In his quest to uncover some of America’s best eats, Guy Fieri finds himself in the chilly embrace of Fairbanks, Alaska. This time, he’s visiting Saltie’s on Second, a gem of a restaurant co-owned by Vanessa Stans and Monica Kissinger. But this isn’t just an ordinary joint; it’s a testament to the magic that happens when passion meets culinary expertise.
A Hidden Treasure in Fairbanks
Fairbanks may not seem like the most obvious place to find a restaurant blending gourmet food with a lively atmosphere, but Saltie’s on Second defies expectations. Nestled near the local hospital, this hotspot has quickly become a favorite thanks to its fusion of delicious fare and boozy drinks—a concept that started with brunch and expanded to cover lunch, dinner, and even late-night escapades.
Guy Fieri’s First Impressions
Right from the get-go, Guy Fieri is intrigued. “Wait, wait, wait, so it’s a Chinese restaurant by the hospital that serves Tequila?” Guy jokes, clearly amused by the unconventional combination that Saltie’s represents.
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The Star of the Show: Meatball Sub
Guy dives straight into the making of Saltie’s legendary meatball sub. Vanessa and Monica, experienced restaurateurs, take him through the meticulous process, starting with homemade bread. “You don’t bake bread; I cook rice!” Guy quips. The bread-making process is an art in itself, involving a combination of wheat flour, granulated garlic, sugar, salt, and yeast, all inspired by a family recipe. After allowing the dough to rest, it’s baked to perfection.
Next up, the meatballs are crafted using a mix of ground pork, beef, house-made bread soaked in milk, onions, parsley, parmesan cheese, and a plethora of spices including fennel and granulated garlic. “Wow, that’s a lot of it!” Guy exclaims, impressed by the generous use of cheese.
The Final Assembly
The assembly of the sandwich is where the magic really happens. A freshly baked bun is adorned with provolone cheese, succulent meatballs, house-made marinara sauce, and mozzarella, creating a melty masterpiece. “This really nice tomato… it’s legit,” Guy marvels. “I mean, I could easily be in an East Coast sub shop getting this.”
A Club by Night
Saltie’s on Second isn’t just a food joint; it’s an experience. By evening, it transforms into a lively club where Vanessa’s husband doubles as the DJ, adding to the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere. “When you enter here, it’s always very warm and inviting, and the food is very hearty and homey,” says one satisfied patron.
Beyond the Meatball Sub
Aside from the meatball sub, Saltie’s also boasts a range of other delectable dishes, including a heartwarming chicken pot pie. The chicken is seasoned, stuffed with butter, garlic, crushed red peppers, rosemary, salt, and pepper, roasted to perfection, and mixed with a house-made stock. The crust, made from flour, salt, and ice water, crowns this dish in a decadent layer that’s both crumbly and crusty.
Guy’s Final Verdict
Guy wraps up his visit with high praise. “The meatballs are spiced perfectly, nice zesty marinara sauce… it’s killer!” he declares. Vanessa and Monica have turned Saltie’s on Second into a place that combines culinary expertise with a welcoming atmosphere. “It’s like you two got together and said, ‘Let’s make the kind of food we like for all our friends and have a really good time,'” Guy concludes.
