By Robin Rosemond
Turnagain Times Correspondent
Ken Smith/Turnagain Times
Melissa Vega has her hands full with Red Hot Mama amber beers at Firetap Alehouse's Fire and Ice Dinner Sunday, March 14.
We got a dumping! It's a Winter Wonderland out there and I am digging it. The snow I mean. Fur Ronde was great fun this year. I was sorry to see Darwin's Theory lose to Chilkoot Charlie's at Snow Shoe Softball, but it was a beautiful day for the game. I enjoyed watching Darwin be the Third Base Referee and give advice to his team. I have to admit the highlight of the Iditarod kick off downtown, was seeing Hobo Jim sing the Iditarod Trail song live and in person, with his guitar in hand. Darwin's was packed, Barbara Jean was pouring Hot Shots in her blue Fur Ronde get up, and people were dancing the two-step out front in the snow storm, while inside we all sang, “I did, I did, I did the Iditarod Trail.”
Mentalist Joshua Kane will wow audiences with their own psychic abilities in this interactive Borders of the Mind Psychic Show. Predictions will be made and the entire audience will experience simultaneous telepathy. Unseen drawings will be reproduced, thoughts will be read from people's minds, and spirits are invited to materialize and perform. Don't miss this fun evening fit for the whole family! Everyone eight or older is welcome. March 18 and 19, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Discovery Theatre. For Tickets: 263-ARTS.
The Anchorage Concert Association is presenting pianist Jeffrey Siegel. This amazing conductor and soloist, who has performed with many of the world's greatest orchestras is coming to Anchorage with his Keyboard Conversations. Described as informal, interactive, and filled with engaging insights, Siegel promises an unforgettable evening with commentary to his program, “Chopin for Lovers”. Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Tickets: 263-ARTS.
Korn will be playing the Dena'ina Center March 26 and 27. This popular metal band from Bakersfield, California came on the scene in the 90's. Freak On A Leash is one of their big hits. I should warn you, they are ear splittingly loud. I ran a spotlight for them in Portland, Oregon. I couldn't wear earplugs because I had to hear the light cues on headset. I thought my ears were bleeding, and I heard ringing for two days. I strongly recommend you wear sound safety gear to this performance. Dena'ina Center, 600 W. 7th Avenue, 263-2850.
Ken Smith/Turnagain Times
Jim Beam Hoisin Short Ribs were the third course of a five course meal served with Beam Bock beer.
Daniel Lesperance is hosting Open Mic Wednesday evenings at La Mex on Dimond & King. He also performs there on some weekends. Daniel is a great performer and I especially like his version of Hank Williams, It's a Family Tradition. He says, “Get there 6:30 p.m. Sharp!” For Information: 344-6399
Firetap Alehouse Restaurant held a Fire & Ice Dinner, Sunday March 14. There was a great turnout for the beer tasting and five course dinner. This is a great way to discover new beers and try some exciting dishes, paired with the beers. The guest brewer was Kevin Burton, head brewer from Glacier Brewhouse. The head chef was Brian Chafee and his wife, who lives in Girdwood and ran Coast Pizza before selling it last year.
The first course was a Jamaican Jerk Scallop with Glacier IPA. A large scallop seared with blackened spices, sliced and topped on a bed of cooling Caribbean fruit and young coconut noodles. The second course quickly followed with the crowd favorite beer Red Hot Mama, a spicy amber beer that is the signature beer at Firetap. It was paired with Prawn Wrapper, succulent prawns in a spring roll wrapper, crisped with herbs and spices and served with tabouille salad blended with Red Hot Mama and chili infused olive oil.
Next up was Beam Bock beer with Jim Beam Hoisin Short Ribs. The beam bock was actually stored and fermented in a Jim Beam barrel. The tender short ribs were slow cooked with star anise, brushed with a Jim Beam/hoisin glaze and served with spicy Asian slaw tossed with edamame and daikon then topped with crispy fried garlic.
The fourth course was served with an Imperial Blonde beer, another crowd favorite. The beer was paired with fire roasted chili and queso ravioli with pork and veal meatballs dusted with cornmeal and pumpkin seeds, served with a tomato ranchero salsa and lime cilantro crème fraiche.
Finally, the dessert was served, Spicy Icee with a Glacier Hefeweizen. Rich vanilla cake toped with ginger ice cream draped in a candied jalapeno frozen merinque and topped with Glacier Brewhouse Ice Bock macerated pineapple.
Talk about a good time. The next beer tasting dinner at Firetap isn't planned until fall, but, in the meantime, you can stop by the restaurant on Old Seward Highway across from Lowe's and enjoy it's a spacious dining room and large bar. It's a fun new restaurant in South Anchorage serving over 33 Alaskan brewed draft beers.
Write to me: rosebud61155@mac.com or check out my blog at www.rosemondpost.com.
