If you find yourself in Oslo and want a dining experience that evokes something uniquely Norwegian, at least without having to spend an arm, a leg and any other appendage, well, you're in luck. This is an ideal outdoor spot on a balmy evening since it's in the pedestrian plaza right next to the central train station. After spending the day looking at naked statues, appreciating Nobel peace prizes, and walking on the opera house rooftop, Jamie W. and I were tuckered out and didn't want to venture too far from our hotel.
We just walked across the street and found a table quite easily here even though it was obviously quite popular with young Oslolites (...is that what they're called?). We were pretty famished since it was a long time since the complimentary breakfast buffet at the hotel. First up were the 79 NOK ($7.90 US) plate of Truffle Fries topped with grated parmesan with a side of truffle mayonnaise (photo: https://bit.ly/3CX84vq). Less Norwegian, more TGIFriday's but satisfying nonetheless. More Norwegian was the 149 NOK ($15 US) Norwegian Red Beetroot.
It was served with horseradish cream, pickled onions, and Jerusalem artichoke crisps (photo: https://bit.ly/3R9zSBb). It was just four bites but tasty and earthy in a different way. We moved on to the entrees from there and split two between us. First was the 219 NOK ($22 US) Chicken Salad where they marinated chicken breast in mustard and grilled it. It topped a bed of mixed greens, buckwheat, tomatoes, and radish, all of it drizzled with tarragon mayonnaise (photo: https://bit.ly/3RyNVQr). The mustard and buckwheat added a Norwegian dimension to an American standard.
Then came the heartier 259 NOK ($26 US) Steak Sandwich which appeared to center around a tender grilled flank steak with the same accompaniments as the beetroot - horseradish cream, pickled onions, and Jerusalem artichoke crisps (photo: https://bit.ly/3qagzMf), We saved room for dessert, the 149 NOK ($15 US) White Chocolate Sphere which became a table performance with a tiny pitcher of hot raspberry coulis poured over the white chocolate and raspberry cream (photo: https://bit.ly/3qfPTcM). A bit showy but a nice finish. It made us feel like upscale Norwegians dining al fresco.
FOOD - 4 stars...melding of Norwegian and American culinary sensibilities into appetizing dishes
AMBIANCE - 4 stars...casual and relaxing, the nice weather was the key advantage that evening
SERVICE - 4 stars...pretty attentive considering the crowds
TOTAL - 4 stars...a good way to sample Norway through your palate
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