Enjoy - Food & Travel

Mariakyrkan - Sigtuna

2010-03-18T08:00:00.002+01:00

Sigtuna is the oldest city in Sweden, with a history spanning more than 1000 years. There were many churches in the city, and all except one, are no in ruins. The only church still standing is dedicated to Virgin Mary.

The Church is a basilica in red brick built by Dominican friars in 1230-1255, partly in Romanesque, partly in Gothic style.

In 1255 the local archbishop - earls were buried in the choir, and their burial niches are still visible today.

The convent connected to the church was torn down after the reformation. Bricks were used in castles in nearby Venngarn and Svartsjö.

In 1641 the church was in such a bad condition that the Swedish government demanded that the community to renovate it, thus saving it from the fate shared by all the other churches in this old Medieval city.

It has been extended and changed during the centuries, but it has retained its Medieval character. It is dark and mysterious.

The interior is beautifully decorated with elaborate paintings that were found during large restoration works 1904-1905.

On the walls you find painted Crusader crosses, as well as ornate floral patterns. On one wall you see a depiction of Christ on the cross with his mother and disciples.

More on Sigtuna

Sigtuna - the city by the water - read story here

UPDATED: Sights on Enjoy Food & Travel March 2010

2010-03-17T13:00:00.001+01:00

View Sights on Enjoy Food & Travel 2010 in a larger map

To make it easier for you, I have compiled all the sights on Enjoy Food & Travel for the year 2010 on this page. Enjoy!!

A

Almoravid Qoubba , Marrakech (February 16th 2010)
Close to the impressive Ali ben Youssef Mosque in Marrakech you find the Almoravid Qoubba. It is the oldest building in the city, going back nearly 900 years.
Arasta Bazaar, Istanbul (February 23rd 2010)
The Arasta Bazaar complex was built in the first decades of the 17th century, at the same time as the Blue Mosque.
Arche de Triomphe, Brussels (January 26th 2010)
Close to the headquarters of The European Union, you'll find the Parc Cinquantanaire and the Arch de Triomphe that King Leopold II of Belgium erected at the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Belgian state.

Berlaymont Building, Brussels (March 2nd 2010)
The iconic, cross shaped, Berlaymont Building is the symbol of the European Union and is the main building of the European Commission.
Bunker Hill Monument, Boston MA (January 12th 2010)
Walking the Freedom Trail in Boston to its end, you end up by the Bunker Hill Monument.

Charlemagne Building, Brussels (March 2nd 2010)
The Charlemagne Building is a seemingly new, avantgarde building located at 170 Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat. The building is in fact over 40 years old, but it has been given a contemporary facelift in steel and glass.
Clough House, Boston MA (March 9th 2010)
Walking through Boston's North End you find yourself in one of the oldest city areas in the United States with a history going back nearly 400 years.

European Quarters, Brussels (March 2nd 2010)
The European Quarter is not the most charming area in Brussels. Still it is the nerve centre of an expanding European Union, and should be on the list of sights for any politically interested visitor in Brussels.

Great Mosque of Brussels (January 26th 2010)
The Great Mosque of Brussels is also found in the park. In 1967, King Baudouin gave a building built in 1880 to King Faisal ibn Abd al-Aziz of Saudi Arabia,

Justus Lipsius Building, Brussels (March 2nd 2010)
The Justus Lipsius Building is named after Justus Lipsius, Joose Lips or Josse Lips (1547 — 1606) - a famous Flemish philologist and humanist.

Kongelige Priviligerede Assistence Huus, Copenhagen (January 5th 2010)
This beautiful house in Nybrogade in Copenhagen was built by the mayor Wilhelm Bjerregaard in 1728, after the fire that left much of the city in ruins.

Mariakyrkan, Sigtuna (March 18th 2010)
Sigtuna is the oldest city in Sweden, with a history spanning more than 1000 years. There were many churches in the city, and all except one, are no in ruins. The only church still standing is dedicated to Virgin Mary.
Musee des Beaux-Arts, Lyon (January 19th 2010)
At Musée des beaux-arts de Lyon, they have an impressive collection of Egyptian artifacts. I was captured by the mysterious eyes of Osiris, reminding us of our Mortality.

Parc de Cinquantanaire, Brussels (January 26th 2010)
Park Cinquantanaire is beautiful in winter, as in summer. All year the lawns are beautifully green, lined with evergreen shrubbery.
Puerto de Mogán, Gran Canaria (January 5th 2010)
To experience a little of the original Canarian life, a trip to Puerto de Mogán is recommended.

The runic stones of Sigtuna, Sigtuna (Februar 2nd 2010)
Sigtuna is the oldest, still populated settlement in Sweden. The long dramatic history spans over 1000 years, and has left a rich heritage of historic monuments.

Skinny House, Boston (February 16th 2010)
When I walked the Freedom Trail to its end in September, I stopped at Copps Hill Burial Ground. When I turned around, I looked into this strangely looking wooden building, squeezed between two large red brick buildings.

Find other stories on Enjoy Food & Travel - see our new page:

Enjoy Food & Travel - main index 2006-2009

Rating airline experiences 2006-2010

2010-03-16T08:00:00.002+01:00

Do you love flying? My experience is that every flight is different. We here on Enjoy Food & Travel has rated airlines since 2006, and I have compiled a list of different flights these last four years. Enjoy!

BBBB+ (4,38 points): Turkish Airlines (Oslo-Istanbul, December 2009)
Flying Turkish Airlines is what air travel used to be. Good service, food and drink included, no handling, luggage or booking fees. Only thing lacking was duty free sales on flights, but this was not greatly missed. Enjoy Food & Travel highly recommends Turkish Airlines when service is available to your destination.
Read full story here
BBBB (4.13 points): Icelandair (Oslo-Boston, September 2009)
Some of the Icelandair glam is gone. No free food and wine/beer, a little pricey compared to other airlines, but still the most comfortable way to travel Oslo-Boston. Smooth boarding and disembarking and top punctuality
Read full story here
BBBB- (3,68 points): Brussels Airlines (Oslo - Brussels, October 2009)
Reasonably priced ticket, good punctuality, but we were seated like potted shrimps. This is the most unpleasant flight since my South African Airways experience in 2007.
Read full story here
BBBB- (3,54 points): Norwegian Air Shuttle(Oslo-Marrakech, January/Februar 2010)
Great price for ticket and good service. Low seating comfort on flight to Marrakech, but satisfactory on way back. Delays on departure and/or arrival both ways, confirming that Norwegian Air Shuttle struggle to meet demands on punctuality.
Read full story here
BBBB-: Lufthansa (Oslo - Barcelona, December 2006)
Lufthansa is still a reliable and good airline and it deserves its score. The biggest potential to become an even better airline is definetely the food, if it has the overall standard we met on the trip. But still - a good airline experience!!
Read full story here
BBB+: South African Airways (London - Johannesburg, September/October 2007)
South African Airways is a once in a lifetime experience. As comfort goes, it is one of the worst experiences I have ever had. I strongly warn passengers choosing South African Airways flights to South Africa.
Read full story here

