Danish Gastronomy: Gravad laks

My parents visited me one week ago and for that occasion, we decided to test a danish meal together. The one we've chosen is called Gravad laks (Gravlax in french) and is the way scandinavian people are preparing the salmon. This one is completely different to the smoked one because it's prepared with salt and sugar at the same time. The salt is used to "dry" the fish and the sugar, mixed with different kind of herbs, is the one which will give that special taste to the meal. First step is the marinade of salmon during 2 days at least. Then the second step is also a marinade but that time you have to cover the entire salmon with dill. Danish people are used to eat that meal with a sauce made of mustard, dill and sugar which complete the explosion of flavours in your mouth. While slicing the salmon, the Chef told us a story about the gravad laks and the way to slice it : Danish Chef had invited a queen to test this gravad laks. When he served her the meal, the taste was great but the presentation was ugly and the lady told the chef that she was pretty sure to slice the salmon much more nicely. The Chef accepted the challenge and the lady sliced the salmon as it is prepared nowaday. That's why, as a tribute we are preparing and presenting the gravad laks that way.

Nicolas

Skagen

On April 21^st, we visited Skagen, and after the Grenen's beach.

  

According to “Guide du Routard”, Skagen is famous for its painters. It has the highest number of sunshine hours in the country and the exceptional light attracted many artists over the years. Apparently, the sunset is spectacular.

Krøyer, more than any other painter, sublimated this was mid-blue mid-golden light that seems to melt into a sea and sky.

P. S. Kroyer - "Jour d'été à Skagen"

Skagen is the city the most in northern Denmark. With only 9000 inhabitants, Skagen is a small town, based primarily on tourism. Restaurants are spread along the port. More in the center, the yellow tones of the houses  illuminate the streets.

We had the chance to see seals basking on a rock.

The beach was full of starfish stranded. We believe this is due to either a violent storm that occurred the previous day, or fishing. Indeed, some fishing techniques scrape the seabed and thus drop starfish

At the extremity, the two seas meet. Left the North Sea, the Baltic Sea to the right, creating a meeting between two currents. Swimming is also prohibited because of too strong currents on the extreme tip.

Clémence & Juliette

Danish's habits

Danish’s habits are rather different than ours. Actually, it is possible to notice that the organization of their day is not similar to our. 

First, if we take a day at the university. We have classes only the morning or at the beginning of the afternoon. No student can finish after 16:15 pm. Moreover, we only have 45 minutes to eat, twice less time than in France.

All stores close at 16 p.m. or 17 p.m. maximum, even on Saturday. The first time we visited a town on Saturday, we were really surprised about that, because in France it is the most business day. People finish their job rather earlier during the week so it can explain the difference shop opening. The only stores open until 21 or 22 p.m. are supermarkets.

The way of moving is also different. As in France, there are a lot of buses; tram and cars are used too. But it should be noticed that bike is more used than in France. Roads and side walk are suitable for cycling. There is one track for bike. It is also important to mention that walkers are not priority on bikes.  Furthermore, traffic lights are adapted to bike. Their involvement shows that Danish are more concerned by safety and environment.

Copenhagen

Friday the 16th we went to Copenhagen. There was a journey organized by the university to discover the town. The price was really interesting compared to the train, which is expensive.

The day was divided between two parts. The morning and the beginning of the afternoon was reserved for a tour. Indeed, in a first time we visited an area called Ørestad which actually is in development. More and more design buildings are poping up. For lunch we ate in big mall called Field’s. In the afternoon we visited other buildings. Then we departed closed to the center to see Carlsberg’s brewery. It was really pleasant to understand the history.  For instance, we learnt that the father of Carl live with Scientifics to keep his house safe if he dies.

We were filed in the center.  We decided to stay one more day to visit the center. We slept in a hostel. It should be noted that hotels are so expensive in Denmark so hostels are very well seen by people because they look like hotels. Thus, the Saturday we went to the channels and one of the most beautiful is Nyhavn.

I also went to Copenhagen the week of Saturday the 27^th. I visited lots of things, Copenhagen is attractive. I went to the botanic garden: lots of greenhouses with impressive plants and trees.

 

 

I also visited Carlsberg Glyptotek. This last is not a brewery but an art museum which is free on Sunday. Most of the collection was assembled by Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of the Carlsberg brewery. There are a lot of sculpture, pottery and paintings.

 

Juliette

 

 

Trip on Copenhagen’s Island : Seeland Island

During Easter holidays, I went to visit the Copenhagen’s island, most commonly called Seeland Island. I went here in car, which allowed me to visit many small places.

I based my trip on the advices of « Guide du Routard » to discover the areas of this beautiful island.

For the nights, I found a pretty good site, which can let you sleep to someone’s house for a very reasonable price (www.airbnb.fr). Indeed, in the heart of Copenhagen, I booked one night for € 41 with kitchen. I did the same for the other nights, finding rooms in different cities.

Copenhagen

Obviously, I did the attractions of the city: the Little Mermaid and Nyhavn.

Nyhavn

 

The little Mermaid

I also came across Les Halles, attended by a large number of stands. Halle was for a pastry, another buffet (cheese, fish, meats ...). I even came across a stand of French, and found some inevitable products of France (cheese, ham, pies ...).
For lunch, I decided to try the Smørrebrød, the famous Danish sandwiches! There are different components ingredients: smoked salmon, pate, cheese, etc.. These sandwiches are quite expensive, or 45-50 Dkk part (6 €).
 

Smørrebrød

Louisiana’s Museum

It is a museum of modern art, renowned. Some might say that this is one of the finest modern art museum in Northern Europe. The entrance fee for a student is 90 Dkk (about 12 €).

Some works of art are displayed outdoors, such as "The Owl" by Juan Miro. The park is quite large, and when the weather is good, it must be really nice to walk around.

Inside, there is a lot of room. In fact, some are dedicated solely to one artist: the case for Andy Warhol. I've seen a lot of work of this artist.

Finally, there is a shop to buy various trinkets in memory of certain works. It should be noted however, that we must pay the price!

North cost of the island

Dronningmolle : Located on the north coast of the island, this small village and other surrounding are considered the Saint Tropez for the more-at-ease people of Copenhagen.

Dronningmolle

Hillerod : I went to see the Frederiksborg Castle, the largest castle in Scandinavia. I have not been inside.

Frederiksborg Castle

Møn island

On this island, south of the island of eeland, I went to see the chalk cliffs. To get there, there is little more than the car. There are two walks along the cliffs from the top, and the other along the beach at the foot of the cliffs.

Clémence