February - what's not to love!

Ahhh February.
What's not to love? Heart shaped cookies and mouth-watering truffles, beautiful fluffy snow, the days getting just long enough that something can be done after 4pm, the feeling that spring is on the way but Talkeetna is not yet overwhelmed by visitors. I think I might like February almost as much as March! This February there are even more things to love - particularly if you find your way over to the Squirrel:

LOVE BITES: a tasty and tasteful Valentine's pairing dinner
Thursday, February 14, 5:30pm
Save the date! Make a reservation! This one's not to be missed (whether you think love bites the big one or you hope to end up with a few love bites of your own on Valentine's Day). Join us at the Squirrel for a special evening with tablecloths, flowers, full service, an amazing 5 course mostly wood-fired dinner with beer or wine pairings and special guest Adam Fast from Specialty Imports. Limited seating, advance reservations required, 21+ please. Also, after the pairing dinner, we can pair you up with tickets to Complexities of Love, the Valentine's variety show at the Sheldon Arts Hangar - showtime is 8pm. Call or stop by the Squirrel to find out more, see the menu or make a reservation!

 
Second Saturday Art Opening
February is a short month for art on the walls, so make sure you stop in early in the month or come to the opening reception on Saturday, February 9, 3-5pm to see the exhibit, Alaskan Dreams, new paintings by Bill Barstow. As well, the Talkeetna PTA bird quilt will be back on our walls - the gorgeous quilt is being raffled as a fundraiser for Elementary School programs. 2013 will bring some wonderful art and artists to the walls of the Squirrel including, Mike & Jyoti's niece Priya Wittman, our own wonderful barista Kelly Saunders, henna artist Jessica Cavazos, photographer Dora Miller, more Crocetto paintings AND hopefully a group show celebrating our local beloved waterway, The Susitna River.

Adult Cooking Classes - Artisan Bread Basics Again!
Back by popular demand will be a second round of the Artisan Bread Baking class that everyone enjoyed so much last fall. Having learned from that class, this one will be longer so we can cover all the things there are to talk about AND have time to bake and eat our breads! So, please sign up and pay in advance for the class, especially if you tried in November and it was full: Sunday, February 17, 1pm-4:30pm. $28 per person. Limited to 12 participants. Also, more classes in the works with Alaska Folk School, hopefully this spring: Gluten Free Baking and Flatbreads!

Coffee and Other Treats
We'll be ordering K-Bay Caffe coffee beans this weekend. If you want something special (wouldn't that make a great Valentine's gift!), let us know before this Sunday so we can order your favorite kind in one or 5 pound bags. We'll have decadent truffles available in cute little boxes and heart shaped cookies galore for the week or so before Valentine's. AND the biggest treat these days seems to be the yummy experiments we're doing with grilled panini sandwiches! Stop by and try something new.

The Great Outdoors
Finally we have some great snow. Let's hope it doesn't all melt too quick. There are so many fun opportunities to get outside right now including the new Tigger Lake ski loop which is practically in our back yard. If you come to the Squirrel by non-motorized means, you get a 5% discount! That means arriving by skis, snowshoes, on foot, bicycle, dog sled, or horse! It's pretty unofficial, but you can get to the Squirrel from the trails quite easily if you're looking. I also think it will be great fun to check out the hopefully first annual Fat Tire Bike Race in Talkeetna. The Squirrel will be at the registration with coffee and goodies! Crazy fun.

Summer Employment Opportunities
It's that time of year when we all start thinking and planning for the busy months ahead. Summer employment (training beginning in April and early May) is available at the Squirrel for many skill levels including baking, cooking, counter/barista, dishwasher and more. If you or someone you know want to work hard and eat well, you can stop by and ask for an application or send an e-mail.

Click here for our hours of operation and lots of other information about all things Flying Squirrel!

If Valentine's Day is nothing else, it makes me think about finding nice things to say to people, not just once a year, but whenever possible - so thanks to everyone - we love you, customers!

Anita