New Local Food Blog's Creator Featured on 'Today'

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — An Alaska Native chef originally from Petersburg got some major exposure on NBC’s "Today" show Monday morning, during weatherman Al Roker's visit to Anchorage.

Last week Rob Kinneen launched a local food blog, fresh49.com, which emphasizes use of local foods and contemporary cooking of traditional Alaska Native recipes.

The "Traditional Foods, Contemporary Chef" webisode series is produced in conjunction with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.

"The biggest message that I'm trying to put out there is get off the couch," Kinneen said. "There's no app to go gather greens. So you have to put down the phone, get the family, go out and pick some berries and pick some wild parsley. These things are very accessible.

With his national exposure on “Today,” Kinneen says even people who don't have access to Alaska fare can use his recipes.

"Just because I'm cooking with fireweed tendrils and elk doesn't mean that you can't find something regional in the Pacific Northwest or the American South or different regions of the United States," he said.

Contact Todd Walker at twalker@ktuu.com