Originally Posted by jackal
I can second the recommendation for The Bake Shop. It's known far and wide among Alaskans for exactly what cbalaska said. I particularly enjoy their wonderful soup (usually they have two soups of the day served in a sourdough bread bowl), especially on a chilly, rainy Girdwood day.
While you're in Girdwood, check out the Double Musky restaurant just a short drive down Crow Creek road. They've got the best cajun food this side of the Canadian border (or maybe that's the only cajun food this side of it...). It was given a stamp of approval by someone I know who used to live in Texas and has spent many evenings in real Louisiana cajun kitchens.
Enjoy your trip!
Thanks all for the reccomendations. I guess maybe I made an error in booking 2 nights at the Mcinley Princess in July. I am flying in to ANC on Tuesday night and driving up there on Wednesday. I thought I'd stop in Talkeetna along the way, see if there's anything to do (hike, kayak, etc) - then go to the lodge at night. It seems you are suggesting I go after dinner. Thursday we fly from Talkeetna to Denali on a flightseeing trip and then the bus - fly back in the evening - then back to the Princess lodge before waking up friday for a long drive to Valdez. The wife and I really like to get out and hike when we can - This trip is a dream of mine but I am covering a lot of groud in a week as it is a far trip (Valdez to Seward by ferry - a couple days there then home from ANC). Actually, i would love any suggestions (especially now that I am sure to stick around talkeetne before my lodging at the McKinley Princess)
I got a great rate using the Great Alaskan toursaver 2 for 1 deals - and the online pictures/site looked quite enticing. I called and they said they were near Talkeetna. Thanks all for your comments.