We were fortunate to get a reservation to one of Norway's hidden secret; our friends got us booked for a three dish tasting with wine pairing. He was also good friends with the chef, who promised us a tour of his wine cellar.
The restaurant is located with the fortress overlooking Halden. Quaint and picturesque, the dining area is inviting. We were greeted with a glass of champagne and sat upstairs at our table. Chef came by and introduced himself, bring gifts from the kitchen: appetizers that got our palate ready for the night's tasting.
The first dish, was nettles soup. Exquisitely presented and freshly poured, the soup was warm and comforting. A great start to the night. It was paired with a Branco from Portugal. The fruits and citric acid of the wine cut through the creamy soup.
The second dish, was roasted veal with ratatouille and root vegetable medley. This was paired with the best wine of the night, a barbera from the Piedmont region of Italy. I must of had a bottle all on my own with my meal and in the wine cellar. This bold wine helped elevate the dish, giving the veal a platform to shine.
The last dish, was a loganberry ice cream with locally picked berries. This was paired with a reisling from Germany. I am always good for one glass, and this enhanced the fruit heavy desert.
We capped the night off with a tour of the wine cellar, former home to the fortress ammunition. Armed with the barbera, the chef went over his journey as chef and sommelier. Truly awe inspiring and a perfect end to the night.
If you are in these neck of the wood, a trip would not be complete without a night at the Curtisen. read more
