New Faces, Renewed Energy at Seward Windsong Lodge

n January of 2004, Nick Hammond joined the staff of the Seward Windsong Lodge as general manager. Since then, he’s initiated changes to help ensure the lodge’s strong position in the Seward community and its successful 2004 season.

Among the most significant transitions is that of the Resurrection Roadhouse, the lodge’s restaurant and bar. The menus have been redesigned and there’s a new chef at its helm. Hammond himself feels strongly that “locals bring locals back” and he’s embraced that with new hires.

Erik Slater, a long-time Seward resident, was appointed to the post of executive chef in March. Locally, Slater is known for his uniquely fused and eclectic cuisine, having spent the last four years at Ray’s Waterfront and the Railway Cantina in Seward. His menus now feature such delights as Thai seafood stuffed halibut with wasabi aioli, chipotle grilled salmon with blueberry mango salsa and seafood carbonara with lemon pepper linguini.

Also a passionate pastry chef, Slater will be preparing six gourmet pastries this season, four of which are from his own recipes. Another exciting development is the return of the hugely popular pizzas and burgers in the Resurrection Roadhouse lounge, a more casual dining setting. Local guests are encouraged to try the 16 Alaskan microbrew beers on tap, too.

What attracted Hammond initially to the Seward Windsong Lodge isn’t so complicated to understand. “It’s an impressively built and beautiful Alaskan lodge and the timing was right,” he said. He also says that Seward’s coastal setting reminds him of home on Vancouver Island, though he had an interest in exploring another region.

Originally from Lincolnshire, England, Hammond graduated from Hollings College in Manchester, England, specializing in hotel management. He came to Alaska originally in 1991 to work with Westmark Hotels in Whitehorse, Beaver Creek and Fairbanks. “I see great potential for the Seward Windsong Lodge to play an even larger role in the Seward community, socially and economically, providing jobs and utilizing local products wherever possible.”
Along with improvements at the lodge, Hammond hopes that Seward will be an even more appealing destination. “Seward epitomizes what the Alaska visitors come to see – spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and a vibrant Alaskan community.” Likewise, the Seward Windsong Lodge has everything a visitor would want – everything they would expect at an Alaskan lodge with its rustic setting and thoroughly modern facilities and amenities, not to mention exceptional service.

Originally from Lincolnshire, England, Hammond graduated from Hollings College in Manchester, England, specializing in hotel management. He came to Alaska originally in 1991 to work with Westmark Hotels in Whitehorse, Beaver Creek and Fairbanks. “I see great potential for the Seward Windsong Lodge to play an even larger role in the Seward community, socially and economically, providing jobs and utilizing local products wherever possible.”
Along with improvements at the lodge, Hammond hopes that Seward will be an even more appealing destination. “Seward epitomizes what the Alaska visitors come to see – spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and a vibrant Alaskan community.” Likewise, the Seward Windsong Lodge has everything a visitor would want – everything they would expect at an Alaskan lodge with its rustic setting and thoroughly modern facilities and amenities, not to mention exceptional service.

All reports to date point to a strong 2004 season: room counts are up, guest services are on track and guests and locals alike are loving the new Resurrection Roadhouse. If your travels bring you to Seward this summer, make a reservation or stop by and check it out for yourself. Visit the lodge online at www.alaskaheritagetours.com or call toll-free (888)-959-9590. In Seward, call 224-7116 for reservations or information.