Saturday, May 6, 2017

May is Here! At the Squirrel and Everywhere!




May is here! How it arrives with such speed and force is always a mystery. Of course, there is no other option but to jump in and go with it. Oliver is already begging for a swim in Tigger Lake. Although I think we might have a week until the ice goes out, buds are popping, birds are flitting all around, veggies and flowers are in full swing out at the farm, and we're sprucing things up around the Squirrel in preparation for summer. Our favorite part of this crazy transforming time of year is meeting new, happy, friendly faces: Squirrel summer employees, farm interns, and, of course so many customers! We hope to see you all at the Squirrel over this summer, here are a few reasons why...

Mother's Day Brunch!
Sunday, May 14, 11am-3pm
Treat a mom in your life to our annual luxurious and delicious full service brunch. The fixed price menu includes beautifully presented breakfast, lunch and brunch entrees, special kids' menu, decadent desserts, mimosas, flowers, yoga for moms with Kelly, and more! Reservations highly recommended, call 733-6887 to reserve a table.

Art Shows
Come by to see some fresh paintings by Jon Mann over the next month. No opening reception for this show, but we're always happy to have something colorful and thoughtful on the walls! In June and July, Karen Mannix and Paul Button will collaborate on a glass and wood show that is sure to be interesting and exciting! The opening reception will be Saturday, June 10 from 3-5pm. Beginning in October, there are plenty of slots for artists to do solo or group showings. Just contact Anita for more information.

 
Opportunities to Support our Family Farm  
Can't let spring go by without a plug for my family's farm efforts. Brian's CSA vegetable share program is underway for the 2017 season. To sign up for vegetable shares with pick ups next to the Squirrel from mid June into September, come by the Squirrel for a Share Registration Form, or print the form online! Also, the retail greenhouse out at Birch Creek Ranch will be open for about a month beginning May 18. This year, the farm will welcome retail customers Thursdays through Sundays. Check the signs out on the road to find out if they're open; we'll also post updates on Facebook. I for one can't wait for broccoli, snap peas, cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs!



Summer Staff
We are welcoming many new staff as usual during the month of May! Sierra, Kimmie and I are doing our best to pass on all of our Squirrel knowledge and hope you will be patient as all the new folks learn the ropes. Say hello to Haley, Jeff, Kate, Serandon, Rebecca, Sally, Viviane, Vicky, Erin and Eileen! During the Great Talkeetna Job Shuffle of 2017, we ended up without a full time cook. So if you or someone you know has decent knife skills, a friendly, reliable personality and likes making soups, quiches, sandwiches, chop veggies, roast meats, toss salads and work around a great bunch of delicious food freaks, contact Anita to apply! This is a full time, daytime position and includes weekends. photo by Katie Writer!




Summer Hours
May is transition month. The current plan includes the following changes throughout the month:
THURSDAY PIZZA NIGHTS START THIS WEEK, May 4.
Summer hours (open 7 days) beginning May 21.
Until May 21, we will still be closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
After May 21:
Sundays: 8am-5pm
Mondays-Wednesdays: 7:30am-6pm
Thursdays-Saturdays: 7:30am-9pm
(Wood Fired Pizza Thursdays-Saturdays: 4-9:00pm)

As always, I will be juggling many balls to keep the Squirrel running smoothly throughout the summer, but I hope you know to contact me anytime with questions, comments or concerns. Our goal is always to serve amazing food, drinks, and baked goods and to make sure that loyal customers like you enjoy every bite that goes in your mouth along with every minute you are at the Flying Squirrel.

Many thanks,
Anita Continue reading »

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

February Provides...Happenings at Flying Squirrel

Hello to all,It seems this February everyone is ready for a pick-me-up. The light is returning, there is lots of snow for playing outside, and we need to shake off our winter blues, stand up and DO something. Plenty to do in Talkeetna and at the Squirrel, we sure hope you'll swing by...

Second Saturday Art Opening
Saturday, February 11, 3-5pm

You still have a week or so to check out Jake Graupmann's photographs! On February 11 we welcome back local artist and musician Steve Durr for an exhibit of his new paintings. Durr's work will be on display until early April.

He Said. She Said. Valentine's Dinner
Tuesday, February 14, 6:30pm

Same ingredients. Two menus. Lots of laughter. Maybe we’re all a bit more alike than we thought. Or not. Join us for a delicious dinner, libations and some serious silliness. One seating, call for reservations 733-6887. $75 per couple includes 4 course dinner and some pretty silly entertainment. Anything for a bit of levity these days!


Sunday Extended Hours!
More light and more snow means more Sunday afternoon activity. We are extending hours and will now be open from 10am-5pm on Sundays. You will now have an extra hour to pick up your favorite Oatmeal Sandwich Loaf, a few fresh bagels, a donut muffin or come in for an après ski hot cocoa and ruggelach! The remaining hours will stay the same - Wednesday/Thursday: 8am-5pm and Friday/Saturday 8am-9pm.


Pat-on-the-Back
Someone once said "there's no such thing as bad press" but we'll sure take all the good press we can get! Edible Alaska did a nice write up about eating out in Talkeetna during the winter and featured Flying Squirrel and the attention we pay to locally sourced ingredients! And, if you haven't seen it already, check out this fabulous article in The Frontiersman which shows off some of our favorite things about the Squirrel - wood fired pizza, our family farm connection, great coffee, outstanding cheesecake and so much more. Kudos to the Squirrel's small winter staff that takes such care delivering deliciousness with a smile to our dedicated customers - Sierra, Rachel, Kimmie and Tamara! photo by Mary Lockman
 


Bakery Delivery Program
We have 6 more deliveries planned for our winter season delivery program to Willow, Eagle River and Anchorage. You can give a wonderful gift of fresh baked goods to anyone you know who lives in these areas and we'll do all the work! More information, costs, options and sign up are all available here.


Summer Employment Opportunities
Here it comes! The wild and crazy ride that we love and dread is already almost here! We are accepting applications for friendly, team oriented, dependable employees who want to make, sell and eat Squirrel goodness. So that means bakers, cooks/prep cooks, front counter/baristas, servers and dishwashers. This year we are working on housing assistance for folks coming from out of state! Applications are available in person at our Mile 11 shop or by e-mail with a letter of interest to info@flyingsquirrelcafe.com.

Hope to see you soon!
Anita Continue reading »