and 53 minutes. I sat next to a Fed-Ex pilot returning home to Seattle.

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scott

Nicest place in town

Hotel Captain Cook

 

That would be the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage. Really, when friends call and ask what’s the nicest place in town, the answer is the Hotel Captain Cook. They’ve got the coolest Health Club. They have the killer views from the Crow’s Nest Restaurant. Plus–FREE WIRELESS!

 

If you love your honey, you’ll head to the “Cook” for the Valentine’s Day special. What’s included?

a. Chocolate covered strawberries (take note Gilded Fork!)

b. Champagne or sparkling cider

c. Overnight accommodations in deluxe room or Junior Suite

d. Use of Athletic Club and pool

 

The cost? $165 per room for the deluxe room. Add $20 for the Junior Suite.

 

REMEMBER: When you make your reservation, make plans for dinner as well. At the Crow’s Nest. Bring your camera. It’s just a glorious view. And the food is great as well.

 

In addition to the “Pantry” breakfast cafe in the lobby, you can stop in at the Whale’s Tail for an espresso.

 

This special is good on Feb. 14, 15 and 16. Call now to line up the Nicest Place in Anchorage for your Valentine’s Day romp! (907)276-6000.