Tag

Bjorn Bites & Booze

Shoyu pork belly bite | Bjorn Bites Booze
Appetizers, Recipes

Shoyu Pork Belly Bites

Shoyu pork belly bite | Bjorn Bites & Booze

Shoyu Pork Belly Bites

A bold, flavor packet appetizer that hits every note. Start by seasoning thick-cut pork belly with a fragrant blend of five spice power, ginger, garlic, white peppers, and salt, then slow-grilled it to tender, smoky perfection on the Big Green Egg. As the pork neared its peak, glaze it with a sweet-and-spicy mix of hoisin, gochujang, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes to create a deep, caramelized finish.
For the perfect bite-sized vessel, place it on a baked wonton brused with sesame oil, dusted with five spice, and sprinkled with black sesame seeds,. Add a spoonful of cilantro lime rice, followed by a drizzle of our house-made gochujang-ginger aioli, tender slices of pork belly, and a bright pickled red cabbage slaw to cut through the richness.
One more flourish of aioli, a scatter of green onions, and a final sprinkle of sesame seeds, each bite an unforgettable balance of savory, smoky, tangy, and spicy!
This bite is perfect for impressing your guests, or stealing the show at your next backyard gathering.
Course Appetizer

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs 1" thick (1/4" fat cap) pork belly, score fat cap

Hoisin Glaze

  • 4 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp gochujang
  • 2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes

Spice for Pork Belly

  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp ginger powder
  • 1 tsp five-spice powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp white pepper

Cilantro-Lime Rice

  • 1 cup cooked jasmine rice, cooled
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime zested and juiced
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • salt to taste

Pickled Cabbage Slaw

  • 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage (use mandolin)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • pinch of salt

Gochujang-Ginger Aioli

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tsp gochujang
  • 2 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tsp lime juice

Garnish

  • 1-2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
  • black sesame seeds

Instructions
 

Grill Pork Belly

  • Heat Big Green Egg to 350℉. Grill pork belly, and turn occasionally so all sides get nice grill marks, until internal temp gets to 170℉.
  • Glaze last 15 minutes. Let rest at least 15 minutes prior to cutting into thin slices.

Spice Mix

  • Add all spices together in a bowl, mix until well combined.

Hoisin Glaze

  • Add all ingredients into a bowl, and stir until well combined.

Cilantro-Lime Rice

  • Cook rice according to instructions. Let cool completely.
  • Once rice has cooled, and right before serving, add cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, sesame oil and salt together in a bowl, and gently fold into rice until all combined.

Pickled Cabbage Slaw

  • Finely shred red cabbage into a bowl, add rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and salt, and gently fold until all well combined.

Gochujang-Ginger Aioli

  • Finely grate ginger into a bowl, add mayo, gochujang, and lime juice. Stir until well combined. Pour into a squeeze bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.
Keyword Big Green Egg, Pork, pork belly, Shoyu Pork Belly
Continue reading
Related posts
The Spa Spritz Cocktail
June 10, 2025
Fastelavnsboller (Danish Carnival Buns)
February 26, 2025
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apple Sauerkraut & Beer Glaze
February 25, 2025
The Spa Spritz | Summer Cocktail Recipe
Drinks, Recipes

The Spa Spritz Cocktail

The Spa Spritz Cocktail | Summer Cocktail Recipe
The Spa Spritz Cocktail

The Spa Spritz

This cocktail is your new summer obsession! Light, crisp, and oh-so refreshing! Cooling notes of cucumber, citrus and mint, it's just like a spa day in a glass! Grab a bottle of Lillet Blanc, your favorite Prosecco, and a splash of club soda. Lemons, limes and a handful of mint, and that's it! Easy, peasy, breezy and perfect for summer sipping!
Course Drinks
Servings 1 serving

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Lemon, sliced
  • 1 lime, sliced
  • 2 cucumber slices
  • 2 sprigs of mint
  • 2 oz Lillet blanc
  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • club soda
  • ice

Instructions
 

  • Add 3-4 ice cubes to 10-oz glass
  • Add your citrus, cucumber slices and mint leaves around ice and glass
  • Add Lillet, then Prosecco
  • Top off with club soda
  • Garnish with sprig of mint
Keyword Cocktail recipes, Spa Spritz
Continue reading
Related posts
Shoyu Pork Belly Bites
July 25, 2025
Fastelavnsboller (Danish Carnival Buns)
February 26, 2025
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apple Sauerkraut & Beer Glaze
February 25, 2025
Fastelavnsboller - Danish Carnival Buns
Danish Traditions, Dessert, Recipes

