Need Some Help in Anchorage? Here Are My Picks

Anchorage is a nice size, big enough to find what you need, small enough to be familiar with what's available. For those who may find yourself in Anchorage someday (we get our share of tourists each summer) here is a list of some great goods and services I'd recommend:

1. Need a sandwich shop? I'd recommend The Perfect Cup at the Dimond Center, I dream about their avocado/bacon sandwich--if ethnic food is your thing you should consider Milano's on Arctic and 36th, they have terrific gyros and steak and cheese sandwiches.

2. Need a photographer? Stanton Photography, definitely the best. All of his pictures are beautiful.

3. Need a restaurant? South Side Bistro on Huffman. I'd recommend the cream of sundried tomato soup with the chevre salad and the raspberry creme brulee for dessert and you could always order more and take it home . . .

4. Need a dentist? James Nichols, D.D.S or Russell Morrell, D.D.S. I know over a dozen good dentists, but these two I'd highly recommend.

5. Need an optometrist? Dr. Bill Faulkner is good, Andrew and I have gone to him but I've also really liked Dr. Fox, she's great with the kids.

6. Need a carpet cleaner? J&S Steamway is the best. Not necessarily the cheapest but the best. I can get my family room, hallway, and two half-flights of stairs done for a little over $100, which isn't too bad given the quality.

7. Need an appliance repairman? Anchor Appliances has given good results. They've taken care of my dishwasher and refrigerator and even gave me advice with an electrical issue. I used Harold's once and didn't care for it as much though that was five years ago.

8. Need a cheap date? Oh Bear Tooth for sure. You always hear me talking about The Moose's Tooth and the Amazing Cheesebread, well The Bear Tooth Theater is owned by the same geniuses only there they throw in a movie with your dinner. Tickets are $3 per show. Order the same great food as at Moose's Tooth before you sit down and they bring you your dinner to eat during the movie. Warning: do not order something that requires light to eat i.e. salads, messy stuff, nachos, etc. You can get dinner and a movie for two for under $15 if you're smart.

9. Need your furniture restored? Windmill Furniture Restoration. My mother had her dining room table refinished and they picked it up, refinished and delivered for a fabulous price. But call early, the waiting list is long--I called this month for a spot after Thanksgiving.

10. Need a pediatrician? Dr. Jeff Brand. Highly recommended. If your child is sick he's easily available and he also has an office in Eagle River for patients out there. He's practical and down to earth and doesn't treat you like a silly worrier. Also I'd recommend Dr. Jeff Penman who is the pediatrician for many of my friends' children.

11. Need a plumber? I've used Chaz Mechanical and H&M Plumbing and both were fine but I was impressed with Best Plumbing that hooked up our sink, garbage disposal and dishwasher for the remodel. He was quick and painless and can also took care of heating issues and I thought his bill for the whole thing was pretty reasonable too.

12. Need a mechanic? The Alignment Center knows us on a first-name basis--my grandfather recommended them to me years ago and I've been so happy I never mess with anyone else. They can fit you in immediately and get the work done quickly but the best part is that they seem very honest. I've had several times when I've taken one of the cars in for repairs and they've told me that it's a minor problem, easily fixed at little cost (how often does that happen?) Twice they've installed bad parts that broke and they quickly identified what had happened, accepted responsibility and fixed it at no charge when I wouldn't have known the difference. Being so ignorant when it comes to cars, this is a comforting thing.

13. Need an oil and gas attorney? I have a really hunky one I would recommend . . .

And if you're looking for some other goodies to help you through the summer check back here on Saturday for the unveiling of a new weekly feature at Scribbit. You'll love it, I promise . . .

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And Pinks and Blues is giving away a Dooney and Bourke handbag. Go! Go! Go! You have until Friday to get your name in the pot.

Technorati tags: Thursday Thirteen, Anchorage, Alaska, mechanics