A culinary shopping bag

2010-03-14T08:00:00.000+01:00

This weekend my sister is traveling to Copenhagen, without me! We've had a tradition these last years, that is to have at least one trip to Copenhagen during spring. When in Copenhagen, I love to do some serious food shopping.

When traveling on the DFDS ferries between Oslo and Copenhagen you have access to both freezer, as well as cold rooms to store both frozen and fresh products.

Where to go and what to buy

As Denmark is connected to the common market, and Norway's not, you find a wide selection of international food at very reasonable prices in Copenhagen.

I used to do my shopping in the food hall at Magazin du Nord, at Kongens Nytorv. Then I discovered Irma, the delicatessen located in the basement of of Illums, the second large department store in downtown Copenhagen.

The prices are much lower at Irma, as this shop belongs to a large chain of low-price food stores. Now I always end up there when traveling to Copenhagen.

My culinary grocery bag - April 2009

Succulent and tender berberi duck breast

Berberi refers to the Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata).

Duck breast has become a favourite among many amateur cooks. Easy to prepare, and extremely tender, but very expensive here in Norway.

So if you buy 4 breasts In Denmark priced at 139 DKK (€18,70) per kilo, compared to what you have to pay in Norway NOK 399 (€49,80), this is a meat worth buying when going grocery shopping in Copenhagen.

Duck breasts are so wonderfully easy to prepare, and have an extremely tender and succulent meat.

Here is my way to prepare a perfect duck breast.

A perfect Duck Breast

Berberi duck thighs

Duck thighs are equally delicious when prepared correctly. Whereas a breast is prepared in the pan and served pink in the middle, a thigh needs to bake in the oven for a long time at a low temperature.

Back in April 2009 you could buy duck thighs at 25% of the price you would have to pay in Norway. I bought 4 fresh French berberi duck thighs to be placed in the freezer and prepared later.

What did I make from them? Here are a few dishes made from the duck thighs from Illum.

Bresaola

Most countries have a domestic production of cured and smoked meats, including Norway. Few, however, make this products with success commercially. One of them is Italy.

As we are excluded from the European food market, imported cured meats are heavily taxed to protect the Norwegian domestic production, that sadly is inferior to high quality European products.

So products as this Bresaola is well worth buying for us Norwegians when traveling into the European market.

Parmacotto is a Parma based firm producing boiled ham, mortadella, fresh and cured meats.

See company website here

Bresaola is air dried salted beef left to cure for at least 2-3 months. It is seasoned with salt and spices as juniper berries, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Delicious served on a freshly baked, still warm focaccia and pesto. Yum!!!

Kelda soups

These soups are hardly worth buying from an economic point of view. They are relatively cheap, but I buy them for their taste, as Kelda soups are probably of the bests I have ever tasted.

The spicy Thai soup is surprisingly pungent, and have that fresh citrus character derived from lemon grass and lime leaves. The chicken Carib soup is equally tasty.

Recommended for those of you traveling to Copenhagen.

Butter bean stew with merguez sausages (Serves 4)

2010-03-13T16:00:00.000+01:00

I suddenly craved for butter beans the other day, and decided to create an improvised stew containing a wide range of ingredients from my kitchen. It had a hint of North Africa, as I used merguez sausages, and harissa and Ras el Hanout, spices from the soukhs of Marrakech.

To make my butter bean stew with merguez sausages, you'll need:

1 large red onion, diced
3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 merguez sausages, sliced
300 grams (11 oz) of mushrooms, sliced
25 cl (9 fluid oz) stock
½ glass of tomato sauce
2 cans of butter beans
Ground pepper
Spices (I used Moroccan as Harissa and Ras el Hanout)
2-3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
10 cl (3 fluid oz) single cream 20%
Grated cheese

Fry garlic and onions in the oil, and then add the sliced merguez and mushrooms. Fry for a few minutes.

Add the stock and tomato sauce. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes.

Open the cans of beans, pour out brine and rinse in cold water. Add to the stew. Season according to your taste. I used harissa, a strong North African chili mix, Ras el Hanout, another African seasoning. Check salt level and add more if necessary. Use Thai chili sauce or sugar for additional sweetness.

Allow all ingredients to infuse for 15-25 minutes. Add cream at end of boiling time. Cool down.

Pour stew into a baking dish. Sprinkle grated cheese on top (I used a cheddar / mozzarella mix), and place in a hot oven (200C / 400F) for 20-30 minutes, or until cheese is golden.

More beans on Enjoy Food & Travel

The Slammer - a real hit!!

2010-03-13T08:00:00.000+01:00

Last weekend I bought a bottle of The Slammer, an American Red wine from Big House Wine producer. That was a great hit......

I fell for the Big House The Slammer Syrah 2006 due to its funny label, and from the fact that I love wines made from Syrah grapes.

The Big House Wine Co, it produces a wide range of wines from different grapes. Winemaker Georgetta Dane's goal is to produce wine and wine labels that "will scintillate the most jaded imbiber."

The name is explained on the site as:

Our Soledad Winery in Monterey County, is a mere ankle iron’s toss from the Soledad State Correctional Facility, aka The Clink, The Slammer, The Hoosegow, The Cooler.

The Slammer Syrah 2006 is made from 85% Syrah and 15% Petite Sirah grapes and is recommended to beef, lamb, pork and game.

This is a full bodied Syrah, with a dark ruby, blue-red colour, and rich fruit aromas from dark berries and spices, and a hint of camphor. Though a great wine, it may, in my opinion struggle to match some game meats.

Bergen has the most expensive hotels in Scandinavia

2010-03-12T08:00:00.006+01:00

(Source: Dagbladet, March 2nd 2010) If you want to visit Norway, and need cheap accommodation, avoid Bergen. The capital city of Western Norway is on top of the list of expensive Scandinavian cities if you need a bed for the night.

Hotels.com has checked average price of hotel rooms for a number of cities in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Surprisingly three cities along the scenic western coast of Norway are among the most expensive to stay in. Bergen, Ålesund, and Stavanger are ranking over all capital cities on average price for a hotel room.

Bergen A-Z 2007-2009 - see all stories here

Copenhagen the most expensive capital

If you consider visiting one of the four capital cities and are looking for reasonable hotels, Helsinki is definitely the place to go. The average price is around NOK 200 lower (25 EUR) than in Copenhagen in Denmark, followed by Oslo and Stockholm.

That Copenhagen is the most expensive of the Scandinavian cities is absolutely no surprise. I've checked hotels in the Danish capital several times, and found that even a room in a tourist class hotel stretch your bank balance.

Last time I stayed in Copenhagen, I ended up at Hotel Sct. Thomas in the neighbouring borough of Frederiksberg. Priced at DKK 599 a night (€75) it was a rip-off considering the low standard of the hotel.

Copenhagen from A-Z 2007-2009 - see all stories here

Average price of room per night in a selection of Scandinavian cities

Here is average price of a hotel room in a selection of 7 Scandinavian cities.

Bergen 1.122 NOK pr. night
København 1.096 NOK pr. night
Oslo 1.069 NOK pr. night
Tromsø 1.032 NOK pr. night
Stockholm 1.020 NOK pr. night
Trondheim 1.010 NOK pr. night
Helsingfors 904 NOK pr. night

Read these reviews on Trondheim, Bergen, Oslo and Copenhagen hotels

Bergen Travel Hotel, Bergen
Hotel Sct. Thomas, Fredriksberg (Copenhagen)
P-hotel, Trondheim, Trondheim
Quality Hotel Edvard Grieg, Sandsli (Bergen)
Radisson SAS Hotel Oslo Airport, Oslo
Radisson SAS Royal Hotel Bryggen, Bergen
Thon Hotel Bergen Brygge, Bergen

Move all long-haul flights to Oslo and Stockholm!!

2010-03-11T20:00:00.004+01:00

Danish trade unions are pushing Scandinavian Airlines towards the abyss. They demand Danish crew only on all long-haul flights from Kastrup Airport. This as their colleagues in Norway and Sweden have agreed to demands from the Governments in the three countries on drastic cuts in order to get additional financial aid to save the air carrier.

Norwegian travelers find it unfair that we shall travel to Copenhagen in order to get to destinations in the Far East and the US.

Today there are no long-haul flights from Oslo airport operated by Scandinavian Airlines. Stockholm have non-stop flights to Chicago O'Hare and Newark, whereas Copenhagen has flights operated by Scandinavian to the following destinations.

Why should Copenhagen remain the main hub for Scandinavian's international flights? Scandinavian Airlines should abandon Kastrup and move all long-haul flights to Oslo and Stockholm. That is the way to save the crisis-ridden Scandinavian air carrier.

It would furthermore be a lesson for the Danish trade unions that have lost all sense of solidarity in a common effort by all groups to save Scandinavian Airlines. To uphold such privileges is highly irresponsible, when colleagues in the other Scandinavian countries may loose their jobs.

Let the Danes be fully responsible for the bankruptcy of the airline, as their stubbornness will mean no government deal to keep it afloat.

(Photo: Magnus Manske)

Ryanair - status flights March 11th 2010

2010-03-11T08:00:00.012+01:00

Ryanair is expanding its activity from Norwegian airports. Here are the latest news on Ryanair's non-stop flights from Norway to destinations in Europe.

New direct flight to Newcastle upon Tyne May 2010

Ryanair has previously had direct flights from Torp Airport to Newcastle upon Tyne. Flights were canceled due to low interest in 2007.

The company recently announced that they will try again, with 3 non-stop flights every week from Rygge Airport to Newcastle starting May 19th 2010.

More stories on Rygge Airport

Ryanair makes Rygge its Norwegian base

(Photo: Tagishsimon)

More flights Rygge - Alicante

Ryanair's flights from Rygge to Alicante are popular. So popular, in fact, that the air carrier will increase number from 2 to 3 flights a week.

Keep track of non-stop flights from European destinations to Rygge Airport

See all non-stop flights from Rygge to European destinations here

(Photo: Lobo de Hokkaido)

Non-stop Haugesund - Malaga from June 25th

Ryanair will start two weekly flights from Haugesund Airport from June 25th 2010. Flights will go Monday and Fridays during the peak season.

This is the second Spanish destination for travelers from Haugesund. Ryanair is already operating all year flights to Alicante.

See all non-stop flights from Haugesund to European destinations here

Latest Ryanair story on Enjoy Food & Travel

Ryanair flights from Haugesund 2010 season

(Photo: Tyk)

A touch of class at Café Metropole

2010-03-10T20:00:00.004+01:00

If you want to experience old world charm in Brussels, you'll definitely find it at Café Metropole, located in the hotel with the same name.

Hotel Metropole is one of the old exclusive hotels in the Belgian capital. Staying here, you're close to Grand Place, as well as the shopping area along Rue Neuve.

I stayed at the hotel years ago, and I do recommend it. You may get favourable prices during weekends.

Stately living in Brussels: Hotel Metropole - read story here

My good friend Øivind Grimsmo introduced me to the Café Metropole on the ground floor of the hotel back in the happy nineties, as he and his wife had found it is a great place to have a drink outside all year around. This as the outside terrace provide heating and blankets during fall, winter and early spring.

We ended up at Café Metropole back in November, as my friend Ketil and his wife stayed there. A much better place than Conrad Brussels, where we stayed.

We were there twice to soak up its all world charm. It has an extremely ornate decor and you always end up looking at the beautiful details in the large room.

Once we ordered Kir Royal as an aperitif before lunch November 18th, and a glass of Tripel Karmeliet the day after before we headed for the airport to return home to Oslo.

We had lunch at Les Crustacés at Place Saint-Catherine - see story here

Tripel Karneliet is a great (and very strong) beer, holding 8%, you may easily get a buzz from this blond, robust, smooth, and fruity three grain top fermented brew. Try one glass for a good time, two if you want to be a little tipsy.

Menelas - a Greek tavern in Brussels

2010-03-10T08:00:00.010+01:00

We were lost in our quest for T' Spinnekopke - a classic Brussels Tavern. Walking through the maze of streets south of Grand Place, we had to give up and find an alternative place to dine. This was how we found Menelas, our Greek tavern for the evening.

Location: BBB

Menelas is located in Rue du vieux Marché aux Grains, 25 - a dark, slightly scruffy street, as most are in this area of Brussels. It was a relatively short walk away from Grand Place - if you do not follow our walk, that is.

Service: BBBBB-

The best part of Menelas was the service. Our waiter and the rest of those connected to the restaurant were VERY nice and provided excellent service. They had an informal approach to us as guests, presented as small talk with a big smile.

We did not have to wait unnecessarily for either food and drink, and felt extremely comfortable in the Menelas atmosphere.

Interior: BBB+

The interior at Menelas was a far cry away from what I you would expect to find in a Greek restaurant. No brightly white and/or blue or terracotta coloured interiors as found in most Greek taverns I've visited. I found the interior a little outdated and uninteresting.

One large room decorated in gray-green and apricot or peach shades. There were three tables the middle of the room, and the others were placed along the walls with velvet sofas on one side and wooden chairs on the other side of tables in medium dark wood.

Tables along walls were placed too close to each other, whereas there were more space between the free-standing tables.

Food: BBB+

At Menelas you'll get a wide range of Greek starters, salads, Greek specials, fish and meat dishes, all reasonably priced, as you'll never pay more than 20 Euros for a dish.

I ordered Moussaka, a Greek specialty made from fresh aubergines, minced meat topped with cheese sauce (€13,50)

Moussaka is the Greek equivalent to the Italian Lasagna, and is as delicious when well prepared. Sadly the Moussaka served at Menelas did not rank as among the best I've eaten.

It looked delicious - a tomato based sauce served in a rustic ceramic dish with a thick layer of sliced aubergines in a white sauce with cheese topping.

Good texture, crispy crust on the cheese, good, mild cheese sauce, but the tomato sauce was bland.

The Moussaka was not well seasoned, as it had too little salt, pepper, and sugar to balance the acidity in the tomatoes.

Wine: BBB+

We ordered a Goumenissa 2006 made by the Boutari Wineries. It is made from 70% xynomavro and 30% negkoska grapes.

Delicate ruby colour. A decent wine, all in all, with a mature red fruit character (figs and cherries). It had delicate soft tannins in the finish and a long, pleasant after taste.

(Photo: Boutari website)

Rating the Menelas experience: BBBB- (3,68 points)

Excellent service, and reasonable priced lunch and dinners. My Moussaka did not provide me with those strong Greek vibes. A good place to drink, and have a good time, as the atmosphere is good, but I would hesitate to return there for another meal. Maybe some of you have another (and better) experience to share with us?

Address:
Menelas
Rue du vieux Marché aux Grains, 25
1000 Brussels, Belgium
Phone: 0032 2 512 67 39
E-mail: resto@menelas.be
Website: www.menelas.be

See restaurant Menelas an other restaurants on this map of Brussels

Vis Brussels on Enjoy Food & Travel 2006-2009 i et større kart

Boston: Clough House anno 1712

2010-03-09T08:00:00.002+01:00

Walking through Boston's North End you find yourself in one of the oldest city areas in the United States with a history going back nearly 400 years. North End has a genuine European or British feel to it, with its red brick buildings lining the fine network of small narrow streets criss-crossing the area. Still there are few original buildings left from the pre-revolutionary era. One is Ebenezer Clough's house in 21 Unity street.

The North End of Boston used to be a peninsula and was settled in the 1630s, It was called ‘Island of North Boston’ separated from central Boston by a narrow neck of land. During the 18th century prosperous merchants, tradesmen and shipbuilders set up their businesses in North End. Slowly, as the wealthy relocated to the West End and Beacon Hill it transformed into a working class neighbourhood.

Master mason Ebenezer Clough built six identical houses at the back of Christ Church(Old North Church) in 1712. He settled in number 21 Unity, the only of the the six still standing, the other five have long since been demolished.

Ebenezer Clough ended up as a hero of the American Revolution. He later helped to build Christ Church and took part in the Boston Tea Party.

The Clough House was restored in 1971.

Watch your hands!

2010-03-08T08:00:00.005+01:00

When walking over Djemaa el Fnaa, the famous square and centre of old Marrakech, watch out!! If not, you may get a full henna decoration whether you want it or not. If you are a woman, that is. We experienced this, and it was a very unpleasant episode.

Djemaa el Fnaa is a natural extension of the nearby soukhs by day. Here you find everything from herbal remedies to leather bags, metal objects or rugs.

Walking around you will be approached by strangely dressed men, with or without snakes or monkeys. One important piece of advice is – do not take any photos or let any creature crawl or sit on your shoulders. You will have to pay up for this alluring Maghreb experience.

We were however, this first day in Marrakech, unaware of another threat. All over Djemaa el Fnaa, there were women in colourful Niqābs, i.e. costumes covering all, except their hands and a little area around the eyes. We were to learn that those were the henna women.

I had turned away for a short moment, discovering as I turned back that a henna women had grabbed Susanne's wrist and started to work on a crude decoration. The maneuver was so fast, that she did not manage to pull the hand away, and suddenly she had dragged her over to a low stool to continue her masterpiece, not listening to Susanne's objections.

Susanne ended up with a large lump of thick henna on her right hand, sprinkled with glitter. The real drama started when she was to pay for her decorations.

As all this had been a involuntarily imposed service, we never intended to pay more or even anything. In addition to this, it was a very crude, low quality piece of body decoration. For all this, the henna woman demanded 200 dirhams (17,50 EUR). The answer was a no!! Then she started a clever negotiation process by asking; "how much is this worth?" As an answer to this, Susanne picked a 20 dh note out of her purse. The amount was clearly not what the henna woman had in mind. She expressed this by throwing the not on the ground stepping on it.

That was the last straw, and we left the area, with the woman in our heals. When she found out that there was nothing more than 20 dh in it for her, she gave up, leaving Susanne with a nasty lump of thick henna on her hand.

We went over to Les Terraces de l'Alhambra, the coffee shop that became our favourite during our stay. Susanne went immediately into the bathroom and washed away the henna. It left a crude pattern behind, and even though the woman had claimed that it would last for a month, it disappeared during the coming two days.

This is a warning to those of you that will wander past Djemaa el Fnaa in the near future. Be aware of the henna women. If you plan to get a henna decoration, do consult your hotel to get a high quality product.

More on Djemaa el Fnaa

See this 360 degree view from my visit.

A seafood still-life at Jake's

2010-03-07T09:00:00.001+01:00

Look at this selection of delicious seafood for sale at Jake's Seafood in Hull MA. No wonder why New England is a Mecca for lovers of fresh fish and shellfish.

Jake's Seafood is a shop and a restaurant specializing in seafood. On the image above you'll find what is available in the small shop of mussels from common clams and mussels to Little Neck and Soft Shell clams.

Different clams are referred to as "soft-shelled. "Some regions call small versions of quahog clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) little neck clams. In the Pacific Northwest, many people call the Pacific Clam (Prothothaca staminea) a “common little neck.”

Little neck clams are hard shelled, as their shells are firm and tough to crack, whereas soft shell clams have more brittle shells which are subject to breakage. However, that does not men that their shells are soft in the conventional sense.

The Little Necks found at Jake's comes from Maine, whereas the the Soft Shells are from Nova Scotia. You'll get a pound from $3,99 to $6.99. To the right you can buy fresh King Crab meat, and it'll cost you around $25 a pound, but then you get meat only. It you picked out and sold the clam meat only, you would end up with a completely other price, maybe comparable with the crab meat.

Fresh fish from oceans, rivers and lakes

At Jake's you'll also find an abundance of fresh fish. From left you have fresh tuna, a species severely threatened by overfishing. From the Grand Banks there are large steaks from another threatened fish - the swordfish.

Both these are relatively expensive fish varying in price from $12,95 for swordfish, to $18,95 for a pound of tuna.

The fresh water fish are less expensive. You can get trout from Idaho or catfish from North Carolina for less than $10 a pound.

Meatloaf Italian style

2010-03-06T08:00:00.007+01:00

Meatloaf is a seriously filling dish, packed with proteins, and very easy to vary with whatever you may have in your refrigerator. As I visited my friends at Løten last weekend I made an Italian style meatloaf filled with tasty Mediterranean ingredients.

For this recipe, I used best quality, low fat ground beef (Karbonadedeig), and did not add more fat. To hold the mix together, I used only eggs and one diced bread roll. If you would like a richer meat loaf, substitute some of the ground beef with diced pancetta or streaky bacon, but remember to reduce the amount of salt accordingly.

I used Pomamore, a new product from Riddarheim in my filling. It is made up by sun dried tomatoes, fresh basil and Parmesan cheese in olive oil. As this product most probably will not be available outside Scandinavia, use your favourite pesto (mine is Barilla) instead and dried tomatoes in olive oil.

The filling may be varied with other ingredients, but do remember to avoid ingredients with much liquid. It will hardly work well with fresh tomatoes.

Meatloaf Italian style (Serves 6)

For two meat loaves you'll need:

1 kilo / 2,2 lb ground beef
3 cloves garlic
2 red onions, finely chopped
2 eggs, beaten
1 bread roll, diced
5 cl / 2 fluid oz milk
4 tsp salt
Pepper, freshly ground
Italian herbs

Filling
1 packet Pomamore
OR
1/2 glass Barilla Pesto
AND
1/2 glass sun dried tomatoes in oil
2 mozzarellas, thinly sliced
100 grams / 4 oz Parmesan cheese, finely grated

Mix ground beef with garlic and chopped onions.

Soak diced bread in milk. Add to ground beef mixture with beaten eggs. Use hands to mix well. Season with salt, pepper and herbs. Allow mixture to rest.

Cut the mixture into two batches.

In order to make a loaf, roll out a sheet of cling film and add olive oil. Put on batch of meat loaf mix on the sheet and press it into a flat square.

Place the Pomamore or spread the pesto in the middle of the sheet . Do not add mix out to the edges in order to seal all inside the meatloaf.

Then add tomatoes, sliced mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Then fold the meatloaf mix over the filling and make the meat loaf. Seal the ends properly to keep it all inside and place the loaf in a baking tray.

I used a large baking tray, and to make it all easier I added diced vegetables on the other half of the tray and seasoned well and poured a little olive olive oil. In this way you make dinner in one operation.

Place in a medium hot oven (200C / 400F) for one hour. Serve with oven roasted potatoes, vegetables and you favourite gravy.

Buon Apetito!

Doubletree by Hilton, Oslo City Center opens spring 2010

2010-03-05T08:00:00.007+01:00

The Hilton Group may open its first Doubletree hotel in Oslo this spring. Plans of the new luxury hotel in Oslo has been a well kept secret, but the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten revealed detailed information on the new Doubletree by Hilton, Oslo City Center in its travel section March 2nd.

Doubletree offers travelers, according to their website:

"a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations in more than 200 cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations around the world.

Doubletree and Doubletree by Hilton, as our hotels are known outside the U.S., are distinctively designed to provide genuine comfort to today's business and leisure travelers."

Doubletree by Hilton, Oslo City Center will be located at the 2nd to 5th floor in Stortingsgaten 16, the historic building that once housed Det Norske Teatret.

It will offer 59 single, - double, and deluxe-rooms, all facing the Spikersuppa (Eidsvolls Plass) Park when it opens, and the number of rooms will be extended to 103 in the neighbouring building in Stortingsgaten number 14 by the end of 2010.

Doubletree by Hilton, Oslo City Center will have one full service restaurant, lobby bar, and will offer a fitness studio and conference facilities.

More Hilton Stories on Enjoy Food & Travel

(Photo: Stortingsgata 16, Oslo. Forretningsgård bygd 1918; arkitekt Henry Coll by Mahlum)

High rollers on Danish waters

2010-03-04T20:00:00.009+01:00

Liberalization of Danish regulations opens up for gambling on ferries going to Danish ports. DFDS, the company running ferries between Oslo and Copenhagen is ready to open up casinos on the open sea.

Whereas the Norwegian government is cracking down on gambling, Danish parliamentarians , authorities and ministers move in the opposite direction. They want to liberalize national gambling regulations.

Six years have gone since DFDS applied to open up gambling on its vessels, referring to the fact that cruise vessels sailing on the same waters are allowed to run casinos on board.

