Veteran musher Paige Drobny (bib #26 ), of Cantwell, Alaska, is the first musher to arrive at the Galena checkpoint on the Yukon River on Thursday, March 6 at 6:37 a.m. with 15 dogs in harness. In doing so, Paige claims the Feast on the Yukon Award. Presented since 1983, this award is typically given to the musher to arrive in Ruby in even years on the Northern Route and the first musher to arrive to the Yukon River in odd years on the Southern Route. This year, given the route change, the award is given to the first musher to reach the Galena checkpoint.
The winning musher receives a gourmet dinner prepared in Galena by Top Chefs from Locally Grown Restaurants, which owns the popular Anchorage eateries Spenard Roadhouse, Snow City Cafe, Crush Wine Bistro and South Restaurant and Coffeehouse. This gourmet dinner is specially prepared by Chef Carlos Walker of South Restaurant + Coffeehouse which Paige is sharing with local checkpoint coordinator, Tim Bodony and elders from Galena.
The meal consists of Alaska King Salmon Crudo with a lemon-thyme oil, roasted butternut squash bisque, charred cabbage salad with candied walnuts, watermelon radish, carrot, onion,
Apple and a pear vinaigrette, followed by an entrée of braised beef cheek bourguignon, asparagus, rosemary mashed potatoes, sauteed mushroom and shallot leaves. To finish this incredible meal, Paige and her guest(s) will also be treated to a chocolate bourbon pot de créme dessert.
