I haven’t been to Anchorage in a while. This time I arrive after a long day on a train. We are staying downtown for just one night. Tomorrow we will be picked up and taken to Whittier to join a cruise.

Right now I am tired and hungry and I’m in no mood for exploration. The town seems to have rolled up the side walks any way. The only things out prowling around are several big foot statues (not likely to actually go anywhere) and perhaps every unhoused individual in the state of Alaska (probably also not moving from their warm blankets).

It is rainy and cold this evening. We quickly walk one way and see that nothing is open. We walk past the visitor information center (very cute and also very closed) and then around several people lying on the lawn and on the sidewalks. A benevolent group is roasting hot dogs and handing them out to the crowd. I hope it warms their bellies and chases away the chill.

I step into a nearby gift shop (likely the only one still open) to buy a long sleeve shirt. It is rainy and quite cold. It has been very warm in the Alaskan interior and I am not prepared for the drop in temperature.

While we are in the shop, I search for restaurants nearby that may be open. We locate two restaurants that are recommended and close.

Our plan is to walk past each restaurant and look at the menu, but when we get to the first on our list (Ginger) a couple comes out almost running into us. The man spontaneously says, “You have to eat here! It will change your life!” His girlfriend tells me I have to get the spring roll. They are adamant.

I guess we are going in. What else can we do with such a glowing endorsement? It is Asian fusion. I like that.

Inside, it feels like we are crashing someone’s birthday party. The section clearly has a celebration going on. But it is warm and we are seated. Everything looks great. The dishes are unusual so we opt for a variety of small plates. This way we can try more! It is delicious.

Thanks, strangers who passed us on the side walk, for stopping and making the solid recommendations. Our one night in Anchorage is ending on a high note all because of you.