ABSOLUT INVITE Be Inspired Be Exceptional
finding the exceptional
in absolut land
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ABSOLUT VODKA ABSOLUT VODKA is one of the most recognized brands in the world, much due to the company’s love for art. Over the years ABSOLUT VODKA has commissioned not only over 300 painters, but leading artists in all fields, including sculptors, glass designers, musicians and fashion designers to work with the famous bottle. ABSOLUT VODKA is made from 100% natural ingredients, including locally grown winter wheat. It is a smooth beverage, which accentuates any cocktail without disappearing into the mix. ABSOLUT VODKA is one of the most popular spirit brands in the world. And yet, every single drop of ABSOLUT VODKA comes from one source - Åhus in Southern Sweden.
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This book belongs to:
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WELCOME
Dear Participant, Welcome to our beautiful city of Stockholm, also known as the “Venice of the North” according to its unique location among a cluster of islands - otherwise known as the Archipelago. It was on one of these islands, over one hundred years ago, that the tale of ABSOLUT Vodka began.
Welcome to a weekend of festivities, inspiration and a great chance to meet new and like-minded people. Apart from the design hotels, cracking dinners, royal brunches, and the possible headache that you might end up with along the way, we aim to leave you with fond memories that will last you a lifetime, ones that will bring a smile to your face for years to come. We’re still far from deciding a winner but to be honest we already consider you a champion, as you have already proven that you proudly carry the torch and a burning desire to master both the craft and the creativity that is vital within this trade. The following booklet will help you navigate your way around the city over the weekend. It aims to provide you with local tips on enchanting trails that Stockholm has to offer and to provide you with some suggestions that we hope will help you survive ABSOLUT Invite 2011! Please keep in mind that this booklet is a guide that we hope you can use again, because, let’s face it, unless you have some sort of superhuman skills, you will not have a chance to check out all the great spots we’ve highlighted here over one weekend! But most of all we wish you the best of luck at ABSOLUT Invite 2011 and hopefully YOU will be the one who pulls it off so that YOU may be the one boarding that flight to where it all began - New Orleans!
Katarina Leijon Becht
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CONTENT How to use this guide
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Important times and addresses
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Getting around
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Introduction to Stockholm
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Gamla Stan/Skeppsholmen
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City/Norrmalm
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Vasastan
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ร stermalm
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Kungsholmen
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Sรถdermalm
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The Islands
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The Participants
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Recipes
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Notes
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HOW TO USE The way to find the exceptional in this small guide to Stockholm is quite straightforward! All you need is a phone with an internet connection and a camera. Now simply follow these three simple steps: 1. Download a free QR-code reader from your application supplier. 2. Install the application you just downloaded. 3. Point and scan the QR-code on the right side.
download QR-code app
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install
scan
E THis GUIDE
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Important tim Hi there, By the time you have received your guide, and have had a chance to read through it, you will probably have already unpacked your PJ’s, put a photo of your nearest and dearest on the bedside table and scanned through all the channels on the TV. Or, might it be that your eyes were immediately drawn to the bag in which you found your guidebook and you simply couldn’t keep yourself from checking what was inside? Either way, there are a few important am’s and pm’s that we would like you to keep in mind during the weekend, and please do your best to pay attention to these, for the sake of keeping the peace within the group! FRIDAY, 4th Feb. - 8pm: Assembly in the Lobby from where you will be whisked off to a wicked dinner and an entertaining night out. - 11pm: We’ll have digested our delicious meal, after which you will do some warm-up stretches and prepare to be inspired by some of Stockholm’s finest bars. - 1am: For those of you who feel compelled to burn some rubber and show off your signature moves on the dance floor, feel free to stay on at this last club. For those feeling the weight of the day on your shoulders, feel free to stroll back to your hotel. SATURDAY, 5th Feb. - 11am: Group brunch - A breakfast for champions! This will take place at Skridskopaviljongen, located on an even smaller island in front of your hotel - you can’t miss it because it will remind you of a tiny fairytale castle. And believe me, this you won’t want to be late for! As well as the much-needed nourishment for the long day ahead, we’d like to inspire you and get you in the mood for the competition. For this reason we have flown over one of the bar trade’s most innovative and progressive bartender’s of our time. And so as not to give all the surprises away, we will let him present himself! - 12.30pm: Enlightened and satisfied? Now it’s time to get your head together and gather whatever you need for your performance before we leave for ABSOLUT Atelier where the competition will really take off. - 1pm: Assembly in the lobby and departure with bus. - 7pm: Now the competition has ended and as soon as the smoke has settled we’ll take you back to your hotel to dust off your armour and give you time to get ready for the night’s festivities – not forgetting, of course, the prize ceremony. - 8.30pm: Let’s assemble, once again, in the hotel lobby, this time in your tailored, designer attire and polished shoes, or whatever you actually feel comfortable in. Get on the bus, we’re heading back to Atelier for food, glory and lots of fun! Sunday, 6th Feb. - 11pm: Guess what? We have arranged a late breakfast for you. How about that? Join us down in the breakfast room for a bite to eat! - 12pm: Late check-out! After breakfast & check-out you’ll be free to do whatever you feel like for a couple of hours - shopping, sightseeing etc. - 3pm: Please don’t get lost for too long because at 3pm we need you back at the hotel to collect your bags and souvenirs and jump on the bus ride that will take you to your flight.
