Telling Juneau’s Story Through Food

Chef Amara at the Jorgenson House knows the name of the fisherman that catches the salmon or halibut used to serve guests and locals alike. She offers house preparation if you catch fish with a licensed and certified charter tour company. If you rent a place with a kitchen or are staying with friends, she will cook for you on site.  Midgi Moore, Juneau Food Tours’ CEO (Chief Eating Officer), works carefully with local and nearby producers to stock locally made items, highlight local seafood at local restaurants on her company’s food tours, or coordinate chefs for private dinners in the wild with the salmon you caught that morning on a fishing boat. Six-time James Beard nominated Chef Beau Schooler of In Bocca al Lupo uses his creativity on a daily basis to elevate and experiment with whatever is fresh and local.

Slow travel and slow food aren’t mutually exclusive. Luckily, there is no shortage of ways to try learning about Juneau through food. In addition to the above, travelers can visit four local breweries to learn about how each approaches different styles and brewing processes with local history and ingredients. Juneau is also home to two distilleries utilizing local ingredients such as Sitka Spruce tips and rhubarb to craft distinctive alcohol and cocktails. Love coffee? We have a local roaster that keeps us in delicious coffee year-round. If you are a kombucha or soda drinker – we have those locally made too!

It wouldn’t be a visit to Juneau if you didn’t visit Taku Smokeries for a free sample of smoked salmon, buy some lox, and see salmon being fileted as it comes in fresh from the dock. Got skunked on the fishing grounds? Head down to the docks and see what’s fresh directly from the fishermen. If you head out-the-road, a stop by Jerry’s Meats & Seafood fulfills an opportunity to dive into some locally smoked black cod or try Jerry’s beloved smoked salmon or crab dip. Or pick up some smoked octopus or locally made kelp salsa or pickles – you’ll be glad you did.

Deep fried halibut is a local favorite and everyone has their favorite place to eat it. Ask a local where their favorite place is! Dungeness and king crab grace summer menus at local restaurants, and Deckhand Dave’s famous blackened rockfish tacos are coveted by locals and visitors alike. Even the local donut joint has an Alaskan flair, producing a savory donut with smoked salmon dip on top. Insider tip: Don’t miss out on eggs benedict with big lump crab cakes as the protein layer.

Each local food experience tells a story – not just about our food, but also about our way of life. Come slow down with us and take in the diverse wonders of Southeast Alaska and experience slow food in Juneau. There is an old saying, “When the tide is out, the table is set.”

The table is set. Have a seat and deepen your connection to Juneau as you experience each tasty morsel during your visit.