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The Alaskan Plate With Cory, Worth The Calories, Kenai, AK (2026)

10/17/2026

🍔BEST BURGERS ON THE KENAI PENINSULA! 🍔

My Top 10 Burger Spots — Ranked!
If there’s one thing I take seriously, it’s a good burger. After plenty of taste-testing, bacon consumption, and questionable decisions involving extra beef, here’s my current Top 10 burger list on the Kenai Peninsula!

🥇 #1: Los Compadres — Kenai, AK
🍔 Double Bacon Cheeseburger
Hold the lettuce and onions.
🥈 #2: Blue Bus Diner — Anchor Point, AK
🍔 Bacon Cheeseburger with an extra patty.
Because one patty is apparently just a suggestion.
🥉 #3: Backwoods Burger — Sterling, AK
🍔 Western Double BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger
Hold the lettuce and tomato.(BRING NAPKINS) (MESSY)
#4: Main Street Tap & Grill — Kenai, AK
🍔 Double Bacon Cheeseburger
#5: Ruby’s Cafe — Nikiski, AK
🍔 Bacon Cheeseburger — add an extra patty if it doesn’t already come with one.
🥓 Seriously, SO MUCH BACON!
#6: Burger Bus — Kenai, AK
🍔 Double Bacon Guac Cheeseburger
#7: GRDL — Seward, AK
🍔 The Dutchman
📍 Food trailer on 4th Street near the downtown storefronts.
#8: 907 Smash & Dash
🍔 Food trailer serving the Kenai and Soldotna areas.
(Watch their specials)
#9: Bucket Sports Bar — Soldotna, AK
🍔 Get the Elk Swiss Burger!
A little something different for your burger adventures.
#10: The Duck Inn — Soldotna, AK
🍔 Keep an eye out for their specials. You never know what burger goodness might show up!
---
📢 A FEW THINGS TO KNOW!
First, this list is absolutely subject to change as I continue exploring, eating, and supporting local businesses. There are still plenty of places I need to try, so consider this a work in progress.
Second, I'm testing out the double-patty cheeseburger at each location whenever possible. That means these rankings reflect my personal experience with those burgers, not necessarily every burger on the menu.
And finally, I understand that a double-patty burger isn't for everyone. Some people prefer a single patty, a little lettuce, and a sensible amount of bacon.
I am not one of those people. 😂
Please eat responsibly. Your cardiologist may not approve of this list, but your taste buds might nominate me for an award. 🏆🍔
👇 YOUR TURN!
What burger joint on the Kenai Peninsula deserves to be on this list? What am I missing? And which local burger do you think could knock my current #1 off its throne?
Let the burger debates begin! 🍔🔥

08/29/2026

CHECK THEM OUT!!! 😍😋😍😋

08/29/2026

Breezy's By The Bay Food Trailor
Save U More Parking Lot
Soldotna, Alaska

HOLY SMOKES!!!!! 😍😋😍😋😍

05/11/2026

A Food Review:
Ray's Waterfront
1316 4th Ave, Seward AK

“Eating Great Since 1988.”

No, I am not speaking about myself.

For we have arrived in the popular coastal town of — land of glacier cruises, fishing adventures, sea otters, and tourists wearing shorts in 45-degree weather pretending they aren’t cold.

Now yes, Seward is famous for its breathtaking glacier tours… but Cory did not come here to stare at some giant frozen water rock floating in the ocean.

No.

I came to investigate what Ray’s Waterfront has been cooking up behind the scenes since 1988.
One of the longest-running restaurants in the city, as a matter of fact. So grab your rain jacket and let’s dive headfirst into this crab pot.

Inside this beautiful clam shell of a restaurant sits a bright, welcoming dining room with incredible views overlooking the marina. Boats floating peacefully. Mountains looming in the background. Seagulls probably plotting crimes nearby.
We sat down and looked over the menu.

Not bad, Ray’s.

The menu isn’t massive, but honestly? That’s not a bad thing. Quality over quantity. Plus, they even mark their signature dishes with special icons.
Very user friendly.

