Scandinavian Version of the Hamburger: Frikadellar

While in Seattle, I took my family to a Scandinavian restaurant with the name of Scandinavian Specialties. This store also has a small cafe and has been open as long as I have been alive- since 1962. It is no smalls surprise that this little gem is located in Ballard. Ballard is where my first childhood home was located and where my parents owned property-an apartment building and a laundromat-for much of my younger life. I remember Ballard from passing through the locks on our boat and stopping to eat Scandinavian food. Ballard is sort of like one big Ikea blended with a fishing/boating community.   I do have to say that I don’t remember eating Frikadellar which is an open-faced “hamburger” that is far lighter and airier than our version and has wonderful caramelized onions on the top.  It is, of course on the 1000 Foods to Eat Before You Die list.  We also tried the open faced salmon sandwiches, the Fiskekaker (fish cake) and the very best thing which was the Verdens Beste Kake which is a an almond meringue cake filled with vanilla cream.  Yum.