Downtown Association of Fairbanks – Fairbanks Alaska
Lavelle’s Bistro

BRATWURSTS & BUTTONS AT 2012 YUKON QUEST

Hear ye, hear ye! It’s time for the 2012 Yukon Quest, the epic 1,000-mile test of strength, willpower, and bootie warmth for 24 brave dog teams and their mushers. The race kicks off at 11am on Saturday, February 4th on the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks. Here’s the breakdown of the weekend’s fanfare for “the world’s toughest sled dog race.”

DOWNTOWN EVENT SCHEDULE

Wednesday, February 1st

5:00PM – The downtown party vamps up with the 2012 Start and Draw Banquet at the Westmark Hotel & Conference Center. A $60 ticket includes a buffet dinner, music, and a chance to mingle with the teams. Mushers will draw their place at the start line amidst an atmosphere of electrical anticipation. Purchase tickets at the Yukon Quest cabin on 1st Avenue or by calling (907)452-7954.

Friday, February 3rd

3:00-5:00PM – Tune into KSUA 91.5 FM College (stream live from the website) for The Downtowner radio show, featuring special guest Iris J.W. Sutton, the artistic genius behind the official 2012 Yukon Quest poster and a former Quest competitor. She’ll tell us what it’s like to run the Quest, describe the inspiration for her poster design, and talk about the pieces on display for her “Color of Winter” First Friday show at the Fairbanks Community Museum.

5:00-8:00PM - A stellar First Friday includes exhibits and activities themed around the Yukon Quest. The Alaska Public Lands Information Center presents a panel lecture at 7PM from the Alaska Historical Society about Jujiro Wada (a Japanese immigrant) titled “Blazing the Yukon Quest Trail, 1902″ as part of the Explore Alaska lecture series at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center. Learn about Jujiro’s adventures through Alaska in the late 1800s and check out the craftsmanship of Amanda Gecas of Boundary Fur Sewing, an avid musher who makes clothing and gear that is toasty enough for the trail.

Fairbanks Community Museum debuts “Color of Winter” by Iris J.W. Sutton who designed the official 2012 poster for the Yukon Quest. Bold, colorful brushstrokes on oversized canvas bring subjects to life including a dog team painted in primary colors that emit a radiance of energy and warmth. The museum also houses exhibits on the history of dog mushing in Interior Alaska.

9:00PM – After First Friday, join us for karaoke at Big Daddy’s BBQ for the first time at this location!

Saturday, February 4th

8:00AM – Gear up with a hearty breakfast provided by the Farthest North Elks Lodge with all proceeds benefitting the Yukon Quest. Pancakes will be served up hot off the griddle at 8am and $10 will get you a plate (free for kids 6 and under).

10:30AM – Lavelle’s Bistro open for brats and beer in honor of the Yukon Quest! Open all day and switches to regular menu at 4:30pm, just in time for the YQ300 start.

11:00AM – 2012 YUKON QUEST OFFICIAL START TIME – Watch 24 teams take their first brisk steps toward Whitehorse. Line the Chena River on both banks and pack the bridges to catch a glimpse of Lance Mackey, Hugh Neff, Brent Sass, Mike Ellis, and an eager group of rookies as they mush forth into the great white wilderness.

5:00PM – 11 teams will start their run for the Yukon Quest 300 from the same location on the river. This is a chance for mushers to get a taste of the Quest trail without going all the way to Whitehorse, and they can qualify for future Yukon Quests or the Iditarod.

All Day – Dog mushing products are 20% off at Arctic Traveler’s Gift Shop on Saturday in honor of the race, patrons will receive 15% off store-wide at the Fairbanks Community Museum (except Ice Dogs merchandise) and Forget-Me-Not Books is having a buy one, get one free sale on chick lit so you can stock up for the rest of the winter. Julia’s Solstice Cafe serves up delicious Diving Duck coffee on the house with purchase of breakfast or lunch.

Many businesses will be open during the Quest start and welcome fans and visitors to stop in to warm up! Those closest to the river include The Big I Pub & Lounge, the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, The Fudge Pot, Arctic Traveler’s Gift Shop, Lavelle’s Bistro, l’assiette de Pomegranate, and the Co-Op Plaza (home to the Co-Op Diner, brand new Gallery 49, and Alana’s Espresso Escape).

WHERE TO PARK ON SATURDAY

With thousands of people descending on downtown Fairbanks for the start of the Yukon Quest, it’s important to come with a parking plan in mind. Lots closest to the river will fill up fast – including those at the Big I, Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the courthouse on 1st Ave, and Immaculate Conception Church. The borough parking lot (and plug-ins) will be available for use and Graehl Landing has limited spaces.

Two of the best bets for guaranteed downtown parking within easy walking distance of the Quest start include Sadler’s parking lot on Cushman Street and the parking garage with entrance on 3rd Avenue.

SUPPORT THE QUEST

A race of this magnitude can’t happen without volunteers, corporate sponsors, and individual contributors. You can do your part to ensure the future of this great race by “sponsoring” one mile of the trail. Pick a number between 1-1,000 that is significant to you (a birthday, anniversary, or lucky number) and register your name as the official sponsor of this segment. It’s only $10 and you’ll receive a keepsake button with the mile of your choice. Call the Quest office or stop into the cabin on 1st Ave to contribute.

The Quest has a fabulous line of 2012 gear and memorabilia in the log cabin on 1st Avenue, and Saturday is a perfect time to stop in and pick up clothing, race posters, pins, patches, artwork, and stuffed sled dogs complete with a harness!