Finally the Danish Minister of Finance, Kristian Jensen, has handed in a proposal to change the strict current legislation, and a large majority in the Danish Folketinget is in favour of the liberalization.

Director General Carsten Jensen in DFDS is thrilled. The company is preparing itself to introduce gambling on its ferries, but has not decided on the extent of its gambling activities yet.

(Photo: Wheel of fortune. Shot wide open using 50mm/f1.4 @ISO2800 by tm)

Much needed facelift for M/F Crown of Scandinavia

2010-03-04T14:00:00.008+01:00

One of the two ferries traveling from Oslo Copenhagen, the M/F Crown of Scandinavian has undergone a 20 million NOK (€2,5 mill.) facelift. The rather outdated economy cabins are however still the same.

It is a disappointment, though, that this renovation has not been extended to the other cabins, as only the Owners Suites and Commodore de Luxe cabins have got a new contemporary look. They have got new furniture in walnut, mini bars, lamps, carpets, and flat screen TV.

I have traveled with M/F Crown of Scandinavia several times. It is the oldest of the two ferries, and needed a serious face lift.

The space of the restaurants have been rearranged to increase the number of diners, and given a new contemporary look. The Gourmet restaurant Marco Polo has been moved to get better view.

This spring I will not travel to Copenhagen. But you may read my previous experiences on the DFDS ferries here.

Stories from DFDS Crown of Scandinavia

Non-stop flights from Norway - status March 2010

2010-03-04T08:00:00.017+01:00

ew International non-stop flights from Oslo Airport - status March 2010 in a larger map

A large number of non-stop all year and seasonal flights to European destinations starts March 2010. Norwegian consolidate some flights from the Oslo area by moving some destinations from Rygge Airport to Oslo Airport.

MARCH: New Seasonal flights from Oslo Airport

CROATIA: Dubrovnik (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
CROATIA: Split (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
CYPRUS: Larnaca (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
GREECE: Chania (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
ITALY: Milano Malpensa (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
ITALY: Pisa - Aeroporto Civile G. Galilei - Circoscrizione Aeroportuale (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
LITHUANIA: Palanga (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
MALTA: (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
SPAIN: Malaga (Scandinavian Airlines)
SPAIN: Palma di Mallorca (Norwegian Air Shuttle)

MARCH: STATUS - flights from Rygge Airport

CZECH REPUBLIC: Prag - all traffic move to Oslo Airport end March 2010 (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
CROATIA: Zadar - New service (Ryanair)
DENMARK: Aarhus: New service (Ryanair)
FRANCE: Beauvais New service (Ryanair)
FRANCE: La Rochelle New service (Ryanair)
GERMANY: Allgau Airport - New service (Ryanair)
GERMANY: Berlin Schönefeld - all traffic move to Oslo Airport end March 2010 (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
GERMANY: Berlin Schönefeld - New service (Ryanair)
GERMANY: Weeze Airport- New service (Ryanair)
GREECE: Athens - New service (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
HUNGARY: Budapest - all traffic move to Oslo Airport end March 2010 (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
ITALY: Treviso - New service (Ryanair)
LATVIA: Riga - New service (Ryanair)
LITHUANIA: Palanga - new flights moved to Oslo Airport end March 2010 (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
NETHERLANDS: Eindhoven - New service (Ryanair)
POLAND: Gdansk - New service (Ryanair)
POLAND: Krakow - New service (Ryanair)
POLAND: Wroclaw - New service (Ryanair)
PORTUGAL: Faro - New service (Ryanair)
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Dublin - New service (Ryanair)
SPAIN: Malaga - New service (Ryanair)
SPAIN: Palma de Mallorca - New service (Ryanair)
SPAIN: Valencia - New service (Ryanair)
SPAIN: Valencia - Close down (Norwegian Air Shuttle)

See all non-stop flights to Rygge Airport March 2010 here

MARCH: STATUS - flights from Torp Airport

LATVIA: Riga - New service (Wizz-Air)
SPAIN: Malaga - New service (Ryanair)

See all non-stop flights to Torp Airport March 2010 here

MARCH: STATUS - flights from Haugesund Airport

UK: Edinburgh - New service (Ryanair)

See all non-stop flights to Haugesund Airport March 2010 here

MARCH: STATUS - flights from Bergen Airport

CROATIA: Dubrovnik (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
CROATIA: Split - New service (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
DENMARK: Copenhagen - New service (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
GREECE: Heraklion - New service (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
ITALY: Rome - New service (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
POLAND: Gdansk - New service (Wizz-Air)
SPAIN: Barcelona - New service (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
SWEDEN: Stockholm - New service (Norwegian Air Shuttle)
TURKEY: Antalya - New service (Norwegian Air Shuttle)

See all non-stop flights to Bergen Airport here

MARCH: STATUS - flights from Tromsø Airport

LATVIA: Riga - New service (AirBaltic)

See all non-stop flights to Tromsø Airport here

Coffee at Omar

2010-03-03T20:00:00.004+01:00

Walking one of the largest cities of the world make you tired and in need for a cup of strong Turkish coffee. The first place we sat down was at Omar a stone's throw away from Hagia Sophia. A really nice place to rest.

A striking feature are all the colourful lamps hanging all over the roof. We were so fascinated by this lamp-o-rama, that we ended looking up all the time, finding another ornate shaped lantern to rest our eyes on every time we looked up.

Coffee is not the only thing you can get at Omar. You may, in fact both lunch and dine there, with a great view of the two mosques. We, however, decided to take a sip to a small, hot cup of coffee.

As the staff heard that we were Norwegian, they showed us a clipping from a Norwegian newspaper featuring the writer Thorvald Steen as one of the regulars at Omar. He has, in fact written stories from the city, and he calls it the most important city in the world.

It is difficult to prove that statement, but I certainly agree with him that Istanbul has not been recognized as an major historic and cultural centre in the same way as e.g. Rome. It has been a destination for pilgrims, tourists and crusaders for two thousand years and a bridge connecting the Muslim to the Christian culture.

You can certainly feel that importance at Omar. From here you can see Hagia Sophia, a church built in the 4th century, and you are only a short walk away from other sights as the Hippodrome and the Cisterns.

Address:
Omar Café & Restaurant
8 Şeftali Sokak
Alemdar,
İstanbul 34410, Turkey

Armada Sera, Istanbul

2010-03-03T08:00:00.008+01:00

Armada Sera is located on the top floor of the Armada Hotel in Istanbul. It has a view to die for, and we enjoyed one of the best meals of the year here on the first night of our stay in Turkey.