“Cory-proof,” you could say.
Me and Miss Claire carefully formulated our attack plan for about ten minutes before ordering.

And you KNOW we had to get the CRAB CAKES. 🦀

AND PINCH ME SIDEWAYS IF WE WEREN’T ABOUT TO ORDER THEIR SIGNATURE SEAFOOD CHOWDER.
Now say “chowder” with a Boston accent.

“CHOWDAH.”

Good. Now you’re immersed in the experience. I don’t make the rules.
But what ELSE did these hungry sea goblins order?
Our entrées were the Salmon Tacos and the Signature Crispy Cod Sandwich.

As we overlooked the harbor and contemplated life, rain, and cholesterol, our crab cakes and chowder arrived in under 15 minutes.
WOWZA.

Cooked with the speed of The Flash himself.
Outside, the rain hammered down on a cold May Saturday. Summer felt a thousand years away.
So this warm seafood chowder became the only thing capable of thawing our frozen Alaskan souls and curing our seasonal winter sadness.

So let us begin.

THE CRAB CAKES. 🦀
SHAZAM.

Golden fried with a nice crisp exterior. Not overloaded with filler, but also not packed wall-to-wall with crab meat either. Still, I could visibly see crab in every single bite, and I respected that.

A squeeze of fresh lemon really woke them up, and the sauce added just enough zip without overpowering the seafood.
Bravo, crab cakes.
I tip my hat to you.

YOU WIN ROUND ONE.

Then came the chowder.
And folks… this may have been the best thing we ate all night.
Fresh cod. Halibut. Potatoes. Creamy goodness in every spoonful. It warmed my heart, mind, and soul simultaneously.
I almost started singing sea shanties.

I’m normally not even a chowder guy, but this chowder absolutely converted me.

ROUND TWO GOES TO RAY’S.

Now go for the knockout punch.
Then came the main dishes.
The Cod Sandwich.
Thick. Crispy. Flaky. Not shaped like a hockey puck.

Cory was pleased and immediately began doing his evil villain laugh.
“You are mine now.”

Every bite had perfectly flaky fish, and their signature dill tartar sauce tied everything together beautifully. Honestly, I just wish there had been a little MORE of that sauce because it was fantastic.
Still, this sandwich absolutely delivered.

Then came the Salmon Tacos.
Three thick tacos loaded with perfectly cooked salmon, cabbage, and mango salsa.

And for under $20? That’s a solid deal.

Claire loved them. She was smiling, which told me she had made the correct life decision. She loves salmon the way I love chicken wings.

Her only critique was that the salmon could’ve used just a touch more seasoning.

“A salmon snob, she be.”
— Yoda probably.

Most menu items hovered around the $18–30 range. Yes, there are some pricier seafood options, but overall this place won’t body slam your wallet into the pavement.

I approve.

DOWN GOES CORY.
DOWN GOES CORY.
RAY’S HAS KNOCKED ME OUT OF MY IMAGINARY XTRA TUF'S.

The crowds in my head were chanting:

“RAYS! RAYS! RAYS!”

Like a gladiator had just conquered the Roman Colosseum after defeating twelve men and a tiger.

Overall, our experience here was top-notch, and we’d absolutely love to come back and explore more of this little under-the-sea gem in the future.

So let’s head to the scoreboard.

Service: 9.5/10
Price: 8/10
Food: 7.5/10
Atmosphere: 9.3/10

If you find yourself wandering through Seward, definitely give Ray’s Waterfront a shot.
Catch you guys around the river bend.

With love and crumbs,

— Cory

05/07/2026

A Food Review:
Jo Jo’s Kitchen
(The Pink Food Truck)
(Kenai Peninsula).
(Locations: It moves around)
(Primarly Soldotna, Kasilof area)

As winter comes to an end in Alaska, we are promised a few things: potholes, camping anxiety, spring cleaning… and the return of the greatest fried chicken sandwich on the Kenai Peninsula.

Enter: Jo Jo’s Kitchen.
A bright pink food truck so vibrant I’m fairly certain NASA can spot it from the International Space Station.