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mes & addresses Atelier
the HEART AND SOUL of ABSOLUT Imagine being invited for the first time to a friend’s home for dinner. You are invited to enjoy the hospitality, the company, to experience the atmosphere and the food. All these little details say a lot about your friend. This is what ATELIER is all about. ATELIER is the heart, soul and home of ABSOLUT VODKA, offering every visitor a multi-dimensional experience of the brand. But in addition to this, it is a place where future ideas and creativity can be explored and where people meet to take this legendary Vodka brand to new heights. On November 4th 2010, ATELIER opened its doors to the world. This Jugend-style, three-story high, 800 square-meters building is situated right in the heart of Stockholm City. Here you can find the new showroom and brand home of ABSOLUT VODKA. While the small village of Åhus is the home of the product, ATELIER is the home of the brand where employees, partners, media and creative collaborators are welcome to further evolve ABSOLUT as one of the most pioneering and culture-shaping brands in the world. Visitors have already experienced that meetings at ATELIER turned out to be considerably more inspiring than those in a traditional conference rooms. People behave differently in different environments and ABSOLUT strongly believes that people become more creative in a setting where they feel inspired.
Addresses Hopefully everything is crystal clear for you now. If not, here are a handful of addresses and numbers that might be useful to you: Hotel Skeppsholmen Gröna gången 1 Box 1616 111 81 Stockholm Phone: +46(0)8-407 23 00 ABSOLUT ATELIER Drottningatan 4 111 51 Stockholm Phone: +46(0) 8 -744 71 01 Rai Fierro Pernod-Ricard Sweden Phone: +46(0)70-610 70 50
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Stockholm loves visitors, and SL, Stockholm Public Transport, is the convenient way to travel when exploring the capital of Sweden.
Gettin
The Journey Planner helps you find the quickest route between two addresses or stations. It will make it easier for you to find your way around the City and the County of Stockholm. You will find it on mobil.sl.se. You buy your travelcard passes and single tickets/ pre-paid single tickets in advance from ticket machines, at SL Centers or ticket agents, such as 7-eleven and Pressbyr책n.
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ng around
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Stockholm It´s true that Stockholmers are naturally reserved and often shy; their lack of effusiveness in greeting strangers can indeed seem rude to vistors, though it is seldom intentional. But Swedes are, in fact, exceptionally polite people. The old joke about Scandinavians using the word ”thanks” 15 times when buying a newspaper holds true in Stockholm. Stockholmers are extremely proud of their city, although many of the city´s young cultural movers and shakers seem to wish it were more like New York. Locals view international media´s fascination with their stylish capita – Wallpaper Magazine in particular with anything from eye-rolling disgust to grudging pride. Although Stockholm is a large city, rural connections are still strong and the summer cottage is almost de rigueur - there are thousands of little red cabins in the archipelago, and anyone who doesn´t have one, at least, has plans for one. And many people exercise their right of common acces to the countryside – this is called allemansrätten – especially during the berry- and mushroom-picking seasons in summer. Styles of traditional folk dress, known as folkdräkt, vary around the country and may be different in adjacent communities. The national version, which can be worn everywhere, was designed in the 20th century. Women wear a white hat, yellow skirt and a blue vest with white flowers over a white blouse. Men wear a simpler costume of knee-length trousers (breeches), white shirt, vest and wide-brimmed hat. Folkdräkt comes out of the cupboard on National Day and Midsummer, and for weddings, feasts, birthdays and church visits. Queuing by number is a favourite Swedish passtime, and you´ll have to do this in shops, bakeries, some Systembolaget shops (alcohol shops), banks, government offices, police stations, post offices etc. Don´t miss your turn or you´ll have to go back to the end – and don´t even think of jumping the queue unless you want to be frowned at relentlessy.
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The traditional handshake is used liberally in both business and social circles when greeting friends or meeting strangers. In the latter case, customary introductions will include your full name. If you´re an informal guest in a Swedish home, particulary in the countryside, it´s polite to remove your shoes before entering the living area; many people habitually carry a pair of house slippers with them when they visit. It´s customary to present your host with a small gift of sweets or flowers on arrival. At meals, avoid sipping your drink before the host or hostess makes the toast, skål, which you should answer in return. This traditional ritual is most frequently accompanied by direct eye contact with whoever offered the toast, symbolising respect. Two things spring to mind when you think of Swedish cuisine: meatballs (köttbullar) and the Muppets. Of course, there´s a lot more to the food scene in Stockholm than köttbullar and a cracked Swedish chef. It´s true that classic Swedish husmanskost - literally meaning ”plain folks food” - is based on a simply prepared combinations of meat, potatoes and fish. But the restaurant scene, like nearly every other area of Stockholm life, embraces the avant-garde. You won´t be in Sweden very long before hearing or seeing the word fika, which roughly means to meet friends for coffee and cake in the afternoon. Nearly every museum or tourist attraction in the city has a respectable café so as to prevent the crankiness of fika-deprived vistors. Stockholmers are a rigorously fashionable bunch, shops insist on displaying the latest styles as handed down by runway magazines – they simply refuse to carry anything uncool.
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gamla stan / S There is no better way to discover the magic of Stockholm’s Old Town and soak up the atmosphere than to walk through the cobbled streets together with a knowledgeable guide. You’ll learn how Dominican monks used to walk the narrow alleyways, see where the famous poet Lasse “Lucidor”Johansson was killed in a tavern brawl in 1674, and pass one of Stockholm’s most classic artists’ haunts, the restaurant Den Gyldene Freden. Most tours leave from the Obelisk on Slottsbacken outside the Royal Palace. They are available in several languages and cost around SEK 60. Another must see whilst in Gamla Stan is Mårten Trotzig alley which is the narrowest alley in Stockholm. It measures just shy of 90 cm in its narrowest part!
Storkyrkan Stortorget 1. Subway station - Gamla Stan While in Gamla Stan also take the opportunity to visit Stockholm’s cathedral that dates back to the 13th century and is the number one place to get married in Stockholm. It houses a large statue of St. George and the Dragon, which depicts Stockholm’s valiant patron saint saving a princess from the jaws of a dragon. The statue symbolises a 1471 victory over the attacking Danes.
