May 142013
 
Viking Ship courtesy of David Tan

Bay Ridge Vikings (Image courtesy of David Tan).

Peggy_Olson_WikiWhat two things do marauding Vikings and Madmen character Peggy Olson have in common? A Scandinavian background and Bay Ridge of course!

And with the recent success of the History Channel program Vikings, Scandinavian history has come into the foreground of American pop culture. What better time to learn about the notorious raiding Northmen than now?

In this world of global trade, it may prove important to learn from the fierce Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes who not only preyed on coastal European communities from the 700s to 1200s – but also navigated unknown waters to form new trade routes that would eventually spread goods and ideas throughout the world, and even traveled to North America hundreds of years before a certain Genoese explorer named Colombo.

This Saturday, May 18, at Owl’s Head Park, you’ll get a chance to learn more about both the fury and the logic of the Northmen with a replica Viking ship complete with a crew of re-enactors, historic arms and armor, exhibits by the Society for Creative Anachronism, and a multi-ethnic dance recital, in addition to the rides, games and food you’d expect at any outdoor festival.

Music will include pipers, step dancers, and Byzantium-styled compositions, as well as a guest band from Norway.

The event is sponsored by the Scandinavian East Coast Museum, which exists to tell the often overlooked story of New York’s Scandinavian immigrant community.

Co-sponors include Councilman Vincent Gentile, the Norwegian Consulate of New York,  the Brooklyn Arts Council, the 17th of May Committee, and the Bay Ridge Baptist Church.

Continue reading for the performance schedule…

Jan 282013
 

What a difference a couple of years can make.

Leske’s Bakery [7612 5th Ave], a neighborhood fixture which has been slinging Scandinavian treats since before many of us were born, almost closed its doors forever in 2011.

But thanks to a group of lifelong fika fans, the 50 + year-old pastry shop was able to reopen in August of 2012 to huge acclaim.

Fast forward a few more months and the kings of kringler are all set to expand to the Slope, as reported by Will Bredderman for Brooklyn Daily.

From Brooklyn Daily:

“We’re old-school Scandinavian, we do things a little bit differently, but we think we have a great product and we thought this would be a great fit for us,” said Leske’s manager and culinary consultant Harry Hawk.

Hawk said Leske’s will move into the former location of the Sweet Treasures bakery on Fifth Avenue between 16th Street and Prospect Avenue before Valentine’s Day, and plan to sell their famed marzipan cakes and kringler at the same prices as in their old spot. Hawk said the new shop will also feature romantic red velvet cakes and black-and-red cookies in honor of the Feb. 14 holiday, items that Slope residents can start ordering now.

Hawk said he likes the trendy flavor and eclectic mix of stores in Park Slope, and believes the neighborhood will welcome Leske’s with open arms — and mouths.

“I love the real foodie Brooklyn. Not only do you have centuries-old businesses, but you see all these new businesses,” Hawk told Bredderman. “That’s what really attracts me to that area. It’s diverse and wonderful, and we think they could use a great bakery.”

Jan 022013
 

In honor of all you local history buffs who know why 8th Avenue is nicknamed Lapskaus Blvd, here’s a place where it may still be possible to enjoy a bowl of the avenue’s eponymous stew:

The ever-informative Eater staff writer Brooks of Sheffield recently paid a visit to the Danish Athletic Club [741 65th Street], one of Bay Ridge’s – and New York City’s – last remaining strongholds of Scandinavian comfort cooking.

Sheffield, who also publishes the blog Lost City, apparently liked what he saw, and ate, at the schmaltzy 65th Street supper club.

From Eater:

Those who venture inside the low-slung, nondescript building on 65th Street will find some of the best (only?) Scandinavian comfort food in New York. Fish pudding, meat cakes (called Kjottkaker), pot roast, sweet and sour cabbage, perfectly boiled potatoes, cream of cauliflower soup, rice pudding. And lingonberries with everything. A bountiful, and very filling, meal can be had for under $20. In fact, it’s impossible to spend more than $20, unless you order two dinners.

The restaurant, which shares the street with the Swedish Football Club, and is mere blocks away from the Norwegian Sporting Gjøa Club, maintains an edge by virtue of being the only one of these dwindling social clubs to run a working restaurant on the premises.

Sheffield writes that during his dinner one guest “insisting on a bit of formality,” asked for the check. “It’s what it is for everybody,” host and Norway native Reidun Thompson answered from her chair. “$17.40.” “What do you need a check for?” the guest’s friend asked in disbelief. “It’s not like we’re at Hinsch’s.”

Yelp reviewer Mary B. advises calling ahead, as the club often holds private events. The phone number is (718) 748-7844.

If you’re looking for a warm, friendly place with affordable comfort food where everyone knows your name, as well as the total on your bill, then you’ll probably wanna check it out.

Jul 252012
 

It’s official! Leske’s Bakery [7612 5th Ave] has set a reopening date.

Bay Ridge’s only Scandinavian Bakery is planning to open its doors once again on Wednesday, August 8, at 11:30 a.m.

After arousing the interest of blogger Brooks of Sheffield back in April, co-owner Harry Hawk had personally assured readers that Leske’s latest incarnation will be “turning back the clock” in terms of fresher, storemade ingredients and a renewed commitment to the bakery’s original level of quality.

We can’t wait to check it out!

Jun 202012
 

A little over a year ago, Bay Ridge lost Leske’s [7612 5th Ave], its last Scandinavian bakery. Now, not only is Leske’s returning, but one of the new owners is insisting that the quality – which customers say had declined in recent years – will be better than ever.

Brooks of Sheffield from the blog Lost City announced news of Leske’s return in April, prompting a response from partner Harry Hawk – who agreed with longtime regulars who had voiced their disapproval of lower standards during the bakery’s last days.

The quote, which was first posted by Hawk as a comment to the original story, outlined Leske’s renewed commitment to quality: Continue reading »

Jun 012012
 

"What's in your wallet?" (Image courtesy of David Tan)

David Tan captured the above image – which features Viking Fest participants posing in front of a replica ship in Owl’s Head Park – on May 19, 2012. For this shot, he used a Canon A-1 camera with Kodak Ektar 100 film.

For more of David’s impressive pics, please visit his blog at dtan.blogspot.com.

If you have photos you’d like us to publish as part of the Seen In Bay Ridge photo series, please send them to info@bayridgeodyssey.com. Be sure to let us know where the picture was taken and when, and how to credit the photo (i.e. by your real name, pen name, anonymously, etc.).