PHOTO BY RICHARD ERIKSEN
OS FEST
Get some northern exposure in Oslo this week during the Øya music festival.
The Øya Festival in Oslo kicks off today, and we’ve got the inside scoop on where to go and what to do in the blissful city of Scandinavian beauty – that is, when you’re not head-banging to Amanda Blank at the festival grounds.
STAY
Grim’s Grenka
Kongensgate 5
www.grimsgrenka.no
Situated in downtown Oslo, overlooking Akershus Castle and the Museum of Architecture, Grims Grenka is a lifesaving gem for the techno-obsessed. All rooms are equipped with iPod stations, Wi-Fi, Maxi Bars, and mouthwatering Norwegian snacks and organic juices. After-party, anyone?
SEE
Utsikten
Hop on one of the brilliant baby blue trams (#18 or #19) to Utsikten (Norwegian for ”The View”) and check out the amazing scenery of Oslo – and not to mention the entire Øya festival area. Enjoy a relaxing break from the muss and fuss with a warm waffle topped with strawberry jam and goat cheese at Café Utsikten.
The French Hall
Universitetsgata 13
When the rain gets to heavy and your boots to soggy, relish in a scorching hot chai tea at Den Franske Sal (”The French Hall”) at the National Museum of Art. The café is a master class of design, thanks to its fusion of contemporary design pieces by Kristin Jarmund and original stucco marble from France. If you’ve got time, check out the surrealist art exhibition on view.
SHOP
Struts
Møllergata 37
In dire need of some new gear? And maybe a few comic books, some glittery accessories, or a pair of one-of-a-kind shoes? Look no further than Struts (”Ostrich” in Norwegian), a charming and eclectic pop-up store in Møllergata with vintage finds, only open through August. A group of students are behind the project, which helps to keep things intimate; they serve homemade caramel pudding to shoppers, organize movie nights, and throw spur-of-the-moment parties in the space. Which means you’ll want to check out the shop before it sticks its head back in the ground.
EAT
Blings
St. Olavs gate 3
Blings is underselling itself with its name (meaning "Loaf of Bread" in Norwegian). Because this is not merely a place one visits for dried up pieces of flour and water; this is food, in the purest sense of the word. Relish in dijonaise and perfectly salted parma ham on freshly baked French bread, fried vegetables and hummus on focaccia, and homemade blueberry juice. Nom.
Lille Saigon
Møllergata 32
Oh, how we love, love, love Saigon. A dear favorite of students and cash-strapped city dwellers alike, Saigon is the place for mouth-watering Vietnamese food. We recommend the Number 12 – rice vermicelli and beef salad. Start with a couple of rice spring rolls dipped in spicy peanut sauce—they’re heavenly.
DRINK
Revolver
Møllergata 32
Revolver is by far one of Oslo’s most popular spot to hangout - for good reasons. The small red building by Youngstorget has become known both for its cozy environment and progressive music scene. The drink Red Tide is to die for, in spite of the not-so-refreshing name, and the Fredrikstad-based electronics duo is sure to steam things up on Thursday as a part of the Øya Night.
Kaffefuglen
Universitetsgata 2
Norwegians supposedly drink the most coffee in the world, so brewing a cup of Joe is practically a religion here. But among the best is Kaffefuglen, which has mind-blowing coffee and an immaculate ‘60s-inspired interior. You’ll welcome the caffeine when you’re battling a hangover.
PARTY
Dattera til Hagen
Grønland 10
Dattera has – hands down - the most beautiful backyard in the city. And with an unrivaled Øya Night program, thanks to the wonderful boys in Lot Lot, Dattera is sure to be packed each and every day of the week. Zomby, L-Vis 1990, Todd Terje, and Jesse Rose are just a few of the acts that will be tearing up the dance floor. Attendance is practically mandatory.
Fisk & Vilt
Pløens gate 1
The latest addition to Oslo’s club scene is Fisk & Vilt (translates into ”Fish and Game”). Lousy floor planning, yes, but the combination of cheesy ‘80s rock star photos, talented DJs (Radioclit will be hitting the decks on Saturday) and a great backyard makes a night at Fisk & Vilt a definite must in Oslo. The place is about the size of a button, so expect a line to get in.
Stratos
Youngstorget 2
Stratos, or ”The Roof of the City”, is popular not only because of its gargantuan roof terrace and wall-to-ceiling windows, but its spectacular view of the city. Ladyhawke is performing at the venue on Thursday, while Holy Ghost is rocking the boat on Saturday. A concert with a view? Yes, please.