Moderna Skeppsholmen. Subway station - Kungsträdgården Just around the corner from your hotel is The Museum of Modern Art. It’s worth a visit both for its architecture by Rafael Moneo and for its impressive collection. It has more than 5,000 paintings, sculptures and installations, along with over 25,000 watercolours, drawings and prints from some of the world’s bestknown modern and contemporary artists. There are two cafés and a restaurant serving both lunch and dinner with a sunny terrace overlooking Djurgården and the Vasa Museum. A great brunch is served in the restaurant at weekends.
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Skeppsholmen B. A. R.
Blasieholmsgatan 4A. Subway station - Kungsträdgården Tucked in behind Grand Hotel is popular restaurant B.A.R. or Blasieholmens Aquarium & Restaurant. Here you can enjoy oysters and champagne at the bar, pick out your own cuts over the counter or as the name suggests walk up to the huge Aquarium and catch your own live lobster. If you don’t have a reservation make sure you get there early for a seat.
Reisen
Skeppsbron 12. Subway station - Gamla stan Mission: Quality over quantity, and yes this will undoubtedly be your reaction upon entering these ideally located lodgings. Many rooms boast stunning harbour views and breathtaking scenery of Skeppsholmen. Just minutes away from great shopping districts and eateries, but, don’t feel compelled to rush out when there’s a fine restaurant and a great bar, all in one harmonious space!
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1900 Regeringsgatan 66. Subway station – T-centralen Ran by Niklas Ekstedt or as we know him in Sweden ”Mat-Niklas” (Food Niklas) from the telly, All through freshly local products from the Nordic region, offering a broad menu with swedish classics such as meatballs but also more culinary challeging courses such as crispy pork from rocklunda farm with cabbage, porkbroth, caraway and fried Swedish chantrells. 1900 is also proud to house two of the best cocktail bars in town, the back-room also known as Kåken turns later on the night into a vibrant night lounge with “A a exoteric ny ac terrass.
Vete-katten
tivity beco mes creativ the doer ca e whe res about doing it rig n or doing it ht, better.” - John Updike
Kungsgatan 55. Subway station – Hötorget Award-winning, old and traditional, this is a rich bakery that has existed since 1928. Here you will find a bakery, small coffee room and an open cafeteria. Everything is homemade, including pralines. Rumour has it that it got it´s name from Swedish slang for ”not a clue” when founder Ester Nordhammar responded to the question of what she would call the establishment.
Zink Grill Biblioteksgatan 5. Subway station - Östermalmstorg
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Located on Stockholm’s most exclusive shopping street Zink Grill is a restaurant that follows people’s rhythms throughout the day, a place to socialize. Late night sipping takes place at the beautiful 1930’s bar bought at an antique store somewhere on the French countryside nearby Lyon.
Pubologi Stora Nygatan 20. Subway station - Gamla Stan Pubologi is not a dining room. Pubologi is not a bar. Pubologi is not a traditional pub. Pubologi is simply a hybrid of all three. The food is a mix of classic southern European cuisine, London pub grub and American diner highlighted with a touch of fine dining finesse.
Storkyrkobadet Svartmangatan 20-22. Subway station - Gamla stan Whacked by all the impressions and experiences during your visit here in Stockholm, it could be nice to unwind at these soothing and tranquil baths. The baths were opened to the public in 1945 but date all the way back to 1750s, and were managed under the watchful eyes of the ”Svartbrödramunkarna” , the Monks of the old town.
Lydmar Hotel Södra Blaiseholmshamnen 2. Subway station - Kungsträdgården A conceptual hotel of the highest order, yet dynamic and very agreeable with an upper-class living room in giant format with a relaxed vibe. The expression: Cool is brought to a new extreme and the urban touch is evident. Boutique hotel, Art gallery, Bar, café ….and “it” hang out in Stockholm.
Le Rouge Brunnsgränd 2. Subway station - Gamla stan As red as a bar can be! Le Rouge brings you back to times of burlesque shows and sin. With three floors, each equipped with a bar, you should feel right at home. Upstairs is for the party crowd and downstairs for the cocktail conesour.
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city / Nor Downtown Stockholm is home to several cultural institutions, including the Royal Opera and the Royal Dramatic Theatre, but the area is best known for shopping and entertainment. NK sits at its heart, while restaurants and clubs are clustered around Stureplan. Connecting Norrmalmstorg with Stureplan is Biblioteksgatan, a pedestrianised street lined with cafés and top-notch shops.
1900 Regeringsgatan 66. Subway station – T-centralen Run by Niklas Ekstedt - or “Mat-Niklas” (Food Niklas) - as he is more commonly known in Sweden. Offering a broad menu with Swedish classics such as meatballs but also more culinary challenging courses such as crispy pork from Rocklunda farm with cabbage, pork broth, caraway and fried Swedish chanterelles. All dishes are made using fresh & locally produced products from the Nordic region. 1900 is also proud to house two of the best cocktail bars in town, and later on in the night the back-room also known as Kåken turns into a vibrant night lounge with an exoteric terrace.
Vete-katten
Kungsgatan 55. Subway station – Hötorget This award-winning, old and traditional bakery has existed since 1928. Here you will find a bakery, a small coffee room and an open cafeteria. Everything is homemade, including pralines. Rumour has it that it got it’s name from the Swedish slang for “not a clue” when founder, Ester Nordhammar, responded to the question of what she would call the establishment – “Vete-Katten”!
Zink Grill Biblioteksgatan 5. Subway station - Östermalmstorg
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Located on Stockholm’s most exclusive shopping street Zink Grill is a restaurant that follows people’s rhythms throughout the day, a place to socialize. Late night sipping takes place at the beautiful 1930’s bar, bought at an antique store somewhere in the French countryside close to Lyon.
rrmalm NK
Hamngatan 18-20, Subway station – T-centaralen One can’t say that they’ve been shopping in Stockholm until they have visited NK. This enriching department store, opened in1915, houses over 100 different stores and it’s hard to think of anything that NK doesn’t sell. Starting at the top of this exclusive six story building one can find everything from interior design items, to women’s, men’s and children’s wear, to kitchen wear, watches, flowers. One can get a haircut, exchange money, dry clean - the list just goes on and on. The only thing you can’t do is spend the night there!
