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Hidden Gems
of Ketchikan
One of the most homegrown yarn shops Yelp 5 Star Review… “We found this hidden
you’ll ever meet, this quaint little gem grew chocolate gem in Ketchikan! Janice, the
out of our love for all things fiber. Built in owner makes all these chocolates by hand
1900, our building’s character is preserved and with LOVE! This was a great place for
in its cozy, home-like atmosphere where us to pick up a couple of authentic Alaskan
you can sit and chat awhile. chocolate treats. We couldn’t resist but to
try them and they were delicious!!”
Time was that most days you would find
Deborah with a pair of knitting needles in For over two decades, Santa Casillas and Janice left a twenty-year career as
her hands as she jotted down notes for a Álvaro Vázquez have been a quiet but accountant to follow the dream of being
new pattern, experimented with stitch powerful force in Ketchikan’s culinary a chocolatier and owner of Forget Me Not
combinations, and passed the time with a scene. Originally, from Guadalajara, Chocolates on Main Street in Ketchikan,
comfortable hobby. Mexico, the couple moved to Alaska with now in its 5th year.
big dreams and a deep love for traditional
Nowadays, she has a new purpose for Mexican cooking. They spent years working Closing after Christmas holiday, Janice
those pastimes, and, most days, you’ll find in local restaurants—learning, adapting, heads to Peru to meet with local merchants
her in the shop’s cozy corner, happy to talk and perfecting their craft. Through hard to select ‘criollo’, the best and most pure
yarn, give advice, and introduce others to work, perseverance, and an unshakable variety of cacaos. Upon return, Janice
her favorite dyers. dedication to their roots, they eventually applies the craft specializing in Truffles,
If you look closely, you might even find Eric opened their own place. Cordials, Dubai Bars, Rocky Road Cluster,
in that same corner with a pair of needles Ruby Chocolate Bars, or Oreo cookies
himself, demonstrating what real yarn Today, their restaurant is not just one of the dunked in white, milk or dark chocolate.
husbands are like. best Mexican eateries on the island—it is
one of the best restaurants, period. Known Selecting fillings like peanut butter,
We knit, we spin, we weave, we felt, for its vibrant flavors, slow-cooked meats, marshmallow, hazelnut, pistachio, pecans,
we crochet…and we dye. Under the label and family recipes passed down from Dulce de leche (Carmel), or natural fruit
A Gentle Whisper, Deborah supplies locals Angelita their Mother through generations, enhancing flavors to next level as it
and visitors with Made in Alaska hand-dyed their food brings the true essence of becomes “crispy, crunchy, tart, spicy, or
yarn & fiber for their own creations. Besides Mexico to the heart of Alaska. salty.”
these exclusives, we choose to stock
natural fibers and yarn sourced from small Locals and travelers alike rave about dishes Chocolate is: A healthy snack. Can boost
hand-dyers along with handmade notions that feel like a warm trip south of the your energy and is Guilt-free indulgence.
and equipment. border, even on the rainiest Ketchikan day. A divine sugar-free treat…and because you
Santa and Álvaro have created more than a deserve the best, one bite at a time.
dining experience—they have built a bridge
between cultures, one plate at a time. If you
are craving authenticity and heart in every
bite, their restaurant is a must-visit on your
Alaskan journey. It is a taste of Mexico,
proudly rooted in the wild beauty of Alaska.
Untangled Yarn and Fiber D’Santa Restaurant Forget Me Not Chocolates
1624 Tongass Avenue 316 Dock Street 221 Main Street
(907) 225-YARN (907) 225-2202 (907) 617-5800
untangledyarnandfiber.com facebook.com/watch/?v=1277215163581875 facebook.com/ForgetMeNotChocolates
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