Eating in Alaska's Hidden One Building Town

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  • čas přidán 30. 11. 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.
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Komentáře • 890

  • @mini696
    @mini696 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +123

      Or that's some fishy business 🤔

    • @unpseudonyme
      @unpseudonyme Před rokem +196

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

    • @tmbtor
      @tmbtor Před rokem +76

      and then stopped in 2019 which seems genius if they sold

    • @Bighannes410
      @Bighannes410 Před rokem +46

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

    • @WDC_OSA
      @WDC_OSA Před rokem +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.

  • @heyitsnayaa6736
    @heyitsnayaa6736 Před rokem +1329

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

    • @heyitsnayaa6736
      @heyitsnayaa6736 Před rokem +16

      Lol I didn’t ask you either 😂

    • @Poppy101DJ
      @Poppy101DJ Před rokem +10

      @@Dylan-vj9yl calm down, Karen.

    • @thastayapongsak4422
      @thastayapongsak4422 Před rokem +3

      @@Dylan-vj9yl Who asked

    • @AFCA-vn9bl
      @AFCA-vn9bl Před rokem +3

      @@Dylan-vj9yl who asked

    • @TheRealAVTV
      @TheRealAVTV Před rokem +5

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

  • @sesa2984
    @sesa2984 Před rokem +160

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

    • @S-fn3oe
      @S-fn3oe Před rokem +14

      Who's that, Terminator's cousin?

    • @brianlacroix822
      @brianlacroix822 Před rokem

      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 Před 2 měsíci

      @@S-fn3oe Lmao

  • @TheChaosOrganization
    @TheChaosOrganization Před rokem +2378

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

    • @KRayxKodessA
      @KRayxKodessA Před rokem +64

      Very 30 days of night

    • @GarretMcCauley
      @GarretMcCauley Před rokem +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 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +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

  • @georgel9409
    @georgel9409 Před rokem +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

  • @IndiGeaux
    @IndiGeaux Před rokem +283

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

    • @kailua808
      @kailua808 Před rokem +24

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

    • @janicesullivan8942
      @janicesullivan8942 Před rokem +5

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

    • @DM-ry3nw
      @DM-ry3nw Před 5 měsíci +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!

  • @tundraboomer3372
    @tundraboomer3372 Před 9 měsíci +39

    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.

  • @flipflopsandcarswaps1237
    @flipflopsandcarswaps1237 Před rokem +314

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

  • @darkfoxfurre
    @darkfoxfurre Před rokem +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 Před 8 měsíci +1

      U dont make any sense.

    • @darkfoxfurre
      @darkfoxfurre Před 8 měsíci +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 Před 8 měsíci +6

      Japanese people are awesome.

    • @khmer5o3
      @khmer5o3 Před 8 měsíci

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

    • @noonewatchesmyvideos3891
      @noonewatchesmyvideos3891 Před 8 měsíci +25

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

  • @Bobdylan12121
    @Bobdylan12121 Před rokem +286

    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 Před rokem +2

      Same here❤️

    • @grapefruitsyrup8185
      @grapefruitsyrup8185 Před rokem

      move there? theres not gonna be job opportunities

    • @Bobdylan12121
      @Bobdylan12121 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +15

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

    • @zaddy83
      @zaddy83 Před rokem +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.

  • @JasonBoyce
    @JasonBoyce Před rokem +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 Před rokem

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

    • @thefaller03
      @thefaller03 Před rokem +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

  • @jakel3424
    @jakel3424 Před rokem +192

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

    • @Zoran69
      @Zoran69 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +46

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

    • @AbuHajarAlBugatti
      @AbuHajarAlBugatti Před rokem

      @@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 Před rokem +2

      @@Zoran69 So true.

    • @someguy9778
      @someguy9778 Před rokem +5

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

  • @jacobpalmares4396
    @jacobpalmares4396 Před rokem +86

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

    • @landlordize
      @landlordize Před rokem +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.

  • @GregCurtin45
    @GregCurtin45 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +5

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

    • @BatCaveOz
      @BatCaveOz Před rokem +6

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

    • @vibecity5381
      @vibecity5381 Před rokem +1

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

    • @darksideofthesunpodcast1272
      @darksideofthesunpodcast1272 Před rokem +2

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

    • @sugreev2001
      @sugreev2001 Před rokem

      @@vibecity5381 you mean Peter Santanello?

  • @AverytheCubanAmerican
    @AverytheCubanAmerican Před rokem +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.