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Vassa Eggen Birger Jarlsgatan 29. Subway station - Östermalmstorg Vassa Eggen has since 1999 been one of Sweden’s best gourmet restaurants. But in early 2009, just before the 10th anniversary, they changed their profile. Tasting menus were removed and now it’s a high-class steakhouse. The bar is a Stockholm hotspot and gets packed during after work and weekends.
Biblioteksgatan Subway station - Östermalmstorg Situated between the squares of Norrmalmstorg and Stureplan, Biblioteksgatan has often been called the ”Fifth Avenue of Stockholm”. Yeah, we know this may sound ridiculous, but what can we say? It being a really expensive and exclusive address, many high street & designer labels have flagship stores located here on this pedestrian “parade” street. So if you’ve got your pockets full of money, you know where to spend it!
Acne
Norrmalmstorg 2. Subway station - Östermalmstorg Located in an old bank building (and yes this is the actual place where the term “Stockholm Syndrome” was coined back in 1973) this is where creative collection Acne - not to be mistaken for bad skin - houses their flagship store in Stockholm. When Acne started in 1997 they made one hundred pairs of jeans for friends and family. Nowadays Acne can be found in world metropolis like Paris, Tokyo, London and New York. Discreet, but still grand in both attitude and execution, from the marble pillars and spacious fitting rooms, to the elaborate display, this could be what defines modern Swedish design.
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Jus Brunnsgatan 7. Subway station - Östermalmstorg Hidden away, on maybe not the most glamorous street in town, JUS has pioneered in the fashion industry since they opened their first store on Birger Jarlsgatan 24 back in the 1990’s. This was most likely the cradle where the interest for fashion for countless Swedes began. JUS is still the best place to find avant-garde fashion like Margiela, Raf Simons, Ann Hagen as well as Swedish designers like Back, IdaSjöstedt and Lovisa Burfitt. If you’re even the least bit interested in clothes a visit to JUS is absolutely necessary!
Atelier Atelier, Drottninggatan 4. Subway station - T-Centralen A home with unlimited possibilities Atelier provides unlimited opportunities and can host launch parties, media events, fashion shows, seminars, workshops, bartender trainings and meetings. Until December 2011, ATELIER is a brand home full of life and creativity. At the end of 2011, some 20.000 people will have visited the home of ABSOLUT. Returning home When renovating the venue, workers found a 100-year-old ABSOLUT bottle in the wall of the building. The very first office of the previous mother company of ABSOLUT VODKA, Vin & Sprit, was located in the same building nearly a century ago. ABSOLUT VODKA has definitely found its way back home.
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VASASTAN This area contains many quiet residential neighbourhoods but there are also excellent places to eat and shop, plus several exciting new galleries. It includes the city’s main library, designed by noted Swedish architect Gunnar Asplund, a charming park called Vasaparken, and Rörstrandsgatan which is known for its variety of cafés and restaurants.
Rolfs kök Tegnérgatan 41. Subway station – Rådhuset Holds a menu where the season’s flavours are clearly shown. The place feels more like a food studio, as the kitchen is integrated into the restaurant, which gives you a homely warm feeling and a sense of generosity. The joint keeps an interesting wine list and staff happilly present it with seemingly boundless knowledge. Whatever you do don’t miss their ox-cheeks with truffle potato purée in their Spanish/French-inspired farm food menu.
Grill Drottninggatan 89. Subway station – Rådhuset Ascended from the ashes of the tragic fire in late 2007 and launched a complete makeover. Basically, the venue incorporates one concept with a hugely varied interior, almost appearing to have been designed whilst under the influence of mindtweaking drugs. Envisioned by celebrity chef and former Let’s Dance competitor Melker Andersson, it could be regarded as a designer’s dream of total free rein. Go see for yourself and enjoy the menu which is as the name indicates - Grilled!
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Carin Wester Rörstrandsgatan 24. Subway station – St. Eriksplan Since the launch of her own brand, Carin has been nominated for several fashion awards and has even won a couple of them. Her line of clothing, female and now also a male line, has been extremely popular within Stockholm’s fashionistas. Her design is a great representative of Swedish expression, masculine with a feminine touch for him and feminine with a masculine flair for her, if that makes any sense to you?
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“C r esta eativi t at t blish y invo ed h lv - Ed ing s in patte es br wa rd a d rns eaki de iffe in o ng Bo no o ren r t w der to ut of ay. loo ” k
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❽
118 Second Läder Odengatan 86. Subway station - Odenplan You don’t need to be a Rocker, Biker or a huge James Dean fan to love this boutique, but it’ll definitely help. As the name suggests it’s all about second hand leather, mostly vintage, but some new too. They’ll buy, sell, repair and do alterations to anything leathery, and even dry clean it if you wish. If you want to look tough and bold, this is your destination.
Mellqvist Rörstrandsgatan 4. Subway station – St. Eriksplan One of the oldest real espresso bars around, it now has two locations but the original is located in the beginning of the Vasastan cult street, Rörstrandsgatan. A charming spot with a ”Hole in the wall” feeling, brilliant coffee and irresistible cardamom buns served by a vibrant staff.
Katitzi Odengatan 24. Subway station -Tekniska högskolan By mixing small or less known designers with second-hand and a few more wellestablished brands, Anna and Karin who run this fashion den, wanted to create a fun and inspiring mix of clothes. Here you’ll be peeking through brands like Pimpinette, Stylein, Klara stark and Bea Szenfeld, a candystore for fashion lovers.
