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, 2023Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedSeptember 2024
Sep 11, 2024Barcelona Serves a Full Menu of After-Hours Treats
Barcelona comes alive after 5 for tapeando at bars, where drinks pair with tapas in small-plate portions, bite-sized pintxos on bread, or sharing-size raciones. Order anchovies, olives, marinated mushrooms, chorizo, jamón ibérico (ham), grilled shrimp, pan con tomate (garlicy tomato spread on baguette), patatas bravas (fried potato cubes in a spicy sauce), tortilla omelet, or lobster in brandy and tuna tartare.
Sponsored Content
Extend Your Stay In Trendy Madrid
With its rich artistic and natural heritage, its outstanding transport network, the quality of its accommodation, its excellent gastronomy, and the passion with which the people of Madrid enjoy both the day and the night, the capital of Spain is one of the most attractive cities in the world.
Daily
Sep 11, 2024How to Indulge in Boutique Luxury in Coastal Mississippi
Not quite ready to switch your closet over to sweaters and snow boots? Head to laid-back, still- warm Coastal Mississippi. Steeped in Southern charm and dotted with quirky waterside towns, it’s the perfect destination antidote to temperature drops in other parts of the country. Here are a few boutique hotels to consider as a base for a getaway:
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 11, 2024The Somerset on Grace Bay Review
If you’re taking a large family getaway or a “friendcation,” regular hotel rooms might not cut it. Even if you book adjoining rooms or a more spacious suite, accommodations most likely still won’t have all of the amenities to make your stay as comfortable as it could be. But if your brood happens to be planning a beach getaway to Turks & Caicos, The Somerset on Grace Bay can provide an inviting oceanside home away from home.
Sponsored Content
Sunflower Accessibility Program Featured at O’Hare and Midway Airports
Travelers with invisible disabilities passing through O’Hare and Midway International Airports can now discreetly signal they need assistance thanks to a new Chicago Department of Aviation partnership that helps create more accessible and inclusive spaces.
eFlyer News
Sep 11, 2024Aurora Expeditions Expands Beyond the Polar Regions in 2026
Aurora Expeditions announced an expansion to new destinations beyond the Polar regions, including the Mediterranean, Atlantic Coast and Southeast Asia, a first for the brand. As part of its new 2026 Arctic and Beyond season, the travel company introduces a brand-new style of exploration: small-ship cruises.
Will Rome Limit Access to Trevi Fountain?
eFlyer News
Sep 11, 2024Silversea Launches New Promotion
eFlyer Deals
Sep 11, 2024eFlyer Lead
Sep 11, 2024Bali Bans New Hotel, Tourism Developments
Indonesia just announced a moratorium on the building of new hotels, nightclubs and villas in some areas of Bali in a bid to control overdevelopment of the land and reform tourism on the popular resort island.
Sponsored Content
Daejeon Prepares for Its Iconic Zero O’Clock Festival
Daejeon, South Korea, looks forward to August 2024 and the return of its iconic tradition, the Zero O’Clock Festival. This year, the event is held Aug. 9 –17 with a time travel theme featuring past, present and future zones. Find events pertaining to each zone’s characteristics in the area of Jungang-ro Street, from Daejeon Station to the former site of the South Chungcheong Provincial Office. These streets will be free of vehicles, and public transportation is highly recommended.
Daily
Sep 11, 2024AmaWaterways Introduces Stateroom Upgrade Program
AmaWaterways officially launched its new Stateroom Upgrade Program, allowing travelers to enhance their river cruise experience by upgrading to a higher category stateroom. Guests who already reserved a river cruise can participate in an online auction system to request and bid for stateroom upgrades. The program offers cruisers the chance to name their ideal price for an upgrade on select sailings.
ShareThis