Fastelavnsboller (Danish Carnival Buns)

Fastelavnsboller

Fastelavnsboller

Fastelavnsboller season is in full swing in Denmark! These fluffy, cardamom-spiced buns filled with luscious pasty cream are a must-have treat leading up to Fastelavn, one of the most beloved childhood holidays.
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 16 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine Danish

Ingredients
  

Dough

  • cup whole milk
  • 2 ½ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cardamom
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

Vanilla Cream (kagecreme)

  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 vanilla bean, seeded
  • 2 ½ tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 ¾ cups whole milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Raspberry Whipped Cream

  • cup frozen raspberries
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp powered sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, seeded

Optional add-ons

  • raspberry jam
  • freeze dried raspberry powder
  • fresh raspberries

Instructions
 

  • Danish Pastry Cream (kagecreme)
  • (make kagecreme first as it needs to cool)
  • Add egg yolks, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, vanilla beans (seeded) and cornstarch to a medium size bowl. Easiest is to use an electric whisk (although you can use a regular whisk as well, it will just take longer), whick until smooth, pale in color and a little frothy,
  • Heat milk in a medium size saucepan on medium low heat. Stir occasionally so that milk doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. Once milk starts to simmer, you will see small bubbles forming around the edge, remove it from the heat.
  • While whisking, slowly pour half of the milk into the egg mixture.
  • While on medium heat, pour egg/milk mixture into the pan with the rest of the milk, and continue whisking until mixture starts to thicken and almost to a boiling point. When it has fully thickened, take off the heat, add butter to the mixture, and continue whisking until it has fully melted.
  • Transfer to a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap, making sure the plastic touches the cream to avoid a skin forming. Refrigerate and cool for at least 2 hours.

Make Dough

  • Heat the milk on low until it is warm to the touch – not too warm as it will kill the yeast.
  • Meanwhile place the yeast and sugar in bowl, stir to mix.
  • Once the milk is warm (to the touch), add it to the yeast/sugar mixture, and stir until just combined. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes until yeast mixture starts to bubble
  • Add egg, egg yolk, sugar, vanilla extract, vanilla bean, cardamom, and salt to a large bowl, and mix well.
  • Add milk/yeast mixture to the to the egg mixture, and stir to combine.
  • Slowly add flour, stir to combine with a wooden spoon, then add softened butter. Once dough starts to come together, you can start kneading with your hands.
  • Cover with a warm damp dishtowel, and let it rise for at least 1 hour, or doubled in size.
  • Once dough has risen, dump it out on a clean surface, and divide into 12 equal pieces (use a scale for best results), and shape into buns, using a little flour if it's a little too sticky.
  • Let buns rest for 30-40 minutes covered with a warm, damp dishtowel.
  • After the buns have risen, you are now going to fill them with kagecreme. Flatten the buns into a disc. Add about a teaspoon of the kagecreme in the middle of the disc, make sure to not overfill, as it will explode when baking. Then form the disc back into a bun, making sure to pinch the sides together so the cream doesn't leak out of the bun.
  • Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the buns with a warm, damp dishtowel and let them rise another 30-45 minutes, or at least doubled in size.
  • Preheat oven to 350℉. Place a water filled deep (1-2") pan in the oven to act like a steam oven.
  • Once buns have risen, eggwash the buns, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Let the buns cool completed on a wire rack.

Make Raspberry Whipped Cream

  • Place frozen raspberries and sugar in a small pot on medium heat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occassionally.
  • Remove raspberry mixture from heat and let it cool. Once cooled, place mixture in a blender, blend until smooth. Put mixture aside.
  • Place the cream in a medium bowl, add the vanilla bean and powdered sugar. Whip with an electric whisk, and whip until you have a soft peaks.
  • Carefully fold the raspberry mixture into the whipped cream until just combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Put the Fastelavnsboller together

  • Cut the buns in half, evenly.
  • Spread about 1 tsp raspberry jam on the bottom half of each bun
  • Place 5-6 raspberries on the bottom of each bun with space in between each berry
  • Pipe Raspberry cream in between each berry, and pipe some more in the center.
  • Place top bun on top of bottom bun. Add some more whipped cream on the top of the top bun. Sift raspberry powder on top and all over top bun.
  • Serve, and enjoy!
Keyword Danish holiday, Danish Pastries, Danish traditions, Fastelavn, Fastelavnsboller
Continue reading
Related posts
Shoyu Pork Belly Bites
July 25, 2025
The Spa Spritz Cocktail
June 10, 2025
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apple Sauerkraut & Beer Glaze
February 25, 2025
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apple Sauerkraut
Main Course, Recipes

