the swede life in toronto

I’m so thrilled that the flavored sparkling water craze finally hit North America. Truthfully, it’s not a brand new phenomenon, but it is getting increasingly popular thanks to the no-sugar diets that have overtaken the U.S. and Canada. Previously, they were referred to as club soda, seltzer and carbonated water in English. The genius who […]

Fish is a favorite dish in Sweden. And there’s no denying that Swedes know how to cook and prepare fish right! Thankfully, it is none of the batter-dipped, fried-to-death or chargrilled stuff us North Americans normally associate with fish fillets. Instead, fish is usually served with dreamy sauces, dill-infused fresh potatoes and crisp vegetables. Or […]

This year, I’ve been honored to review the Oscar-nominated Swedish film directed by Hannes Holm, A Man Called Ove, based on Fredrik Backman’s bestselling novel. It stars veteran Swedish actor Rolf Lassgård and Swedish-Iranian actress, Bahar Pars in a delightful film that reminded me so much of my own experiences with the Swedes. Ove, the […]

UPDATED: DECEMBER 24, 2016 Christmas is in the air now that we passed the first advent and December 1st is tomorrow! I finally took some time to post about Swedish eats and Christmas food is among the best in Sweden. I have a whole post dedicated to setting up a Christmas table (Julbord) in Canada. […]

I can’t believe how fast the Christmas season came this year! 2015 has flown by for me, but I’m excited for this year’s SWEA Christmas Festival, This year they have chosen Pippi Longstockings as a theme, the beloved, rebellious Swedish girl character we all know from our childhood. Written by the revered Astrid Lindgren, Pippi […]

Yes, folks, IKEA Swede Shop is officially offering some Swedish name brand foods to the international IKEAs around the World like Marabou chocolate and Göteborgs Singoalla cookies for a LIMITED TIME ONLY. According to Madeleine Löwenborg-Frick, the IKEA PR representative here in Canada, “This holiday season IKEA Canada has brought in some branded Swedish items for a […]

Excited over the hype of the new chain of Swedish cafes in Manhattan, I recently stopped in to “fika” (the Swedish word for a glorified “coffee break”) at the FIKA cafe near the Plaza over the weekend. While I thought the presentation and modern decor were mycket fint, I am ashamed to admit that I […]

The annual SWEA Swedish Christmas Market at the Harbourfront in Toronto is happening this month, November 22-23rd Saturday 11-5pm and Sunday 11-4pm. There will be tons of Swedish food, design, Christmas decorations, Swedish folks and activities for kids. Come and experience the Lucia pageant, folk dancers and get merry with some good glögg! IF YOU’D […]

After the thaw of Winter, Spring reveals the best of Swedish food. One of the most celebrated, yet little-known-outside-of-Sweden dishes is the Smörgåstårta or Sandwich Cake. Rather than noshing on a sweet torte, you should try a savory one, and the Swedish Sandwich Cake fits the bill. They are quite simply delightful both to see […]

The long awaited SWEA Christmas Fair and Market is quickly approaching and I wanted to give you a summary of all the great stuff you can find there. Besides the beautiful Swedish design, Christmas decorations and food, there is the highly anticipated Mathörnan or Food Corner, as many of you are eager to purchase all […]