Alaska's Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge launches interactive culinary program

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, June 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Overnight guests at the newly renovated Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge on Alaska's remote Fox Island now have the opportunity to not only enjoy the local wild salmon on their plate, but also learn how to prepare the salmon belly.

In an interactive cooking class, lodge chefs teach guests about wild Alaska seafood, specifically the five types of salmon caught in Alaska, and preparation methods. In under an hour, guests learn the basics of handling and cooking the salmon bellies, an often discarded, yet very flavorful part of the fish. Complimentary recipe cards are available for guests to take home with them, where they can put their skills to work in their own kitchen.

The 3,300-square-foot main lodge, which re-opened this past summer after new construction, features a hands-on demonstration area in the kitchen. Chefs tested an interactive guest program in the new kitchen last summer, and took guest feedback to design the complimentary culinary class that is now being introduced.

"Wild Alaska salmon — catching it, preparing it and eating it — is a big part of the Alaska experience," said Dee Buchanon, Director of Marketing for CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation. "Our chefs are able to share so much about Alaska and our way of life just by teaching guests about our seafood."

Located in Resurrection Bay just outside of Kenai Fjords National Park, Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge is a short scenic boat ride from Seward on the Kenai Peninsula. A complimentary Kenai Fjords Tour day cruise into Resurrection Bay is included with an overnight stay at the lodge. Once at the lodge, guests experience the adventure of the Last Frontier through excursions and are encouraged to customize their itinerary. Rates start at $489 per person per night, based on double occupancy.

Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge is the only accommodations on Fox Island, with the main lodge set on the apex of its pebbled beach. Renovated in 2012, eight guest cabins — without the option for telephone, TV, or radio — provide guests with a peaceful respite from the world's 24/7 information age. 

Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge is a subsidiary of CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation.  Alaska Native-owned and operated, CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation is the umbrella company for Alaska Heritage Tours, Kenai Fjords Tours, Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, and Seward Windsong Lodge. For more information, visit www.CIRItourism.com.

SOURCE CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation