Monastir ~ Tunisia

Two weeks ago I was in Tunisia, and since they have been influenced by French cuisine because of the earlier colonization, I had to order a crepe! It brings childhood memories, from summer vacations spent in south of France. I would order the crepe in French at my best effort; une crêpe de chocolat s’il vous plaît.

I was impressed by how well they made it. Filled with Nutella, bananas on top, and crunchy nuts, it tasted heavenly. A perfect escape for me and a real treat.

I realize it’s important to treat yourself with something you crave and allow it without feeling guilty or feeling bad after. Life is about balance, and if it makes you happy, don’t worry!

With love and care, Melanie.

Svartskog Kolonial ~ Norway

I’m back and have been absent due to lack of motivation to write, because I’m not sure if somebody out there is reading my blog posts. If you are, I’m hoping the content is something for you and that you like my blog.

I was on a quick visit home, and it felt like “there’s no place like home”. It’s an attachment to memories, places, family and friends. It reconnects me, makes me centered again and refuels my soul with a fresh spirit, ready again to take on the world.

While home, I visited this beautiful, charming café in Svartskog, about 20/30 minutes outside Oslo city. It’s definitely an escape from all the buzz, noice and stress a city life can cause you. Here it feels like you are taking a small road trip to the mountains, surrounded by nature and quietness. There are people who live here, their houses in traditional Norwegian housebuilding style of wood, looking similar to cabins, and others in white color, Victorian style. It’s a nice walk through the neighborhood and into the woods, leading the way to the water side.

The café is a golden spot. It’s original, real and true to its personality. It has a charm inside and out, with an old, but cool sofa inviting you to relax outside the café’s door, you get it, very inviting right? And so when you step inside, it’s like coming inside a home, it’s so cozy. You get a feeling of being taken good care of, and that they define by the food, interior and spirit. It’s small, but that makes it more personal, you feel more connected through the place and the food they serve.

They serve Norwegian pastries and baking goods at mastery level, and I dare to say they make the world’s best waffel the Norwegian way. Order it with the famous brown cheese called “brunost”. Other pastries to make sure you get your hands over is the cinnamon roll and “skolebolle”; it’s a baked sweet dough with powdered sugar icing, coconut flakes topped and in the middle of it egg cream! I’m already getting water in my mouth by writing all these deliciousness this café serves.

It’s a place for everyone, for those who want to escape from the city life in Oslo or for the tourists who wants to experience the Norwegian woods and real, authentic Norwegian baking.