Comestiblog

Free Breakfast Mondays at IKEA

The price is hard to beat.  Every Monday morning, IKEA (pronounced EE·KAY·uh by those wishing to sound Nordic) serves a free hot breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and potatoes from 9:30 till 11:00.  (The same 385-calorie breakfast plate costs only 99 cents the rest of the week.)

The fabulous views are included in the price!

Check your local IKEA store for details.  Some restrictions may apply.  Participation varies.

IKEA Brooklyn

1 Beard Street, Red Hook, Brooklyn  (map)

(718) 246-4532

http://www.ikea.com/

By bus: B61

Norwegian Seamen and Salmon

Sjømannskirken, the Norwegian Seamen's Church, describes its BusinessLunsj, or business lunch, as "one of New York's best-kept secrets."  On the first Wednesday of each month—from September to June—the church presents an all-you-can-eat luncheon buffet featuring a delicious smorgossbord, a Norwegian hot meal, hot and cold beverages, and dessert.  All this for $20 (the price was increased by $2 this season).

If you're a salmon aficionado, this monthly event is practically a requirement.  In addition to its three cold, smoked preparations, the fish is also presented warm—in a soup and as a baked fillet.  What a delicious way to add Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet!

The dining room's dress code is casual; attire ranges from jeans to suits.  Come as you are, but do so early to secure a seat—these business luncheons can become somewhat crowded.

The Norwegian Seamen's Church

317 East 52^nd Street (between First & Second Avs),
Turtle Bay, Manhattan  (map)

Business Lunch:  First Wednesday, 12:00 Noon to 2:00 P.M., September to June

(212) 319-0370

http://www.sjomannskirken.no/newyork

By train:  E,V to Lexington Av/53 St (exit at Third Av)
By bus:  M15, M27, M50

Gravlaks and Kaldrøkt laks (cold-smoked salmon)

Varmrøkt laks (warm-smoked salmon, peppered)—my overall favorite!

Brunost (center-left) is a sweet, semi-firm brown cheese

Have a Swede Solstice

Scandinavians know a thing or two about celebrating the summer solstice.  This Friday, 20 June, you can join the celebration of this year’s longest day at the annual Swedish Midsummer Festival in Lower Manhattan's Battery Park City from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Try some traditional delicacies from some of New York's best Swedish restaurants.  Then dance away the calories to the traditional fiddle music of Paul Dahlin and friends.  Children of all ages can enjoy decorating the maypole, making summer wreaths, playing games, or watching a parade.

Swedish Midsummer Festival

Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park
Battery Park City, Lower Manhattan

http://www.nycmidsummer.com/

By train: 1 to Rector St; 4,5 to Bowling Green
By bus: M9, M20