Chef Marcus Samuelsson is throwing a party.
St. Lucia isn’t just a country in the Caribbean: It’s also a holiday celebrated in Sweden, Norway and Finland in remembrance of Saint Lucia, an early Christian martyr. It’s kind of like a Swedish Christmas. There, girls wear white clothes and wreath crowns with candles to commemorate the day, which signifies light entering the dark months. (If you had the Kirsten American Girl doll as a kid, you may remember her Saint Lucia outfit). Here, Scandinavian restaurants around town are honoring the day with special menus.
Marcus Samuelsson celebrates his Swedish heritage with a free party at his American Table Cafe & Bar (Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, 1941 Broadway, 212-671-4200). It will have carolers, glogg (a traditional Swedish mulled wine) and food, like holiday ham that the chef will carve himself. Samuelsson will also sign copies of his memoir Yes, Chef.
At Aquavit (65 E. 55th St., 212-307-7311), the party will feature two performances from the Saint Lucia Choir and a four-course prix fixe menu from chef Marcus Jernmark(who, take it from us, is very easy on the eyes).
Did you know NYC has a Scandinavia House? We do indeed. The house, located at 58 Park Ave. (212-779-3587) is a hub for Scandinavian culture. It, as well as Smorgas Chef in the West Village (283 W. 12th St., 212-243-7073) will also host a four-course dinner on Friday. Saint Lucia singers will also perform. PS: Smorgas Chef is celebrating its 10th anniversary all month with complimentary glogg for all guests.
