Is Juneau, Alaska on your bucket list?

Juneau, Alaska was NOT on my bucket list, but it should have been and now I want to go back. It’s beauty is beyond words and I was absolutely stunned. The town is charming, the people are friendly, and the food scene is outstanding. My stay there was way too short, but I plan on going back another day.

Why was I in Alaska if it wasn’t on my bucket list?

I heard about the IFBC19 (International Food Blogger Conference 2019) and headed north. I had never even met another food blogger at this point, so I felt like they must be like unicorns or something. I’m new to this world of blogging and this conference was just what I needed. I was there over a month ago, but since I run a my own graphic design business, as well as many other commitments, I’ve been playing catch up. I wish I had learned of this conference sooner… Two years sooner. Not only was I so excited to find my people, but I learned so much about the industry. I also learned how much I still need to learn, but at least now I have some resources and a network of like minded, wonderful people who can steer me in the right direction.

Do you know what one of the best parts of a food bloggers conference is?

The Food! So much delicious food to taste and of course… photograph. I was about to take a photo one day, and I realized I might be preventing someone from grabbing a plate of food, so I stopped and apologized and moved out of her way. She said, “no, no, go ahead… it’s what we all do.” After I took my photo I looked around and had to chuckle at the fact that “everyone” was doing the same thing, so I took a picture of them taking pictures.

The picture above is to highlight Multi-Award winning Chef De Cuisine, Lional Uddipa from SALT which is Juneau’s restaurant for fresh Alaskan cuisine. His passion includes using local foraged elements of Alaska’s sea and land in his cooking.

This threw me for a loop! This tahini salad has noodles from Trident Foods made with Alaskan Pollock. They are gluten free, non-GMO, full of protein and NOT fishy tasting at all. They are really delicious. I have not found the noodles in my area (Midwest) yet, but many of their other products are available, so I’m sure I won’t have to wait too long before I can make this salad myself.

My first food tour and new friend!

Well, if you’re ever  in Juneau and you consider yourself a “foodie” then you will have to go on a food tour with (Juneau Food Tours). If not, then turn in your foodie card and go home. This amazing woman is hugely responsible for my trip to Juneau. She bugged the IFBC for years and finally convinced them to have their conference in Juneau and I am so happy she did.

As I mentioned before, Alaska was not on my bucket list, but I am thrilled that I went and can’t wait to get back. Midgi and her team do such an outstanding job of not only taking you around from place to place to eat some good food, but you also get an amazing and fun tour around town where you learn all sorts of interesting information about the wonderful town of Juneau.  I don’t think you’ll find a more passionate and thorough guide, and her team is a reflection of her pride and commitment to her town. Below are some of the stops on our tour. I have to admit I was so excited I forgot to take photos of everything, so you’ll just have to go on your own tour and thank me later. 😉

There’s so much more to talk about because it really was that amazing, but I’m going to put the rest into another post (Juneau, Alaska – Part 2). Let’s think of it as Chapter 1 and Chapter 2.

Bye for now, see you in the next chapter. 🙂