Eating in Alaska's Hidden One Building Town

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 30 лис 2022
  • Whittier, Alaska, a town that used to only be accessible by boat or plane, has one of the most remote places to buy fish and chips - Varly's Swiftwater cafe.
    Every season, boat workers and people passing through the small town flock to taste the restaurant's fresh clam chowder and fried-to-order halibut. So, the MUNCHIES team flew to Anchorage, then drove through North America's longest combined vehicle-railroad tunnel to get a taste.
    Subscribe to MUNCHIES here: bit.ly/Subscribe-to-MUNCHIES
    All MUNCHIES videos release a full week early on our site: video.vice.com/en_us/channel/...
    Hungry? Sign up here for the MUNCHIES Recipes newsletter.
    www.vice.com/en_us/page/sign-...
    Check out munchies.tv for more!
    Follow MUNCHIES here:
    TikTok: / munchies
    Facebook: / munchies
    Instagram: / munchies
    Twitter: / munchies
    Pinterest: / munchies
    More videos from the VICE network: www. vicevideo
  • Розваги

КОМЕНТАРІ • 890

  • @heyitsnayaa6736
    @heyitsnayaa6736 Рік тому +1330

    The fear off living In One building ,also the excitement is overwhelming. Sounds like a very well grounded little town.

    • @heyitsnayaa6736
      @heyitsnayaa6736 Рік тому +16

      Lol I didn’t ask you either 😂

    • @Poppy101DJ
      @Poppy101DJ Рік тому +10

      @@Dylan-vj9yl calm down, Karen.

    • @thastayapongsak4422
      @thastayapongsak4422 Рік тому +3

      @@Dylan-vj9yl Who asked

    • @AFCA-vn9bl
      @AFCA-vn9bl Рік тому +3

      @@Dylan-vj9yl who asked

    • @TheRealAVTV
      @TheRealAVTV Рік тому +5

      It’s not the only building in the town. There is a small apartment complex and several restaurants.

  • @mini696
    @mini696 Рік тому +3545

    The fact they bought the restaurant only a couple of years before the tunnel opened is such a stroke of luck.

    • @RajA-0202
      @RajA-0202 Рік тому +123

      Or that's some fishy business 🤔

    • @unpseudonyme
      @unpseudonyme Рік тому +196

      Pretty sure the tunnel had been planned more than 2 years in advance :) It was a smart decision tho

    • @tmbtor
      @tmbtor Рік тому +76

      and then stopped in 2019 which seems genius if they sold

    • @Bighannes410
      @Bighannes410 Рік тому +46

      My man how long exactly do you think it takes to build a tunnel 🤣 a couple weeks ?

    • @WDC_OSA
      @WDC_OSA Рік тому +27

      ​@@Bighannes410I'm gay and I think the tunnel was already built solely for trains, but after they bought the restaurant, it opened up to automotive traffic.

  • @TheChaosOrganization
    @TheChaosOrganization Рік тому +2378

    This town would be a great setting for a horror game.

    • @KRayxKodessA
      @KRayxKodessA Рік тому +64

      Very 30 days of night

    • @GarretMcCauley
      @GarretMcCauley Рік тому +36

      Back when I was a huge fan of TWD I thought the same thing but for a season based up there. Grew up about 20 mins from here and it’s always awesome to visit.

    • @ConsensusX
      @ConsensusX Рік тому +43

      I was thinking more like "Life Is Strange" series. Especially with the famous cafe, cheerful locals, and beautiful sceneries.
      I bet the town looks better when it's sunny.

    • @liamness
      @liamness Рік тому +11

      @@ConsensusX Go play Tell My Why, it is effectively a Life is Strange game in all but name, and set in rural Alaska.

    • @turtelrunr
      @turtelrunr Рік тому +16

      Hell yeah! collapse the tunnel and freeze over the ports or disable all ships, and youre pretty much trapped. And the only defensible building is the high rise

  • @sesa2984
    @sesa2984 Рік тому +160

    You should have name dropped the originator. She deserves it so much.

    • @S-fn3oe
      @S-fn3oe Рік тому +14

      Who's that, Terminator's cousin?

    • @brianlacroix822
      @brianlacroix822 Рік тому

      why so you freaks can stalk her? not everyone is big attention grabbing attention seeker, she prob just wants to live in peace in hokkaido. or she's dead

    • @Big_Caesar1
      @Big_Caesar1 2 місяці тому

      @@S-fn3oe Lmao

  • @IndiGeaux
    @IndiGeaux Рік тому +283

    I love their story. I love that he gave the Japanese lady credit. I want to go there. 🐟♥️

    • @kailua808
      @kailua808 Рік тому +24

      guaranteed that's why it's so tasty. Japanese grandma recipes? I'm there!!!

    • @janicesullivan8942
      @janicesullivan8942 Рік тому +5

      The food looks delicious, I’d go there just to say “I ate there.”

    • @DM-ry3nw
      @DM-ry3nw 5 місяців тому +5

      @@kailua808was just gonna say that, you already know a Japanese Grandma that lived in a very remote (at the time) area of Alaska who had a seafood restaurant was cooking up some wild things.
      Would like to hear more about her story!

