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 »

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 »

November & December 2016

Wow. This is what I get for going on a two week family trip to the Southwest at the end of October.

It seems utterly impossible to keep up, especially when my main office computer decided to go "kaput", 60 people jumped on the Groupon offer in three days to join our bakery delivery program, Thanksgiving is upon us in a week, and brussel sprouts are coming out our ears! There is some kind of false impression that things slow down around here in the winter. And yet, I think it's also what keeps me going through the darkest time of year. It's all a grand coping mechanism: keeping things positive and moving forward in the world by being busy all the time. When that busy-ness is mostly about producing wonderful food and baked goods and coordinating it's successful connection with the people who consume it, I think it's all worthwhile! There are many opportunities for you to connect with Flying Squirrel's goodness before the end of the year....

Thanksgiving Orders
We are happy to offer homemade pies, cranberry sauce, dinner breads and croutons for stuffing to help with your Thanksgiving dinner fixins. Our desserts are delicious, unique and beautiful including Pumpkin Maple Cheesecake, Rustic Apple, Mocha Pecan and Pumpkin Rum Cake. Order by THIS Sunday, November 20 and pick up on Wednesday, November 23. We all have many things to be thankful for...



PTA Holiday Craft Bazaar and Silent Auction
Every year we make donations for various Talkeetna fundraisers. This is one of the best! Come by the Talkeetna Elementary School on Saturday, December 3 for holiday shopping (including our family's delicious assortment of canned goods and Squirrel stocking stuffers). We will also have a gift basket and gift certificate in the silent auction proceeds from which benefit 4th & 5th grade students (including my own son) going on a week long environmental education field trip to Kachemak Bay in April!

Taste of Talkeetna
Tickets go on sale this week for this annual fun event on Saturday, December 10 from 4-8pm. Flying Squirrel is one of seven restaurants participating this year. Get your tickets from the Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce, they usually sell out!

Bakery Delivery Program
Flying Squirrel fans that live in Anchorage, Eagle River and Willow are welcome to join our delivery program any time which brings a package of fresh baked bread or goodies to a convenient location in these communities every other Thursday from November through April. Lots more information is available at this link where you can sign up and pay as well as choose the delivery dates that work best for you.

Art Shows
This month's artwork by multimedia Cantwell artist Eleaca Young is colorful and uplifting. Come by to have a look or purchase a holiday gift for someone you love - or yourself. Her work will be on display until early December. Local photographer Jake Graupman will display his photos in December and January. The opening reception will be held Saturday, December 10 from 3-5pm.

Gingerbread House Workshops!
Design, build and decorate your very own gingerbread house. This two part class is open to families and groups of friends up to 4 people per house. On the first Sunday, December 13, 2-3:30pm, groups will choose a house design, roll out and bake all the pieces. On Sunday, December 20, 2-4pm, we'll supply icing and candy and instruction for decorating. Houses will be on display at Flying Squirrel during the week before Christmas. Preregistration is required. For more details and to sign up, call or stop by the Squirrel.

Hanukah Party
I'm feeling motivated to enjoy all kinds of celebrations this year and to celebrate diversity. It's a few days before the actual holiday starts, but we're going to hold an informal Hanukah Party on Thursday, December 22 at 4pm. Learn the story of perseverance and restoration, hear songs, and play the dreidel game. Traditional potato latkes will be available for purchase. All are welcome!



Holiday Hours
Thanksgiving Week
    WEDNESDAY, November 16: 8:00am-5:00pm (holiday order pick up 1-5pm)
    THURSDAY, November 17: CLOSED - Happy Thanksgiving
    FRIDAY, November 18: noon-9:00pm (Pizza: 4-9 pm)
    SATURDAY, November 19: 10am-9:00pm (Pizza: 4-9 pm)
    SUNDAY, November 20: 10am-4pm
End of December
    THURSDAY, December 22: 8:00am-5:00pm - Join us for a Hanukah Party at 4pm
    FRIDAY, December 23: 8am-9:00pm (Pizza: 4-9 pm)
    SATURDAY, December 24: 10am-9:00pm (Pizza: 4-9 pm) - Christmas order pick up after 2pm
    SUNDAY, December 25: CLOSED - Merry Christmas
    MONDAY & TUESDAY: Closed
    WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, December 28 & 29: 10:00am-5:00pm
    FRIDAY, December 30: 10am-9:00pm (Pizza: 4-9 pm)
    SATURDAY, December 31: 10am-9:00pm (Pizza: 4-9 pm)
    SUNDAY, January 1: CLOSED - Happy New Year!
    MONDAY & TUESDAY: Closed
 