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apple Sauerkraut & Beer Glaze

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apple Sauerkraut & Beer Glaze

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apple Sauerkraut & Beer Glaze

Fire up the Big Green Egg and get ready for a taste of Bavaria with this German-style pork tenderloin, kissed by flame and infused with bold flavors. Grilled over red-hot Jealous Devil Charcoal, this tender cut soaks in smoky perfection, enhanced by a beer-mustard glaze that caramelizes beautifully over the heat.
Paired with tangy apple sauerkraut and served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, this dish takes classic German flavors and gives them a BBQ twist that will have you raising your stein in celebration.
Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Course Main Course

Ingredients
  

Pork Tenderloin & Marinade

  • 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 lb each)
  • 3 tbsp whole grain mustard
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ tsp caraway seeds, ground

Beer Glaze

  • 1 cup German-style lager
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • salt & pepper to taste

Apple Sauerkraut

  • 1 cup sauerkraut (drained)
  • 1 green apple, remove skin, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp caraway seeds, drained

Instructions
 

Marinate Pork

  • In a bowl, whisk mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, ground caraway seeds, salt and pepper. Coat the pork tenderloins and marinate for 1-2 hours in the fridge.

Prepare Apple Sauerkraut

  • In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced apples and brown sugar, cook for 3-5 minutes. Stir in drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds. Cook for 5 minutes and set aside.

Make Beer Glaze

  • In a small saucepot, combine beer, honey, mustard, paprika, salt and pepper. Simmer until reduced by half (about 8 minutes).

Grill Pork

  • Prepare grill to 375℉
  • Remove pork from marinade. Grill for 5-7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145℉. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • During last 2-3 minutes of grilling, brush the pork with beer glaze.
  • Slice pork tenderloin, serve with apple sauerkraut, drizzling with extra glaze. Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, pickled shallots, and diced red beets.
Keyword Apple Sauerkraut, Big Green Egg, Grilled Pork, Jealous Devil Charcoal, Pork, Pork Tenderloin
Continue reading
Related posts
Shoyu Pork Belly Bites
July 25, 2025
The Spa Spritz Cocktail
June 10, 2025
Fastelavnsboller (Danish Carnival Buns)
February 26, 2025
Sour Cream Coffee Pound Cake | Bjorn Bites & Booze
Breakfast, Recipes

Sour Cream Coffee Pound Cake

Sour Cream Coffee Pound Cake | Bjorn Bites & Booze
Sour Cream Coffee Pound Cake

Sour Cream Pound Cake

This Sour Cream Coffee Cake has been a trusted favorite of mine for years. Perfectly suited for morning coffee, a leisurely breakfast, or afternoon tea, this delightful treat strikes an impeccable balance of flavors. The brown sugar streusel adds a gentle sweetness, complemented by a warm hint of cinnamon spice, while the sour cream lends a subtle, tangy depth. Finished with a drizzle of simple icing, it’s nothing short of irresistible. Indulge, share it with a friend and enjoy every bite!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast, Snack
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

Streusel

  • ½ cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • (can add 1/4 cup chopped nuts if desired)

Pound Cake

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup butter (room temperature)
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Cooking spray

Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉
  • Prepare baking pan by lightly spraying with Cooking spray, or lightly buttered ( can use square pan, or Bundt Pan)
  • Combine all ingredients for streusel in small bowl, stir to combine and set aside
  • Combine flour, baking power, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl, and mix with a whisk Set aside
  • Place sugar and butter in large bowl, beat with mixer for about 5 minutes.
  • Add egg whites one at a time, beating well after each one.
  • Beat in sour cream and vanilla.
  • Gradually add flour mixture to sugar/sour cream mixture, and beat well.
  • Spread half of the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle streusel over batter
  • Add remaining batter to pan, and top with remaining streusel
  • Bake 45 minutes or until wooden pick comes out clean
  • Cool cake completely on wire rack

Prepare Icing

  • Place powdered sugar into a bowl, and add milk, stirring to mix into smooth glaze.
  • Glaze cake once cooled.
  • Serve & enjoy!
Keyword Pound Cake, Sour Cream Pound Cake
Continue reading
Related posts
Shoyu Pork Belly Bites
July 25, 2025
The Spa Spritz Cocktail
June 10, 2025
Fastelavnsboller (Danish Carnival Buns)
February 26, 2025
Cranberry Mojito | Holiday Cocktail | Bjorn Bites & Booze
Christmas, Drinks, Holiday, Recipes

