Scandinavian Eating

[forgottendreamr]

I am planning a group outing explore local Scandinavian heritage. We are going to hit up Ingebretsen's, the American Swedish Institute and Lavvu Coffee House. However, we are missing a dinner locale. Bachelor Farmer is already booked. Any other recommendations?

[The Dairy Queen]

How big a group? Fika (in the ASI) is counter-service style and can difficult at peak times for a large group. However, it is wonderful. Maybe try to go at an off-peak hour?

Also, in Midtown Global Market has Cafe Finspang, which is owned by the Ingebretsen's people. ("Cafe" is overselling it--it's a sweets counter and gift shop in a bustling public market...)

~TDQ

[forgottendreamr]

Not that big- 6 or less. Was thinking Fika for lunch as was hoping for a different dinner location :)

[The Dairy Queen]

I went to Fika for lunch with a group of 4 at about 11:45 mid-week, and we ended up having to impose upon another party (some of whom had finished eating and were sipping coffee). When they saw we couldn't find anywhere to sit, they graciously offered to consolidate themselves into one table. Had they all still been eating, it would have been a problem, but fortunately it worked out for us.

It's better when the weather is nice and they are able to put a few tables outside, but this time of year it can get a little crowded. You might get lucky, but just be forewarned that you might have to wait. I'm not trying to dissuade you because I think the food is lovely.

Also, they are closed on Mondays.

~TDQ

[ibew292]

Fika had table service last time I went. They changed from counter service. Maybe they changed back because it has been a few weeks since I have been there.

[ChillyDog]

Fika is full table service. They made that change in November.

[The Dairy Queen]

No kidding! I guess I've only been for breakfast lately. Do they take reservations?

~TDQ

[ChillyDog]

No, they don't take reservations.

[The Dairy Queen]

Oh well. Still, I think the table service is an improvement for how busy they have been. It probably keeps things moving along. We tried to go to lunch in December (or January, can't quite recall exactly when) and they were mobbed, so we didn't stay.

~TDQ

[ChillyDog]

I was there one day last week right around noon and there was no waiting. The space never did fill up.

The service was impeccable. The cabbage soup was wonderful- creamy and flavorful- perfect for a snowy day. The sandwich special was cod with fish roe, blood oranges, grapefruit, kimchee, radish powder and I can't even remember what else. Too many elements on one sandwich. I'll stick with something simpler next time.

[The Dairy Queen]

Radish powder? I think I've never heard of such a thing! Was it good?

I've never been there for lunch when it wasn't packed, but maybe should try it again. Maybe the newness has worn off a little and they are in a more normal level of business. It wasn't Tuesday, the day of the big snowstorm when you were there, was it?

~TDQ

[ChillyDog]

It was Thursday March 7.

[mitch cumstein]

You could just rearrainge and eat at fika.

[St3ve]

Ikea ! ( just kidding!! - although they do offer a Swedish Easter Smörgåsbord on Friday March 22 according to the website )