Den Glade Gris: A Porky Rollercoaster of Sins and Surprises that felt like a Tourist Trap.
Oh, strap yourselves in, folks, because my escapade to Den Glade Gris in Oslo was a wild ride that left my taste buds questioning their life choices. If you're the type who enjoys culinary experiments that border on the absurd, this place might just be your holy grail. Or should I say, grease-stained grail?
Let's dive right into the good stuff—the staff. Picture this: they were so friendly that it felt like they were trying to oil me up as much as their dishes. Their smiles practically blinded me, perhaps a well-rehearsed tactic to distract from the gastronomic pandemonium that awaited.
Now, let's talk decor. It was a mix of "kind of okay" and "did I just stumble into someone's kitsch collection?" You see, Den Glade Gris managed to nail the art of decorating with a slight identity crisis. But hey, at least it smelled nice! I guess that's the silver lining when your senses are about to be assaulted by an oil ambush.
Ah, the scent. The aroma that greeted me was akin to a well-choreographed dance of pork and potatoes, conspiring to mask the impending tsunami of oil that would coat my taste buds like a bad decision you can't escape.
Let's move on to the main attraction—the "Flatbanka gris." What a masterpiece of contradictions! If you've ever wondered what a schnitzel's mid-life crisis tastes like, this dish has the answer. With each bite, I couldn't decide whether I was eating food or providing a lubricant service to my insides.
The butterfried green peas, a.k.a. "butter peas," deserve their own accolades for showcasing the true power of butter. If butter was a religion, Den Glade Gris would be its holy temple, and these peas, its devout worshippers. And the tartar sauce? Let's just say it was the quirky friend who crashes the party and steals the show in all the wrong ways.
Now, for the pièce de résistance—the potatoes. Imagine crispy spuds soaked in a bath of oil, like they had taken a dip in the Fountain of Grease. Each bite left a mark, a memory, and probably a new entry in my cholesterol level.
And the portion size? Well, it was so petite that even a squirrel would have questioned its nutritional adequacy. I guess they were aiming for a "less is oilier" approach.
So, to Den Glade Gris, I salute you for a rollercoaster of flavors and a journey that left me questioning my life choices. From the friendly staff that seemed to know I needed a morale boost to the kind-of-okay decor that prepared me for the unexpected, you delivered an experience that's sure to remain etched in my heart... or maybe that's just the residual oil coating. 368kr is way too overpriced, there are far more better choices in the area with delicious food for half the price! Until we meet again - "never ever", Den Glade Gris, may your pigs keep sizzling and your butter peas...
Read moreWe can try it with the old Police tune, but instead with the chorus I'm a Trinidadian in Norway. Oslo to be exact. After an 8 hour drive from Bergen. I got to my hotel, unpacked my things, asked the amazing Gurou, who worked at the front desk of the Smarthotel Oslo for recommendations to eat. I told her I loved to try local cuisine whenever I visit a place, so she suggested Den Glade Gris, which translates to The Happy Pig. Well, I was down to stuff my face after driving all day, so it was a match made in heaven. It was a short walk from the hotel, which was great because it started to rain. When I got there and the place was packed and pretty lively. I ended up sitting at over if the tables across from the bar. In desperate need of a drink, I ordered a Freydenlund bokkol, and went with what was par for the course and ordered the 3 course special. The first course was pickled whale and herring I believe. I love to try new things, so when the opportunity arose, I couldn't say no. Very interesting and refreshing taste, which paired very well with the beer. The main course, which everyone was raving about, was the roasted pig knuckle, with potatoes and vegetables. The portion was huge, as you will see in the pictures and incredibly delectable. The roasting of the meat gave it a crisp exterior and kept all the flesh inside hot and moist. It was just what I needed. I had no idea what time it was or what time they closed, but I picked up on the signal of people leaving and the waiters and bartenders starting to clean up. I apologized profusely for keeping them back. But the waiters, and the owner who came out later, were extremely friendly and reassured me that it was no bother at all. My server even reminded me that I still had dessert coming. I had no idea how I was going to eat more, but I decided to give it a go. Dessert was a strawberry puree it seemed with a little butter or cream cheese in it. It was like a modern take on cheesecake, not too heavy, not too sweet and just right to put a perfect finish on the meal. Den Glade Gris is definitely on my list of dining favorites. The food is amazing and the staff, even moreso. I just need to plan to spend more time the next time and try some more amazing...
Read moreA Great Experience at Den Glade Gris – Even Without Pork!
I recently visited Den Glade Gris in Oslo, a restaurant well-known for its slow-cooked pork dishes. Despite its name (which translates to The Happy Pig), I don’t eat pork, so I was initially unsure about my options. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of non-pork dishes on the menu.
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a rustic charm that made the dining experience enjoyable. The staff was friendly and accommodating, taking the time to help me navigate the menu and find something I’d enjoy.
For my meal, I opted for the juniper-smoked trout, which was beautifully prepared and had a deep, rich flavor. The classic shrimp sandwich was another standout, with fresh ingredients that balanced well. They also had a selection of vegetarian options upon request, showing that they cater to different dietary preferences.
While the restaurant specializes in pork, I never felt limited in my choices. The drink selection was also impressive, with a wide variety of Norwegian craft beers and other beverages.
If you’re looking for a restaurant with excellent food, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere—whether you eat pork or not—I highly recommend...
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