  • @godisgoodallthetime7622
    @godisgoodallthetime7622 Před rokem +125

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

    • @humachine5226
      @humachine5226 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +52

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

  • @chriss172
    @chriss172 Před rokem +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

  • @futsuu
    @futsuu Před rokem +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 Před rokem

      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 Před 5 měsíci

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

  • @andrewmcgurl2479
    @andrewmcgurl2479 Před rokem +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 Před rokem

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

  • @mellowmilkstudios8738
    @mellowmilkstudios8738 Před rokem +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.

  • @SupremeLeaderKimJong-un
    @SupremeLeaderKimJong-un Před rokem +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 Před rokem +5

      Wow! You know so much dear leader!

    • @isaiahc8390
      @isaiahc8390 Před rokem

      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.

  • @josephdirvin401
    @josephdirvin401 Před rokem +8

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

  • @breannajones2567
    @breannajones2567 Před rokem +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! ❤

  • @johnnysothersack6829
    @johnnysothersack6829 Před rokem +56

    Sounds like they got their own slice of unique paradise

  • @brendanhoffmann8402
    @brendanhoffmann8402 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +1

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

    • @BuildHousing
      @BuildHousing Před rokem +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 Před rokem +3

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

    • @PoppaBell
      @PoppaBell Před rokem

      Good stuff there mate!

    • @lynnstlaurent6789
      @lynnstlaurent6789 Před 9 měsíci

      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.

  • @ddbrooklyn9456
    @ddbrooklyn9456 Před rokem +5

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

  • @shortysherbet
    @shortysherbet Před rokem +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! :)

  • @RealBradMiller
    @RealBradMiller Před rokem +7

    Always love hearing about Whittier!

  • @mikehawk4865
    @mikehawk4865 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +7

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

    • @ggitslificious
      @ggitslificious Před rokem +9

      @@MsZsc canada is second asia bro

    • @MsZsc
      @MsZsc Před rokem

      @@ggitslificious yea

    • @focusmuffin
      @focusmuffin Před rokem

      @@isaiahc8390die

    • @koraegi
      @koraegi Před rokem +3

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

  • @Thialeana
    @Thialeana Před rokem +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 Před rokem +17

    that chowder with smoked salmon looked AMAZING!

  • @TsunamiWombat
    @TsunamiWombat Před rokem +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 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +5

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

    • @chocobunny39
      @chocobunny39 Před rokem +23

      @@slow_clumsy theyre not open year round. its seasonal

    • @slow_clumsy
      @slow_clumsy Před rokem +5

      @@chocobunny39 ahhh, I see. Thanks!

    • @Ryuu0u
      @Ryuu0u Před rokem +1

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

  • @biglakewheeler
    @biglakewheeler Před rokem +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.

  • @ohmyaflood
    @ohmyaflood Před rokem +4

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

  • @RealKorean
    @RealKorean Před rokem +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 Před rokem

      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 Před 9 měsíci

      @@isaiahc8390 Get some psyc meds FFS.

  • @Fr3thc
    @Fr3thc Před rokem +4

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

  • @ElizabethCapulet
    @ElizabethCapulet Před rokem +33

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

    • @JoelMatton
      @JoelMatton Před rokem +1

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

  • @julianmaier5816
    @julianmaier5816 Před rokem +1

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

  • @adb1917
    @adb1917 Před rokem +29

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

    • @isaiahc8390
      @isaiahc8390 Před rokem

      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 Před rokem +17

    The halibut from this place is phenomenal.

    • @Automedon2
      @Automedon2 Před rokem +1

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

  • @jblover_3014
    @jblover_3014 Před rokem +2

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

  • @Automedon2
    @Automedon2 Před rokem +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.

  • @redcomet0079
    @redcomet0079 Před rokem +1

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

  • @RodSerling.
    @RodSerling. Před rokem +81

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

    • @Toymonkeyjr
      @Toymonkeyjr Před rokem +7

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

    • @deandredunbar9618
      @deandredunbar9618 Před rokem +1

      Account for overhead that's not much lol

    • @juanitacarrollyoung2979
      @juanitacarrollyoung2979 Před rokem +3

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

    • @mentalasylumescapee6389
      @mentalasylumescapee6389 Před rokem

      @@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 Před měsícem

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

  • @earthwormjim1837
    @earthwormjim1837 Před rokem +29

    Man these munchies gives me the munchies

  • @ruftime
    @ruftime Před rokem +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 Před rokem

      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_ Před rokem

      @@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 Před rokem

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

  • @MakeMoney-zh7uc
    @MakeMoney-zh7uc Před 8 měsíci +1

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

  • @ToudaHell
    @ToudaHell Před rokem +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.

