I'm both surprised and irritated that this essay hasn't gotten more love. Next time, maybe title it "Five Weird Tricks to Increase Substack Engagement. Number Three Will Shock You" and see what happens.
I have a very special relationship with Pippi Långstrump. Over the course of the last 30 years, I have attempted to watch Pippi in the South Seas from start to finish and have never succeeded, making it the most effective soporific I've ever encountered.
Growing up in Munich we read Pippi too. I always wanted her braids. Your story of the restaurant that seemed like it never was there is indeed sad. Sigh. Great writing Will. Love these adventures.
My German brother in law introduced me to struwwelpeter some years ago. That's some pretty serious children's lit right there. Also, thank you for such kind words.
Well, the point of the last para is that the new restaurant had inherited the oaxen account and deleted all the existing photos. Thanks so much for the kind words. Means a great deal to me.
It does seem to be a common story in Stockholm at least, where I'm most familiar with things. All 3 Michelin star places in which I cooked are now no more. Some others still going strong but it is a difficult business.
Most people don't understand restaurant nostalgia and the sense of loss when a place you gave more than your life to has vanished or [possibly worse] turned into to something else, something "less," something that lacks the soul and memories of the place you knew. All of the restaurants that shaped me in the 80's and 90's are gone except The French Laundry. And it has grown and changed so much that I'm not sure how it would feel to visit today. A few of the restaurants have been turned into something else and revisiting invoked some confusing emotions. But the memories are still vivid. And mostly the good ones.
Those formative times and the memories we have of them ARE important though, even if our friends and family can't relate. They continue to shape our love of food and cooking.
I'm both surprised and irritated that this essay hasn't gotten more love. Next time, maybe title it "Five Weird Tricks to Increase Substack Engagement. Number Three Will Shock You" and see what happens.
I have a very special relationship with Pippi Långstrump. Over the course of the last 30 years, I have attempted to watch Pippi in the South Seas from start to finish and have never succeeded, making it the most effective soporific I've ever encountered.
P.S. Beautifully done post, Mister.
well you just earned yourself the link to a bootleg recording of this live Pippi performance (coded to start at the song I mentioned) https://youtu.be/bvpy_W1c9x8?si=A6s-BO1uOhWrsA3i&t=198
I loved it, but admit to falling asleep again half way through.
P.S. Who the expletive brings babies to a live theatre performance?
Growing up in Munich we read Pippi too. I always wanted her braids. Your story of the restaurant that seemed like it never was there is indeed sad. Sigh. Great writing Will. Love these adventures.
My German brother in law introduced me to struwwelpeter some years ago. That's some pretty serious children's lit right there. Also, thank you for such kind words.
Sometimes you can go back.... even if just a little! The best thing is sharing with your children!
Beautiful post. I find it chilling that the digital record of your beloved oaxen (sp.?) has gone in a poof… how? Sweet article, thank you.
Well, the point of the last para is that the new restaurant had inherited the oaxen account and deleted all the existing photos. Thanks so much for the kind words. Means a great deal to me.
Oh that is so sad! Especially since they were such a pale even woeful copy of the real thing. Oof! Thanks for the reply! :)
Yeah, a few of my mates from Oaxen agreed it was a real shame. Makes me think how valuable such resources are, a real time capsule. so it goes.
Sad that your beautiful kitchen - so well-remembered - is no more. Is that also true of other nordic-ascendancy high-end restaurant kitchens?
It does seem to be a common story in Stockholm at least, where I'm most familiar with things. All 3 Michelin star places in which I cooked are now no more. Some others still going strong but it is a difficult business.
Love Pippi. Also how sad your restaurant has vanished almost without trace.
Pippi is my hero. Along with Moomintroll.
Love me a Moomin. My sister has always been Little My
Most people don't understand restaurant nostalgia and the sense of loss when a place you gave more than your life to has vanished or [possibly worse] turned into to something else, something "less," something that lacks the soul and memories of the place you knew. All of the restaurants that shaped me in the 80's and 90's are gone except The French Laundry. And it has grown and changed so much that I'm not sure how it would feel to visit today. A few of the restaurants have been turned into something else and revisiting invoked some confusing emotions. But the memories are still vivid. And mostly the good ones.
Those formative times and the memories we have of them ARE important though, even if our friends and family can't relate. They continue to shape our love of food and cooking.