Aug
21
Food
Filed under Sweden 2010
When Fredrik and I drove back to Halmstad on Sunday, we stopped at the mecca on the way. IKEA! It’s exactly the same as it is in the U.S. except the signs are in Swedish. And get this, you can buy the Swedish Fish candy there too!
When Fredrik was in Minnesota two months ago, he pointed out that Sweden is without advertising billboards. There is actually a law against it, and I took notice that the landscape is much more enjoyable without the interruption of big rectangles every quarter of a mile. Some businesses, though, will rent someone’s road-side property and park a trailer near the road with their advertisement along the side. This is how they circumvent the system: “No, it’s not an ad, it’s just a trailer!” It’s funny, the countryside landscape I saw looks similar to certain landscapes found in the U.S. However, because I know I’m in a different country, it looks different.
Back at home, we prepared an “American” meal for the family: steaks rubbed with Barbeque of the Americas seasoning from Penzey’s, cole slaw, and cornbread muffins. On Thursday, the wind was active enough for us to go sailing again. This time, tried my hand at steering the rudder. I freaked out a few times but didn’t sink us. This time, I was outfitted with more appropriate clothing to keep me warm and dry which made the whole experience much more enjoyable. Back on land, we went for a short walk along the beautiful coast. For dinner, Eva and Otto took us and Henrik out to a fantastic restaurant right by the water’s edge. The atmosphere of the building, the background music, and the seascape out the surrounding windows was absolutely perfect. And the food was amazing too: lobster bisque, seafood stew, a fantastic Riesling, amazing dessert. And to top it off, wonderful company and a beautiful sunset. It was a great treat.