Location: BBBBB-

The Armada Sera is located by the shores of the Bosporus, a 15-20 minute walk away , through narrow old city streets, from the center of Sultanahmet, the Hippodrome.

From the restaurant you have a stunning view of the Bosporus on one side and the tall minarets of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia towering over the roofs of old Istanbul on the other. By night these monuments are basking in the floodlight, creating the magic of the the 1001 nights.

Service: BBBBB-

We were the first guests to dine at the Armada Sera that night, and we were given all the attention we needed from the staff. We could order when we wanted and we were served wine and food without delay.

Interior & atmosphere: BBBB+

The interior of the Armada Sera was a mix of the contemporary and traditional, stylish, but a little bare. The most stunning feature was the glass roof creating an airy, open atmosphere. You felt you were sitting outside, in the open air.

There was generous space between every table, and were comfortably seated by the window with a view to the two old mosques on the hill.

Food: BBBB+

We ordered Hünkar Beğendi, or "the Sultan liked it" in Turkish.

The Sultan in question was either Sultan Murad IV (1612-1640) and he obviously liked the dish enough to give it his name. The other Sultan connected to this dish is Sultan Abdülaziz.

The latter is connected to this dish as it is said to having been served to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, in Sultan Abdülaziz's Beylerbeyi Palace in 1869.

The French empress loved it to such an extent that the Sultan promised her to ask his chef to share the recipe with the Empress cook, but it is rumored that Abdülaziz's chef was reluctant to share his recipe with his French colleague.

See recipe on Sultan's Delight (Hünkar Beğendi) here

Our delightful dish was served in a large rustic copper pan worthy of any Sultan's kitchen. It contained a creamy aubergine mash topped with lamb, beef and chicken.

The Hünkar Begendi served at Armada Sera mirrored the opulent Ottoman cuisine, recognized by the abundance of ingredients present in a dish.

It was a seriously rich dish, filling us up to capacity, in fact a little too rich as a late evening dinner.

The mash was creamy and tasty, and the meats were tender and flavoured with different local spices.

Rating the Armada Sera experience: BBBBB- (4,57 points)

A great place to dine, with stunning views, good service and an Ottoman approach to the Turkish cuisine. Highly recommended by Enjoy Food & Travel.

Address:
Armada Sera
Armada Hotel
Ahırkapı Str. No:24,
34122 Sultanahmet, Istanbul / Türkiye

A Royal Clockmaker in Istanbul

2010-03-02T20:00:00.003+01:00

I found this memorial plaque close to Galata Tower in Istanbul. It tells the story of a Swiss clockmaker with a very famous son.

Father of Jean Jacques Rousseau worked as a clockmaker for the sultan Ahmed III for six years, from 1705 to 1711, just a year before Jean Jacques was born.

He returned to Geneva late 1711, because the famous philosopher was burn June 28th 1712.

Isaac Rousseau was a Huguenot of French origin and he married Suzanne Bernard, that died a week after Jean-Jacques was born. The little boy was brought up by his aunt Suzanne and his nanny Jacqueline Faramand.

After a row that turned violent, Isaac Rousseau had to move to Nyon in the neighbouring Swiss republic of Bern. Two years later Jean-Jacques moved back to his uncle in Geneve and started his way to fame.

Isaac Rousseau died as an old man in 1747, 75 years of age.

Brussels - European quarter

2010-03-02T08:00:00.012+01:00

The European Quarter is not the most charming area in Brussels. Still it is the nerve centre of an expanding European Union, and should be on the list of sights for any politically interested visitor in Brussels.

Sadly, the interior of most of the buildings are out of bounce for those of us not engaged in the political processes taking place in Brussels. Still you can take a peek from the outside. Here are a few of the landmarks of the area.

The Charlemagne Building

The Charlemagne Building is a seemingly new, avantgarde building located at 170 Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat. The building is in fact over 40 years old, but it has been given a contemporary facelift in steel and glass.

The building was built in 1967 at the same time as the Berlaymont building and design by Jacques Cuisinier.

It is named after the famous 8th Century French king Carolus Magnus or Charlemagne in French.

It house the Directorate-General for Trade, External Relations and Enlargement of the European Commission.

It housed the Council of the Union from 1971-1995 and was taken over by the the Commission, when the council moved over to the new Justus Lipsius building on the other side of Rue de la Loi.

It was given a complete makeover in the middle of the 1990's, adding a light, curvy exterior to the concrete structure.

(Photo: JLogan)

The Berlaymont Building

The iconic, cross shaped, Berlaymont Building is the symbol of the European Union and is the main building of the European Commission.

It is a giant building designed by the modernist architect Lucien de Vestel. It is named after the Dames de Berlaymont, a 300 year old convent once standing on the site, who managed a venerable girls school. The present building was built on its land, and the convent was relocated to the outskirts of the Belgian capital.

The construction started in 1963 and it was finished six years later. In 1985 it was in need of renovation, and the process became much complicated when asbestos was found in the building in 1990.

The renovation of the building ended up a very time consuming process. The Commission moved out in 1991 and it took 13 years before the Commission could move back into the building.

Justus Lipsius Building

The Justus Lipsius Building is named after Justus Lipsius, Joose Lips or Josse Lips (1547 — 1606) - a famous Flemish philologist and humanist. He had previously given his name to a street where the building is now standing.

It is know the headquarter of the Council of Ministers of the European Union.

It is the newest of the three buildings, built 1985-1995 in stone and glass as a joint venture between many architects and builders in the EU Member states.

NEW: Shopping stories on Enjoy Food & Travel 2006-2010

2010-03-01T08:00:00.006+01:00

To make it easier for you, I have compiled all the shopping stories on Enjoy Food & Travel for 2006-2010 on this page. Enjoy!