Tennstopet Dalagatan 50. Subway station - Odenplan A true classic in Vasastan and a former “journal tavern” where many journalists of the past would have spent most of their heyday. Sink down in their red velvet sofas or get your supper served to you at one of the traditional linen-laid tables. The menu promises classic Swedish cuisine such as herring, salmon and Biff Rydberg – which consists of fillet of beef, cured potatoes, onions, with a raw egg yolk.
Sosta Sveavägen 84, Subway Rådmansgatan During rush-hour there will most likely be a queue of people hugging the curb outside, and you might wonder why. The answer is simple; it’s cheap, full of “witty” regulars, and offers fast and personalized service. But most importantly Sosta makes fantastic coffee.
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รถste
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ermalm Östermalm is Stockholm’s most up-market area. Between Stureplan and Östermalmstorg you will find several of the city’s best restaurants and many interesting places and beautiful buildings. The classic market hall, Östermalmshallen, is not to be missed. On a sunny day, take a stroll along magnificent Strandvägen or venture into the beautiful Humlegården park.
Volt Kommendörsgatan 16. Subway station - Östermalmstorg Newly opened Volt has been highly anticipated among restaurant enthusiasts in Stockholm. The four young and super ambitious owners all have experience from renowned Michelin star restaurants in Sweden and describe Volt as a gastro bistro.
Midtown Bar Birger Jarlsgatan 24. Subway station - Östermalmstorg Intimate Midtown bar is located just off Stureplan and offers a rustic prohibition style environment for the well-dressed. Perfect if you want to get away from the hectic nightclub neighbourhood and enjoy a well-made cocktail.
Djurgården Buss – 46 Until the 18th century, Djurgården was a royal hunting ground but today this beautiful island is a favourite place for long summer walks and picnics. In addition to providing city dwellers with easy access to nature, visitors come to explore the Vasa Museum, the open-air museum of Skansen and the Gröna Lund amusement park.
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Saturnus Eriksbergsgatan 6. Subway station - Rådmansgatan or Östermalmstorg Café, patisserie and boulangerie, french feeling and most famous for their outrageously massive cinnamon buns, very enjoyable on one of those cold windy days when you can sit for hours with your café Latte or tea from Mariage Frères.
Vurma Birger Jarlsgatan 36. Subway station - Östermalmstorg A chain of four cafés, but we’ve chosen this for your convenience. Vurma has that lollapaloozahippiepsychadelic touch to it with lots of love, fantastic sandwiches with playful names, try ”Kyssen”(the kiss) with chicken, paprika cream and feta cheese… a heavenly kiss!
Brasserie Godot Grevturegatan 36. Subway station - Östermalmstorg For you francophiles - this restaurant survived the first three year hype and still does not cease to impress ten years later. As a matter of fact they can still flaunt themselves as award-winning “Restaurant of the Year” in 2010... très bien, n’est ce pas? Why not try the Moules Marinières, Choucroute Garnie, Chèvre Chaud, Steak frites in a class of its own in a laid back intimate milieu.
Sturehof Stureplan 6. Subway station - Östermalmstorg Sturehof is an institution in Stockholm with one of the most all-encompassing bar concepts that attracts a wide range of people. This place can boast high quality without being too fancy. Some people say it is “La Coupole” of the north, if that says something to you? It is a place to spontaneously drop in to after some savage treatment to your AmEx in the nearby shopping district. Order a large glass of crisp Chablis and get your hands on a massive platter of shellfish, which is their specialty.
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Lo Scudetto Kommendörsgatan 46. Subway station – Karlaplan A longtime favourite for Stockholmers, this mid-range tavern won´t disappoint you, nor leave you hungry. Salsicca di vitello, Linguine alle vongole and if there’s still some space (we know there is) be seduced by a classy Tiramisù, how does that sound?
Magasin 3 Magasin 3 Frihamnen. Buss - 76 Tucked away in an old brick warehouse, Magasin 3 is one of Stockholm’s leading institutions for contemporary art. With plenty of light and vast, spacious rooms, the gallery can easily accommodate all sizes and shapes of modern artwork. Whether hosting retrospectives or group exhibitions, it showcases contemporary art on a level that other galleries can only dream of.
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KUNGSHO Formerly known as a quiet, residential island, Kungsholmen is starting to come to life with new restaurants and shops. The best way to explore it is to start at the magnificent City Hall - where the Nobel banquet is held each year - and then take a waterside walk along Norr Mälarstrand.
Ilcafé Bergsgatan 17, Subway station - Rådhuset This café takes their coffee and regulars seriously. It´s a second home for the loyal creative crowd. Magnus, who runs the place, has a peculiar ability to make everybody feel at home. A place in which you’ll be inspired for the everyday, and if not, will make for interesting conversation.
Petit France John Ericssongatan 6, Subway station - Rådhuset Winner of numerous prizes over the last couple of years, and let us tell you this, they deserve it! Get your ”Levain” straight, and come here for Sebastien Boudets addictive boulangerie art, rumoured to be more genuine than the ones you´re always trying to find on your trips to Paris.
Taylor & Jones Hantverkargatan 12, Subway station - Rådhuset The sausage is trendier than ever, and in Stockholm there’s a rush for David Taylor and Gareth Jones tasty wieners. Taylor and Jones produce all sausages in house, in a small, carefully scrubbed cold room behind the shop. They have 65 different own-recipe sausages, everything from traditional English sage flavoured pork sausages to specials on deer or chicken. The shop also provides cut meat, pies, English cheeses and Haggis - a truly traditional Scottish diet!
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OLMEN
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Kungsholmen Norr M채larstrand, quay 464, Subway station R책dhuset Kungsholmen is beautifully located along the M채laren river bank. The restaurant seats approximately 200 people and has the delightful ambiance that is a balance of lounge and dining. Owned by celebrity chef Melker Andersson, definitely one of his more spectacular venues. Kungsholmen is a modern Food Court with 7 contrasting open kitchens. There is cocktail bar with professional bartenders that can mix both new and classic cocktails. Kungsholmen caters for all occasions.
