Beak Restaurant – Sitka, Alaska When in Alaska, you have to eat some seafood, especially salmon. This place was a little bit of a hidden gem that serves fresh, local seafood. And when I say fresh, I mean walk the fish across the way to the back door of Beak Restaurant fresh! The restaurant itself isn’t big, and appears to be an old house that was converted into a restaurant. All seating is downstairs, along with the kitchen and some outdoor seating on the porch.
Smoked King Salmon Belly
There were so many items on the menu I wanted to sample, but decided to go with the Smoked King Salmon Belly. This is king salmon caught in Sitka, smoked and served with a dill cream cheese and focaccia. I have to admit, when it was served, I was a little skeptical as it definitely was bland looking. But what is the saying … “don’t judge a book by its cover”. This dish was simple and you absolutely don’t want to pass it up! If you liked smoked salmon, this is the freshest smoked salmon I have eaten. The salmon isn’t gamey or too smokey. It was perfect! Add some of the dill cream, along with the focaccia bread that was lightly toasted, and it was phenomenal.
Sitka Salmon Slab with Kale Salad
For the main course, I chose the Sitka Salmon Slab and added a side kale salad. This coho salmon was seasoned only with salt and pepper, and served on a cedar plank. The salmon was so fresh and simple. It was the highlight of my lunch. However, I can’t skimp on the side kale salad. This was massaged kale with apple cider rosemary vinaigrette, served with macerated berries on top and candied pecans. Oh my goodness! The flavors were outstanding. This lunch was at the top of my list. If I could have it daily I would. It was so simple, yet flavorful and filling.
To top this lunch off, I had to try some wine made in Homer, Alaska. This was a Strawberry Rhubarb wine made by Bear Creek Winery. My server had mentioned it was a little sweet; but I thought it was delightful and the perfect sweetness. The strawberry flavor was there, but not overpowering, with a hint of the rhubarb coming through. I wish I could have taken a bottle with me!
A couple of additional notes; the Beak Restaurant is a walk-in only restaurant and does not take reservations. It is also a gratuity-free restaurant, and they do not take tips. If you choose to leave a tip, it is donated to a local charity.
For another salmon review, click here!
-Tennessee Taster