  • @georgel9409
    @georgel9409 Рік тому +79

    This town is fascinating and I loved learning about it but people forget that its not in the middle of nowhere. Its a major ferry port in Alaska and about a 1 hour drive from the nearest Costco

  • @darkfoxfurre
    @darkfoxfurre Рік тому +294

    Well, considering that the restaurant used to be owned by a Japanese person; it's possible that the fish is battered in potato starch rather than flour. Using potato starch can give your food a crispier and lighter flavour, and it's easier to taste the spices and/or marinade.

    • @BansheeN0rn
      @BansheeN0rn 8 місяців тому +1

      U dont make any sense.

    • @darkfoxfurre
      @darkfoxfurre 8 місяців тому +51

      @@BansheeN0rn It's been a while since I've watched this video; but if memory serves- The restaurant staff said something along the lines of their recipe being a secret that they got from the previous owner. Battering and frying food in the way I described is a popular method of cooking in Japan, but it's not widely done that way in the US. Hence why this particular restaurant's food could taste uniquely crispy compared to its competitors.

    • @omarsabeur9039
      @omarsabeur9039 8 місяців тому +6

      Japanese people are awesome.

    • @khmer5o3
      @khmer5o3 8 місяців тому

      @@BansheeN0rnI don’t get how you’re that dumb to understand what he said.. wtf, people like you exist??)

    • @noonewatchesmyvideos3891
      @noonewatchesmyvideos3891 8 місяців тому +25

      @@BansheeN0rn how does his comment not make any sense>

  • @tundraboomer3372
    @tundraboomer3372 9 місяців тому +40

    I worked for the railroad in Alaska for a number of years and the Swiftwater was definitely one of our go-to places when we went off duty there. Tiny place, great views of the harbor and sound, and excellent food. Definitely one of the highlights of Whittier.

  • @jakel3424
    @jakel3424 Рік тому +192

    The original owner gave then all the knowledge and they followed it.

    • @Zoran69
      @Zoran69 Рік тому +105

      Yeah the Japanese Lady needs some credit. Japanese take on western food has always been delicious. The way the respect and carefully make anything is truly amazing. You can go to Japan and literally any food is delicious, like they are made for a King, even their sandwiches at the gas stations.

    • @Tigershark_3082
      @Tigershark_3082 Рік тому +46

      @@Zoran69 Japanese 7/11s are practically restaurants unto themselves, with how good the food quality is

    • @AbuHajarAlBugatti
      @AbuHajarAlBugatti Рік тому

      @@Zoran69 in a homogenic high IQ country people care for each other as being extended family. Modern western diversity doesent know what a community even is. Just look how anything that isnt nailed down gets stolen or destroyed and vandalized. And its always migrants

    • @jakel3424
      @jakel3424 Рік тому +2

      @@Zoran69 So true.

    • @someguy9778
      @someguy9778 Рік тому +5

      When you buy a turnkey restaurant...That's what happens.

  • @JasonBoyce
    @JasonBoyce Рік тому +53

    I’ve eaten there. Definitely not a one-building town anymore, but a cool place to visit. The train is a whistle-stop train that will drop you off at a place where you can hike to Spencer glacier, there’s a great log cabin you can stay at near there

    • @pdrt2377
      @pdrt2377 Рік тому

      What do you mean by that? Have they started building houses on the surroundings, or maybe other smaller buildings grouping other people?

    • @thefaller03
      @thefaller03 Рік тому +3

      @@pdrt2377 most of the land in Whittier is owned by the railroad and is a national forest, so homes and land for sale are scarce

  • @flipflopsandcarswaps1237
    @flipflopsandcarswaps1237 Рік тому +314

    You’re not disappointed that this is THE place to eat while you’re waiting on the tunnel to go out.

  • @Bobdylan12121
    @Bobdylan12121 Рік тому +287

    Ever since I first saw Peter Santanello's video on Whittier it's been living rent free in my head. This video just gave me another reason to add visiting this place (or moving there) to my bucketlist.

    • @Blitzkrieg1976
      @Blitzkrieg1976 Рік тому +2

      Same here❤️

    • @grapefruitsyrup8185
      @grapefruitsyrup8185 Рік тому

      move there? theres not gonna be job opportunities

    • @Bobdylan12121
      @Bobdylan12121 Рік тому +11

      @@grapefruitsyrup8185 There's a fishing industry, USPS is almost always in demand for workers, and cruise ships dock at the port so there's the cruise line industry.

    • @storywalsh9403
      @storywalsh9403 Рік тому +15

      It’s a really fun place to visit and a really depressing place to live- source, have been stuck in whittier

    • @zaddy83
      @zaddy83 Рік тому +3

      You’re not missing much bro. Also, Santanellos video, this one, and others, are clickbait. The majority of the residents live in Begich towers, but not all.

  • @jacobpalmares4396
    @jacobpalmares4396 Рік тому +86

    We love seeing mom and pop shops thriving 😮‍💨❤️🫂

    • @landlordize
      @landlordize Рік тому +9

      As they say in the video, the store got bought out in 2019 and the new owner doesn't work at the cafe. So the mom and pops era is kinda over.
      The manager is Lena Allred, the woman you see in the second half of the video.