A Canarian shopping bag (February 23rd 2009)
A Danish shopping bag - poultry (May 11th 2009)
A gift to eat? Why not! (February 20th 2008)
A living memory from Gran Canaria (April 4th 2009)

Barcelona - foodstories (January 9th 2007)
Barcelona - What to shop where? (January 3rd 2007)
Being Harry - being happy! (February 12th 2008)
Bush Tucker! (December 28th 2007)

Christmas in Barcelona - a short guide (December 12th 2006)
Christmas in Barcelona - the city of lights! (December 29th 2006)
Copenhagen - a shopping paradise (January 31st 2007)

Eger - high class shopping in downtown Oslo (May 21st 2009)
Enjoy Harvard Square! (November 18th 2006)
Exclusive shopping in Oslo (April 15th 2007)

First Nespresso outlet opened in Oslo (February 26th 2009)
Food Market at Boulevard de la Marne (July 31st 2008)

Gourmet shopping at Alexanderplatz (February 27th 2008)
Gran Canaria in my window (February 28th 2009)
Grocery shopping at Estcourt (October 28th 2007)

Ham Heaven (July29th 2008)

Looking for a bargain? Visit a flea-market! (November 4th 2006)

My Boston Memories: Shopping (April 7th 2007)

Shopping for spices in the US (February 22nd 2010)
Shopping in Barcelona - say cheese!! (January 3rd 2007)
Shopping in Barcelona - unedible food at Effeti Natural (January 3rd 2007)
Shopping in Boston - where to go? (March 15th 2007)
Shopping in Copenhagen (February 23rd 2008)
Shopping Norwegian Food in Oslo (July 11th 2009)

To shop, or not to shop, that’s the question! (November 3rd 2006)

What (not) to buy in Istanbul (February 15th 2010)

Xocoa - To chocolate heaven and beyond! (January 3rd 2007)

Find other stories on Enjoy Food & Travel - see our new page:

Enjoy Food & Travel - main index 2006-2010

Your Oslo Page - updated February 28th 2010

2010-02-28T08:00:00.003+01:00

For you conveniance - this is a collection of links to articles on Oslo here at Enjoy Food & Travel updated September 15th 2009. Enjoy!

Historic sights (in chronological order)

- Østre Strete (1000)
- Royal Residence (1040)
- Church of Saint Mary (1050 / 1300)
- Gamle Aker Church (1080)
- Church of St. Hallvard (1100-1650/1780)
- Saxegaarden (1200/1624/1800)
- Oslo Ladegård (1210/ 1579/ 1725)
- Olavsklosteret (1239)
- Gamlebyen kirke (1290/1730/1796)
- Akershus fortress (1290)
- Jomfrutårnet (1300)
- Knutstårnet (1300)
- Olavshallen (1300/1976)
- Oslo Hospital (1538)
- Oslo Bishops residence (1550/1623 /1880)
- Grave of Magdalena Franzdatter (158*)
- Christianias annet rådhus (1620 årene)
- Rådmannsgården (1626)
- Grave of Anders Lavrisen (1627)
- Anatomigården (1640)
- Christiania Opfostringshus (1640)
- Den Gamle Krigsskolen (1640)
- Stattholdergården (1640)
- Gamle Rådhus (1641)
- Magistratgården (1647)
- Tøyen Hovedgård (1679 / Early 19th Century)
- Mangelsgården (1698/1772)
- Biermanngården (1700)
- Telthusbakken (1700-)
- Vøienvolden Gård (1710)
- Cannon ball of Charles XII (1716)
- Glads Mølle (1736)
- Tugthusmuren (1740)
- Frogner Hovedgaard (1750)
- Damstredet (1756-1860)
- Nedre Vøien gård (1783)
- House of "Hønse Lovisa" (1800)
- Vår Frelsers gravlund (Cemetery of Our Saviour) (1808-)
- The Botanical Garden (1815)
- Royal Palace (1825-1849)
- Aksiseboden (1830)
- Grave of Henrik Wergeland (1845)
- Aamodt Bridge (1855)
- Hjula Væveri (1855)
- Krohgstøtten (1859)
- The Palm House (1868)
- Pilestredet 30 A-B, the home of Edvard Munch (1868-1875)
- Old Jewish Cemetery (1869-1917)
- The Victoria House (1876)
- Gråbeingårdene (1884-1886)
- Grave of Henrik Ibsen (1906)
- Grave of Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson (1910)
- Old Jewish Synagogue (1921)
- Royal Mausoleum (1947)
- Oslo Opera House (2008)

Landscape / nature

- Akerselva (Aker river)
- Akerselva, waterfall
- Botanical Gardens
- Resisting the Norwegian winter

Bars

- Asylet
- Fru Burums
- Public House Two Dogs
- Shebeen
- Stortorvets Gjestgiveri

Bars with free internet access - see list here

Restaurants

- Bagatelle (French / Continental)
- Bangkok Thai (Thai)
- Barcelona Tapas Bar (Spanish)
- Beijing Palace (Chinese)
- Bella Vita (Italian)
- Cafe Tenerife (Spanish)
- Con Gusto (Italian/continental)
- Darbar Mat & Vinhus (Afghan / Indian)
- Fyret (French/Danish/Continental)
- Kampen Bistro (Continental)
- Kitty's Sushi (Japanese)
- Marrakech (Moroccan)
- Mesopotamia (Near Eastern)
- M3 Mat & Bar (Scandinavian)
- Nodee (Japanese)
- Olivia (Italian)
- Olympen Bar & Vinhus (Traditional)
- Oscar Pizza & Bar (Italian/mexican)
- Oslomekaniskeverksted,
- Pascal (French)
- Samurai Sushi (Japanese)
- San Leandro (Spanish)
- San Lorenzo (Italian)
- Santino's Spaghetteria (Italian)
- Sushi & Wok (Japanese)
- Tabibito (Asian fusion)
- Taste of China (Chinese)
- TGI Fridays (American)
- Vann og Brød (Spanish)

Hotels

- Comfort Hotel RunWay
- Grims Grenka
- Losby Gods
- Park Inn Oslo
- Park Inn Oslo Airport
- SAS Radisson Hotel Oslo Airport
- Scandic Hotel Oslo Airport

- Hotels in Oslo with free internet access

Shopping

- Eger (High class shopping)
- CLOSED: Erling Moe AS (Food)
- Exclusive shopping in Oslo
- Farmers Markets - monthly small scale food markets in Oslo (Food)
- Fenaknoken (Food)
- Nespresso Boutique (Coffee)
- Pølsemakermester Strøm-Larsen (Food)
- Shopping for Norwegian Food specialities in Oslo
- StorO Senter

Other Maps:

- NY Times Oslo tour with alternatives
- Oslo airport Gardermoen

View Larger Map

Find other stories on Enjoy Food & Travel - see our new page:

Enjoy Food & Travel - main index 2006-2010