Grandpa Fridhemsgatan 43, Subway station - Fridhemsplan All roads, or detours, sooner or later lead to Grandpa. This funky boutique, with good charisma and wide selection of almost everything from second hand furniture to bikes and accessories, ought to satisfy even the most pickiest retro junkie. Design-wise brands like Velour, Dagmar and Won 100 can be found.
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Jin & Peeters Kungsholms strand 157, Subway station - Fridhemsplan Worlds collide in a beautiful and dashing way at this spartan joint. Crossover in its correct meaning, Sakiko and Bart mixes their two absolute favourite nourishments; Belgian Waffles and Asian dumplings, well worth a detour.
Mäster Anders Pipersgatan 1, Subway station - Rådhuset This ambitious little brasserie serves classic French food with flair, but also offers a few famous Swedish dishes. Before opening this venue, the owners found themselves on inspirational trips to both New York, with its Balthazar and Pastis, and of course to Paris; to the home of all brasseries. That’s how serious they are about giving you the full-on brasserie experience.
Indian Curry House Scheelegatan 6, Subway station – Rådhuset Showered with great reviews, these guys truly know their curry. A real ”hole in the wall” place, where you´ll have to be quick to get there when your lunch-bell rings. Great value for great food.
Orangeriet Norrmälarstrand Quay 464, Subway station Rådhuset With its lavish “indoors meets outdoors” design, this new addition to star-chef Melker Anderssons empire sets for a relaxed and cosy environment all year around. Drinks are all about gin and the food menu is limited to lighter bar snacks.
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SoFo Subway station - Medborgarplatsen These trendy quarters, on Södermalm, whose name is short for South of Folkungagatan, has been on every cool Stockholmer’s destination map for those looking for relaxed and eclectic shopping. In this laid back neighbourhood, framed by the streets of Folkungagatan, Götgatan, Renstiernasgatan and Skånegatan, the hip and cool fashion and second hand stores are lined up next to cosy restaurants, bars and cafés. If you’re looking for smaller Swedish designers and cool vintage clothing, this part of town is absolutely worth the detour!
Little Quarter Hornsgatan 66. Subway station - Mariatorget Tucked away inside a creole and cajun-inspired restaurant with the fitting name, Marie Laveau, named after the Voodoo-Queen. The crew, with award-winning bar manager Jimmy Dymott, is heavily pushing the cocktails of the “golden age”, 1860-1930. Pouring large measures of American whiskey, Gin and Brandy - what else was around at that time?? - Jimmy’s distinct style of bartending is well known among like-minded peers and regulars, and if he had one ounce of rhythm in him, he’d be a passionate flamenco dancer for sure!
SÖDERMALM
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Commonly known as Söder (South), this former workingclass area is now Stockholm’s most lively and bohemian district. In addition to a great number of restaurants and pubs, Söder also offers some remarkable views from the cliffs on its northern shore.
Sneakers n’ Stuff Åsögatan 124. Subway station - Medborgarplatsen One of many special stores in Stockholm, this one specializes in? - Yes, you guessed it, sneakers! It’s all about sneakers and that’s what it has always been about ever since they opened in 1999. This is without a doubt one of the best sneaker stores in Sweden and if you don’t know whether you’re a Nike or an Adidas person the friendly staff at Sneakers n’ Stuff will help you find out.
Bakverket Bondegatan 59. Subway station - Medborgarplatsen Fresh, home made lemonade and simple coffee served in a small pot on the table for refill. The large breakfast package is a winner ”the day after”, made for a long hangout and keeps you full for the rest of the day.
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Brunogallerian Götgatan 36. Subway station - Slussen Situated on the hump of Götgatan, this mall is not your usual one - acting as a mall by day and transforming into a bar at night. Located in a building dating back to the 18th century, this is one of the natural meeting points for the urban and trendy inhabitants living in this bohemian and creative part of town. Prices are moderate and you’ll find shops like Adidas Original Store, Whyred, Filippa K, Flying A and David Design.
Nitty Gritty Krukmakargatan 26. Subway station - Mariatorget This exclusive designer mecca and concept store houses both a hairdresser and a coffee shop for the seriously fashion-conscious dudes and gals. Mixing clothes, furniture and books, this store just might still all your hunger for design! On the men’s side one can find brands like A.P.C., Miu Miu, Levis Vintage and Swedish Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair. On the women’s side one can browse through Swedish designers like Hope, Whyred, Rodebjer as well as well-known international designers like Sonia Rykel. Back from the dead in 2008, Nitty Gritty is nowadays as big as ever!
Herr Judith Horsgatan 65. Subway station - Mariatorget A gentleman always prefers second hand! At least if the knowledgeable and friendly staff at Herr Judith had their way. It would be a slight understatment to say that Herr Judith carries one of the finest and well-assorted gems for gentlemen in Stockholm. Ranging from hats and accesories to leisure and party clothes this is a must if you’re into vintage flair.
Fotografiska Stora Tullhuset Stadsgårdshamnen 22. Subway station - Slussen Fotografiska strives to be a vital centre for contemporary photography with the ambition to exhibit world-renowned photographers, many of whom have never exhibited in Sweden. Located in the heart of Stockholm, Fotografiska is housed in a former industrial Art Nouveau style building dating from 1906. Designed by Ferdinand Boberg, the building was used for the customs control of goods, and is listed as a building of cultural interest. The original brick facade of the beautiful customs building is intact, while the interiors have been renovated to house the museum. Fotografiska also houses an academy, bistro, cafe, bar, conference rooms, museum shop, gallery, and event spaces.
