Did you ever eat at Maxine’s Bistro in Girdwood? It was kind of a staple there for about eight years and then it closed abruptly. I assumed things must not have worked out, but it turns that was only half the truth. Only the building wasn’t working out. The roof was leaking and there were other issues, so Maxine’s had to move out. Owner and chef Rob Lewis, who’s from Anchorage, couldn’t find another building in Girdwood so he moved everything, and almost all the staff, to Anchorage. His new place is in midtown, 302 W. Fireweed Lane, the name is also tweaked a bit. It’s now Maxine’s Fireweed Bistro. Lewis said he’s excited about competing in Anchorage, “with the big boys,” but he does miss Girdwood. “Food is my outlet,” Lewis said, “its in my blood, it’s the only thing I know how to do.”
On a recent visit he created the Surf and Turf for us. Lewis used a Sharpie to poke a whole through a sirloin steak, and inserted an asparagus inside. He grilled it medium rare, sliced it into five pieces and plated the meat on top of wasabi aioli, chive and chili oils, and then topped it with large dollops of crab salad. It was beautiful.
Lewis said Anchorage is a tough market with lots of competition. You can now include Maxine’s in that group.
Photos:Eric Sowl, KTUU
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