Stay warm...and busy!
Anita Continue reading »

Autumn News - September 2016

Autumn?!? Really?!?! I hear that some lower 48 folks still have 100 degree temps! Early September definitely has that autumn feel here in Talkeetna though. Clear and crisp in the morning, some great Northern Lights and star gazing, yellow birch leaves dropping here and there, fireweed that just looks tired - kind of like everyone in Talkeetna! I like to say "the end is near", not because I'm a doomsday kind of person, but because when the travelers not longer come in droves, and school goes into full swing, we are really ready for the slower pace! I can't thank the fabulous Squirrel summer crew enough for all their hard work and dedication: Sierra, Rachel, Kaila, Angela, Kimmie, Isaiah, Raina, and Lily, as well as those that left us early for one reason or another: Bre, Haley, Jasmine and Michael.

But wait! The end of tourist season may be near, but the Squirrel goes on! We're open all winter and in addition to our regular tasty food, pastries, bread, coffee and pizza, we have many other fantastic reasons for you to walk in the doors coming up this fall!

Saturday, September 10
BUN-to-BUN! Still time to join this fun annual running race! Choose marathon or half marathon on trails, or 5K on the bike path, from Flying Squirrel into Talkeetna town. Our parking lot will be crazy for a few hours, so please, if you are participating, consider parking at NSI and take the shuttle to the Squirrel. This is an important fundraiser for the Talkeetna Elementary PTA, and this year it's supposed to be sunny! Register online or in person on the day of the event.


Saturday, September 10, 3-5pm
Textures, Layers & Colors, Oh My! Sonya Bitz, from Cantwell, will show her paintings at the Squirrel with an opening reception on Saturday, September 10 from 3-5. The paintings will be on display through early October. Then, October will bring an online auction/fundraiser for Northern Susitna Institute - stay tuned for more info!




Thursday, September 22, 11:45am
Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting at the Squirrel

Thursday, October 6, 6:30pm
Cider Tasting and Farm to Table Dinner
We're pairing up with Specialty Imports again to present a limited seating autumn dinner and cider tasting! This event is likely to sell out, so call to reserve your table early. The fixed price dinner will include a gourmet 4 course menu featuring as many Alaska (and Talkeetna) Grown ingredients as we can muster. Each course will be paired with one or two hard ciders from California, Washington, Michigan and Great Britain with 7 different ciders to try. You might be surprised at the variety of flavors and the range of sweet-to-tartness! These intimate and creative dinners have been a big hit - we're excited to wine (or cider) and dine you at the Squirrel.


Winter Deliveries to Willow, Eagle River and Anchorage
As soon as we gear down from summer, it's time to gear up for winter! The bakery delivery program will likely be up and running again from November through April. For those who have participated before, you'll get more info by email soon. For Squirrel fans that just can't wait until the next trip up to Talkeetna, we hope you'll consider this great program - prepay for bread and/or pastry deliveries that are then brought every other week to a convenient location in Willow, Eagle River and Anchorage! Ask for more information by contacting us by email!

Changes to Hours of Operation
Summer hours will end on September 12. Our winter hours beginning September 13 are:
Sunday 10am-4pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Wednesday 8am-5pm
Thursday 8am-5pm
Friday 8am-9pm, Wood Fired Pizza 4-9pm
Saturday 8am-9pm, Wood Fired Pizza 4-9pm

There are a few more weeks of Brian's Talkeetna farm stand at NSI on Saturdays. After that, look for remaining fresh veggies at the Squirrel - usually cabbages, kale and potatoes well into December!

Warmly,
Anita Continue reading »