-
Julbock Survives!!
The famous Gävle goat from Gävle, Sweden has survived to Christmas eve. The tradition in Sweden has been to erect a Christmas goat and the corresponding tradition for the youth of Gävle has been to light it on fire before Christmas eve (when Swedes celebrate Christmas). The past several years, the goat has been treated […]
-
Pläj Restaurant in SF
Going for our seventh trip to Pläj Restaurant (pronounced Play). British Psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott considered play to be one of the hallmark human accomplishments. For Winnicott, play involves taking some real item but conceptualizing it in a new way – which both allows for it’s existence in reality, but also involves the creation of something […]
-
Vasa Order District 12 GG Cultural Leader’s Seminar – Saturday Oct 18, 2014
This event is open ALL Vasa members. October 18, 2014 (Saturday) – Biennial District Cultural Leader’s Event at Sveadal in Morgan Hill. CA. Start 11 am until evening. Light breakfast for those who stay overnight after the event. The District 12 Golden Gate Chapter of the Vasa Order of America is holding its’ biennial Cultural […]
-
Lutfisk Event at Nordic House – 9-20-14
Bring your most traditional or most original Lutfisk and the recipe. Compete for Most Traditional, Most Original or Best Tasting (or at least the least bad tasting). Valuable certificates awarded (along with breath mints and antacids). Bring enough to share with about 8 people. Last year we had Baja Tacos, Lutfisk pizza, and Lutfisk ice […]
-
Huffington Post: Aquavit – The Next Big Thing In Hard Liquor
Check out this important blog post! Everything old is new again: http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5676585
-
Girls, avoid surströmming!
Young women and girls should stay away from herring, the Swedish National Food Agency has warned, as both the fermented and fresh varieties can harm fetuses and infants. Fermented herring, known to the Swedes as surströmming, is a Swedish specialty. It’s loved and loathed, putrid yet popular. And like moist snus, it’s one of the […]
-
Welcome to Sweden – Great New TV Show!
Just watched the first episode of Welcome to Sweden! It promises to be a very fun and engaging look at cross-cultural issues for immigrants (learning new customs, being a ‘foreigner’, loss of the familiar, idealizing the new country, hope and (likely) disappointment). First episode even included a Kräftskiva (See below and see our post of […]
-
Crayfest 2014 – Date Change! Now Aug. 23, 2014
Crayfest is an urban version of the Swedish kräftskiva (crayfish party). Ours is an urban version, at Nordic House in Berkeley, Ca. We will have Crayfest on Saturday August 23rd (12 noon to 4 pm). Like last year, we will have crayfish, jansson’s temptation, other treats and live music and dancing! Change any summer plans […]
-
Nordic Heritage and Crafts Fair – 1 – 4 pm Saturday, May 2, 2014 in SF!
Anna Kolbjørnsdatter Lodge #36, Daughters of Norway, San Francisco is holding a Nordic Heritage and Crafts Fair. Here are the details: Celebrate Nordic cultural traditions with music, food, and artisans at work. Scandinavian handcrafts including rosemaling, wheat weaving, knitting, felting, hardangersøm, Viking jewelry, etc. Free admission. Sponsored by the Daughters of Norway Bay Area Lodges. […]
-
Aquavit Sorbet
Clearly the best of both worlds! The Water of Life becomes a tasty palate cleanser and dessert treat! This recipe comes from Andreas Viestad (the Scandinavian God of Cooking). 1 cup superfine sugar 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest 2 1/2 cups water 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 2/3 cup Aquavit In a small saucepan, […]
-
Drone Magic – International Bagpipe Festival in San Francisco (yes, including Sweden!)
Drone Magic is a unique festival with bagpipe music from around the world. Pipers gather for the ninth time to perform the music and traditions of their heritage. From dark laments to fiery dance music, listen to the piping traditions of Spain, Bulgaria, Scotland, Greece, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, Ireland, Sweden, Serbia and more. Bulgarian food […]
-
Nordic House – perhaps the best place on Earth
I would really like to give a ‘shout out’ to Nordic House in Berkeley. They have the best supply of all things Scandinavian: delicious food, a tremendous deli section, gifts, cookbooks, clogs and truly the best herring you will ever try. Everyone is friendly and helpful. Nordic house has hosted Swedish cooking classes, Crayfest parties […]
-
Renowned Professor Jonas Wellendorf To Present on Viking Old Norse Philology and Runes!
Svea Lodge # 348 Special Event From the University of California Scandinavian Studies Department Renowned Professor Jonas Wellendorf Viking Old Norse Philology and Runes Lecture Friday, March 21, 2014 What: The Language of the Vikings–Old Norse Philology and Runes Lecture and Presentation When: 7:00 PM, Friday, March 21, 2014 Where: San Jose Odd Fellows Hall […]
-
Väsen comes to Berkeley in March 2014!!
Väsen World famous Swedish super-group Väsen comes to the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley Sunday March 9, 2014 The Swedish word Väsen has three meanings—essence, spirit, and hullabaloo—making it the perfect moniker for a band that is part Nordic tradition and part whirling dervish. Rooted in the musical traditions of Uppland, Sweden, Väsen transforms venerable […]
-
A new well of the water of life discovered at Svea Lodge in San Jose
The love of aquavit is spreading like a wildfire. Last night Svea Lodge in San Jose held a cultural meeting including a bit of historical background, an infusion demonstration and, of course, a tasting of home infused aquavits, mass produced aquavits and the new Geijer Glögg. The water of life has sprung up in San […]