I first discovered this glorious culinary unicorn during Wednesday Music in the Park last summer in Soldotna, Alaska. And let me tell you… that moment changed me as a person. Some people find religion. I found fried chicken.
Now what exactly is Jo Jo’s Kitchen, Cory?

Well, besides being a pink beacon of hope rolling through Alaska summers, Jo Jo’s Kitchen has become local legend status. Right up there with Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and receiving a full Alaska PFD.

But unlike those legends… Jo Jo’s Kitchen is real.

Normally you can find Jo Jo’s Kitchen posted up at the Kasilof Dock & RV Park during the summer, but they also appear at local events like Wednesday Music in the Park, which runs from June through August.

I highly recommend following Jo Jo’s Kitchen on Instagram and Facebook because tracking this truck down is basically a treasure hunt with chicken at the end.
And trust me… the reward is worth it.

Now let’s talk about THE sandwich.
People told me Jo Jo’s Kitchen was the heavyweight champion of fried chicken sandwiches. I thought they were exaggerating.
THEY WERE NOT.

This thing is the size of my head. Forty percent of the chicken isn’t even covered by the bun. It’s basically a crispy chicken solar eclipse.

Jo Jo’s Kitchen has multiple versions:

The Classic Jo Jo with homemade slaw

Buffalo (MY PERSONAL FAVORITE — YOU MUST TRY THIS)

Hot Honey
Habanero for those of you who enjoy sweating through your eyebrows

Jo Jo’s Kitchen also serves homemade tenders and churros for dessert, because apparently they woke up every day and chose greatness.

And the fries?
GOOD LORD.

Perfectly crispy with this dill seasoning that absolutely smacks. Even the fries at Jo Jo’s Kitchen have main-character energy.
Every sandwich comes with a massive pile of fries too. Honestly, one order could probably feed three people.

But I am apparently a Viking lumberjack trapped in a food reviewer’s body, so I handled it solo.

Normally I share food with my fiancée, Miss Claire… but she understands this sandwich is sacred.

Hands off, Claire. Love you though.

The crunch, the seasoning, the flavor from Jo Jo’s Kitchen — it’s the kind of food that makes you stop mid-bite and stare into the distance while questioning every life decision that led you to not eating this sooner.

This sandwich could cure winter depression.
It could unite nations.
It could probably restart a weak heartbeat.

I’m out here screaming: “HEAR ME NOW, WORLD… JO JO’S KITCHEN IS A LIFE-ALTERING CHAPTER IN MY STORY.”

And somehow… I’m STILL underselling it.
Now let’s talk price.
UNDER $20.

For the amount of food you get? Absolute insanity.

The staff at Jo Jo’s Kitchen is also phenomenal. Super friendly, fast, and somehow getting food out in under 15 minutes even when the truck is swamped with hungry Alaskans foaming at the mouth for chicken.

So here’s the official breakdown:

Food: 9.0/10
Staff: 10/10
Price: 9/10
Experience: Priceless

I plan on hunting this majestic pink unicorn known as Jo Jo’s Kitchen down as many times as possible this summer.

Until we meet again, Jo Jo’s Kitchen.

Catch you all around the river bend.

With love and crumbs,

-Cory

05/02/2026

🍔 A Food Review: Cafe Azul – Homer, Alaska 🍔

510 E Pioneer Ave, Homer, AK:

What is that sound in the wind…?
Smmmmaaaasssshhhh… burrrrrgggggeeerrrs…

But wait… why does that ghostly whisper sound like Jeff Goldblum?

“Life… finds a way…”

BUT WHERE?!

HOMER, YOU FOOL.

HA HA—WELCOME, ladies and gents, to another food review by yours truly, Cory Gifford.

Our journey begins in the lovely town of Homer—known for crab, ocean views, the legendary Salty Dawg Saloon… and now? Apparently, smash burgers have entered the chat.

Located in the former Cosmic Kitchen spot sits Cafe Azul—and folks… something magical is happening in that building.
Miss Claire and I rolled in on a beautiful Saturday afternoon—our 6th anniversary, no less.

