By Paddy Notar
Turnagain Times Correspondent

Happy 4th of July everyone, Forest Fair is here. That's right Forest Fair. Expect complete chaos in Girdwood from July 2 through July 4 and for the rest of the month as backpackers and families come into town for the three-day–but feels like 30-day–event.

Live music will be going on throughout the event on a two stages. There will be lots of bluegrass, food vendors, a beer tent, and slow moving traffic in the downtown area. So take your time and have some fun.

Don't forget there will also be bands playing at the Silvertip Grill, Maxine's and Casa del Sol downtown for those going out after the fair shuts down.

But if you're looking to head out of Girdwood and leave the chaos behind, go to the Brown Bear Saloon in Indian. That's right, the Brown Bear. The place where you're eager to lose at pool or darts just so you can get back to your drink.

The Brown Bear Summer Festival was a blast to attend Saturday, June 19. It was like being at a reunion where you got to invite the people you most wanted to see. Live music went on until the wee hours of the morning. Hats off to Morgan and Sara for running the event while Matty drove a shuttle from Girdwood to Indian for those who needed a lift. I can't wait for next year. Good times.

If you're going into Anchorage, make sure you leave town via O'Brady's in the Carrs Huffman mall. When you're done with your grocery-shopping stop in and try their club sandwich or, better yet, their prime beef sandwich. Just delicious and a nice break before heading home. Tell Meredith and Will that Paddy says “hello.”

I was treated to an incredible meal in Hope at Bowman's Bear Creek Lodge. Actually, it's the best salmon I ever had, and it wasn't even my order–it was the person sitting next to me, but I had to try some. I've never tasted such a buttery salmon. Wow! If you're a fan of gourmet food in the most relaxing of atmospheres, I highly recommend the trip down. The Brie with pesto sauce was delicious, and the calamari was perfectly cooked and tasted as fresh as could be. We all had to share the brownie dessert. It's covered in rich vanilla ice cream and topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. The whole experience felt like you just ate at a five star restaurant in the nicest backyard in Alaska.

There are also handcrafted cabins along a pond and a small creek, in case you decide to spend the night, which you should. Go to Bowman's at least once during the summer. You'll be happy you did. And don't forget to end your trip to Hope at the Sea View Café. A great place to unwind while sipping a cold tap beer looking out the window at the best scenery from a bar in Alaska.

I watched the young female vocalist Scout sing the other night while I was out and about. I was shocked at how good she is. Scout's 17 years old and is well on her way to big success. She reminded me of Jewel except Scout likes Alaska. If you get a chance to listen to her—do it. She's exceptional.

I never realized how good the steaks are at Chair 5. Iowa Ribeye that owner Spike ages on the premises. I had one blackened and it was a perfect medium rare. When I think of Chair 5 I always think of a great place for lunch or hanging out in the evening to watch a ball game. But their dinners are excellent as well. The King Crab cakes, that actually have a lot crab in them, are a favorite of mine. They're not like most places where you're digging through the crab cake with your fork, wondering why you paid so much for bread. The kitchen will do just about anything to accommodate you. I bugged them into making a red wine sauce to go with my steak, and they were happy to do it.

Not to be overlooked are the Chair 5 salads. Mandarin chicken is my favorite but there are several to choose from. The ingredients in their salads are always fresh, and they'll even give you a half order if you ask them. Of course, Chair 5 is my pick in town for having a pizza while watching your favorite sports team. There is nothing better than waking up on Sunday, looking like you had a rough night, sitting at the bar with a Bloody Mary and watching a good ballgame. Enjoy any one of their perfectly cooked burgers as you sit next to Dan and watch the Cubs fail to win another World Series.

Seriously, head down to Chair 5 for some great food, single-malt scotches, and the look that Gretchen gives people if they're not behaving properly. Tell Micaela I sent you and you'll get 86'd.

Have a safe 4th of July, enjoy the fireworks, eat at every booth at Forest Fair, and don't act like a jerk.

 

35th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair Entertainment Schedule

Marlow Pavilion

Friday - July 2

11:00 Moby Wang

12:20 Elite 9

1:40 Jack Tobin Union

3:00 Lulu Small w/Band

4:20 Jack River Kings

5:40 Bare Roots

7:00 Sweating Honey

Saturday - July 3

11:00 Spiff

12:20 Dan McElrath Quintet

1:40 Rebel Blues

3:00 Back C'untry Brothers

4:20 Far Fetched Sudaki

5:40 Super Frequency

7:00 Denali Cooks

Sunday - July 4

11:00 Grass Fed String Band

12:20 Rogues & Wenches

1:40 Big Fat Buddah

3:00 Sarahndipipity

4:20 Ken Peltier

5:40 Stray Dogma

7:00 Nervis Rex

Beach Stage

Friday - July 2

11:00 Alison & Jesse Logan

12:15 Jennifer Matthews

1:30 Michelle McAfee

2:45 James Dommek Jr.

4:00 The Long & Short of It

5:15 Sweet Basil Banshee

Saturday - July 3

11:00 Willie Ames

12:15 Nellie & the Downhome Easy

1:30 Ultraliscious

2:45 Homegrown

4:00 Gypsy Underground

5:15 Shu Cube

Sunday - July 4

11:00 Lige Williamson

12:15 Sourdough Biscuits

1:30 Hurricane Dave

2:45 Lanis & Eli

4:00 James & Jeffrey

5:15 Deb Wessler