Runner-up: Bridgewater Bistro, Astoria

Honorable Mention: Astoria Coffeehouse & Bistro

When they stumbled upon Astoria in the spring of 2000, Chris and Jennifer Holen were newly wed, en route from Arizona to Alaska to run an itinerant catering service from their VW van and trailer, chasing music festivals between Homer and Fairbanks. That sunny day they found themselves atop the Astoria Column.

“Wow. This is amazing,” they agreed. “Let’s see what rent’s like here.”

Who knew that a year later their restaurant Baked Alaska would establish itself among the quintessential dining venues that distinguish Astoria?

The couple met in Denali National Park, where they were working for competing tour lines. On their first date, a bush plane flew them to a remote wilderness lodge. The next day, their pilot dropped them off with their mountain bikes for a 20-mile journey home. The Holens grew accustomed to adventure together and to seizing opportunity.

Scuttling down from the Column, they learned that the Astoria Café next to Gimre’s Shoes was for sale. In 10 minutes they had a deal, and in the fall they opened a restaurant. A few months later, the eatery moved to Baked Alaska’s current location on the water at the foot of 12th Street.

“We’ve just grown into this community. I didn’t realize what an impact Astoria would have on us,” says Jennifer. People often thank them for all they do, but, she says, “We couldn’t be successful like this anywhere else.”

From their early catering adventures behind that Volkswagen van, the Holens honed their skills in Astoria, first at Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce After Hours events and then, while they owned the Schooner restaurant at the Hotel Elliott (another opportunity they seized), at Liberty Theater events.

Their “customer-first” catering philosophy is inspired by the terrific service a caterer provided for their wedding in Sedona, Arizona. “We had a very clear picture of what we wanted, and they were so accommodating,” remembers Jennifer. “Our first question for our own customers now is ‘How can we help you achieve your vision for the event?’”

Now, three or four times a week, the new Baked Alaska catering truck delivers happy culinary experiences to baby showers, graduation parties, weddings, anniversaries, memorial services, Chamber After Hours events, and Goonies anniversary reunions.

“Food brings people together,” Jennifer says.

Baked Alaska offers custom catering services; find the restaurant’s catering inquiry form online at www.bakedak.com or call 503-325-7414 for more information.