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welcome to Of course Stockholm is wonderful. However, many visitors are unaware of its most spectacular feature – the archipelago. This magnificent maritime landscape of more than 30,000 islands, islets and skerries, of which just some one thousand are inhabited, is unique in the world. Visitors can hardly believe their eyes the first time they experience Stockholm’s archipelago on a sunny summer’s day. Not to mention on a crystal-clear winter’s day. Within two hours by boat or car from Stockholm you can be anywhere in the archipelago – to your very own paradise, where you feel like you’re a thousand miles from the nearest city. Stockholm’s fleet of classic white archipelago boats includes many lovely, well-preserved old workhorses, some dating back more than a century and still steam powered. Many boat tours offer lunch or dinner.
Sandhamn An island where you can experience the remarkable maritime terrain of the outer archipelago. Sandhamn is the key meeting place for sailors and yachters, with a vibrant party scene during summer. The idyllic village, a historical sea pilot station, has an inn, hotels, the classic Royal Swedish Yacht Club, and numerous restaurants and bars. Sandhamn is also worth a visit off-season, when the archipelago has returned to its peaceful natural state.
Grinda A charming island, just over an hour away by the fastest boat, via Vaxholm. A blissful archipelago setting, in a nature reserve. Good swimming in summer. Grinda Wärdshus is an inn, built in art nouveau style, open on weekends and holidays year round. Grinda has hotels, cabins, a youth hostel and campground, plus a range of activities including kayaking. Open all year, although only weekends during winter.
Vaxholm Idyllic archipelago town with many well-preserved wooden houses from the turn of the last century, painted in the archipelago’s typical delicate pastel tones. Vaxholm has numerous charming restaurants, cafés and shops. Waxholm Hotel, with its great views of the fortress and harbour, is a classic choice for lunch or dinner, or, why not a Christmas Buffet. Vaxholm is easily accessible year 40 round, by boat or bus.
the islands
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KNOW YOUR ENEMy Aðalsteinn Jóhannesson This Icelandic, heavy metal fan, and sommelier, with experience from Norwegian fine dining restaurant Le Canard, finds inspiration in his little daughter’s vivid and colorful paintings. ”No challenge is big enough when it comes to making drinks”, Aðalsteinn humbly declares. We hope that this challenge will be among the greater ones however!
Aime Lõpp Being the only girl to have made it to the finals, Aime is a force to be reckoned with! After a solid 14 years in the business she looks forward to showing the boys what’s up… Digging Apple Martinis and Gin & Tonic’s, this house and dance music gal looks like she means business!
Andris Noreikis Internationally merited and acclaimed Latvian bartender. Andris has been recognized and awarded in numerous competitions worldwide. Inspired by other bartenders and their drinks, among other exciting things. It is in competing that he finds his biggest challenge as a bartender. He is also a candidate master chess player.
Deniss Smirnovs Chairman of the ”Latgales Barmenu Klubs” society in Daugavpils, Latvia, Deniss is a fan of Latin rhythms as well as modern music. As well as enjoying being in the spotlight when making drinks for guests, in his spare time he likes skiing, playing pool and snooker.
Carl Wrangel This hiphop and jazz enthusiast is also one of the founders of the Copenhagen Cocktail Club as well as the bar manager of Oak Room in Copenhagen. With a past at Green & Red in London it is not surprising that Carl likes good tequila and hanging out at differ42ent bodegas in Mexico.
Gunnar Zahl Finding inspiration in gastronomy and domestic tv persona Torulf Berulfsen, this Norwegian barman appreciates sipping Old Fashioneds at Tony Conigliaros 69 Colebrook Row in London. With a weakness for indie music, Gunnar is everything but a softy - rather an adventurer who loves surfing, snowboarding as well as rock climbing.
Gustav Tveit This new wave, Margarita and tequila aficionado likes to hang out at Milk & Honey when in London. As an outgoing and serviceminded bloke, he finds inspiration in everything from magazines and music to motion picture. Other interests are sports, and then mainly soccer, food and drinks.
Heinar Õispuu Drawing inspiration from the kitchen, this sports interested fisherman likes sipping on Tom Collins’ whilst listening to some good ol’ jazz and funk. But can Heinar keep it funky in the finals? One will just have to wait and see….
Helger Aava Helger has 19 years of experience behind the bar and has been banging out cocktails at Bonnie & Clyde nightclub and restaurant C’est la Vie. He enjoys listening to classical music remixes and is inspired by nature, stars and loved ones. To be crowned the champ at ABSOLUT Invite he guarantees to remake some other classics!
Henri Lahti Henri, or ”Henu” as he also is known, enjoys a good Whiskey Sour on the rocks and preferably at The Ritz Hemingway Bar in Paris. Being insprired by food and other fresh ingredients a piece of rhubarb just might lead to something exceptional. Thinking outside the box and breaking new boundaries in cocktail-making is how he defines creativity.
Jakob Sundin This meticulous Umeå born lad has a past as a bartender at awardwinning bar Le Bar but nowadays shakes his libations at the eclectic restaurant Grill in Stockholm. Besides reading Hemingway’s “Men without Women”, Jacke, as he is also known, likes sipping Daiquiris at “Little Branch” in New York City.
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Jan Lindgren This veteran bartender and bar owner, with over 18 years in the business, has a slight weakness for Bloody Marys. Travelling the world looking for great ambiance is one of his biggest sources of inspiration. With a hobbie like basketball, let’s hope he makes this competition his slam dunk!
Knut Randhem Being trained as a chef Knut gets a lot of his inspiration from the kitchen but also from colleagues and challenging guests. Understanding the old techniques he strives to find new ways to make and present his drinks in order to be creative. Finding him sipping a Negroni at the Honey Ryder Cocktail Lounge, in Copenhagen, would not be unusual!