  • @godisgoodallthetime7622
    @godisgoodallthetime7622 Рік тому +125

    I love living in Alaska. Born and raised. Grew up traveling the Seward highway.

    • @humachine5226
      @humachine5226 Рік тому +3

      I can only imagine the lifelong trek to adapt into that climate. I'm in California so we can only google your experience.. 😁

    • @mikea5745
      @mikea5745 Рік тому +15

      @Bang me Chan I asked, and I want to know more about it. @Godisgood Allthetime, tell me more about Alaska. What do you do for work? How is life in Anchorage vs. smaller towns? Is fish pretty cheap? How tough is it to drive across the state, or does it depend on the season?

    • @godisgoodallthetime7622
      @godisgoodallthetime7622 Рік тому +9

      @@mikea5745 I work with patients. Anchorage's to crowded. I work there but live about 25 to 30 minutes out of town. Depending on the time of year. Not safe to travel in the winter. We fish in the summer and fall. We dip net. And never purchase fish from the store. So I'm not sure about the cost.

    • @greatwanna
      @greatwanna Рік тому +1

      We all know Alaska is a tough place to live in, yet some people love that state. There must be a reason that I have never got to experience as someone who was born and grew up in a city. Would love to visit there someday.

  • @moi2995
    @moi2995 Рік тому +52

    Yaaay! I watched a mini documentary this guy did about this place. Loved the community.

  • @andrewmcgurl2479
    @andrewmcgurl2479 Рік тому +47

    i’ve been up to whittier before … first time i’ve ever been knocked on my ass by wind lol. the weather change after you go through the tunnel is unbelievable.

    • @wesleygary6651
      @wesleygary6651 Рік тому

      What was the largest vehicle you saw trying to get through there? Is is big enough for 18-wheelers? Wide enough (8ft plus)?

  • @GregCurtin45
    @GregCurtin45 Рік тому +153

    This is the first reason I've ever had to want to visit Alaska.
    Thank you #Munchies for always bringing us the great real-life stories of people conquering their fears and making lives of those around better. Continued success and happiness in 2023 to everyone in #Whittier Alaska. #FishAndChips #Family #Friends #Restaurant

    • @vibecity5381
      @vibecity5381 Рік тому +5

      They stole this video idea though, look up 'Alaskan Town That Lives In One Building' to view original viral video

    • @BatCaveOz
      @BatCaveOz Рік тому +6

      @@vibecity5381 There can be more than one video filmed in the same location.

    • @vibecity5381
      @vibecity5381 Рік тому +1

      @@BatCaveOz indeed, and Vice followed the innovator for views

    • @darksideofthesunpodcast1272
      @darksideofthesunpodcast1272 Рік тому +2

      There are many reasons to want to visit alaska. What a back handed compliment

    • @sugreev2001
      @sugreev2001 Рік тому

      @@vibecity5381 you mean Peter Santanello?

  • @johnnysothersack6829
    @johnnysothersack6829 Рік тому +56

    Sounds like they got their own slice of unique paradise

  • @AverytheCubanAmerican
    @AverytheCubanAmerican Рік тому +50

    Yup, the tunnel leading into Whittier is pretty unique as it's shared by cars and trains. The only other tunnel similar to it in the US is the Mount Washington Transit Tunnel in Pittsburgh which is shared by buses and light rail. On top of it being shared by trains, it's also the longest highway tunnel in North America (at 2.5 miles long), the first designed for -40 Fahrenheit temperatures and 150 mph winds, as well as the first to be aired out with jet turbine ventilation. The reason trains and cars share the tunnel is because they wanted to save money so they didn't have to build another tunnel for cars back in 2000.
    How did Whittier become such a rail place? Because of WWII. Whittier was pretty important during WWII when it comes to protecting Alaska. The US Army selected Whittier as a rail port because it was a shorter voyage, reduced exposure of ships to Japanese submarines, reduced the risk of Japanese bombing the port facilities because of the bad weather, and avoided the steep railroad grades required to traverse the Kenai Mountains. So the tunnel was built for the port in 1943.

  • @futsuu
    @futsuu Рік тому +85

    Growing up in Alaska, and have lived abroad for almost a decade. I am 32, and hearing "You are working, so no beer please"... reminds me of how weird that sounds, like that would be a big deal. But it was and and how far I drifted away. My dad hitched on the train and camped in the shale hills with his best friend in the 60s. And if no one said it already... "The weather is always .... in Whittier." You fill in the blank. Even driving out of Anchorage... Whittier feels like a place to stare into the abyss for a day. I miss the air.

    • @Mr_Jish
      @Mr_Jish Рік тому

      I'm only a couple years younger than you and just passed a decade living away as well. Even growing up in Anchorage I have realized over the years how much I miss the air. It's cool to see someone else on here bring that up ❤️

    • @autumn5852
      @autumn5852 5 місяців тому

      Who are you asking to fill in the blank? I would have thought you would be able to fill in the blank.

  • @chriss172
    @chriss172 Рік тому +7

    I was stationed in anchorage and alaska was the best place I ever lived. The fishing, the camping, great golf, the food, everything was life changing. All the road trips, train trips, national parks unreal! Can't wait to move back

  • @josephdirvin401
    @josephdirvin401 Рік тому +8

    While living in Alaska I visited several times and found the folks both gracious and entertaining.

