..for a somewhat nostalgic trip..
..that took me right into Stockholm´s marvellous "Les Halles"..the warm, cosy and welcoming "Östermalmshallen."
Östermalms Saluhall – Here you’ll find a different, tasty world like you did once in Paris´ Les Halles. A far cry from the modern, plastic mart´s.
It has been there since 1888 for the joy of the people of Stockholm, when its business began to blossom into a real asset for Stockholm’s many lovers of good food. In those days anyone who really appreciated good food and the finest ingredients flocked here. Chefs and restaurateurs who were purveyors to the royal household mingled with ordinary folk, standing in the same queue at their favourite stall to buy from one of the many dedicated traders.
A glassy view into Lisa Elmqvist´s shellfish bar..
At horrifying prices they come these horrifying but delicious fish..Always bitingly fresh.
In 1988, at the Food Hall´s Centennial, I was the project manager for the celebration activties and spent almost year in Östermalmshallen preparing for the big party and surrounding activities - so I got to know Östermalmshallen quite well along with its staff and the provisions and food stuffs and produce.The food hall still stands today with its many stalls´ exquisite carvings in dark painted wood.
I grew up on the same block as the Hall and frequently joined my parents in those days to buy smoked salmon fens and home made salmon pudding - a true treat they still prepare today.
The square outside, Östermalmstorg in the end of October 2009. New buildings are erected, small outdoor market stands still sell flowers and fruit. The church is Hedvig Elonora and the clock on the tower has been guiding me about a million times on when to take off for school - long before I got my own first wrist watch. Just love the toll of its bell. But it makes me instantly feel like collecting my books and dash off to school a few blocks away..