Kristo Tomingas You could argue with the fact that Kristo’s favourite drink is a virgin Mojito but that does not take away from the fact that he has 14 years of cocktail bartending under his belt. With his extensive experience and his only hobby being cocktails Kristo is expected to give the other participants in this competition a run for their money!!
Luke McInnes With a past from down under and Melbourne this boy band and ABBA lover likes curling and performing ABBA covers dressed in pink shirts. Do we sense a bit of irony here, or could this actually be true? We think we’ll find out this weekend anyhow. Inspired by the re-discovery of classic cocktails and the availability of fine spirits it’s understandable that he enjoys a good Sazerac at 1806 in Melbourne.
Mathin Lundgren This fashion-conscious, vermouth-loving bar professional finds inspiration in the clever people he surrounds himself with, in magazines and from travelling. Besides the bar trade, his foremost and biggest interest is his Staffordshire Bullterrier, Oswald. “Daring to disregard one’s 100 first ideas in order to find the angle nobody else has seen”, Mathin answers when asked what creativity means to him.
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Mikael Karlsson Working at award-winning bar “Little Quarter”, Micke never says no to a Old Fashioned, or a Rock n’ Rye. Or a Manhattan for that matter! Among his favourite bars are ”Dutch Kills”, in its entirety, and the Bowery Hotel, for its ambiance - both bars are situated in New York City. Other interests are film, travelling and “looking at pictures of my non-functioning, super cool motor bike, that I’ll probably never get to ride”, Micke fills in.
Mohamad Manouchi This half Tunisian, half Swedish pisco connoisseur, appreciates good photography as well as a well-balanced Corpse Reviver No 2. He gets his inspiration from people who believe in themselves and know what they’re talking about. With a past at Le Bar, Mohamad nowadays tends the bars at ”1900” and ”Kåken”.
Raitis Akerblums
Probably one of the most loyal Latvian bartenders, Raitis has worked at B-Bars for an incredible 11 years! Having hobbies like hunting, diving, playing beach volley and soccer one can presume this is quite an active guy. His favourite libations are wine, Cognac and Cuba Libre. When being creative he likes to show his guests a really unprecedented and surprising creation. His favourite bar? Buddha Bar in Paris.
Rhys Vickery This newly made Swedish citizen finds his inspiration in the cocktails from the 40’s and 50’s. Having grown up in Sydney, Australia, he knows everything about putting another shrimp on the barbe’. Since coming to Sweden he’s been making cocktails at well-respected bars such as Kungsholmen, Grill and Brasserie Godot. Sipping slowly on a Martinez, whilst listening to some jazz or blues, just makes his day.
Robin Törnblom During his eight years as a bartender, Robin has been making cocktails in both Australia and Sweden. Having a strong interest in both the classsic cocktails as well as new and modern drinks he always puts 100 % love into all his creations.
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Stefano Hjort Censi Globetrotter and half Italian, half Danish Stefano has only been working as a cocktail bartender for one year but has already served drinks at respected bars such as Bar Rouge and Nimb. Inspired by his Mom’s genius in the kitchen the step to becoming a cocktail bartender was not a big one. Deconstructing classics and putting them together again, with a new twist, whilst listening to Franky boy can’t be that bad…
Terkel Kleist With a favourite bar like the Oak Room, a guess that Terkel adores bourbon, rye and John Coltrane would probably be a well-founded one. With his almost obsessive disposition for service one could think that this guy was actually born to work behind the bar. Creativity, for Terkel, is one’s ability to satisfy his guests’ palates and mood.
Timo Siitonen With a colourful past as bartender at legendary Atlantic Bar & Grill and a handful of other top bars in London, Timo nowadays shakes his drinks at his own venues, A21 Cocktail Lounge and K17 Kitchen Cocktail, in Helsinki. Being a veteran in the trade also means that the Old Fashioned lies close to his heart. His slogan? Sip with style!
Uldis Petersons This sherry aficionado finds inspiration in creating new mixtures for his unsuspecting guests. “Nothing gives me more satisfaction than a positively surprised customer”, says Uldis, and he goes on, “well besides rock music and basketball!” Among his favourite bars, Mad House in the old town of Riga has a special place in his heart.
Valtýr Bergmann The sports interested and pop and rock enthusiast Valtýr finds most of his inspiration in the exotic spices and herbs from around the world. After an impressive 18 years in the industry he still finds that his biggest pleasure lies in putting a smile upon your face every time he serves you one of his specialties at The Fishmarket Restaurant.
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RECiPES A quintet-plus of various libations from the past and present, The adorable, the reverent…and a few bestsellers, for your enjoyment.
Clubland presented stirred and up 50ml Absolut 100 15ml Sandeman White Port 2 dashes Angostura bitters Lemon zest
Pear & Passion Sour served after severely shaking, on the rocks 50ml Absolut Pears 30ml Fresh lemon juice 20ml Passion fruit syrup 20ml Egg white Garnish with a passion fruit wedge
Dales Cosmopolitan shaky shaky.. and up! 50ml Absolut Citron 20ml Cointreau 15ml Fresh lime juice Garnish with the ”show off” flamed orange peel 48
The Valencia Martini 70ml Absolut Vodka 15ml Fino Sherry Coat the inside of a chilled martini glass with the sherry, toss out the excess. Zest the inside of the glass with orange and discard. Chill the vodka and strain it into the glass and finish off with another zest
Apple Ginger Martini Treated with the rough Boston method and strained into a martini glass 50ml Absolut Citron 20ml Apple liqueur 30ml Lemon juice 20ml Sugar syrup 10ml Fresh ginger juice Your choice of garnish
Blueberry Sour Dazed and splashed into a tumbler on the rocks 50ml Absolut Vanilia 15ml Blueberry liqueur 30ml Lemon juice 20ml Sugar syrup 20ml Egg white Adorned with three berries spiked by a toothpick
Enjoy responsibly. 49
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by: absolut vodka | purfict | oscar eldin 56