Saturday, June 23, 2012

Stockholm's, Slinger Bulten Restaurant and a Guard Change!

One of my favorite restaurants in Stockholm is The Slinger Bulten. It is located in old town on the opposite side of that island. But of course to get there you need to make some sightseeing time.

If your there the changing of the guard at the palace is a highlight. It is very impressive with its cavalry of beautiful horses.
They make their way in a parade leading to the palace courtyard. This is followed by a military ceremony lasting a good half hour.
The mounted brass band was awesome. At one point they made a circle and blasted the horns and drums as the marched the horses in a circle.
Finally the new guard was in place. And I continued my adventures!

Bottom line this creates an appetite and weather you want Swedish meatballs with the tart lingonberry jam, fish in many varieties, or beef you won't be diss appointed at The Slinger Bulten.
The other night I was asking the waiter owner some questions concerning what the cured salmon was like. He was so helpful and ended up explaining the three day process and giving me a gratuitous sample with my other choice which was a pike trout which we suspected was similar to a walleye.
Impressive sample. It was good just a little salty but still good. I had the fish stew which the other pilot told me the last time he was there his table had been given a sample of. Good marketing! He started with the tomato salad. Both were wonderful, but no surprise there!
The fish was served on potatoes but note the texture. Not mashed but small curdles. Visit this one!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is pretty cool with it's canals and quaint buildings. I'm waiting for the day I can get out into the country side and see the fields of tulips and the big old world wind mills. This is a morning approach into their big modern airport.
After a bit of a nap I'm ready to head out and see the world.
Holland has no shortage of bikes. These are lined up against this canal.
This would be a cool way to experience the ambiance!

This was a special bike!!!
The another side of Amsterdam is it's famed red light district with women and men sitting in windows advertising their wares. All very seemed very natural as children strolled these streets with Dad. At least it is well policed and not seedy as many places in the US are. I'll spare you the details of the photos!

Friday, June 15, 2012

Stockholm

Stockholm Sweden is a lovely city to say the least. Situated on the coast of Sweden it is actually built on an archepelojo of small islands. The water gives it a wonderful charm.
The old and new still navigate these former Viking waters. One of the most impressive of these ships from former days was actually an immense failure only making it a few moments into her maiden voyage. Several hundred years ago the king wanted a boat which would intimidate those nasty Danes and the other hostiles on the seas. The ship designer caved to the pressure and overbuilt the massive ship. But too many canons too high spells disaster. The ship took a little cross wind (as a pilot I'd want more rudder..}  and it tipped over into the harbor not to be seen again for some 300 years when some scientists went looking for her  and found a well preserved "Vassa". Brought back up and today she is housed in a wonderful museum. A must see if you are there.
I made my sitseeng adventure on a hop on hop off boat tour. It was an efficient and fun way to see the city.
Dinner was an interesting time. I met back up with the captain and we went to a place he had heard was good.
I include the card which you can do two things with. Take note and not go here or take note an avoid it like the plague!!!

I will just say it was excellent and I left very hungry! I chose the Reindeer steak. Sort of a bone in ribeye. I don't know but I thought this was more like an elk sized animal or perhaps I got one still playing reindeer games! It was obviously farm raised based on the lack of any gameness in its taste.
Honestly the Plate was small, the yummy little potatoes were the size of marbles. The purea of some root was barely there at all. A true bargain for about $35.

(cooking note: if your portions are small put it on a saucer not a plate and look for the smallest veggies in the world!)

The captain said oh well make it up in the morning at the free breakfast served by the hotel.

One of a couple plates the next morning! 

Welcome to Stockholm!!!