By Ken Smith
Turnagain Times

Winter is here, and with the falling of temperatures along with snow, there's a bit of a lull in the entertainment scene. Local proprietors of our fine bars and restaurants are taking a deep breath before the ski season kicks in.

Matt at the Brown Bear Saloon will remain grumpy and said there will be no live music until after Thanksgiving.

However, not everyone is taking it easy. One new restaurant owner is ready to launch new establishment in Indian.

Alfredo Corona is opening the Mexican restaurant, Chavelita's Café & Grill, in the building that sits next door to the Indian House on the Seward Highway.

There have been several restaurants at the location over the last 12 years or so, but the building has been empty for over five years now.

Corona will have a quiet opening Saturday, Nov. 7. The family run business will be cooking authentic Mexican cuisine and some American food like burgers and dogs and offering espresso. They will open for breakfast as well starting bright and early at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

Corona says the breakfast menu will include traditional egg dishes, French toast, and a Mexican dish–Huevos rancheros–made with eggs over easy on lightly fried tortillas with salsa and refried beans on the side.

But what really excites me about the menu, is the homemade tamales they'll be making. You can't go wrong with a good tamale.

It's been a long time since we've been able to eat breakfast in Indian and Bird, ever since the Bird Ridge Café closed its café a couple of years ago. I can't wait to wake up in the morning, drive down the road and grab a latte and sit down for a homemade breakfast that I didn't have to make myself.

Corona has worked the past couple of years at Italian restaurants in Anchorage. His brother will be helping out with the cooking as well. He's worked at the Captain Cook Hotel and the Birch Tree restaurant in Anchorage.

And to make sure it's a truly family run restaurant, Corona's mother will also be helping out in the kitchen. She has over 30 years of cooking experience at home, which is where the real cooking gets done. Nobody can cook like mom, let's face it.

Now on to The Scene.

Thursday, November 5

Open Mic at the Indian House. 9 p.m.

Friday, November 6

Ski Film Fridays at the Daylodge. Rage Films presents “Pretty Good.” 7:30 p.m. Tix $5 per person. All ages.

Dan Lesperance at the Silver Tip. 8-11 p.m.

Saturday, November 7

Lulu at the Indian House singing the blues. 9 p.m. No cover.

Thursday, November12

Open Mic at the Indian House. 9 p.m.

Friday, November 13

Ski Film Fridays at the Daylodge. Matchstick Productions presents “In Deep.” 7:30 p.m. $5 tix. All ages.

Dan Lesperance at the Silver Tip. 8-11 p.m.

Saturday, November 16

Scout and Steve acoustic guitar at the Indian House. 8:30 p.m. No cover.

If you know of any events please e-mail them to us at info@turnagaintimes.com