In this one, Cody has a conversation with chef Laura Cole. Laura grew up with a strong sense of duty to community, and a refined palate. Both were instilled in her by her parents, and continue to influence her taste and her actions to this day. In 2019, Laura was a contestant on Top Chef, an experience that she says gave her some of her closest friends. Today, she splits her seasons between her restaurant near Denali National Park, called 229 Parks Restaurant and Tavern, and Muse, the restaurant at the Anchorage Museum. She says that in all her professional endeavors, she has a mantra, which is “To nourish and nurture all those who come to our table.”

 

When Laura talks about food, she talks about it in relation to memories. How a certain food or meal can leave an indelible impression; how a good meal, with good company, and good conversation can be remembered forever. Laura calls these “food memories,” and she’s constantly trying to create them.