  • @KentGoSuzuki
    @KentGoSuzuki Před rokem +29

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

  • @williamburns9731
    @williamburns9731 Před 7 měsíci

    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 🇦🇺 👍

  • @Warbearwooliez
    @Warbearwooliez Před 9 měsíci

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

  • @samoanpride9247
    @samoanpride9247 Před rokem +2

    That lady working is GORGEOUS!

  • @BlackDynamiteFilms
    @BlackDynamiteFilms Před rokem +4

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

  • @jessicalist7916
    @jessicalist7916 Před 7 měsíci +1

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

  • @teresagreen81
    @teresagreen81 Před rokem +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.

  • @paris9474
    @paris9474 Před rokem

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

  • @TanDJServices
    @TanDJServices Před rokem +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 Před rokem +9

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

    • @mentalasylumescapee6389
      @mentalasylumescapee6389 Před rokem +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 Před rokem

      What restaurants did you eat at?

    • @MyKeeP81
      @MyKeeP81 Před rokem +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 Před rokem

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

  • @IamTheaveragegamer
    @IamTheaveragegamer Před rokem +6

    What a beautiful town.

  • @ARQtoBR
    @ARQtoBR Před 2 měsíci

    Such an inspiring story !!!❤❤❤

  • @AIDusti
    @AIDusti Před rokem +1

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

  • @elinarvaez5509
    @elinarvaez5509 Před 3 měsíci

    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.

  • @jaclynorzack5483
    @jaclynorzack5483 Před rokem +4

    Fish and chips looks delicious!!🐟🍟

  • @muskafella
    @muskafella Před 12 dny

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

  • @edwinsane3769
    @edwinsane3769 Před rokem +4

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

  • @ChanpakuygunChintakanonda

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

  • @nJenkins420
    @nJenkins420 Před rokem +21

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

    • @Pyrethryn
      @Pyrethryn Před rokem +1

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

    • @thefaller03
      @thefaller03 Před rokem +2

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

    • @takanoritoriyama
      @takanoritoriyama Před rokem +1

      @@thefaller03 how do you know that? soo specific

    • @thefaller03
      @thefaller03 Před rokem +4

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

    • @Ltblitzful
      @Ltblitzful Před rokem +1

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

  • @amyr.862
    @amyr.862 Před rokem +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 😄

  • @StitchJones
    @StitchJones Před rokem +4

    What an awesome little piece of the world.

  • @gsmeeuwsen
    @gsmeeuwsen Před rokem

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

  • @sadboi7537
    @sadboi7537 Před rokem +62

    Crazy how much attention Whittier is getting recently.

    • @MrSimonj1970
      @MrSimonj1970 Před rokem +1

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

    • @AbuHajarAlBugatti
      @AbuHajarAlBugatti Před rokem +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 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +1

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

    • @AbuHajarAlBugatti
      @AbuHajarAlBugatti Před rokem +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

  • @deborahriley1166
    @deborahriley1166 Před rokem

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

  • @melissasalasblair5273
    @melissasalasblair5273 Před 8 měsíci

    Thanks, I love re=watching this episode.

  • @monisolaelliott9346
    @monisolaelliott9346 Před rokem +11

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

  • @pokemami
    @pokemami Před rokem

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

  • @edgargee408
    @edgargee408 Před 4 měsíci

    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

  • @jaredf.6532
    @jaredf.6532 Před rokem

    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

  • @jonw12
    @jonw12 Před rokem +8

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

  • @xXpurplenurple007Xx
    @xXpurplenurple007Xx Před rokem +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 Před rokem

      How far?

    • @billkant849
      @billkant849 Před rokem +2

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

    • @alexhines9128
      @alexhines9128 Před rokem +1

      I did the same in 2006. Amazing experience

  • @chentorrychelsea
    @chentorrychelsea Před 5 měsíci

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

    • @autumn5852
      @autumn5852 Před 5 měsíci

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

  • @SonicSW
    @SonicSW Před rokem +4

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

  • @rebeccasoto9592
    @rebeccasoto9592 Před rokem +10

    I live in a "small" town in Hudson County NJ. 1/5th of the population lives in the same high rise building complex as me. We live 20 min across the river from Manhattan, and there's something I really love about the community here. Were in the city but not, and people are friendly because the town has such small borders. The total pop of the whole county is the pop of all of Alaska, so no comparison, but it really is a special way to live like this.