And just a couple hours earlier… while we were tide pooling… I asked her to be mine.
She said yes.

Yes, I am currently happier than a razor clam at high tide.
BUT FOCUS, CORY. THE PEOPLE DEMAND BURGERS.

Inside, it’s a cozy little setup—digital menu board, laughter echoing from the kitchen, and vibes so good they should be bottled and sold.

The aroma?
It doesn’t just hit your nose—it taps your soul on the shoulder and whispers:
“Press on, good sir… pedal to the cheddar.”

You step up to order, greeted by a genuinely kind staff who make it feel less like a restaurant and more like a sacred place of beef.
Yes, they’ve got tacos, burritos, and more…
…but our eyes locked.
We knew why we came.

I ordered the Jaurez Smash
Miss Claire went with the Cheesy Smash

Each burger: half a pound of glorious moo + your choice of regular or Mexi fries.

We grabbed a seat by the window—sunlight pouring in, vibes immaculate.
Price check?

Both burgers under $20 with fries.
That’s a win in today’s world.
Even better?

Despite being busy, our food came out in under 15 minutes.
Honestly, it felt like Arnold Schwarzenegger was in the back yelling:

“GET TO THE CHOPPER… AND ALSO HURRY UP WITH THOSE BURGERS!”

Then… they arrived.
And oh. My. Word.

These burgers looked like edible art. Crispy beef edges, jalapeños calling my name like a spicy siren.
The Jaurez Smash?

A flavor rocket. Subtle heat that stuck around like a good song you don’t want to end.It melted in my mouth, hugged my soul, and left me staring into the middle distance like a moose in headlights.

MOOOO, I say. MOOOO.
Gone in under 5 minutes. No regrets.And Miss Claire?

Let’s just say… there was a full-on seated happy dance involved.
She entered what I can only describe as the Claire Magical Burger Dimension—a place few have seen and none have returned from unchanged.

Final Verdict:

Price: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Food: 8.2/10
Atmosphere: 8/10

I tip my hat to Cafe Azul—you’re living up to the legend that’s building around you.

If you find yourself in Homer this summer, do yourself a favor:
Go get your smash on.

Until we meet again around the river bend,

With love and crumbs,

-Cory

04/25/2026

A Food Review:

"Simple Thai"
35228 Kenai Spur Hwy
Soldotna, Alaska

Sitting right here in Soldotna, Alaska, is the recently opened Simple Thai restaurant. I’ve been hearing things… good things… very food-related things. So naturally, it was time.

Me and Miss Claire rolled in on a quiet Thursday night around 5:25 PM—both of us absolutely drained from the work week. We needed healing. The kind only food can provide. Our souls needed a jumpstart.

As soon as we stepped out of the car, our nostrils were hit with the aroma of something magical. Walking inside, we were immediately welcomed by the owners—an incredibly kind group of people. The decor? Clean and simple. Beautiful white walls with just enough detail to keep it warm and inviting. The name fits.

But let’s get to the real question… how was the food?
Every time I hit a Thai spot, I have a strict game plan:

Thai iced tea ✔️

Crab Rangoon ✔️ (if available, and thankfully it was)

Pad See Ew with chicken, heat level 2 ✔️

Miss Claire usually has a go-to, but it wasn’t on the menu this time… so she went bold. Yellow curry. Respect.

We also added a side of beef udon, spice level 2.

About 10 minutes in, the crab rangoon arrived. Perfectly fried. Golden. Not burnt. Honestly looked like they belonged in a museum. We took a bite… and everything stopped. Sound muted. Time paused. Brain = exploded. 🧠🤣
These rangoon didn’t just taste good—they altered my reality. Absolute perfection.

Another 10 minutes later, the rest of the food arrived.
My Pad See Ew had a nice little kick—exactly what I wanted. Super flavorful, but the real MVP was the chicken: tender, juicy, and cooked perfectly. No dry nonsense here.
The beef udon? That dish warmed my lips with its heat while the flavor danced across my taste buds like a full orchestra. Straight comfort food.

