By Paddy Notar
Turnagain Times Correspondent

Welcome to Around the Arm. It will feature arts and entertainment in all the communities along Turnagain Arm and slightly off it like Moose Pass, Cooper Landing and Whittier. And we'll also cover South Anchorage, which is still on the Arm—kind of.

But, of course, we'll also stay on top of the local scene in Girdwood. If you are a business that wants to be included, have a special event or music venue, make sure you let me know. And if you have some fine cuisine that is a must eat, I'd love to come over and try it.

Now, first things first. Maxine's has a surf and turf roll that has asparagus stuffed inside of a steak that is then cut into cubes and topped with creamy crabmeat and finished with a wasabi topping. I don't think they need the mayo addition to the shredded crab but the meat is cooked perfectly and the wasabi accents the flavors perfectly. The presentation was also excellent. Bartender Amara's smile is like a hot fudge topping with ice cream. Without it, the atmosphere just wouldn't be the same. She does a great job at making people feel welcome. Nash is a lucky kid. So is Steve.

On Friday, May 7, Maxine's has Jack Tobin playing from 8-11 p.m. with no cover. Saturday, May 8, it's Nicholase Holland from 8–11 p.m. and, again, zero cover charge.

Friday, May 14, No idea. Christine wasn't answering her phone and no one had an idea of who was playing that day. So be it.

Saturday, May 15, it's a hodge podge of local artists, from different bands, playing from 8-11 p.m. Keeping with the theme, there's no cover charge. Maxine's opens for lunch starting June 4, from noon to five. Look for goat cheese and pistachio ravioli with a blood orange beurre blanc sauce. I want to eat that right now.

Well, music is making a comeback on the Arm as the Seaview Café in Hope is opening for the season on Wed., May 12. I can't wait to sit on their deck and bask in the sun while sipping on an ice-cold beer. My super cool shades will make me look mysterious while I jam out to whatever funky sounds come out the doorway. Yeah, right. I'll be complaining that the sun is too bright because I forgot my flip-up tinted lenses that fit over my glasses, drinking the house Chardonnay, and talking politics to some guy who just wants to be left alone. It doesn't matter, though. I'm at the Seaview and there couldn't be a more perfect view of the Arm.

Get there in the late afternoon and relax with some peel and eat shrimp or their famous chili. That's right, chili. It's not just for winter anymore. Try it and you'll see why the Seaview serves a ton of it in the summer. Not in the mood for shrimp or chili? Then politely get up, leave a tip and get out. Just kidding. Renna, the owner, is happy to offer the steamed clams with garlic bread for sopping up the juice or the halibut sandwich that melts in your mouth. Just go there already.

Look into getting a cabin after the party ends or pitch a tent in the campground. It's a lot cheaper than tempting fate and what's the hurry to get home anyway?

Thursday, May 13 the Seaview will have Jam Night with Andy Mullen at 7 p.m. Friday, May 14, it's the Melissa Mitchell Band at 7:00 pm with a $3 cover.

Finally, on Saturday, May 15 hang out with Milo Matthew and Friends from 7 p.m. till whenever. The cover is $3 or twelve quarters if you live in Girdwood.

The Sitzmark is open Friday through Sunday in May with live music every Friday and Saturday night. Upcoming events include a fundraiser for Four Valleys Community School and live music with Loose Gravel and Totally Far Fetched.

The Eric McFadden Trio will take the stage on Memorial Day weekend, May 29 and 30. Don't miss this chance to see an important musician perform in the intimate Sitzmark setting. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance by calling 754-2275.

If you're in the more for some sliders that are well worth the $2.50-$3 then go to the Silvertip Grill. They vary from day to day and are pretty big. Rodney makes me the trucker sandwich. It's off the menu and is turkey, French fries, coleslaw, tomatoes, and Thousand Island dressing all stuffed between two slices of sourdough bread. A meal within a sandwich. Make sure Rodney's working before trying to order one. His is the best and he reserves the right to not make it for you. I'm special.

Thursday, May 6 is Sugar Creek at 8 p.m. at the Silvertip. No cover. Saturday, May 8 is Scout and The Harmonica Guy at 8 p.m. No cover. Friday, May 14, is Scout and the Harmonica Guy again. Still, no cover. Saturday, May 15, go check out T Paul and Friends. A great Reggae band. It starts at 9 p.m. and there is a $5 cover. Good Reggae is always worth a five-spot.

Head to the Brown Bear and watch Matt leave your pint half full, under the tap, as he walks away to get into another conversation that sucks him in like a black hole of useless rhetoric. Say hello to Sarah as she makes eyes at her boyfriend who will be hanging out during her entire shift. It makes no difference, though, the Brown Bear is a classic spot to catch up with friends, check out motorcycles, and get the best deal on a great burger. The spicy Bloody Marys will stab your hangover in the back until they disappear. A classic joint and great people. Tell them Paddy sent you and you'll be charged an extra 25 percent.

Bar none, Chair 5 has the best pepperoni pizza around. Spike spends extra to get quality pepperoni and it shows.

Going into Anchorage? You have to stop by the Bradley House off of Old Seward between O'Malley and Huffman. Just incredible food. Char-grilled steak tips, that taste like an outdoor barbeque, for only $10. They come with a Chipotle BBQ sauce and toasted baguette.

Go there on Sunday for a Brunch that is not only the best I've had but the most affordable. $8 for Italian eggs Benedict. That's two poached eggs over Ciabatta bread, with marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, hollandaise sauce, and oven roasted red potatoes. It's also garnished with a fresh slice of pineapple and grapes. That's a great deal. Amy and Bob might be the best bartenders in town and they actually smile and are happy to take care of whatever you need. A rare combination in Anchorage. Amy, our bartender, and the best in Anchorage, even knows how to sing the happy birthday song backwards. Impressive.

If you're looking for the best Reuben in Anchorage go to O'Brady's in the Carr's Plaza on Huffman. Another great place to eat that is also friendly and affordable. Just don't try and beat the regulars at darts. You'll lose.

So get out there and have some fun. The sun is out. We made it.