By Robin Rosemond
Turnagain Times Correspondent
As daylight hours last longer, and Anchorage gains 5-10 minutes per day, we’re all looking for fun things to do, places to go, and people to see.
The first and best choice is Fur Ronde, Feb. 27 to March 8 Fur Ronde began with the intention of creating activities that can cure, “Cabin Fever’. Cabin Fever is an idiomatic term for the claustrophobic reaction that happens when people are isolated or shut in, for long periods of time. The symptoms include restlessness, irritability, forgetfulness, laughter, and excessive sleeping. The word is also used to indicate simple boredom from being home alone. The term was first recorded in 1918.
Alaska is famous for the cooped up feelings that happen when January stretches into February and the S.A.D. feelings get dangerously strong. Since 1935, the cities forefathers knew they had to do something to make the deep winter let loose it’s grip. Fur Ronde is the ticket. You can see it on the faces of the folks who make it happen every year.
I went to many of the events last year, and I suggest the Dog Weight Pull, Snow Shoe Softball (especially the game between Chilkoot Charlie’s and Darwin’s Theory), The Rondy Reindeer Run, The Snow Sculpture Competition, and The Blanket Toss.
Fur Ronde is all about getting out and getting active. For 10 days the city celebrates Alaska tradition, absurdist behavior, and many cultural happenings too silly to miss. Did I forget to mention Iditarod? Lately, the two come together and make for a month long holidaze of Alaskan sports and play. Come to Anchorage and help us celebrate this annual event.
Richie Havens, who’s playing at the Discovery Theatre March 1 is enjoying a major come back. I met him when I lived in New York City. He and his beautiful lady were at Phoebe’s, a restaurant/bar on Bowery in Lower Manhattan. He was a gentleman. His new CD, ‘Nobody Left To Crown’ is great, and it gets play on KNBA. I especially love the cut, ‘The Key’. His sound is unique and his own. He performed at Woodstock for goodness sake. He’s a living legend in the perfect sense. Go see Richie! The Discovery Theater, Sunday, March 1 at 7p.m.
If you’re interested in a restaurant that has unique food, is reasonably priced, and quite tasty, I would check out Namaste Shangri La. It’s a Himalayan restaurant on Tudor and Lake Otis. Described by the owners as Southeast Asian Cuisine with a fusion of Burma, Nepal, India and Tibet.
I love the food, the service, the prices, and ambiance. We went during the cold snap and it was blissful relief. When I tasted the Saag Paneer ($10.99), a pureed spinach and fresh made cottage cheese dish, I melted in my seat. Perfection is the word to describe the Saag Paneer. The Chiya (Chai) tea ($3.00) is incredibly flavorful. The Chicken Curry is also a fine option. We ordered the Special Combo $15.99 which includes a meat curry dish, one vegetarian dish, daal and dessert. The vegetarian option ($14.99) is also quite good and generous. I want to go back soon! They’re open for Lunch Monday-Friday 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. and Dinner is Monday-Saturday 5p.m. to 8:30p.m. Located at 2446 E Tudor Rd Anchorage, AK 99507 (907) 569-3000. E-mail: namaste_shangrila@rocketmail.com.
If you have an event or venue that you would like published in “Out of the Town” email Robin at: rosebud61155@mac.com or check out my blog: www.rosemondpost.com.