Artsy iPhone snapshot

I stopped in at the Matanuska Glacier Recreation site to use the facilities and was hit on by an overly friendly tourist. I smiled anyway and took advantage of the perfect view of the glacier.

Nother artsy iPhone shot

I’ve been driving, or riding, on this stretch of the Glenn Hwy for as long as I can remember. My dad would take my family camping almost every summer up in a cabin in the tiny community of Victory, around mile 95. Sometimes if we forgot breakfast supplies, we would stop by Long Rifle Lodge for some filling food in the morning.

Home for Sale in Victory

Long Lake

I had the pleasure of finally eating at Rusty’s in Palmer right off Dahlia Street. I had a sample of the jalapeno cheese appetizer and for lunch I had fish and chips made with wonderful halibut! They have a great menu ranging from pizza to prime rib. Obviously, the desserts are incredible, and I ate more peanut butter pie than anyone should be allowed to eat!

There are separate menus for lunch and dinner times so you should definitely try both. Lunch is served from 11 to 5pm and dinner from 5-9pm Tuesday through Saturday.

There is an option for outdoor dining on the charming back patio. The summer months will make this a great place to hold parties, large dinners and events. In addition to the wonderful food and atmosphere, they host local artists’ work on the walls. Come view the beautiful paintings currently hanging.

Stop by Rusty’s Facebook Page for updates about events coming up! They have some great things in store for the future.

I recently dined at La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant in downtown Palmer. It was a pleasant experience and the food satisfied my need for authentic Mexican cuisine. Good lighting, hand painted walls, Mexican art and decor create a marvelous atmosphere. The staff was accommodating and very pleasant. While I was there, all the other diners that arrived were nice little families or couples. It made me thankful to be in a small town with great people!
I ordered Carne Asada and the meat was tender and just spicy enough. I was tempted to eat so much more because their extensive menu has everything from nachos to flan! You can choose from breakfast selections, enchiladas, tostadas, quesadillas, fajitas, chili verde, chimmichangas, camarones, imported and domestic beers. The dessert menu includes authentic Mexican flan, fried ice cream, sopapillas, and cheesecake burritos. There is also a sizable kids menu with burgers and other more familiar choices.

One thing I really appreciated was how fast the food was served! There was, at most, a 15 minute wait for delicious food! They also do catering for larger groups! Just order ahead and pick up your fresh Mexican cuisine for your event! I hope you visit this restaurant soon and enjoy their food with family or friends!

There is a wide selection of specialty truffles, chocolate covered cookies and pretzels, giant peanut butter cups and more. If you can’t find a treat you fancy, ask and they will make most special requests. The owner Tai Duhamel has developed many unique recipes over the years featuring unusual ingredients like ginger, cayenne, tea, rose, lavender and curry. You will also find the wonderful classics like caramel, nuts, mint, sea salt and much more!

The Hot Hot Chocolate Shoppe also offers a selection of gluten-free products dipped in chocolate. Due to family with food allergies, the owner has made it possible for those with allergies to enjoy the sweetness!

Stop by and purchase some delicious chocolate and don’t forget to take some home to your friends and family!

Check out the Hot Hot Chocolate Shoppe’s Facebook Page!

The Palmer Downtown Deli
Written by Tamara Van Diest and Amber Grissom

There is a new deli in downtown Palmer! It’s located in the Downtown Palmer Plaza, in the same building as Curves, the Hot Hot Chocolate Shoppe and the Shane Lamb Art Gallery. Grand opening was Monday and business traffic seems decent. Hours are 7AM to 7PM.

The open room leaves plenty of space to bring a computer and work all day. With 16 tables and around 50 seats you wont feel crowded here. The menu is wide and offers healthy and fresh options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and in-between! There is also free wi-fi; ask the staff for the password.

Breakfast options range from granola with milk to cinnamon rolls and bagels. For lunch you will find salads, sandwiches, wraps, gourmet pizzas and soups. Other menu delights include espresso beverages, gelato, smoothies and baked desserts. You will also find simple sandwiches for the kiddos that come with chips or fruit.

Amber spent the morning here and Tamara stayed an entire afternoon to get a feel for the atmosphere, food and to work on our laptops. Amber reports that the coffee is delicious and not burnt! Yes, she’s a bit of a coffee snob. There is free lemon water available all day to drink and the staff was very cheerful!

Amber’s lunch choice was the Turkey Panini and the bread was the perfect Panini consistency: crispy outside and chewy inside! Tamara ordered a Chicken Salad sandwich which came with a nice side salad made mostly of spinach greens. The chicken salad was a delectable combination of chicken, cheddar cheese, onion, jalapeño, bacon and sour cream sauce. It was enveloped with lettuce and two thick slices of fresh bread. Yum!

Amber met the owners as they happened to be here most of the day. They are a very pleasant, down-to-earth couple and it was great to meet them.

The rest of the staff is also very cheerful and well-deserving of good tips!