Our journey through Kodiak during the Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice cruise led us to Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, a fascinating blend of military history and natural beauty. Highlights of our exploration included:
- Searchlight Shelters: These remnants provided a glimpse into the defensive strategies employed during World War II.
- Observation Tower: Offering panoramic views of the coastline, this tower allowed us to appreciate Kodiak’s rugged beauty and strategic importance.
- Distant Electrical Control: A reminder of the technological advancements integrated into military operations during the war.
- Gun Fragment and 8-inch Guns: These artifacts underscored the fort’s role in coastal defense, with remnants of artillery still visible.
- Water Tower: A historic structure that once supplied vital resources to the fort’s occupants.
- Piedmont Point: A scenic spot where the natural landscape meets the Pacific Ocean, perfect for contemplative moments and enjoying Kodiak’s pristine environment.
Tamarind Dinner at the Pinnacle Grill: Culinary Delights
Our evening at Tamarind in the Pinnacle Grill aboard the Westerdam was a culinary adventure, beginning with an exquisite selection of starters:
- Satay Sampler: A delightful assortment featuring Malaysian lamb, Chinese beef, Thai chicken, Indonesian pork, and Vietnamese shrimp, served with green mango and yuzu kosho for a burst of flavors.
- Lobster & Shrimp Potstickers: These potstickers, infused with smoked shoyu and accompanied by pickled ginger, offered a tantalizing blend of seafood and Asian influences.
For our main course, we savored:
- Wasabi & Soy Crusted Beef Tenderloin: Perfectly crusted with a blend of wasabi and soy, served alongside tempura onion rings and tonkatsu sauce, showcasing a harmonious fusion of flavors.
- Mongolian Barbecue Lamb Chop: Tender lamb chops complemented by baby bok choy, toasted sesame seeds, and mirin plum sauce, delivering a savory dining experience.
Accompanying these mains were delectable sides:
- Spicy Coconut Dungeness Crab Fried Rice: A flavorful twist on fried rice, enhanced with the richness of Dungeness crab and coconut.
- Sake-Braised Mixed Asian Mushrooms: A medley of Asian mushrooms braised to perfection in sake, adding depth and earthiness to our meal.
For dessert, we indulged in:
- Mango Posset: Featuring a coconut macaroon, passion fruit jelly, and refreshing mango sorbet, a delightful conclusion to our meal.
- Apricot Cloud: A light egg white soufflé with passion fruit sorbet, offering a sweet and airy finale.
Our dinner at Tamarind was a highlight of culinary excellence, blending Asian flavors with impeccable service and a luxurious setting aboard the Westerdam.
In Alaska's embrace, where solstice gleams,
We journeyed north on Arctic dreams.
Kodiak's shores, where history we traced,
Fort Abercrombie's whispers, time embraced.
From Searchlight Shelters to Observation's height,
A landscape carved by nature's might.
Gun fragments echo stories told,
Of battles past and courage bold.
Evenings adorned in Tamarind's grace,
At Pinnacle's edge, a culinary embrace.
Satay's symphony, flavors entwine,
Lobster and shrimp, tales of sea combine.
Wasabi crusted, tenderloin divine,
Mongolian lamb, a savory shrine.
Sides of coconut and sake's bloom,
Asian mushrooms in fragrant fume.
Desserts like mango's sweet refrain,
Apricot cloud, a soufflé's gentle gain.
In poetic dance, our journey unfurled,
A symphony of senses, in Alaska's world.
