Magnus Nilsson. Photo by Erik Olsson (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Nordic chef Magnus Nilsson debuts photography at American Swedish Institute
Minneapolis is the first stop for the internationally acclaimed Swedish chef as he presents a traveling exhibit of his photography.
April 14, 2016 at 5:05PM
Once again, the Twin Cities is attracting international chefs.
Magnus Nilsson, the 32-year-old chef of Sweden's acclaimed Faviken Magasinet restaurant -- who is also an accomplished photographer and cookbook author -- is headed to Minneapolis. Mark your calendar for June 1 to June 4 when he will be present to introduce an exhibition of his photos at the American Swedish Institute (2600 Park Av., Mpls.). The traveling exhibit, "Nordic: A Photographic Essay of Landscapes, Food and People," will be open from June 2 to Aug. 14 before it moves on to another city.
The oversize images on display come from "The Nordic Cook Book," Nilsson's sweeping look of the Far North countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland, as well as Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands), which was published last year. The massive book includes more than 700 recipes from home cooks (including reindeer heart stew and seal soup) as well as commentary, both historical and personal. Nilsson spent three years researching the book, during which he took more than 8,000 photographs.
Visitors will also get a peek at Nilsson and his Swedish restaurant in a parallel display of photos by Minnesota-based photographer Cameron Wittig, who focuses on images of the restaurant, kitchen and the workings of the chef, with commentary by Swedish journalist Po Tidholm.
Tickets to the ASI public events go on sale Friday, April 8. For more information or purchase, see ASImn.org or call 612-871-4907.
Here are the exhibit events and when you can see Nilsson:
Wednesday, June 1/ Beer and spirits tasting party and exhibition preview, 7-10 p.m., ASI courtyard and Fika restaurant. Featuring handcrafted libation samples by regional distilleries, with music and carving demos and more. Welcome remarks by Magnus Nilsson. Tickets: $30-$35.
Friday, June 3/ Nordic Heirloom Recipe Exchange, 2-3 p.m. Moderated by Richard Tellstrom, food historian at Stockholm University. Remarks by Magnus Nilsson. ASI Paulson Hall. Tickets: $12-$15.
Friday, June 3/ A Night at the Chef's Table/ 6:30-10 p.m. Menu and libations curated by Fika chef John Krattenmaker with guest chefs Tim McKee of LIbertine, Ryan Cook of Sea Change, Alex Roberts of Restaurant Alma and Brasa, and Jim Christiansen of Heyday. There is likely to be a whole pig roasting in the ASI courtyard, weather permitting. Remarks by Magnus Nilsson. Introduction by Star Tribune restaurant critic Rick Nelson, ASI courtyard. Tickets: $185-$200.
Saturday, June 4/ A conversation with Magnus Nilsson. Moderator is Lee Svitak Dean, Star Tribune food editor. 10-11 a.m., ASI Larson Hall. Tickets $12-$15.
The program continues after Nilsson's departure, with Nordic specialty cocktail tours of the exhibit at 6:30-8 p.m. on June 10 and 30; July 7, 15 and 24, and Aug. 5, with a discussion of photography, culture or Nordic culinary traditions part of the mix, along with light appetizers from Fika and three Nordic cocktails. Tickets: $50-$55.
Regular exhibition tours will be offered throughout the run at 11 a.m. every Wednesday and Sunday.
Deep-fried puffy tacos, dough ‘knots’ and s’mores ice cream sandwiches scored high on our list.