Nordic Fellows Invite Metro Detroit Men to Lutefisk Feast

The Nordic Fellows, a local group of Scandinavian men, will gather Saturday to celebrate a rite of passage for Nordic men: the annual feast of lutefisk.

Lutefisk (LOU-ta-fisk) was created in the time of the ancient Vikings, who had to preserve their seasonal catch of cod and found that processing it with salt and hanging it out to dry would keep the fish for many months and provide nourishment through the long, dark winter months. The traditional Scandinavian pre-holiday ritual meal continues to be the brunt of jokes, and a favorite subject of Garrison Keillor on his weekly show Prairie Home Companion on National Public Radio.

To the untrained pallet, lutefisk can be a challenge because of its soft consistency. If overcooked, it has the consistency of gelatin. Lutefisk is served with one of three toppings: melted butter, a Norwegian favorite; white sauce, favored by Swedes; or a dill sauce, which has general appeal. 

Modern Norwegians, Swedes, Finns and Icelanders have never lost their taste for this delicacy, and the local Nordic Fellows are again ready to share their love with other guys who want to try it. In fact, a certificate will be issued to each and very "newbie" who takes the challenge.

Why just guys?

“We love our wives and moms, but let’s face it, most of the guys learned how to use a rifle and hunt from their dads. It’s a always been a guy thing, and we honor that tradition of learning about this manly meal from other guys,” Bob Giles, President of the Norwegian Club of Detroit, explained. “We’re so confident that the uninitiated will like this treat, that our club is offering a free first-year’s membership to every new person that attends.”

“It’s actually a complete meal served with meatballs, vegetables, and a beverage,” adds Gene Steensma, President of the Sons of Norway lodge in Auburn Hills.

The Nordic Fellows invite any interested men to join them at the Swedish Club at 22398 Ruth Street in Farmington Hills for the feast of Lutefisk beginning at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Tickets are $30 and very limited, so reservations are required. Call Huntington Woods resident Dennis Flessland, who serves as Consul at the Royal Norwegian Consulate in Detroit, at 248-547-6379 to save a spot.