Art and Nature in our Summer District

As you may know, our Summer Home is situated on a Peninsula, with the Oslofjord to the East and the somewhat shorter Drammensfjord to the West. Our Summer House is at the Oslofjord side.

This Friday we (Anna, Solvi and me) did visit some of the many Galleries and other Major sites on the southern part of Hurum - as the peninsula is called. Here it is several Farms that sells Organic Food, from their own Farms, You can Play Golf, hike the Coastal Trial (Beautiful), Ride Horses, go Fishing in Lakes, Rivers and in the Sea, swimming, go canoeing on deserted Lakes, visit Islands, just relaxing - whatever - even have a Gourmet Dinner and discover settlements from the Stone Age.

First we went to Holmsbu. A tiny and charming village at the west coast. Here we are. Photo taken by Solvi.

Here there is many Galleries, Restaurants, Gift Shops and a Hotel in which we will celebrate Anna's 60 years anniversary later this year. The Hotel: Holmsbu Bad and Sjöhotel to the Right.

A very special exhibition took place at the hotel when we arrived. Henki Kolstad's paintings, a very famous and beloved actor (More than 50 movies, TV-shows, Theatre Plays all Genres (Dramas, Comedies, Musicals). It was Paintings he had done in Holmsbu during decades which where on display here. All owned by the Family. They were collected by his children as a surprise to him and his wife to their 70th year of Marriage Celeb earlier this Summer. (He died a week ago 92 years old).

The Harbour and the houses is very charming. View from the Hotel.

Only 1 km ( 5/7 of a Mile) further South is a tiny place named Stöa. Art Gallery and Arts and Crafts shop during the Summer. Here we do buy our yearly Teddy Bear (That's another story).

On the other side of the road, deep in the Woods, there is a Art Gallery (Holmsbu Billedgalleri) dedicated a famous Norwegian Painter (Henrik Sörensen). The building is constructed with natural red granite, which the area is known for. And two of the artists paintings are just from where the Gallery is buildt. It took 10 years - with bad economy and never giving up enthusiasts. You can hardly see the building until you are suddenly outside.

From the Inside. Anna and Solvi.

It has a huge Window. You can see the Sunlight.

Here you can see directly into the Nature. At least 2 of his works have been painted right here.

Then we went to the South East of the Peninsula - Filtvet, where there is a Light House and a Gourmet Restaurant. We had Ice Cream: Vanilla, Mango and Almond brittle. Served in old fashiones, crispy cornets.

And even Palms.

Have a great Weekend.

TORsdag - May 24 - 2007

Tagged for Food

I was tagged by the one and only coffee2go (Sanni) with The Eating Out Meme. Thank you, Coffee. I’ll do my best.

These are the rules:
1. Link to the name of the person who tagged you.
2. Include the state and country in which you live.
3. List your top 5 favorite places to eat at your location (locally).
4. Tag 5 other people (preferably from other countries/states) and let them know they’ve been tagged.

My favourite places to eat in Oslo is at Anna’s of course, i.e. at Home,’ cause she is a wonderful cook. When going out, it depends on the season. It’s a hard task to choose among all the restaurants in Oslo. It is really many good ones. For most of you, you might find it expensive. But it is of course many cheaper alternatives. I have chosen to present 5 after season; all have been “tried” be myself.

I will start with Summer.

1) Lille Herbern - Close to the peninsula of Bygdøy is this small “hide out” island Lille Herbern. It has a waterfront restaurant that can accommodate up to 75 guests, and a terrace that seats approximately 100. Should you want a smaller room there is a chambre separee for maximum 10 guests. Since 1929 Lille Herbern has been a restaurant where the people of Oslo have come to enjoy fresh seafood in a casual atmosphere, and it certainly ranges among the oldest restaurants in Oslo.

2) Solsiden - At the "sunny side" of Oslo. Open only at summertime; 2007: May 2- September 1.
Come taste the best of seafood in Oslo. Live lobster tank, oysters, salmon and other Nowegian delicacies prepared with natural, organic ingredients at the hands of master chefs. Complemented with an exceptional wine list.

Uniquely situated at the historic quay right below Akershus castle. (Map here).

Solsiden faces the most romantic sunsets in town. If you are into culinary delights, don´t miss this one.

In the Autumn/Fall, if I still have money after the Vacation:

3) Bagatelle – Bygdøy Alle 3 – Oslo West. The only restaurant in Oslo with 2 Michelin stars. Do I need to say more? Look at the pictures from the interieur and at the menu.

Around Christmas, to have traditional Norwegian food – reserve long time before (they open for reservations December a year ahead)

4) Gamle Raadhus – Nedre Slottsgt 1 – Downtown Oslo. The old Town Hall of Oslo. Traditional food, and modern as well, in charming surrounding. Also an open air backyard. More pictures.

During the Winter, when the Sun are coming slowly back it’s time for something Chinese. I mean not the usual Chinese “restaurants”, but a real restaurant:

5) Dinner – Stortingsgaten 22 – Downtown Oslo. The simple name belies the fact that this is one of the best places in Oslo for Chinese food, as well as dishes that combine Norwegian and Cantonese styles. Peking duck is a speciality here, or, for a lighter meal, try the delectable platter of seafood in chili-pepper sauce. See for yourself.

Well, that was to days choices. Might have been 5 others, if asked another day.

Here it’s close to lunch time. I think I’ll have a banana, and then go to my physio therapiste.

I will tag:

Fleur de Lisa in Indianapolis

Expatraveler in Vancouver (some recommendations from Montreux too?)

Shionge in Singapore

Ginnie – where ever she might be just now

Queerchef in Bergen