Cranberry Mojito – a Holiday Cocktail

Cranberry Mojito | Holiday Cocktail Recipe | Bjorn Bites & Booze

Cranberry Mojito

Cheers to the holiday season with this festive Cranberry Mojito! The star of the show is a rosemary simple syrup, adding an earthy, delicious twist to the tart cranberry flavor. Grab your favorite white rum, cranberry juice, and top it off with sparkling water. Want a mocktail? Just skip the rum, and it's just as refreshing. Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary and cranberries for that holiday touch, and try freezing mint in your ice cubes to bring out extra minty vibes. Let's toast to the holidays with this perfect blend of seasonal flavors.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Drinks
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

Rosemary Simple Syrup

  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ cup water
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary

Cocktail

  • 16 large mint leaves
  • ½ cup lime juice
  • ½ cup cranberry juice
  • 6 oz white rum
  • ice
  • sparkling water
  • Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions
 

Rosemary Simple Syrup

  • Add honey, water and rosemary sprigs in sauce pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, remove from heat, and set aside to cool.

Cocktail

  • Add mint leaves and lime juice in a shaker, muddle mint leaves and lime juice together.
  • Add rosemary simple syrup, cranberry juice, and rum to shaker, fill with ice, and shake for 20-30 seconds until well combined.
  • Fill glasses with ice (with your mint ice if prepared), strain mixture equally into glasses and top off with sparkling water.
  • Garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprigs. Skål and enjoy!
Keyword Cocktail recipes, Cranberry Mojito, Holiday Cocktails, Mojito
Continue reading
Related posts
Shoyu Pork Belly Bites
July 25, 2025
The Spa Spritz Cocktail
June 10, 2025
Fastelavnsboller (Danish Carnival Buns)
February 26, 2025
Blue Lagoon | Iceland | Arctic Odyssey | Bjorn Bites & Booze
Travel

Arctic Odyssey to the Ends of the Earth – Day Four

Last Day of our Arctic Adventure! No rest for the weary on this trip, as we were up early and out the door. With only a 17-hour layover in Iceland, most of which was spent catching a few hours of sleep, we wanted to make the most of our time. A visit to the iconic Blue Lagoon had long been on my bucket list, so we made arrangements to finally experience it. Being only a 20-minute drive from the airport (while Reykjavik is over an hour away), it was an easy decision. We arrived just as the lagoon was opening, grateful to have booked one of the first reservations of the day.

The drive through volcanic rock fields, still steaming from eruptions earlier this summer, made for an otherworldly backdrop as our driver shared stories of Iceland’s dynamic landscape. After a quick check-in and change, we stepped outside into the brisk, rainy air, making our plunge into the warm, milky-blue waters feel especially inviting. Floating over to the swim-up bar, drinks in hand, we took in the peaceful surroundings and allowed the mineral-rich water to soothe and heal.

Our experience included a package with three different types of masks, each offering its own rejuvenating effect—some requiring up to 15 minutes to set, washed off with cool water flowing into the lagoon. Surrounded by the dramatic volcanic terrain, we felt the relaxation settle in deeply, even with the subtle hum of nearby construction for future expansion. As our Arctic adventure came to a close, the Blue Lagoon provided the perfect, restorative finale. It was bittersweet to leave, but the memories of this magical place will stay with us.

Continue reading
Related posts
Shoyu Pork Belly Bites
July 25, 2025
The Spa Spritz Cocktail
June 10, 2025
Fastelavnsboller (Danish Carnival Buns)
February 26, 2025
Drakkar the Leviathan, Vardø Norway | Bjorn Bites a
Travel

Arctic Odyssey to the Ends of the Earth – Day Three

Today was film screening day, set in the unique community greenhouse, DyrkVaranger. This greenhouse, built entirely from secondhand materials collected by locals, was designed by Oslo architects and crafted by the community. It’s more than a greenhouse—it’s a learning space where kids from the local school are encouraged to grow their own food and learn about sustainability.

Charly’s documentary, Frø, Nordic Seed Heroes, intrigued about 30 curious souls gathering to watch and dive into questions afterward. Fresh Norwegian waffles were baking nearby, filling the space with a warm, sweet aroma, served with homemade strawberry jam and shavings of sweet, brown goat cheese called gjetteost—a true Norwegian treat!

After the screening, we wandered around town before heading to the island’s northern edge to find Drakkar, the Leviathan. Built in 2016, this awe-inspiring sculpture stands as a tribute to the Arctic’s fierce beauty, its people, and the rugged wilderness.

As we explored, the sun began to set—at 3 PM! We wrapped up the day at the Nordpol Kro, a historic bar dating back to 1864. Known as The North Pole, this was the last stop for explorers heading to the Arctic! We were the only ones there when we arrived at 10 PM, sampling local beers and dried fish, but soon enough, friendly locals and fellow festival-goers filled the place with laughter and stories.

