Community Invited to Dec. 7 Farmington Hills Lutefisk Feast

A group of local Scandinavians who gather in Farmington Hills each year for an annual lutefisk feast have opened their Dec. 7 celebration to the community.  

Held at 11:30 a.m. at the Swedish Club of Detroit, the event is hosted by members of the Nordic Fellows. 

According to chief luncheon organizer Dennis Flessland of Huntington Woods, “This year we’ll reveal some interesting secrets about lutefisk…things I never even knew. That makes this an educational event." 

But it’s always fun as well, he added. "Many who attend also come with a fresh story or joke to pass along. Some of the stories deal with getting along with the spouse, the kids or the boss, but it’s all good natured fun, and we all walk away with smiles on our faces.”

One secret that can be revealed in advance is that it takes your full attention to eat lutefisk, just as it takes complete concentration to prepare it. 

Head lutefisk chef Merle Foss of Ann Arbor, knows this to be true. 

“Lutefisk is sometimes an odiferous meal if not correctly prepared,” he said. “It started centuries ago when the Vikings preserved their summer catch of cod to eat in the winter months. Usually the fish was preserved with salt, but later other chemicals were used, all of which are completely removed before cooking the fillets. What’s left is a very tasty piece of fish, if correctly prepared."

Novice chefs tend to overcook it, and then it becomes more like gelatin, Foss said. "I think that’s where Lutefisk got its bad rap. But never at our luncheon,” he added.

To join in the fun, call 248-547-6379 for reservations. The $30 lunch is a complete meal with – besides lutefisk – meatballs, vegetables, potatoes, pickled beets, and beverages.

Source: Nordic Fellows press release