Alaska The Last Frontier How Do They Make Money

Kim Sunée, author of the bestseller Trail of Crumbs and the recently released cookbook A Mouthful of Stars, was born in South Korea, grew up in the American South, and lived in cities from Paris, France, to Birmingham, Alabama. She writes in her latest book: "I have learned that through chance meetings and the food we share, we instantly (albeit momentarily) can feel at home; the power of one bite can anchor us to a place and its people." It's no surprise that she's discovered some delicious spots in her current locale of Anchorage, Alaska:

Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop

WHERE TO EAT

"Crush Wine Bistro is all about the grape, but they also serve excellent small bites to pair with over 30 wines by the glass. I love the salmon confit salade Niçoise or the Alaska elk and pork meatloaf. Kincaid Grill never disappoints. Start with Alaskan oysters on the half shell with citrus Tabasco granita and move on to halibut or local Kodiak scallops. Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop downtown is a little piece of bread and pastry paradise. For a quick lunch, get the tofu banh mi or the BLT. And the newly opened Torchon Bistro features a sampler of house-cured Alaskan-raised heritage pigs, including cracklin's with truffle Alaskan sea salt."

WHERE TO DRINK

"I love meeting friends at the The Crow's Nest, perched on the twentieth floor of Tower Three at the Captain Cook Hotel, for cocktails with views of downtown Anchorage, the Cook Inlet, and the Chugach Mountains. Order a perfectly shaken martini or a glass from their award-winning wine cellar with an emphasis on wines of the Pacific Northwest, and share some small bites, like Chef Reuben Gerber's take on roasted bone marrow with pancetta butter, parsley, capers, and lemon. For a more intimate gathering, head to the Bubbly Mermaid for oysters and all types of bubbly wines."

Kenai Lake

WHERE TO EXPLORE

"Hike North America's northernmost rainforest on Winner Creek Trail in Girdwood (about 45 miles south of Anchorage), then head for an outdoor table with a view and weekend brunch at Jack Sprat. Start with chia muesli with house-made almond milk and organic shaved coconut, and continue with the Korean-inspired bibimbap served in a hot stone pot or the red flannel hash with potatoes, beets, bacon, and scallions. In winter, ski the world-class slopes at Alyeska Resort; take the tram 2,300 feet above sea level to Seven Glaciers for a drink at the bar with the most stunning views. There are plenty of gorgeous spots to take in the breathtaking views of the Alaskan landscape from a kayak, including Kenai Lake and Prince William Sound."

WHERE TO SHOP

If you're in Anchorage on the first Friday of the month, head downtown rain, snow, or shine and explore the galleries during the First Friday Art Walk. For more unique gifts, The Alaska Native Heritage Center hosts an annual holiday bazaar (this year's is December 6) featuring beading, baskets, jewelry and more. Or shop all year long at the Center's gift shop.

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