Category: Restaurants, Bars, Pubs
The Army Museum, in a nation famed for its Neutrality
October 1, 2019
The Army Museum, Stockholm The Army Museum is well worth a visit for the insights it offers into Swedish history. It’s one of over a dozen museums in Stockholm that offer free admission. Walking towards the museum, there’s a separate entrance at the side, with a sign to ‘Artilleriet’ and a menu. […]
‘What have the Swedes ever done for us?’ – an update
September 27, 2019
A postcard from Stockholm In January this year, I noticed that ‘the Swedes wear a lot of black. Quilted coats, black suits, leggings, stout boots, that sort of thing’. After a return visit in August, I can now report that this summer’s colour is…. black (but with rather more leg exposed). […]
Up close and personal with the 17th century
September 11, 2019
The sinking of the Vasa On 10th August 1628, the royal flagship Vasa set sail in Stockholm harbour on her maiden voyage. Her Dutch designers were nervous of her seaworthiness, but the Swedish court was equally nervous of communicating this to the king. Within minutes, a gust of wind caught her sails, and the ship […]
‘My baby don’t care for high-tone prices’
July 5, 2019
Or, as Nina Simone actually sang, ‘he don’t care for high-tone places’ I’m increasingly less interested in ‘fine dining’ establishments, and attracted by places that offer simpler food in a less formal setting. Well chosen ingredients, prepared with intelligence in the kitchen. Well judged combinations of flavour, and no more than five main components on […]
Dinners in Paris, and a long day for the fishmongers
June 27, 2019
First night nerves We like to mark our evening of arrival in Paris with dinner at La Fontaine de Mars. You know you’re in Paris from the moment you step through the door. This time I’d left it too late to make a reservation, so we gave Le Bistrot d’Eléonore et Maxence a call. […]
Just a quiet Monday night in Amsterdam
April 23, 2019
Caffè Toscanini, Amsterdam Arriving early for our reservation, we asked if we could have an aperitif at the bar. I could see we were in safe hands, they stocked all the right brands. I ordered an Americano from the drinks list; equal parts Bèrto Bitter and white vermouth, with a (mere) splash of Fevertree […]