Stewed about reindeer in Alaska
Dear Santa,
I know it’s been a while – 45 years maybe – since I’ve written. I also know it’s your off-season. How are the Hamptons? Those New Yorkers driven you nuts yet?
Listen, there’s a serious reason I’m writing. I’m here in Alaska for a few days and discovered a disturbing trend. Dude, they’re eating your herd! At breakfast, there’s reindeer sausage. At lunch, reindeer hotdogs. Dinner is reindeer soup or stew. I never knew they even served that stuff. Did you? Did Rudolph? Have you talked to Rudolph lately? I know all about downsizing. But reindeer meat? Is nothing sacred?
To be honest, I’m from L.A. and I thought reindeer were some Hans Christian Andersen creation, or at the very least Disney or Pixar. I thought they were caribou with enhancements, or regular deer on antler Viagra. I never knew they were a real thing, know what I mean? I thought there were nine or so, and you had a lock on them. The locals insist that they are being farmed, so it’s no big deal. I don’t find that comforting at all. What’s next — elf farms?
Anyway, just wanted you to be aware of this. In two days, I’m going to Fairbanks. If you like, I can stop by the North Pole and hide Rudolph and the rest. It’s the least I can do. You’re an important guy, Santa. I’d just hate to see you ever flying commercial.
– Chris Erskine, Los Angeles Times Deputy Travel editor
[Photo: A reindeer at the L.A. Zoo that clearly won't be on the menu in Alaska. Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times]
8 Comments on “Stewed about reindeer in Alaska”
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June 23rd, 2008 at 11:42 am
I’m just back from Alaska and noticed that what they’re selling as Reindeer sausage is made up mostly of beef.
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Chris,
Love your stories in the HOME Section in the LA Times. We’re planning a trip to Alaska in July. Is there anyting else to eat besides reindeer and salmon with Ick?
June 23rd, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Richard,, you may have run across one vendor selling Reindeer sausage with beef but it’s certainly not the norm. Chris,,, yeah,, that’s all the food we have up here, reindeer and salmon,, lol,, maybe you should stay home..
June 24th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Goodness, we aren’t heathens up here! It just blows my mind that some people in the Lower 48 still think of Alaska as another planet. Yes, some of us eat moose, salmon, caribou, bear-what ever strikes your fancy, it can be eaten. I have a surprise for you! We also eat beef, chicken, and pork! Who knew! You can even find tofu. Now, that is gross…
Just remember, we do things different in Alaska, and we like it that way. :)
June 25th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Reindeer is good…try it, you just might like it. And yes, there are more things to eat than reindeer and salmon (ick? don’t eat it then, more for us!).
When you visit Alaska, show the locals some respect. Alaska wasn’t put on the earth as a tourist attraction, there are actually people that live there! Don’t disrespect their home or way of life, they won’t disrespect yours.
If you take the time to talk to people, you will actually find out locals are quite nice!
July 1st, 2008 at 6:32 pm
I was just kidding. Don’t have to get nasty.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:51 pm
The Alaskans seem a little defensive. I don’t know why because they have it great up there. I loved the reindeer, as well as the other unusual treats. Laura, be sure to have the halibut as often as possible on your trip. It’s the best fish I’ve ever had. Wonderful state. Can’t wait to return.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:53 am
We may be a little defensive, but many people choose AK as their home and they love it and they want to protect it. We live here 365 days a year, through the bitter winter. I suppose -40F winters will make you a little defensive. ^_^
But in all seriousness, I wasn’t being snarky, just trying to point out that the people that live here , actually do so all year round and love their home and get a little on edge when people are aghast on our way of life. Its weird at times kooky, but its a lifestyle we love.
I recommend reading the book ‘Land of the Radio Active Midnight Sun’ its an account of living in Fairbanks from a guy stationed at the Airforce base outside of town. It gives a good insight into a year-round life in interior Alaska.