THEA URDAL
STAY
Grim’s Grenka
Kongensgate 5
www.grimsgrenka.no
Situated in downtown Oslo, overlooking Akershus Castle and the Museum of Architecture, Grims Grenka is a lifesaving gem for the techno-obsessed. All rooms are equipped with iPod stations, Wi-Fi, Maxi Bars, and mouthwatering Norwegian snacks and organic juices. After-party, anyone?
SEE
Utsikten
Hop on one of the brilliant baby blue trams (#18 or #19) to Utsikten (Norwegian for ”The View”) and check out the amazing scenery of Oslo – and not to mention the entire Øya festival area. Enjoy a relaxing break from the muss and fuss with a warm waffle topped with strawberry jam and goat cheese at Café Utsikten.
The French Hall
Universitetsgata 13
When the rain gets to heavy and your boots to soggy, relish in a scorching hot chai tea at Den Franske Sal (”The French Hall”) at the National Museum of Art. The café is a master class of design, thanks to its fusion of contemporary design pieces by Kristin Jarmund and original stucco marble from France. If you’ve got time, check out the surrealist art exhibition on view.
SHOP
Struts
Møllergata 37
In dire need of some new gear? And maybe a few comic books, some glittery accessories, or a pair of one-of-a-kind shoes? Look no further than Struts (”Ostrich” in Norwegian), a charming and eclectic pop-up store in Møllergata with vintage finds, only open through August. A group of students are behind the project, which helps to keep things intimate; they serve homemade caramel pudding to shoppers, organize movie nights, and throw spur-of-the-moment parties in the space. Which means you’ll want to check out the shop before it sticks its head back in the ground.
EAT
Blings
St. Olavs gate 3
Blings is underselling itself with its name (meaning "Loaf of Bread" in Norwegian). Because this is not merely a place one visits for dried up pieces of flour and water; this is food, in the purest sense of the word. Relish in dijonaise and perfectly salted parma ham on freshly baked French bread, fried vegetables and hummus on focaccia, and homemade blueberry juice. Nom.
Lille Saigon
Møllergata 32
Oh, how we love, love, love Saigon. A dear favorite of students and cash-strapped city dwellers alike, Saigon is the place for mouth-watering Vietnamese food. We recommend the Number 12 – rice vermicelli and beef salad. Start with a couple of rice spring rolls dipped in spicy peanut sauce—they’re heavenly.
DRINK
Revolver
Møllergata 32
Revolver is by far one of Oslo’s most popular spot to hangout - for good reasons. The small red building by Youngstorget has become known both for its cozy environment and progressive music scene. The drink Red Tide is to die for, in spite of the not-so-refreshing name, and the Fredrikstad-based electronics duo is sure to steam things up on Thursday as a part of the Øya Night.
Kaffefuglen
Universitetsgata 2
Norwegians supposedly drink the most coffee in the world, so brewing a cup of Joe is practically a religion here. But among the best is Kaffefuglen, which has mind-blowing coffee and an immaculate ‘60s-inspired interior. You’ll welcome the caffeine when you’re battling a hangover.
PARTY
Dattera til Hagen
Grønland 10
Dattera has – hands down - the most beautiful backyard in the city. And with an unrivaled Øya Night program, thanks to the wonderful boys in Lot Lot, Dattera is sure to be packed each and every day of the week. Zomby, L-Vis 1990, Todd Terje, and Jesse Rose are just a few of the acts that will be tearing up the dance floor. Attendance is practically mandatory.
Fisk & Vilt
Pløens gate 1
The latest addition to Oslo’s club scene is Fisk & Vilt (translates into ”Fish and Game”). Lousy floor planning, yes, but the combination of cheesy ‘80s rock star photos, talented DJs (Radioclit will be hitting the decks on Saturday) and a great backyard makes a night at Fisk & Vilt a definite must in Oslo. The place is about the size of a button, so expect a line to get in.
Stratos
Youngstorget 2
Stratos, or ”The Roof of the City”, is popular not only because of its gargantuan roof terrace and wall-to-ceiling windows, but its spectacular view of the city. Ladyhawke is performing at the venue on Thursday, while Holy Ghost is rocking the boat on Saturday. A concert with a view? Yes, please.
THEA URDAL
This story was published on August 11, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