  • @brendanhoffmann8402
    @brendanhoffmann8402 Рік тому +106

    I'd love to try Alaskan fish and chips... Being Australian and living on the coast, fish and chips are a staple here.

    • @swerves
      @swerves Рік тому +1

      the halibut is pricey but it's like butter!!

    • @BuildHousing
      @BuildHousing Рік тому +1

      Halibut fish and chips may cost more than cod or other fish, but it’s great. (Live in Seattle, have been to Alaska on vacation)

    • @Amr_D
      @Amr_D Рік тому +3

      Easy to be the best fish and chips in Alaska when you're the only one lol

    • @PoppaBell
      @PoppaBell Рік тому

      Good stuff there mate!

    • @lynnstlaurent6789
      @lynnstlaurent6789 9 місяців тому

      Alaskan halibut is tops. I would choose it over lobster but not battered. Don’t get me wrong battered halibut is still delicious. I met some people from Australia the first time I was in Alaska.

  • @mellowmilkstudios8738
    @mellowmilkstudios8738 Рік тому +32

    Grew up in Alaska and worked out of Whittier for a few years. This place has been the same since day 1. Worth the stop if you’re visiting Alaska.

  • @ddbrooklyn9456
    @ddbrooklyn9456 Рік тому +5

    Whittier! Went backpacking and sailing out there a few years ago, so beautiful and cozy. Love Alaska!! 😁

  • @breannajones2567
    @breannajones2567 Рік тому +56

    Alaska is beautiful. Breathtakingly so.
    My family and I stayed in Anchorage.
    When I go back, Whittier is on my list, as well as Nome, & Fairbanks!
    Oh, & going back to Anchorage, have to catch the Iditarod! ❤

  • @RealBradMiller
    @RealBradMiller Рік тому +7

    Always love hearing about Whittier!

  • @shortysherbet
    @shortysherbet Рік тому +7

    I learned about Whittier back in 2017 or so, and have always wanted to visit since then. What I particularly love about this documentary is that it focuses on a spot that I have never heard about before! Most of the documentaries focus on the Begich Towers, so its refreshing to see one focus on the locals and their pride in their food. Primary reasons for wanting to visit is the one-way tunnel and just to admire the breathtaking views. Now I have another reason to visit! :)

  • @RealKorean
    @RealKorean Рік тому +11

    I actually was there in August. You can ride a train or drive there. The tunnel actually is shared with cars and cars can only go through at certain times. They have a neat glacier cruise you can do

    • @isaiahc8390
      @isaiahc8390 Рік тому

      Repent and follow Jesus my friend! Repenting doesn't mean confessing your sins to others, but to stop doing them altogether. Belief in Messiah alone is not enough to get you into heaven, you must become a new creation and be born again by responding to the Holy Spirit. - Matthew 7:21-23, Revelation 3:15-16 cf. Hebrews 10:26-29. Pay close attention to your thoughts and how you respond to your inner monologue because it has a greater impact than you think. Call on the name of Jesus and pray for Him to intervene in your life, and do all that you can to follow His ways.

    • @wowzers1069
      @wowzers1069 9 місяців тому

      @@isaiahc8390 Get some psyc meds FFS.

  • @adb1917
    @adb1917 Рік тому +29

    Journalist: How did you hear about swift water?
    Guy: We live in a boat

    • @isaiahc8390
      @isaiahc8390 Рік тому

      Repent and follow Jesus my friend! Repenting doesn't mean confessing your sins to others, but to stop doing them altogether. Belief in Messiah alone is not enough to get you into heaven, you must become a new creation and be born again by responding to the Holy Spirit. - Matthew 7:21-23, Revelation 3:15-16 cf. Hebrews 10:26-29. Pay close attention to your thoughts and how you respond to your inner monologue because it has a greater impact than you think. Call on the name of Jesus and pray for Him to intervene in your life, and do all that you can to follow His ways.

  • @Thialeana
    @Thialeana Рік тому +37

    I looooooove visiting Whittier! I live in Alaska near Whittier, it is such a beautiful place to visit! Never had the chance to eat at the Swiftwater cafe. It is usually closed when we go. But one day, I am going too!

  • @Alex-zi1nb
    @Alex-zi1nb Рік тому +17

    that chowder with smoked salmon looked AMAZING!

  • @Fr3thc
    @Fr3thc Рік тому +4

    I love this serie munchies!!! would love to visit alaska one day

  • @ohmyaflood
    @ohmyaflood Рік тому +4

    Can't wait for the great north to do an episode there. I love that show

  • @TsunamiWombat
    @TsunamiWombat Рік тому +85

    Ok, but who owns it NOW? Because if you pay attention that couple said they owned it from 1997 to 2019. And the head chef said she came in "when her boss bought it".

    • @thefaller03
      @thefaller03 Рік тому +36

      My boss owns it now and his name is Todd Perez. He also owns the Inn at Whittier and a jet ski glacier tour and a couple more places in Girdwood. He’s very hands-on with all of his places.

