The Route to the North Cape - Norway - page 402

Nyholmsgata 11, N-8001 Bodø. & 75-52-24-00. Fax [phone]. www.skagen-hotel.no. 72 units.
840NOK-1,290NOK ($119-$183) double; 1,590NOK-1,800NOK ($226-$256) junior suite. AE, DC, MC, V.
Amenities: Bar; gym; sauna; nonsmoking rooms; rooms for those w/limited mobility. In room: TV, dataport,
minibar, hair dryer, beverage maker.
INEXPENSIVE
Norrøna The Norrøna, known as the cheapest lodging in the town center, is
run by the nearby Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, which uses it primarily as a bed-
and-breakfast. Its prime location in the center of Bodø is one of its chief advan-
tages. The simply furnished guest rooms, though small and plain, are
comfortable. Each unit contains a well-kept bathroom with a shower or
tub/shower combination. Guests enjoy the same privileges as patrons of the
more expensive Radisson SAS Royal Hotel (see above). The hotel operates a
British-style pub called Piccadilly.
Storgata 4-B, N-8039 Bodø. & 75-51-90-60. Fax [phone] units. 600NOK-750NOK ($85-$107) dou-
ble. Rates include breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Parking at Radisson and gym. Amenities: Bar; lounge; sauna;
nonsmoking rooms. In room: TV, dataport.
WHERE TO DINE
China Garden CANTONESE This well-managed restaurant, run by emi-
grants from Hong Kong, is one of the only Asian restaurants in town. Serving
flavorful Chinese food, the restaurant's two finest dishes are sweet-and-sour
prawns and sweet-and-sour pork served with black beans and garlic. Although it
doesn't rank with Oslo's better Chinese restaurants, China Garden is a welcome
change of pace this far north.
Storgata 60. & 75-52-71-25. Reservations recommended. Main courses 140NOK ($20). AE, MC, V. Sun and
Tues-Sat 2-11pm.
Rica Hotel Restaurants NORWEGIAN/INTERNATIONAL Although
the Rica is best known for its well-maintained accommodations, it also runs two
restaurants (the Spisestuen and Blix) that serve some of the best food in town.
Usually the Spisestuen serves lunch and the Blix covers dinner, but the arrange-
ment changes depending on the number of bus tours and cruise ships expected.
Wherever the meal is served, you're likely to be joined by local residents. Entree
choices include lasagna, steak, filet of reindeer, fish soup, and fresh local fish.
You don't get palate-tantalizing excitement here, but the solid, reliable fare uses
some of the freshest ingredients available this far north.
In the Rica Hotel, Sjøgata 23. & 75-54-70-00. Lunch main courses 130NOK-225NOK ($18-$32); luncheon
buffet 195NOK ($28); dinner main courses 198NOK-225NOK ($28-$32). AE, DC, MC, V. Spisestuen daily
11:30am-2pm. Blix Mon-Sat 3-11pm and Sun 2-9pm.
Svendgård NORWEGIAN/INTERNATIONAL Although this restaurant is
managed and staffed by employees from Bodø's best-established hotel, the Radis-
son SAS (see above), it occupies a redbrick building that lies a short walk away
from the hotel itself. Inside, within a cream-colored environment that's made
cozier by a blazing open fireplace, you'll find touches of red, blue, and black, a
well-trained staff, and a tempting combination of Norwegian and international
cuisine. You might begin with a carpaccio of venison, or perhaps grilled scallops
served with terrine of oxtail, or even fried scampi with a sweet-and-sour “Asian”
sauce. Main courses focus on some of the freshest fish in Bodø, including codfish
served with shredded beetroot; poached anglerfish in a peanut-based satay sauce;
breast of duckling with an herb-based creamy risotto; or stockfish served with tar-
ragon-flavored wine sauce and fresh root vegetables. The crème brûlée, or perhaps
a parfait made from fresh Arctic berries, makes a worthy dessert.