Rachael Fisher

It's not often Alaskans get to experience things before the rest of the states, but this weekend's Korn concerts will be an exception. The legendary rockers are kicking off their first 2010 tour in Anchorage and debuting brand new music.

Adored by masses and conspired against by cardiologists, bacon is traditional and trendy, comfort food and avant garde victuals.

Elim Cafe on Dimond draws in customers with WiFi, Internet-linked computers and greenbelt access. Sandwiches, salads, smoothies, shakes and caffeine fuel the power lunches the cafe plays host to.

If you or someone you know suffers from the bayou blues, a stop at Dossman's Cajun Kitchen in the Northway Mall may be the tastiest way to cure it.

Mo's O'Brady's is the southside reincarnation of the restaurant that was once an east Anchorage institution. It is still a friendly neighborhood hangout where families and friends meet for burgers and brew.

Mixx Grill needed a new direction to stand out in Anchorage's downtown dining scene, so the restaurant's management offered executive chef Matt Little Dog the creative freedom to reinvent the restaurant.

Gas station gourmet is an oxymoron, right? Service stations don't inspire much confidence in the culinary field, and eating gas station hot dogs isn't something you typically hear anyone brag about. But, if you can set aside an elitist mindset long enough to try the grub at Mountain View Wings, you might be pleasantly surprised.

It is silky, elegant and sensuous. Hot and cold. Sweet and slightly bitter. It sticks to your teeth and melts in your mouth. Custard may not sound sexy by itself, but dress it up with crackling, caramelized sugar and you've got a luscious little dish.

Who needs national music festivals like Lollapalooza or Ozzfest? Alaska has its own good thing going with the return of Summer Meltdown. The local rock event started in 2004, and it is now hosting more national acts, while still showcasing local talent.

Summer solstice is always a party in Alaska. This year hard-rockin' Lower 48 band Puddle of Mudd is making a splash, headlining gigs in Fairbanks and Anchorage this weekend.

One short year after it's inauguration, the Spenard JazzFest has morphed into a three-day event featuring 22 composers, 17 bands and more than 50 performers at Organic Oasis.

A South Anchorage beer haven was born this month. After 14 years of crafting microbrews from its location on Arctic Boulevard, Midnight Sun Brewing Company is opening a new location.

Shopping may be what comes to mind when you think of Fifth Avenue, but this street offers sweet eats that are just as good as its boutique buys. The tasty variety provides a sugar fix sure to satisfy even the most discriminating sweet tooth on any budget -- so let's shop.

If your finances have left you feeling light in the wallet but you aren't ready to settle for dollar menu fare, a trip to the Pepper Mill may be right on the money.

When it comes to fur-ocious Rondy entertainment, Chilkoot Charlie's steals the stage. Their eighth annual fur bikini contest is tonight at 11 p.m. and typically boasts 25 fearless females competing for $300 cash, prizes from the House of Harley, a Koot's platinum card and bragging rights.