    • @slow_clumsy
      @slow_clumsy Рік тому +5

      ​@@thefaller03 google says it's temporarily closed, is it true/what's the story

    • @chocobunny39
      @chocobunny39 Рік тому +23

      @@slow_clumsy theyre not open year round. its seasonal

    • @slow_clumsy
      @slow_clumsy Рік тому +5

      @@chocobunny39 ahhh, I see. Thanks!

    • @Ryuu0u
      @Ryuu0u Рік тому +1

      Sounds like they are buying things up and going to dump money into the town.

  • @biglakewheeler
    @biglakewheeler Рік тому +1

    I worked here in summers of 2000 and 2001 cleaning after hours. My friend josh was their waiter. Don and Margaret were always extremely nice and welcoming to me. Lots of nights playing humble pie full blast, cleaning dishes and stocking the fridge and prepping. Great times.

  • @RodSerling.
    @RodSerling. Рік тому +81

    Damn I’d buy a restaurant for 5K. That’d be sick

    • @Toymonkeyjr
      @Toymonkeyjr Рік тому +7

      Especially when they sell 100lbs of fish a day, and a basket of fish n chips 1lb fillet costs 17$!!

    • @deandredunbar9618
      @deandredunbar9618 Рік тому +1

      Account for overhead that's not much lol

    • @juanitacarrollyoung2979
      @juanitacarrollyoung2979 Рік тому +3

      Especially if the restaurant includes the previous owner giving all the recipes AND intensive training on techniques.

    • @mentalasylumescapee6389
      @mentalasylumescapee6389 Рік тому

      @@Toymonkeyjr wtf? a scoop of chips and a fish costs $4 USD here...the thing is 10 yeas ago it was half the price -.-

    • @StickMan...77
      @StickMan...77 Місяць тому

      @@juanitacarrollyoung2979Just remember ,hand slapping included 😂,but it’s great.

  • @samoanpride9247
    @samoanpride9247 Рік тому +2

    That lady working is GORGEOUS!

  • @SupremeLeaderKimJong-un
    @SupremeLeaderKimJong-un Рік тому +79

    Some Whittier history: The region occupied by Whittier was once part of the portage route of the Chugach people native to Prince William Sound. Later, the passage was used by Russian and American explorers, and by prospecting miners during the Klondike Gold Rush. The nearby Whittier Glacier was named for American poet John Greenleaf Whittier in 1915, and the town eventually took the name as well
    A sad fact about Whittier, it once had a huge earthquake in 1964 that had a magnitude of 9.2...that remains in the top four of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history (second to be specific!). Whittier faced three tsunamis as a result, killing 12 people (including six children) in a single lumber mill who were celebrating a birthday, as well as a woman and her infant perishing elsewhere in town. From Whittier's role in WWII to the earthquake, a town famous for its one building sure has a story to tell.

    • @TheReacTT
      @TheReacTT Рік тому +5

      Wow! You know so much dear leader!

    • @isaiahc8390
      @isaiahc8390 Рік тому

      Repent and follow Jesus my friend! Repenting doesn't mean confessing your sins to others, but to stop doing them altogether. Belief in Messiah alone is not enough to get you into heaven, you must become a new creation and be born again by responding to the Holy Spirit. - Matthew 7:21-23, Revelation 3:15-16 cf. Hebrews 10:26-29. Pay close attention to your thoughts and how you respond to your inner monologue because it has a greater impact than you think. Call on the name of Jesus and pray for Him to intervene in your life, and do all that you can to follow His ways.

  • @0898sparta
    @0898sparta Рік тому +17

    The halibut from this place is phenomenal.

    • @Automedon2
      @Automedon2 Рік тому +1

      Would love to taste fresh halibut and cod. I think all I've ever eaten has been frozen.

  • @jblover_3014
    @jblover_3014 Рік тому +2

    Went to Whittier on a whim for my trip to alaska...it is absolutely spectacular in winter, even if most places are closed

  • @julianmaier5816
    @julianmaier5816 Рік тому +1

    Some years ago i used the ferry from whittier to valdez. It was the journey of my life so far...#lovealaska

  • @Automedon2
    @Automedon2 Рік тому +5

    Just the thought of looking out over those open spaces, waterfalls and quiet makes me long to visit Alaska. I feel like it's the place I was always meant to be.

  • @ElizabethCapulet
    @ElizabethCapulet Рік тому +33

    Wow this is my favorite restaurant in Whittier ! ❤️ So cool to see it on one of my favorite UA-cam channels (:

    • @JoelMatton
      @JoelMatton Рік тому +1

      You mean there's more than one restaurant in this tiny town? lol

  • @redcomet0079
    @redcomet0079 Рік тому +1

    *This was one of the best videos I’ve seen all week*

  • @ToudaHell
    @ToudaHell Рік тому +2

    That place remind me of a little fish restaurant in Charlottetown. My bestfriend and I went there back in 2015 and asked the locals what's a good place to eat and every one of them told us to go to this place. They were right. The food was phenomenal and the ambience warm.

  • @MakeMoney-zh7uc
    @MakeMoney-zh7uc 8 місяців тому +1

    gosh i love these 2,they are so realistic its a breath of fresh air !

    • @MakeMoney-zh7uc
      @MakeMoney-zh7uc 8 місяців тому

      btw im one month older than their business !

  • @BlackDynamiteFilms
    @BlackDynamiteFilms Рік тому +4

    Was lucky to visit this town back in June, I wish I ate here!

