Dessert First, Anchorage

Catered Blessings Dessert First's owner and head chef Tamara Josey directs her passion for all things confectionary into custom-made cakes, pies, and baked treats. Patrons can request a bundt cake with a personalized birthday message, design, or the silhouette of Alfred Hitchcock emblazoned onto it in frosting. The shop serves a different flavor of cheesecake each month, accompanied by a permanent cache of cookies and bars, and a fleet of café fare such as sandwiches, salads, and appetizers.

Catered Blessings cultivates its community by enlisting local suppliers whenever possible, and peppering its crimson walls with locally made artwork. The eatery's free open writers' circle invites hungry scribes on Saturday at 8 p.m., while musicians and aspiring guitar picks can refine their stage presence during open-mic sessions on Saturday at 9 p.m.