Day 5 - Hello Norway

     Shawn had an early flight back to the States and the boys and I left for the airport via the M2 Train around 7:30.  Our one hour flight from Copenhagen to Oslo was quick.  While at the Oslo airport, we had lunch before catching our next flight to Hartsad/Narvik, above the Arctic circle at 1:00.  Again, the flight was quick.  When we arrived in Harstad/Narvik, Paul went over to Hertz to pick up our car.  It was raining and a drag!!  We stopped at the grocery store before trekking up the mountain to Svein’s. The boys had learned from last time that there are no grocery stores near Sveion’s, so if you want to eat, get it in town.

     Well the drive to Svein’s was a nail bitter.  It rained and sleeted the whole way, about 4 hours.  We rented a tank for a car, Volvo, with snow traction tires!  Safe care, but roads were NARROW!!  I was relegated to to the back seat and I do not do well in the back seat when traveling through the mountains.  Opening the window for fresh air and talking myself out of puking for 4 hours, was exhausting!  But we got there and fell into bed.  

     

NOMA, fish cuisine dinning

     This is what the trip to Europe was all about, Noma.  Noma is a Michelin resturant that was rated the #1 resturant in the world four years in a row.  Drew and Paul have been looking forward to this for 6 months.  Drew secured reservations back in October.  Shaken Stender, a good friend of Drew’s, also a foodie, would be joining us.
     Noma is located in Copenhagen on the outskirts of downtown.  We took a taxi and when we were dropped off,we were welcomed by a whole host of people that want you be feel welcome.  The building is new since the fire several years ago in downtown.  It is fresh and clean looking with prairie grass along with vegetables growing along the sidewalk.  Prestige is a good word.  We were escorted into a greenhouse for some herbal drink and them guided to another building for seating.  It was cool how they seated people by times so that the food was timed for your table to be fresh,
     The wine pairings were extra from the $450 dinner.  I am not a big advocate of pairing wine with a meal, however, in this case, Ihave to eat my words.  It was outstanding and never understood how important wine pairings were before....these folks had made the pairings dead-on.  Of course they had 50 people making the decision, but goodness sakes, was it unbelievable.  Not only did the wine enhance the food, but the food enhanced the wine.
     There were 16 courses.  I will attach pictures of each dish made with the utmost care, precision and freshest ingredients.  Scallops, cod, cod tongues, king crab, mussels, caviar...and much more. Dessert was pine cones, green strawberries in a yogurt with star cookies.  the whole evening was unbelievable!  Check out these pictures.

Day 4 Flowers and Noma Part #1

     Awe, beautiful morning.  The weather in Copenhagen has been fantastic!  Sunny and 40.  Perfect walking and exploring weather.  First place this morning was coffee and the Corner of 108 Bakery.  The boys trekked on over to the M2 train and went into the center of the city and ordered up a few bakery items, most they ate, but the rest they brought home to momma!  :)
     Next we all showered and made our way via train to Noroport, one stop north of City Center.  We wanted to check out the glass farmer market and flowers.  Also looking for a good open face Norwegian sandwich.   This place was recommended by two other bakers from our class.  It is called Torvehallerne.
     Oh my goodness the flowers and bulbs brought Spring early for me.  Indulged myself and my camera right in the middle of every bunch of flowers I could find.  Wow, the tulips were fabulous!!!  Love flowers, always brings a fresh smile and love of Spring!!  Can’t wait to garden, but I am a few months off from that!
     Speaking of gardening, we have had a tremendous amount of items made from rhubarb.  I know have a bigger appreciation for it and won’t let one stock on the plant go to waist.  Jelly, chutney, pastries, sorbet!  ON MY GOODNESS!  Fabulous!!
     The fresh fruits and pastries, with breads and sandwiches were mind boggling!! The pictures don’t do it justice. Lots of fish counters.  Since we are going to NOMA tonight for an 18 course meal, we decided not to eat and prepare for our feast.  But looking was just as enjoyable as eating it!!
     After the market we went to a beautiful park and watched the dogs and children play in this beautiful winter.  Like being at Lake Harriet!

Day 3 pictures