By Paddy Notar
Turnagain Times Correspondent

The Slush Cup happened. A couple of the spills had you holding your breath and then giving a sigh of relief when you realized the person wiping out was all right. The fun continues at Alyeska from May 3-5 as the resort presents Alyeska Motor Madness. The name says it all. The snow machine events go from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day and it’s always a good time. Remember that the tram will be closed for repairs May 7-10 and May 14-17.

Spring skiing continues May 18-20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call or check online to confirm mountain operations.

Sakura is opening for the summer starting May 17. They will be open from Thursday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the summer season. When you go be sure to order the Wagyu beef. Order it rare and make sure you try all of the sauces that they serve with it. You’ll want to order it every time you return.

Little Bears is having a rummage sale at the Daylodge on May 18 and 19 so start collecting the things that you would like to donate. It goes on from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and all proceeds go to help Little Bears.

Trivia: Who was the first U.S. President to visit all 50 states? Answer later.

Check out the Silvertip on Facebook to get a list of events that are happening. Be sure to stop by on Sundays for open mic night. While you’re waiting get an order of the biscuits with sausage gravy. Put some Tabasco on it and suddenly the world makes sense again. It’s the most addictive thing on the menu.

The Grind in Girdwood plans to roast their own beans. Not many places are willing to go to that level to bring you the freshest coffee around, but the Grind isn’t your usual coffee joint. There is nothing like the smell of fresh beans roasting in the morning.

Answer to the trivia question: Richard Nixon was the first President to visit all fifty states. He was also the first President to visit China.

It’s almost that time of year when the Seaview Café opens its doors in Hope. They almost always have music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The deck is a great place to just sit in the sun and sip on a drink and grab a bite to eat. I can hardly wait. Don’t forget to bring a tent and your camping gear as the Seaview has one of the best places to spend the night outdoors. Check out their website to get more information. If you’re looking for a campground with views that remind you why you put up with winter check out the Porcupine Campground in Hope. They will open at the end of May and the views look like something you’d see in a postcard. Bring your friends, a couple of coolers of food and drinks, and relax under the summer sun.

If you’re heading into town check out Carr’s on Huffman. They now have Open Nature steaks. These are all organic, free-range beef. They are quite possibly the best steaks you will ever have. Don’t believe me? Bring one home and throw it on the grill. It has a nice char on it and when you cut into it the juices flow and it has an incredible flavor. It rivals anything you’ve gotten around town. They’re a little pricey but you owe it to yourself once in a while to enjoy the best that life has to offer.

The Sushi Garden on Huffman has some great albacore tuna that they sear, and the chef will make a nice ginger orange sauce to accompany it if you ask. Try one of the Udon noodle bowls. I like it with tempura shrimp but they have a nice selection and it’s a meal that will keep you full for some time. The new owners have done a great job at keeping the food and service at the highest levels you’d expect when treating yourself and others to a night out. Well done Sushi Garden.

For Mother’s Day, head to the Firetap Alehouse Restaurant in O’Malley Center. They’re offering a Mother’s Day brunch Sunday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thanks, mom.

That’s it. The sun is shining, the mosquitoes are the size of dragon flies and the smell of barbeque is beginning to fill the air. Be sure to watch out for tourists as they start to filter in and abruptly stop on the highway as if it were a parking lot. We have enough accidents to deal with so try and do your part by not creating one. Enjoy.