Miss Claire? She barely said a word. Just smiled… and kept eating. Honestly, that tells you everything you need to know. She found her happy place. 😊

The Score:

Price: 8/10
Food: 7.5/10
Crab Rangoon: 10/10 (no debate)
Service: 10/10
Atmosphere: 9/10

I’ll definitely be back to dive deeper into the menu. What really stood out was the owners coming out to ask for feedback—genuinely wanting to improve. That tells you everything about their heart and commitment. Big respect.

So go ahead—get your bodies into your cars, trucks, UFOs, or whatever you’re driving, and show this place some love.
See you again around the river bend.

With love, and crumbs.

-Cory

04/09/2026

The Lone Chicharron
215 4th Ave
Seward, Alaska

Let’s Taco 🌮 ‘Bout It

My first visit here was a couple of weeks ago. The inside is very clean, but seating is limited—it definitely gives off “grab your food and go live your best life somewhere else” vibes.

The price point isn’t bad, but the menu is pretty limited. Not a ton of options… which is great if you hate making decisions, not so great if you enjoy them.

I ordered the steak burrito and the special of the day: pork belly street taco. The steak was marinated beautifully—honestly, it was doing all the heavy lifting. Unfortunately, the burrito itself felt like 80% tortilla, 20% “where did the rest go?”

The pork belly taco… well, let’s just say the seasoning forgot to clock in that day.
Miss Claire ordered the fish and chicken tacos. All of them had solid portions of protein, but flavor-wise… they played it very safe. Like, “we don’t want to offend anyone, including salt” safe.

This place definitely has potential—it just needs to turn the flavor dial up from “polite suggestion” to “we meant to do that.”
Would we come back? I believe in second chances… so we’ll taco 🌮 ‘bout it later 😀

Service 6/10
Food 4/10
Atmosphere 6/10
Price: 6/10

Catch you around the river bend!

Live love & crumbs,

- Cory

03/30/2026

Food Review: The Angry Salmon (Dinner Edition)

Nestled in the small town of Anchor Point, Alaska, sits The Angry Salmon—formerly the Old Anchor River Inn. Newly remodeled, pristine, and clearly well cared for.

“But what about the food, good sir?”

Miss Claire and I were heading back from a day in Homer, and let me tell you—after not eating all day, my stomach was roaring like a howler monkey.

Now, my usual go-to in Anchor Point for an amazing burger is Blue Bus Diner (still a favorite—seriously, go there). But focus, Cory… this is about The Angry Salmon.

From the moment you walk in, the wait staff makes you feel right at home. The menu? Not small. Bigger than most—and they’ve recently added a full BBQ section. Tempting… but I came for one thing:

THE ANGRY BURGER.
A Wagyu-blend beef patty cooked to your liking, paired with fries that go straight to your thighs (worth it). The fries? Phenomenal. Crispy, no flop, clean fry. You can tell they actually care about their oil.
Now the burger… this hot mama came stacked with bacon, caramelized onions, pickles, house-made Kenai cheese dip, Angry sauce, lettuce, and tomato.

HOLY KINGDOM COME.

The flavor? Unreal. This burger literally melted in my mouth. Perfectly seasoned. The caramelized onions + Angry sauce + bacon combo made me—yes, a grown 37-year-old man—want to dance like a kid on Christmas morning.

Even Miss Claire couldn’t deny it.
She ordered the chicken Caesar wrap—which, for the record, I’m usually not a fan of. But this one? Slapped. Tender chicken, well-seasoned, perfectly dressed—not dry. An OG wrap. Honestly… I’d rap about that wrap.

We were too full to try dessert, but we will be back.

Two adults ate for under $40. Let that sink in.

Final Scores: Food: 8.2/10
Service: 9/10
Price: 9/10

Until we meet again around the river bend…

With love and crumbs,

-Cory

The Alaskan Plate With Cory

10/17/2026

08/29/2026

08/29/2026

05/11/2026

05/07/2026

05/02/2026

04/25/2026

04/09/2026

03/30/2026

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