  • @paris9474
    @paris9474 Рік тому

    Oh wow, the food looks really good. And, I love her voice and his voice especially.

  • @jessicalist7916
    @jessicalist7916 7 місяців тому +1

    For some reason, once I saw a documentary about begich building, I was hooked!

  • @ruftime
    @ruftime Рік тому +24

    Thank you!
    Can’t wait to visit!
    0:35 Sad that this isn’t the primary tenet of all food establishments/businesses😢
    Greetings from the coast of SoCal!

    • @wesleygary6651
      @wesleygary6651 Рік тому

      There is another internet show, guy and his wife off-grid living and that gal looks eerily similar. The symmetry in their faces......
      tree trunk genealogy in Alaska. Old military friend i sailed with says it's just hard to find a woman up there. Now i know they probably come from one group of sisters.

    • @bearpawz_
      @bearpawz_ Рік тому

      @@wesleygary6651 I live in Anchorage, used to live in Fairbanks, Tok (rhymes like Toke), and Kodiak. There are women EVERYWHERE. That old "hard to find females in Alaska" is a bogus tale.

    • @wesleygary6651
      @wesleygary6651 Рік тому

      @@bearpawz_ Good to know. I've held that for over 30 years. Gotta have more than one person telling me though.

  • @mikehawk4865
    @mikehawk4865 Рік тому +248

    Reasons for omitting a thirteenth floor include triskaidekaphobia on the part of the building's owner or builder, or a desire by the building owner or landlord to prevent problems that may arise with superstitious tenants, occupants, or customers. In 2002, based on an internal review of records, Dilip Rangnekar of Otis Elevators estimated that 85% of the buildings with Otis brand elevators did not have a floor named the 13th floor. Early tall-building designers, fearing a fire on the 13th floor, or fearing tenants' superstitions about the rumor, decided to omit having a 13th floor listed on their elevator numbering.This practice became commonplace, and eventually found its way into American mainstream culture and building design.
    -Wiki

    • @MsZsc
      @MsZsc Рік тому +7

      my building has no 4th floor. moreso an asian thing but i live in canada

    • @ggitslificious
      @ggitslificious Рік тому +9

      @@MsZsc canada is second asia bro

    • @MsZsc
      @MsZsc Рік тому

      @@ggitslificious yea

    • @focusmuffin
      @focusmuffin Рік тому

      @@isaiahc8390die

    • @koraegi
      @koraegi Рік тому +3

      @@MsZsc that is very weird for a building in the west to not have a 4th floor lmao

  • @IamTheaveragegamer
    @IamTheaveragegamer Рік тому +6

    What a beautiful town.

  • @claynton
    @claynton Рік тому +1

    I could listen to female owner for hours telling her stories. GREAT speaking voice and comforting.

  • @earthwormjim1837
    @earthwormjim1837 Рік тому +29

    Man these munchies gives me the munchies

  • @chentorrychelsea
    @chentorrychelsea 5 місяців тому

    I remember visiting here this year very fondly -- great place!

    • @autumn5852
      @autumn5852 5 місяців тому

      I’m glad you can still remember, otherwise that would be worrisome

  • @nJenkins420
    @nJenkins420 Рік тому +21

    Dude she's so nice I remember her saying she's moving there she works very hard

    • @Pyrethryn
      @Pyrethryn Рік тому +1

      You mean the store manager (brunette)? I am trying to place her accent, any idea?

    • @thefaller03
      @thefaller03 Рік тому +2

      @@Pyrethryn yes, she's from Bulgaria and works extremely hard and is very sweet

    • @takanoritoriyama
      @takanoritoriyama Рік тому +1

      @@thefaller03 how do you know that? soo specific

    • @thefaller03
      @thefaller03 Рік тому +4

      @@takanoritoriyama because I know her lol I live in Whittier

    • @Ltblitzful
      @Ltblitzful Рік тому +1

      @@thefaller03 how is the new ownership? from what I'm reading online the new owner caused a significant drop in quality

  • @jaredf.6532
    @jaredf.6532 Рік тому

    I found a cool fishing hook and bought some salt in tiny trailer style shop during this past summer. Also saw their history museum. That was pretty cool too

  • @StitchJones
    @StitchJones Рік тому +4

    What an awesome little piece of the world.

  • @teresagreen81
    @teresagreen81 Рік тому +1

    We went while we were in Anchorage. Had fish in chips in Anchorage and then here. The difference is unbelievable. 100% agree that this is the best fish in chips. Nothing compares.

  • @gsmeeuwsen
    @gsmeeuwsen Рік тому

    Would LOVE to have tried that fish & chips and the chowder!!!

  • @ChanpakuygunChintakanonda
    @ChanpakuygunChintakanonda Рік тому +4

    Found out about Whittier years ago through a Thoughty2 video, never thought I’d see it again on Munchies lmao

  • @elinarvaez5509
    @elinarvaez5509 3 місяці тому

    I made Whittier a stop in my trip to Alaska. Swiftwater has amazing food. The calamari burger is very good. I did the glacier cruise and spent the night there. Pretty cool little town.

