Meat Dishes

With elk, caribou, reindeer, moose and bear in abundance, it's no wonder this wide range of game is a staple for Alaskan cuisine. Moose stew, moose jerky, caribou chili, reindeer hot dogs (the equivalent of a New York hot dog) and reindeer sausage (a breakfast staple) are quite popular. If you're feeling adventurous, try a lean and protein filled organic yak burger (think bison burger) which is all the rage and a good alternative to beef.

Alaskan Seafood:

Wild salmon is synonymous with the nation's 49^th state and with so many varieties to choose from, you will have no trouble finding it on the menu. Sockeye (red salmon), silver salmon, and Chinook (also known as king salmon) are wonderful when steamed and served cold with melted butter. Enjoy Alaskan Seafood in Ketchikan, and after your voyage, try making some Alaskan food for yourself like this salmon gravlax recipe from our Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Enrichment, Kathryn Kelly.

AQUAVIT-CURED SALMON GRAVLAX

makes one 16-ounce gravlax

Ingredients:

• ½ cup kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon pink peppercorns, lightly crushed
• ½ cup maple sugar
• 4 juniper berries, lightly crushed
• 4 allspice berries, lightly crushed
• 1 bunch dill, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons aquavit
• One 16-ounce boneless, skinless salmon fillet

Directions:

1. Mix together the salt and sugar in a small bowl. On a large work surface, roll out plastic wrap about 3 times the size of the salmon fillet.
2. Sprinkle half of the salt and sugar mixture in the middle of the plastic — about the size of the salmon fillet.
3. Top mixture with half the crushed peppercorns, juniper and allspice berries, dill and aquavit.
4. Place the salmon on the curing mixture, and then cover the fish with the rest of the curing mixture.
5. Wrap the salmon loosely in the plastic and then double wrap in another piece of plastic.
6. Place the wrapped salmon on a sheet pan and refrigerate.
7. Turn the fish every 12 hours. Depending on the thickness of the fish, it will be cured in 24 to 36 hours.
8. Unwrap the fish when it's cured and gently rinse off the curing mixture.
9. Thinly slice before serving.

Alaskan Beer & Wine:

The Last Frontier has some of the best breweries in the country. Blame it on the state's glacial waters as the perfect ingredient for stouts, pilsners, ambers and porters that contribute to the burgeoning beer scene. Craft beers are increasingly popular and the state boasts some 27 breweries where there is something for every taste. But if you prefer to fill your glass with something else, try a selection of wines with your cuisine from Alaska on our Willamette Valley Wine shore excursion where you'll also gain an understanding of the valley's unique terrior.

Don't Forget Dessert:

Akutaq a.k.a. Eskimo ice cream is a classic Alaskan dessert and not the traditional treat you might think. Pronounced Auk-goo-duk, it is made with reindeer fat and seal oil, fresh snow and ground meat that consists of caribou, bear and occasionally some saltwater fish. Again, this is not your average cone of ice cream! Wild berries (raspberries, blackberries and blueberries) are in abundance which translates into delicious cobblers and puddings. And if you're wondering about the classic ice cream/cake/meringue concoction known as Baked Alaska, it originated at New York City's Delmonico's restaurant to commemorate the purchase of Alaska from the Russians in 1867. Food historians also note it was first discovered at New Orleans's Antoine restaurant while a cookbook in 1894 featured it under the name of Alaska, Florida. Whoever invented the dish created a gastronomic delight in Alaskan cuisine.

Feast on Alaska Food Aboard a Luxury Cruise

Regent Seven Seas Cruises^® has consistently delivered ultra-luxury travel experiences with the very best value for over thirty years. Aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet^®, enjoy unrivaled onboard space, unforgettable shoreside excursions, incomparable culinary experiences, and exceptional Heartfelt Hospitality^™. Experience delicious Alaskan cuisine on your next cruise to Alaska with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Bon Appétit!