Open table.

• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Position: DINING

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

OH, YUM ... GREAT EATS!

Anchorage's dining scene has converged with technology to produce a convenient system for diners. Alaskans can check for a preferred dining opening online rather than calling all over town to find an available spot during peak hours. A nationwide online reservation system, www.opentable.com, now features 15 Anchorage restaurants plus Alyeska Resort and the Pump House in Fairbanks. Participating eateries include Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill, Marx Bros. Caf4, the Crow's Nest and Southside Bistro, among others.

Restaurants purchase software from OpenTable, choosing the online and computer-based system over a paper reservation book. The website also features local reviews and information about participating restaurants.

Jens' Restaurant joined OpenTable in February 2010, said Annelise Hansen, who owns and operates the Midtown Anchorage restaurant with husband, Jens Hansen.

"The reservation and table...