  • @edwinsane3769
    @edwinsane3769 Рік тому +4

    On my bucket list now coz I LOVE fish n chips😋

  • @muskafella
    @muskafella 13 днів тому

    Never in my life been to Alaska but seeing this video I would 100% try this food. Great story A++ Work

  • @amyr.862
    @amyr.862 Рік тому +2

    This would be a great place to stay for a week or two and decompress. And try everything on the menu while I'm there between hikes 😄

  • @ARQtoBR
    @ARQtoBR 2 місяці тому

    Such an inspiring story !!!❤❤❤

  • @xXpurplenurple007Xx
    @xXpurplenurple007Xx Рік тому +23

    Kayaked from Whittier to Valdez once. It was such an amazing experience. Shame I wasn't able to stop by.

    • @Roxy-ch4gv
      @Roxy-ch4gv Рік тому

      How far?

    • @billkant849
      @billkant849 Рік тому +2

      @@Roxy-ch4gv - about 90 miles. Which is shorter than driving it, about 360 miles.

    • @alexhines9128
      @alexhines9128 Рік тому +1

      I did the same in 2006. Amazing experience

  • @JacobCanote
    @JacobCanote Рік тому

    I love this story.

  • @williamburns9731
    @williamburns9731 7 місяців тому

    I watched a of Hobo Shoestring, am who rides the goods trains and he visited your town. Great video and all the best from Australia 🇦🇺 👍

  • @mikehawk7294
    @mikehawk7294 Рік тому +1

    There is some pretty good fish and chips on the Homer spit. Fresh caught halibut every day can't go wrong.

  • @melissasalasblair5273
    @melissasalasblair5273 8 місяців тому

    Thanks, I love re=watching this episode.

  • @Warbearwooliez
    @Warbearwooliez 9 місяців тому

    Been going here since I was a kid; their crab cakes are awsome too!

  • @raeperonneau4941
    @raeperonneau4941 Рік тому

    What a lovely story!

  • @pokemami
    @pokemami Рік тому

    Reminds me of "the brick" from northern exposure. 😂 So awesome

  • @KentGoSuzuki
    @KentGoSuzuki Рік тому +29

    Sees the intro: “Huh, that looks like Japanese deepfry”
    2:38 : “Ah makes sense”

  • @bhuwanjain4623
    @bhuwanjain4623 5 місяців тому

    I have been to Whittier and it’s magical .. entire city in one bldg..

  • @jaclynorzack5483
    @jaclynorzack5483 Рік тому +4

    Fish and chips looks delicious!!🐟🍟

  • @oscarkoop2548
    @oscarkoop2548 4 місяці тому +1

    We drive down once a week to eat there. Spectacular food!

  • @TheRyansLion
    @TheRyansLion Рік тому +4

    I was in Whittier for a little bit last year and wish I had gone 😢

  • @AIDusti
    @AIDusti Рік тому +1

    Swift water seafood cafe is absolutely amazing. Literally the only place me and my family will eat every time we’re in Whittier

  • @deborahriley1166
    @deborahriley1166 Рік тому

    How lovely!
    Grateful for people like you!🙏☯️🙏

  • @camrusty
    @camrusty Рік тому +10

    Honestly one of the most interesting ways I’ve seen to combat the cold. One big building to insulate. They killed the food too, might have to bucket list this spot lmao

    • @thefaller03
      @thefaller03 Рік тому +4

      They’re not in the big building haha. Big misconception that everything in the town is in the building.

  • @bando5959
    @bando5959 Рік тому +74

    I have never really traveled much but I think If be down to go to Alaska for this place and some fishing. Let’s make it happen!

    • @joebloggs6841
      @joebloggs6841 Рік тому

      Stay in mom's basement. Safer.

    • @GuidingOlive
      @GuidingOlive Рік тому +2

      I've always wanted to go up to Alaska for some salmon fishing. Straight from the river onto a grill with some lemon, green onions, and garlic. Might have to swing by this place too.

    • @quimmole477
      @quimmole477 Рік тому +1

      it’s beauty is one of a kind! i’ve lived in alaska my whole life and i never really appreciated it until i started visiting other states 😆 when i went to california i was like where are all the spruce trees and mountain ranges?

    • @ducknorris233
      @ducknorris233 Рік тому

      The idea of eating outside in cold weather blows my mind. Wouldn’t your food get cold fast?

    • @ilakresfengsel
      @ilakresfengsel Рік тому

      I read "go down to Alaska", and i was like bro wtf do u live

  • @TanDJServices
    @TanDJServices Рік тому +24

    Alaska had some of the best food I've ever had. Best pizza I ever had was in Juneau. Best pad thai I had was in Skagway. Best Chinese food was in Ketchikan.

    • @sagestrings869
      @sagestrings869 Рік тому +9

      When your customerbase is only a couple hundred you cant afford to be bad espicially when you know everyone personally

    • @mentalasylumescapee6389
      @mentalasylumescapee6389 Рік тому +2

      @Erwin Tan, yeah that is all you've had Alaskan food so it's a bit biased, try to go overseas and see what the locals cook, then you can really judge the quality and genuineness compared to Alaska.

    • @euphonek
      @euphonek Рік тому

      What restaurants did you eat at?

