Twisted Fish Company Alaskan Grill, Juneau, Alaska

Early on our second morning, Nancy and I drove into Juneau, parked in our usual spot in the apparently free municipal garage. We then strolled over to the docks and waited to board ship for our cruise down to Tracy Arm, a long fjord leading up to Sawyer Glacier. Along the two-hour trip to Tracy Arm, we all hoped to spot a whale or two, but the crew told us it was unlikely. After everyone was tired of looking, I glanced out and yelled, “Three O’Clock! Spout!” We sped over and followed a humpback plunging and rising to feed on plankton.

It was very impressive. Once up the fjord, we spotted more wildlife, including a bald eagle perched on a small iceberg,

a baby bear who evaded all photographs, and literally tons of slug-like harbor seals.

Then, after bumping noisily through masses of ice floes, we came face to face with the glacier itself.

I did see it calve, but naturally missed the picture. It was quite an experience. I’ll put in a big plug here for True Alaska Tours. The tour was great fun, with lots of information about Alaska, wildlife, and glaciers, all presented in a light, humorous way that kept things very lively. This is a terrific tour.

After we got back our land legs by walking around town and having a very good Rosemary Greyhound at The Narrows, Nancy and I were ready for dinner. Our choice was plain. During the low point of our 6.2-mile state capital walk (the Egan Bridge segment, see here), I asked two local guys where we could get the best seafood. They agreed that Hangar and Twisted Fish were the best. We duly went straight to Hangar, and that left Twisted Fish for dinner after our cruise.

I hear that both restaurants are run by the same group, but the contrast between the two could not have been sharper. The Hangar is in an old rambling frame building over near the working docks, and the restaurant itself has a distinct patina of age . Twisted Fish seems to be fresh out of the box, with acres of blond pine,

and an open kitchen in the right rear. It’s very attractive, very big, and it sits right by the cruise ships.

Large as Twisted Fish is, the place was very busy, almost full when we arrived. Still, we were able to get a table right away with a view of a ginormous cruise ship, and were promptly given water and menus. They’re very efficient. I ordered a local IPA and we looked over the menu.

We started with their smoked salmon dip. I love smoked fish dips, and this one was outstanding! Rich and creamy and redolent of lovely smoked salmon.

Nancy ordered the salmon tacos.  

As you can see, the tacos contained a whole lot of salmon. Nancy commented on the difference in flavor compared to the salmon we get back home in Washington, DC. The Alaskan salmon is milder and less … forward than the non-local salmon. In the east, the Scottish salmon flavor is closer to the fresh Alaskan flavor.

I ordered the Twisted Fish sandwich, halibut in a parmesan crust with dill sauce.

I gradually removed the tomatoes and some of the lettuce to make the big, thick sandwich easier to eat.   

Just look at that fish! How pristine it looks, and so fresh and tender! The mild onion provided a nice counterpoint to the parmesan crust, which was a plus, as the flavor of the crust almost interfered with the flavor of the fish. Should I have ordered the grilled halibut instead, and let that lovely piece of fish shine by itself? Either way, Twisted Fish is a winner.

A trip to Juneau should be on every bucket list. The beauty of Alaska is unparalleled, and the seafood … wow! Definitely try Twisted Fish.

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