Summit Spice and Tea Company

I first discovered Summit Spice and Tea Company when I was looking for just the right finish on my hollandaise sauce.  I wasn't sure what I was looking for, but I knew it was missing something...something that the recipe didn't call for...I just wasn't sure.  I googled spices and Anchorage, and there it was.  I didn't have any idea that Anchorage had any such store.  By the way, the black truffle salt was just what I was looking for.

When you first walk into either of the shops, you are greeted with hundreds of aromas.  Some come from the 150+ tea blends that they have to offer.  Still others come from the 250+ spices, spice blends, and seasonings they have in the store.  I am sure their teas are good, but since I am not much of a tea drinker, I am more fascinated by their array of seasonings.

Summit Spice and Tea has dozens of their own house blends ranging from curries, to rubs, popcorn seasonings, and more.  It is a wonderful experience just to visit the store and smell the different varieties they have to offer.  Most of their selections offer a smelling tin that you can open and "sample".  The only problem with this is when you overdo it, and send yourself into a sneezing jag.

There are a variety of dried mushrooms and chilis to choose from, as well as great selection of specialty salts.  They have cooking oils, designer sauces, vinegars, and olives.  There are chocolates, scones, mixes, and biscotti.  I think I could spend hours exploring each of their two locations.

For the food lover and/or cook, Summit Spice and Tea Company is a bit of a playground.  It has those hard to find items, and it is a place that inspires a person's culinary creativity.  Check it out today.


Summit Spice and Tea Company:

Addresses and Phone -

• South Anchorage - 1120 Huffman Rd, Suite 1, Anchorage, 99515;   907.348.2585
• Midtown Anchorage - 3030 Denali, Suite 2, Anchorage, 99503;   907.375.1975

Website - www.summitspiceandtea.com

Overall Recommendation:  Summit Spice and Tea Company is filled with wonderful scents and dynamic flavors.  Anyone looking for top notch, fresh, and unique spices, teas, and specialty food choices, should check out one, or both of these shops.  You don't know what your palate has been missing!

OEC Revolving Sushi Bar - Deliciousness gliding by

One of my friends recently told us about a new sushi bar in Anchorage.  My wife and I decided to check it out, and we enjoyed the OEC Revolving Sushi Bar a great deal.  Before you read on, please watch the video below, so that you get an idea of what a revolving sushi bar is.

You can take a seat at a table next to the conveyor belt or sit at the bar.  Either way, your choice of rolls, sushi, and other tasty offerings glide by.  If you see something that looks good, you take it off and enjoy.  The plates you pull off are color coded.  At the end of your meal, your server adds up your plates, and you have your bill.  Prices per dish range from $2-$5, and the variety of offerings are pretty good.

If you don't see something on the revolving menu that strikes your fancy, you can always order off their menu.  The menu features a pretty extensive selection including, tempura, teriyaki, yakisoba, rolls, nigiri, desserts, and more.

My wife and I ate exclusively off of the revolving bar, and had everything from raw tuna and salmon, to california rolls, and specialty rolls.  It is not the best I have had in Anchorage, but it was fun watching the food glide by and then choosing our meal.  It would have been great to have been in a big group, which would have allowed us to sample more plates.

I have to say that we spent a bit more than we probably would have at a traditional sushi restaurant, but then again, I think we got a bit more variety.  In all, I would say the trade off was worth it.  It is a fun place to dabble in sushi.

OEC Revolving Sushi Bar:

Address - 1200 W Northern Lights Blvd, Suite H, Anchorage, 99503

Phone - 907.277.7655

Website - www.oecalaska.com

Overall Recommendation:  OEC Revolving Sushi Bar is an entertaining take on sushi dining.  I imagine it being great for groups and sharing.  If you are looking for sushi that will blow your mind, there are a few better choices in Anchorage.  The sushi is okay, but the main reason for going to OEC is the presentation and selection of offerings.  Give it a try!  It is a fun place to dine.

The Sea Bean Cafe - Sunshiny Happiness in Seward

When I found out that one of my coaching colleagues owned a cafe in Seward, Alaska, I was intrigued.  When he showed up at the last swim meet with a copy of his menu, I was sold.  I let Coach Matt Hershock know I would be in for a visit to his Sea Bean Cafe...and soon.  I was looking to spend some quality time with my wife, this seemed like it would be perfect for a day trip.

The item on the menu that attracted me to visit the Sea Bean was the Sunshine Sandwich of Happiness.  This delight is a panini ham, Tillamook cheddar, and macaroni and cheese.  If reading that doesn't put a smile on your face, then you have no culinary soul.  The panini would be good with just the ham and cheese, but with the macaroni and cheese, you elevate it to one of the best comfort foods I have had the pleasure to eat.  My wife and I both loved it!

I also tried the BLT.  Actually I had a BBLT (a little extra bacon!).  This panini featured my double bacon (a special request), lettuce, tomato, as well as Tillamook cheddar, avocado, and red onion.  This panini was a perfect compliment to the soup of the day, which may have been the star of my lunch.  The soup de jour was a Chicken Enchilada Baja, and it was great!  Creamy, savory, spicy....just right!  Perfect for dipping.

Today we visited for lunch, but we might go for breakfast next time.  Sea Bean has a great looking selection of coffee drinks and a nice selection of breakfast and bakery items.  There is even a nice little selection of ice cream and desert options.  Unfortunately for my wife and I, we were too stuffed from our lunch to partake of anything more that the Sea Bean had to offer.  I guess we will just have to go back :)


The Sea Bean Cafe:

Address - 225 4th Ave, Seward, Alaska

Phone - 907.224.6623

Website - seabeancafe.com

email - seabeancafe@gmail.com

Overall Recommendation:  The Sea Bean has a relaxing and inviting vibe.  It's motto is "Sit. Sip. Surf.", and I think it is perfect.  If you are looking for a laid back space with all of the best that a modern day coffee house has to offer, this is the spot.  Great for the locals for sure, but it is even great for a day trip from Anchorage.  The next time you are in Seward, go in, enjoy, and relax.