    • @MyKeeP81
      @MyKeeP81 Рік тому +8

      if the best pizza, pad thai, and chinese food you ever had was in alaska you definitely need to travel more lol

    • @someguy9778
      @someguy9778 Рік тому

      Oh yes, that Chinese restaurant in Ketchikan is 100%!

  • @NellaaaaJj
    @NellaaaaJj Рік тому +2

    Looks super good

  • @landonjones1516
    @landonjones1516 Рік тому

    y'all have good reason to be proud! M'Mmmmm! paprika on the cod before deepfrying! ... my mouth is watering!

  • @Alex-zi1nb
    @Alex-zi1nb Рік тому +23

    the tunnel time blows my mind. do they shut the gates? or just have trains going thru nonstop?? 90% of the people living in one building is one hell of a social experiment

    • @dianelopez96
      @dianelopez96 Рік тому +3

      horror movie esque

    • @Mr_Jish
      @Mr_Jish Рік тому +3

      They're generally timed out depending on the season. Every time I went to Whittier we'd just drive the tunnel during the split times when trains weren't going in or out. In general to answer your question, they prioritize trains going through so traffic will wait, but then once the train is through they close it off for folks who are driving. Very interesting place and one I liked visiting every once in a while; amazing glacier charters out of Whittier!
      Source: born and raised in Anchorage, AK

    • @someguy9778
      @someguy9778 Рік тому +2

      Yes tunnel is controlled by gates. The tunnel also closed at 10pm and opens at 6am I believe.

  • @edgargee408
    @edgargee408 4 місяці тому

    I remember Henry constantly telling us how much she loves us to do and I think that she would love that for her to be honest and to have her back to me so I think she was really happy to have that and that she would like us all being friends with us to do it was so nice to see you

  • @monisolaelliott9346
    @monisolaelliott9346 Рік тому +11

    I’m from Anchorage Alaska. When I get back to Alaska I’ll have to visit this place.

  • @mysticondeflamme
    @mysticondeflamme 5 місяців тому

    I live almost 9k km from this place and I am still tempted to visit this place and taste the food

  • @SonicSW
    @SonicSW Рік тому +4

    Just imagining a little Japanese lady slapping his hand while cooking is a funny thought lmao

  • @sadboi7537
    @sadboi7537 Рік тому +62

    Crazy how much attention Whittier is getting recently.

    • @MrSimonj1970
      @MrSimonj1970 Рік тому +1

      I saw it on a travel vlog last week, I'd never heard of it until then, but I'm English.

    • @AbuHajarAlBugatti
      @AbuHajarAlBugatti Рік тому +5

      It brings views since 1 guy showed it so all the other greedy youpoopers thought "oh that brings views and money lets make a video about it aswell"
      Thats the modern lack of ideas. Also seen in Hollywood and Video games

    • @quimmole477
      @quimmole477 Рік тому +2

      right? i’ve lived in alaska my whole life and grew up going to whittier every summer or just whenever my mom wanted to go on a drive and it’s fun seeing people swooning over it. i never thought too much about alaska for most of my life because it’s all i’ve ever known, but after going to other states and realizing it’s a once in a lifetime experience for most, i feel lucky to experience alaska every day!

    • @quimmole477
      @quimmole477 Рік тому +1

      @@AbuHajarAlBugatti that’s true but it is a fascinating town that hasn’t been talked about much until recently

    • @AbuHajarAlBugatti
      @AbuHajarAlBugatti Рік тому +1

      @@quimmole477 yeah I just think that pumping money there to turn it into another tourist hotzone will ruin it like it did all other places.
      If you want to get sad, watch young Leonardo Dicaprios The Beach.
      Then google that legendary Thai beach today.
      Tourism destroyed the entire nature and corall reef there and ruined to place to such lasting extend, that the Thai government made it illegal to visit the place few years ago

  • @bluefish537
    @bluefish537 Рік тому +1

    I love this video.

  • @jonw12
    @jonw12 Рік тому +8

    Alaskans are a different type of people. They're great!

  • @TheGForceJunkie
    @TheGForceJunkie Рік тому +4

    The Halibut looks amazing, in Europe it's impossible to get something like that. Even when you buy it for 50-60€ per Kilo, it doesn't look like that. Would love to taste it.

  • @roberthorry621
    @roberthorry621 Рік тому

    Looks awesome

  • @someguy9778
    @someguy9778 Рік тому +1

    Whittier so so peaceful, especially at night, away from the bar anyway. lol.

  • @AmbientWalking
    @AmbientWalking Місяць тому

    Wow. Incredible.

  • @nicolasbobynugroho7731
    @nicolasbobynugroho7731 Рік тому +6

    Been there during my cruise ships working days…awesome place and great food

    • @isaiahc8390
      @isaiahc8390 Рік тому

      Repent and follow Jesus my friend! Repenting doesn't mean confessing your sins to others, but to stop doing them altogether. Belief in Messiah alone is not enough to get you into heaven, you must become a new creation and be born again by responding to the Holy Spirit. - Matthew 7:21-23, Revelation 3:15-16 cf. Hebrews 10:26-29. Pay close attention to your thoughts and how you respond to your inner monologue because it has a greater impact than you think. Call on the name of Jesus and pray for Him to intervene in your life, and do all that you can to follow His ways.