We ended our night with one more mesmerizing look at the Northern Lights, dancing just for us before calling it a night. On to Day Four!

Continue reading
Related posts
Shoyu Pork Belly Bites
July 25, 2025
The Spa Spritz Cocktail
June 10, 2025
Fastelavnsboller (Danish Carnival Buns)
February 26, 2025
Arctic Adventure | Bjorn Bites and Booze
Travel

Arctic Odyssey to the Ends of the Earth – Day Two

Charly & I left Oslo at dawn, catching an early flight to Kirkenes, a town near the borders of Finland and Russia. It was interesting to see street signs in both Norwegian and Russian, hinting at the blend of cultures. After a quick coffee break, we set off on a 3.5 hour drive towards Vardø. We followed the winding road around the Varanger Fjord, stopping to capture the breathtaking subarctic landscape, with a sunset that cast everything in a golden glow that seemed to last for hours.

Our journey brought us to the Vardø Tunnel, which stretches 9,480 feet and plunges 289 feet below sea level. Built in 1982, it was Norway’s first subsea tunnel. As we descended deeper and deeper beneath the ocean, the weight of the water above was almost palpable.

We checked into the Vardø Hotel, our home base for the next two days. After a fresh fish dinner and meeting some of the film festival coordinators, they encouraged us to explore the town. Though it was already 11 PM, the call of adventure won out! We headed toward the historic Vardøhus Fortress, perched on the shores of the Barents Sea. We wandered through its storied walls, discovering that the fortress had not only protected Norway for centuries. The Crossings Film Festival was also showing films on loop throughout the fortress.

In the stillness of midnight, we made our way to the Steilneset Memorial, a haunting tribute to the 91 people executed for witchcraft in 1621. The memorial includes two structures, each filled with symbolic design. The first is a 410-foot-long wooden hall, a dark passage where small windows each illuminate a name and accusation, paying tribute to those who suffered. The fierce wind howled around us, adding to the haunting atmosphere, while the waves crashed against the shore.

The second structure was just as striking, with a metal screen surrounding a lone chair, flames projecting through its seat—the “perpetual flame” representing those lost. Encircling the fiery chair were seven towering mirrors, like silent judges,, reflecting the past and capturing the solemnity of the site.

With no city lights to dim the sky, the Northern Lights shimmered above us, casting an ethereal glow over everything. It was a magical yet eerie experience, one that will stay with me long after this Arctic journey ends.

On to Day Three!

Continue reading
Related posts
Shoyu Pork Belly Bites
July 25, 2025
The Spa Spritz Cocktail
June 10, 2025
Fastelavnsboller (Danish Carnival Buns)
February 26, 2025
Arctic Odyssey to the Ends of the Earth | Oslo Norway
Travel

Arctic Odyssey to the Ends of the Earth – Day One

Welcome to our Whirlwind Arctic Adventure

To the end of the world and back in 5 days!! It’s been a whirlwind of adventure and awe-inspiring experiences. Charly’s (my amazing and talented daughter) incredible documentary was accepted to a film festival in Vardø, the northeasternmost town in the Arctic. With the film festival calling, I couldn’t resist joining this once-in-a-lifetime journey! I can’t wait to share our wild journey to the edge of the Arctic!

Diving right into Day One of our Arctic journey! I met up with Charly in Minnesota, and we flew together to Iceland before continuing to Oslo, where we had a 20-hour layover to explore. Our day in Oslo was packed: we strolled through Aker Brygge, admired the stunning Oslo Opera House, the Nobel Peace Center, and took in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

One of the highlights was reconnecting with my college friend Mette. We hadn’t seen each other in over 30 years, but it felt like no time had passed. Laughter and stories flowed as she guided us to some of her favorite spots, including the iconic Holmenkollen ski jump, which has been part of the Olympics.

Our tour led us to Roseslottet, an outdoor art installation dedicated to democracy, rule of law, and humanism—a powerful and moving tribute to Norway’s history and resilience during the Nazi occupation, honoring the stories of those who suffered. We ended this unforgettable day at Frognerseteren, a cozy restaurant from 1865 with breathtaking views over the Oslo fjords, where we enjoyed a cozy meal to wrap up a day full of laughter, memories, and awe-inspiring sights.

Continue reading
Related posts
Shoyu Pork Belly Bites
July 25, 2025
The Spa Spritz Cocktail
June 10, 2025
Fastelavnsboller (Danish Carnival Buns)
February 26, 2025