TravelNoise: Bølgen & Moi Tjuvholmen, Oslo, Norway
The setting is Akker Brygge, a gorgeous shopping and restaurant district in Oslo’s west, hosting a range of al fresco dining options that make you wonder just how viable it is, you know, being that far north. Strolling through, it’s striking just how many people are Norwegians and not tourists – a refreshing feeling after spending the day sightseeing, rubbing shoulders with people of so many different cultures and hearing so many different languages that you could have been at a UN delegation. The high-end residential buildings close by mean lots of beautiful Scandinavian people are walking their dogs and jogging past, making you feel as though maybe, just maybe, you are one of them.
Bølgen & Moi Tjuvholmen, Oslo
From the central station, you’re looking at about a half hour walk, but it’s a quick taxi or bus ride! To try and avoid butchering the name of the restaurant as you give it to the taxi driver, a quick lesson in the Norwegian language: the ø in Bølgen is pronounced like the ‘e’ in ‘her’, and for Tjuvholmen, the ‘j’ is pronounced as a ‘y’. You know what – it’s probably safer taking the bus.
We sat on the deck overlooking the beautiful harbour, perfect for gazing into the ocean and people watching, the stress from running around as a tourist all day draining from our bones. We were offered a tasting menu – which we very happily obliged. Straight up we want to say, if your fellow diner suggests sharing meals…decline the offer. Once you start one meal, there’s no way you’re going to want to give up even a single mouthful.
We started with a Ceviche of Scallops with Apple and Tarragon Sorbet, paired with an Eva Fricke Riesling from Rheingau in Germany. The scallops were marinated in chili, and each mouthful contained so much flavour that we cut them up into tiny mouthfuls to make the dish last longer.
Next up came the special, Bølgen & Moi Fish Soup, with Halibut and Mussels. This was paired with a Marimar Estate Chardonnay from the Napa Valley. The soup was creamy, buttery and more-ish, with a very mellow fish taste which works well with the accompanying halibut and mussels.
Continuing, we had Salmon with Turnips, Cauliflower Cream and Crab Nage, paired with a Gaia Assyrtiko from Santorini. Then, Norwegian Veal Sirloin with Cabbage, Asparagus and Truffle Jus paired with a Donaine Michel Juillot from Bordeaux. Norway are famed for their salmon, but they’re are also a country with exceptional game meat. Do not miss any opportunity to sample either!
Dessert was two-fold (our favourite kind!). Starting with a Gorgonzola Ice Cream, Bock (beer) Cream and Malt Crumble paired with a Norwegian beer, Borg. A very, very strong flavoured dish, definitely not for those on the fence about beer. But we finished with something anyone can appreciate: Lemon Curd with Raspberry Sorbet and Meringue paired with a Cloudy Bay Riesling from New Zealand.
The menu throughout the meal was sourced exclusively from Norway, but with the wine list, we were off on a round the world trip! Merry off the incredible selection of wines we had been fortunate enough to taste, we looked over the harbour and questioned whether we ever had to leave Norway. Between the scenery, the lovely people and delightful, sing-song language – and now knowing that the food is also outstanding – it just seems like they have life figured out.
Address: Tjuvholmen allé 5, 0252 Oslo, Norway
Telephone Number: +47 22 44 10 20
Website: bolgenogmoi.no
Ashleigh
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