 

Lavelle’s Bistro

10th Annual New Year’s Bash @ Lavelle’s Bistro

Get your tickets now for Lavelle’s 10th Annual New Year’s Eve Extravaganza! A seven course dinner with Wine Pairings and DJ Jim Matherly for dancing in the New Year! Reserve a $69 hotel room rate when you mention Lavelle’s. (While supplies last!) Buy your ticket and book your room fast as we are expected to sell out quickly!

When:

Saturday, December 31st @ 7:00pm

Where:

Lavelle’s Bistro
575 1st Avenue

Phone:

(907)450-0555

Lavelle’s Bistro

ALYESKA 21 DAYS OF SOLSTICE

Downtown Fairbanks is stepping up this holiday season with a brand new campaign to connect Fairbanksans with the finest products and festivities available in the heart of the city.

Celebrate the Alyeska 21 Days of Solstice from December 1st to December 21st with daily giveaways, an exclusive gift guide of new items, and a calendar of events (including visits with Santa!) that will keep you busy and warm as we count down until the darkest day of the year.

And we’re thanking YOU for supporting local, downtown businesses with a giving spree worth thousands of dollars in downtown products. Log on to our facebook page each day to see what’s up for grabs and follow the simple instructions for your chance to win. Products range from wine tastings to parkas, upscale menswear to baked goods, and fine art to holiday baskets.

Businesses on board (thank you!) include:

Lavelle’s Bistro, Chartreuse, Frank’s Menswear, If Only…a fine store, Alaska Rag Company, Forget Me Not Books, Arctic Travelers Gift Shop, l’assiette de Pomegranate, Alaska House Art Gallery, Bridgewater Hotel, Actus Community Fund, Dance Theatre Fairbanks, Alaskan Gold Rush Fine Jewelry,  Alaska Public Lands Information Center, Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau, S Salon & Studio, Big Ray’s, Co-Op Arts, Alana’s Espresso Escape, River City Café & Espresso, Julia’s Solstice Café and Lady Lee’s Bath House Emporium.

Plus free midday parking in the parking garage beginning Monday and running through the holidays (11am-2pm, M-F) so that you can park, shop, and eat lunch downtown during the festivities.

Businesses- sign up immediately if you haven’t already registered to be highlighted during this campaign. Sponsor information available here.

More details to come!

Lavelle’s Bistro

LAVELLE’S BISTRO

Lavelle’s Bistro

575 1st Avenue, 907.450.0555

Lavelle’s Bistro offers a spectacular dinner experience and the largest wine cellar in the Alaskan interior. Lavelle’s is where the locals go and where they bring their visiting guests for an outstanding dining experience. Lavelle’s is located just above where E.T. Barnette came ashore off the sternwheeler and set up the trading post on the “fair” banks of the Chena River that eventually grew into the town of Fairbanks. Open year-round. Hours 4:30-10pm, Tues-Thurs; 4:30-9pm, Sun-Mon; 4:30pm-2am, Fri-Sat

Learn more about Lavelle’s Bistro.

 

Lavelle’s Bistro

Chef Mimi Houston @ Lavelle’s Bistro

Lavelle’s Bistro is pleased to present guest Chef Mimi Houston on Sunday, February 27th for a spectacular night of French infusion cuisine. Mimi’s love for cooking and food began as a young girl growing up in Vietnam. Between helping with the family dessert cart business and following her mother around the kitchen she developed a passion for cooking and creating that would stay with her throughout her life. After years in the public workforce Mimi turned that interest into a full time personal chef business. Created in 2008, her company by meems® has kept her busy cooking for friends, family and large corporate groups in the Fairbanks area. Her culinary aspirations recently took her to New York for training at the French Culinary Institute. While working under celebrated chef’s such as Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Master Chef & Chocolatier Jacques Torres Mimi further refined her signature style of Mediterranean and Southeast Asian Cuisine while incorporating strong, clean French flavors.  For Mimi it’s all about food, flavor, family, friends and fun!

Please join us on Sunday, February 27th for this special guest Chef night with Mimi Houston.  Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by replying to this email or calling the Bistro at 450-0555.

When:

Sunday, February 27th, 2011

Where:

Lavelle’s Bistro

575 1st Avenue

Lavelle’s Bistro

Mother’s Day Brunch @ Lavelle’s Bistro

Lavelle’s Bistro is pleased to announce the Mother’s Day Brunch.

Featuring Lavelle’s Bloody Mary Bar: Choose your spirits, your mix, your garnish.

A Crepe Station:  Choose your savory or sweet filling

 Other delights include: Eggs Benedict, Apple Smoked Bacon, Farm fresh Sausage, Prime Rib, Chicken Marsala, Salads, Fruits, Desserts and other delectable Lavelle’s offerings

 Adult Price:  $25.95  Discounted Senior and Children Prices available

When:

Sunday, May 9th, 2010- Seatings at 10:00am, Noon, and 2:00pm

Phone 450-0555 or email your reservations with perferred seating times

Where:

Lavelle’s Bistro

575 1st Avenue

Lavelle’s Bistro

Tuesday Tasting @ Lavelle’s Bistro

Every Tuesday from September through May we offer an educational format with guest speakers providing insight into the wine topic of the evening.  Tuesday Tasting begins at 7 p.m. when we offer guild members and guests high-end wines to sample and discuss.  An RSVP by Tuesday at 3:00 is greatly appreciated.  There is a fee for these tastings but we do everything in our power to keep them affordable and fun!

Downtown Association of Fairbanks – Fairbanks Alaska