Robin Rosemond/Turnagain Times
Gwennies, where Chicken Fried Steak Rules.
By Robin Rosemond
Turnagain Times Correspondent
Turnagain Times has been getting feed back on this column. I was encouraged to stretch the coverage to outlying areas and events. This gives me an opportunity to promote things in places like Homer, Valdez or Seward. All of these communities need a plug, just like the Anchorage Bowl. Please write and tell us about your upcoming events.
If you haven't gone to see The Lion King, it closes Oct. 11. Working on the show has been a great ride! I've enjoyed being one of the Stage Right Carpenters. I'm happy to announce that Anchorage is stepping up and throwing a party for the cast, crew, and friends of Lion King in Anchorage. A bunch of local artists, including myself, are putting together an exhibition of our art, including performance, to entertain the visiting troupe. The vision sprang from my artist friend Kari Glass, who loves the Director of Lion King, Julie Taymor. This exhibit is in homage to Julie Taymor, Michael Curry, and Richard Hudson (The set, costume, mask, puppet, and scenic designers.)
The art reception's theme is, ‘What Is'. There will be a Harvest Moon Reception from10:00pm to Midnight on Sunday, Oct. 4 and there is also a Happy Hour Party from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5. The artistic event is being catered by Snowfalls, and the sponsors are Darwin's Theory, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Tim Melican & The Magic Bus, Alaska Club, Glacier Brew House, Orso, Sack's Café, Moose's Tooth, Bear Tooth, Cyrano's Side Street, Kaladi Brothers Coffee, Anchorage Opera, Raven's Brew Coffee, Mad Hatter, Club Paris, Laughing Lotus, Permafrost Vodka and Uncle Joe's Pizza.
The performers and artists for the event are; Antonio Jimenez, Thor Evenson, Colin Brown, William Bloomhuff, Duke Russell, Damian Mousseau, Tom Layou, Mark Muro, Brian Hutton, Bob Moore, Mark Duncan, Kay Bones, Dani Evans, Marian Call, Judith Hoersting, Kari Glass and yours truly. I would like to thank all the contributors and sponsors who gave freely, and who understand how important it is to give back. Come check out the show! 2531 Lord Baranof Drive. Sunday, Oct. 4 from 10:00 p.m. – Midnight and Monday, Oct. 5 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. There will be a shuttle (The Magic Bus) running from the Egan Center to the event every half hour.
My restaurant pick of the month is Gwennies on Spenard. I love Gwennies! Some people say good things about this Alaskan Landmark, and some say bad things. I say only good things. I think it's the perfect example of an old fashion Alaskan eatery. I especially enjoy the Chicken Fried Steak. I know it's not for everyone, but I purposefully choose the heart buster wherever it is offered, because I have made a study of this fine, American dish. Its origin is said to be Texas.
Around 1850 the Germans and Austrians that settled there, got creative with their beloved Weiner Schnitzel (Breaded and fried Veal) by using cheap cuts of beef. Chicken Fried Steak is the unofficial dish of Texas, and there are many variations of the delectable Taters, Peppery Milk Gravy, and Chicken Fried Steak! I say try Gwennies. 4333 Spenard Road. 243-2090.
Write to me about events or places of interest:
rosebud61155@mac.com
Or check out my blog:
www.rosemondpost.com
