Patron of Pork - BaconFest 2015

The evening began with bacon caramel ice cream (yes, really).  Then there was the bacon pecan pie hot toddy.  Followed by bacon popcorn, bacon ramen, chocolate dipped bacon, and pork liquor.  Oh - and there was bacon nigiri, bacon jam, bacon churros, even bacon lollipops and bacon roses.  It was a night of bacon, y'all - and it didn't disappoint. 

About 400 Juneauites turned out for the 3rd Annual BaconFest Fundraiser, sponsored by the Juneau Glacier Valley Rotary Club.  Fire on Mcginnis provided the tunes, and about 20 vendors lined Centennial Hall, vying for patrons' votes for the tastiest treat. 

My personal faves? Coppa's candy cap mushroom ice cream with candied bacon topped with bacon fat praline - which snagged first place in the Sweet category.  And then there was the decadent second place Savory category winner from McGivney's - the bacon brioche, potato foam, topped with shaved egg. 

Who knew pork could be so versatile!

Amy George models a one-of-a-kind bacon outfit created by Lauralye Miko.

A closeup of the bacon brassiere.

And then there was the Bacon Eating Contest...  (there a really comical dude at the :39 mark)

        And of course, what shindig is complete without a bacon costume?

The Market of All Markets

The Lower 48 has her Black Friday.  Juneau has her Public Market.

In what's considered the biggest shopping and community event of the year, the Juneau Public Market is the premier Christmas gifts and crafts show, starting on Black Friday and lasting throughout the post-Thanksgiving weekend.  Each year, there are more than 150 vendors from across the state and the northwest coast, greeting eager Juneauites who plan their weekend around this holiday seasonal tradition.

Though the Market seems to get bigger and bigger each year, the array of top vendors and unique crafts is consistent year after year.  Here's a flashback to my visit to the Market two years ago, and while you're at it, check out the highlights from this year's big event. 

Adam Dimmitt of Eight Zero Tech constructs these steel wine racks right here in Juneau.  I want one!  (But who can keep wine in their house long enough?)

Can you imagine a classier housewarming present or wedding gift?  Check out Adam's Bent Metal on Facebook.

Ran into famed Alaskan artist, Bruce Nelson, of Kodiak.  Check out his exquisite Alaska-themed art at Original Art by Bruce W. Nelson.

These aren't photographs of beach scenes; they're paintings by Bruce W. Nelson.  Impressive, eh?

Fresh from Sitka, Gimbal Botanicals featured these goodies from the sea.

Can you IMAGINE this stuff lining a margarita glass or tossed in some buttered popcorn?  Get your own at Alaska Pure Sea Salt Co. in Sitka.

Because let's get real.  Ice cream just tastes better outta one of these Chilkat Cove Cones.

Because nothing says, "This is the real deal" quite like a sign stating, "I hunt the sea otters I sew with."  Boom.  There you have it, folks.

My heavens!  I've died and gone to a place where Krispy Kreme is plentiful and discounted to $10/dozen.

The Rumors Are True...

The rumors are true... Tracy's Crab Shack has the best legs in town!  My Momma and I recently sat down at the shack for a big ol' feast, the Captain's Reserve - 1 large leg and 1 large killer claw of Bering Sea king crab, with a scrumptious side of crab bisque.  And believe it or not, Prosecco pairs wonderfully with drawn butter. 

Tracy's Crab Shack is not only a hotspot for tourists, but it's a favorite of locals who flock there daily for her excellent FRESH seafood.  Check out her unique outdoor setting (and brand new gift boutique) near the Juneau cruise ship docks - you won't be disappointed!

Catchin' Fish

Seafood is king at Seattle's Pike Place Market.  And I got up close and personal with plenty o' fish during a recent trip to Seattle, Washington. 

On my bucket list: catch fish at the market!  I'm not sure how I talked myself into getting chum salmon thrown at me, but once all the tourists were gathered, the pressure was on!  My fave quotes from that adventure were "Wash your hands, Honey" and "Oh my gosh, I'm gonna die."  Check out the video below for more laughs!

With Pike Place Market Fish Thrower, Taho Kakutani.

As if catching fish in Seattle wasn't enough, I had my fair share of delicious seafood.  Also on my bucket list was trying geoduck (pronounced "gooey duck"), a very unique looking (read: phallic shaped) saltwater clam.  The seafood sampling didn't stop there.  From cod to shrimp to salmon, I must say, Seattle has some outstanding seafood!

From Sushi Kappo Tamura: local geoduck tender with mustard greens and shemeji mushrooms sauteed in a sake soy butter sauce.

From Blueacre Seafood: ritzy line-caught ling cod with old bay aioli, buttered crumb, and whipped potatoes.

From Fuji Sushi: salmon and shrimp sushi feast.