    • @mikemichael5591
      @mikemichael5591 Před rokem

      Bro u r really comparing your peace of Shit NJ to beautiful protected Alaska ??

    • @AverytheCubanAmerican
      @AverytheCubanAmerican Před rokem

      The plus about being a former Jersey City resident is knowing exactly what you're talking about lol

  • @mikehawk7294
    @mikehawk7294 Před rokem +1

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

  • @claynton
    @claynton Před rokem +1

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

  • @Kaice88
    @Kaice88 Před rokem +184

    I absolutely love fish and chips. Im always on the hunt for the best spot. Believe it or not I had such a hard time finding a decent place in Los Angeles, at least to my liking, but ive had better luck on the east coast. I have to try this place before I die. It HAS TO HAPPEN! lol Im only 27 so fingers crossed lol this seems like such a nice and friendly town. Ive seen videos about this place before but they only focused on the idea of everyone living in one place and not so much the area and how gorgeous it is and how the locals are. great video!

    • @FrederikJolle
      @FrederikJolle Před rokem +10

      Come to Smethwick Birmingham

    • @oxzce
      @oxzce Před rokem +7

      @@FrederikJolle And ask for Danny G?

    • @MegaDargar
      @MegaDargar Před rokem +1

      It's a neat little town, not much to do besides fishing, hiking and sightseeing. Absolutely beautiful views of glaciers and mountains.

    • @Kaice88
      @Kaice88 Před rokem +1

      @@MegaDargar that sounds amazing though! I love fishing, sightseeing, and hiking. It sounds like my perfect getaway lol. It’s on my list of places to visit for sure.

    • @forbes419123
      @forbes419123 Před rokem +3

      Astoria, Oregon at the Bowpicker!! Best I've ever had!!

  • @Alex-zi1nb
    @Alex-zi1nb Před rokem +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 Před rokem +3

      horror movie esque

    • @Mr_Jish
      @Mr_Jish Před rokem +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 Před rokem +2

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

  • @JacobCanote
    @JacobCanote Před rokem

    I love this story.

  • @camrusty
    @camrusty Před rokem +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 Před rokem +4

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

  • @welbyroberto6581
    @welbyroberto6581 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Whittier is lucky, have you seen Yakutsk of Siberia, -35C is considered heat wave in winter

  • @landonjones1516
    @landonjones1516 Před rokem

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

  • @amoghavarshanripatunga
    @amoghavarshanripatunga Před rokem +2

    Quite sure The Vice got this idea after watching the Peter Santenello's video on this Alaskan town!
    I hope people watch his beautiful original video

  • @TheRyansLion
    @TheRyansLion Před rokem +4

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

  • @moto3463
    @moto3463 Před rokem +9

    Fish & chips are a huge stable here in Australia and looks amazing and very peaceful. Love you guys! Keep up the good work

    • @ratulxy
      @ratulxy Před rokem

      I didn't know Australia was known for horses.

    • @jamesbael6255
      @jamesbael6255 Před rokem

      Pretty sure you meant staple, but Australians are weird, bunch of ex cons who don't trust themselves with freedom.

  • @bando5959
    @bando5959 Před rokem +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 Před rokem

      Stay in mom's basement. Safer.

    • @GuidingOlive
      @GuidingOlive Před rokem +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 Před rokem +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 Před rokem

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

    • @ilakresfengsel
      @ilakresfengsel Před rokem

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

  • @oscarkoop2548
    @oscarkoop2548 Před 4 měsíci +1

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

  • @raeperonneau4941
    @raeperonneau4941 Před rokem

    What a lovely story!

  • @teeto206
    @teeto206 Před rokem +1

    I lived across the street from that Bukner building for work. That was some creepy stuff.

  • @50shadesofyeh
    @50shadesofyeh Před 9 měsíci

    I went to Whittier in April solely because of this video. Sadly the restaurant was closed, not sure if it was a seasonal thing but I was sad regardless

  • @sapphic_vomit
    @sapphic_vomit Před 8 měsíci

    i came here with my step-dad in 2004, its a strange yet cozy town. really good food at the local cafe though. knowing my younger self probably got chicken tendies.

  • @TheGForceJunkie
    @TheGForceJunkie Před rokem +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.