O you didn’t cop a Nobel Prize for your economic theory on why the rich get richer and you have to work for a living. Don’t despair. You can still feel like a winner. While the Nobelists flock to the royal ceremonies at the Stockholm Concert Hall to pick up their medals, and 1,318 guests are honored with the traditional grand banquet at City Hall on Dec. 10, you too can savor a Nobel meal.
The Stadshuskallaren restaurant, located in City Hall, features menus of recent Nobel dinners.
Icebar |
Each place setting consists of fine bone china with four wine glasses and one Champagne flute with gold stems. The dessert spoon and fork are gold. Very impressive.
Of course there’s more to enjoy in Stockholm for you and the Nobel laureates. You may wish to top off your repast with a cool drink at the world’s first ice bar. Opened in 2002, the city’s famous Icebar is in the lobby of the Nordic Sea Hotel, Vasaplan 7. www.nordichotels.se.
You’re given a white fur-trimmed parka over your coat and ushered into what is essentially a walk-in freezer. Like being inside an igloo with walls made of ice blocks. Capacity for 30 visitors.
City Hall where Nobel banquet is held |
Everything is made of ice – the bar, cocktail tables, stools – except the warmhearted Swedish barmaids.
Drinking Absolut vodka from a glass made of ice is an experience you’ll remember. As the temperature hovers five below zero, you stay inside for only 20 minutes. It’s open all year.
If you’re into food (and who isn’t) visit the Ostermalms Saluhall, a vast indoor food market that originated in 1888. This is a city of 14 islands, and the market hall is on Ostermalm. This island is where the upper class made its home in the 19th century. No longer an exclusive upper class preserve, Ostermalm is where you’re likely to find celebrities and the best fish restaurants.
Stadshuskallaran where you dine
on a Nobel menu |
WHERE TO SHOP: Svenskt Tenn, gorgeous 82-year-old interior design store at Strandvagen 5. Featuring outstanding table settings and trend setting works of art for the home by contemporary Swedish designers. www.svenskttenn.se.
WHERE TO STAY: Radisson SAS Royal Viking Hotel, Vasagatan 1. www.radisson.com/stockholmse_royalviking. Grand Hotel, built in 1853, offers high-end lodging. www.grandhotel.se.
Outdoor in Old Town |
WHAT TO SEE: Vasa Museum is the country’s most popular museum, showcasing the only 17th century ship in the world.
