At age 33 Chef Niklas Ekstedt returned to his roots. Growing up in a little village in Sweden, during his chef training he found himself gravitating toward ingredients and tastes from other countries and away from the rustic slow cooking of the Jämtland forests. However, in 2011 he opened Ekstedt in central Stockholm, exploring the age-old techniques of Swedish cooking.
He also brought his renowned Nordic cooking to MSC Cruises, on board its MSC World Europa at Chef ’s Garden Kitchen, featuring the first-at-sea hydroponic garden and offering an immersive experience. Ekstedt’s techniques meet fresh seasonal ingredients in dishes like scallop ceviche; seared langoustine tail; and dessert of meringue, sea buckthorn, white chocolate and verbena.
WHICH FOOD IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? AND ON THE OPPOSITE END OF THE SPECTRUM, WHAT IS ONE INGREDIENT OR FOOD YOU HATE TO USE?
My guilty pleasure in food would have to be chocolate fondue. There’s something nostalgic about dipping fresh fruits and marshmallows into that velvety goodness.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, I must admit I don’t like to use processed foods in my cooking. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are at the heart of my philosophy.
WHAT DISHES WOULD YOU SERVE AT A PRIVATE DINNER PARTY?
For a private dinner party, I would definitely try to grill a vegetable that is unexpected, like watermelon or cucumber. It’s always fun to see how the guest reacts when they get a vegetable they’re not used to seeing grilled.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEAL YOU EVER PREPARED ON YOUR OWN?
Ah, my first solo culinary adventure! I fondly remember preparing a classic Swedish meatball dish. It was a treasured family recipe passed down through generations.
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IN ONE DISH, WHICH DISH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
If I were to describe my personal style in one dish, it would undoubtedly be my signature dish in my restaurant in Stockholm: beef fat-cooked oysters. It’s the one that has been with me the longest, and people really love it.
WHICH CULINARY TREND WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISAPPEAR?
As for culinary trends, one I’d like to see disappear is the excessive use of molecular gastronomy. While it can be a fascinating technique, some chefs prioritize spectacle over taste and connection to the ingredients. For me, cooking is about celebrating the technique it originates from.
CHEF’S GARDEN KITCHEN
MSC World Europa
MSC Cruises
msccruisesusa.com
Read This Next
Are You Guilty of Fraud on Expenses?
September 2023
Sep 30, 2023
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 26, 2024Accor Unveils Its First Handwritten Collection Brand in the United States
San Francisco, a city renowned for its commercial hubs and cultural sites, will become the first destination in the United States for one of Accor's newest brands, Handwritten Collection. The city’s Hotel Stratford San Francisco, Handwritten Collection is a European-style boutique property located near Union Square on the famous Powell Street cable car line. The area will now have the Handwritten Collection name behind it. The property becomes Accor's third hotel in San Francisco, joining the Fairmont properties atop Nob Hill and at Ghirardelli Square.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Don’t risk losing all the money you’ve spent if you must cancel your trip at the last minute. Allianz Travel Insurance can give you:
Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 26, 2024Bask in Nature’s Tranquility at The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo
When the two of us entered The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo, past the backlit boutique items and local artisan-painted wood carvings, the place wrapped us in a feeling of tranquility. Its stone walls, earth tones, woven wall hangings and furniture made of natural materials reminded us we are part of nature’s spectrum, the abundant windows showing native plants and trees outside.
Daily
Jul 26, 20244 Boutique Hotels with Exclusive Wedding Buyout Offerings
Couples looking for an over-the-top wedding, consider one of these properties around the world, offering total property buyouts to say your “I do’s.”
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
Airlines
Jul 26, 2024BermudAir Maximizes Choices for Travelers with New Options
BermudAir announced an expanded fare structure, allowing customers to choose from five fare types across economy and business class, up from the previous three options. Travelers can now select fares based on their preferences for lounge access, checked baggage, change fees, refunds and priority boarding.
Discover Hvar, Croatia’s, Best-Kept Secrets
Daily
Jul 25, 2024Daily
Jul 24, 2024SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites Introduces Custom Wine Itineraries
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites offers guests personalized journeys to Mendoza’s finest wineries from Susana Balbo’s family. Immerse yourself in bespoke wine itineraries recommended by Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker; her son and third-generation winemaker, José Lovaglio Balbo; and her daughter, hotelier and wine tourism marketer, Ana Lovaglio Balbo.
Sponsored Content
Paradisus by Meliá Redefines the All-Inclusive Experience
Paradisus by Meliá, a leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand, is taking the hospitality world by storm with its latest developments. With a slew of exciting developments, including a fresh property in Punta Cana, an adults-only resort in Los Cabos, an enticing chef partnership, revamped suites and much more, the brand is setting new standards for all-inclusive excellence. Each property maintains the essence of all-inclusive luxury while immersing guests in the rich tapestry of its destination, offering bespoke experiences that celebrate local culture and heritage. Paradisus is on a mission to redefine the all-inclusive paradigm, moving beyond conventional expectations to deliver personalized, lavish experiences tailored to every guest.
eFlyer Reviews
Jul 24, 2024Althoff Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg Review
After a long drive from our previous destination, it was a relief to see Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg in our view. When we pulled into the hotel court, I felt like we were pulling up to a royal palace. Considering the hotel was originally built as a castle for Prince Elector Johann Wilhelm II of Duesseldorf and his wife, Maria-Luisa of the Medici family, my thought wasn’t that far off.
ShareThis