Kendra Valentine takes us on a cozy brunch adventure aboard S/S Stockholm.
All photos courtesy of Claes Helander
The faint music of the quintessential Swedish troubadour, Evert Taube, becomes clearer as we go to the upper deck to be seated by our server. As the boat departs on our leisurely three hour tour around Stockholm’s archipelago, the tour guide chimes in and begins an insightful prologue about Stockholm. It is easy to tune out in the dining room, full of mild chatter and drink orders being delivered. Nonetheless, it’s a nice overture for the journey ahead.
The brunch features classic fare one finds on the traditional Swedish buffet table: an assortment of marinated herring, of which the senapsill (herring in mustard sauce) and chilisill are my favorites. The buffet also features pan-fried and pickled herring, both warm and cold smoked salmon, an assortment of salads, and novelties like halved hard-boiled eggs with shrimp salad delicately placed on top.
Shortly thereafter, the warm dishes arrive: bacon, a gourmet omelette, roasted chicken legs… I am still indulging in the fresh croissants, but quickly reassess my goals and return to the buffet. The brunch buffet offers an intriguing assortment of dishes, and a great example of classic Swedish holiday fare at the same time. However, the stand out portion of this brunch is without a doubt the dessert buffet.
As you start to explore the various offerings, you are sure to be overwhelmed at where to begin. There is something for everyone, and a few things you may rarely have otherwise. There is even a classic assortment of fruit and cheeses on the accompanying table across the room, for the traditionalists. Truly, this dessert table is worth the trip alone.
Every Saturday & Sunday, the S/S Stockholm departs for a three-hour brunch cruise comprised of traditional Swedish dishes.
