The Nordic Deli
The Nordic Deli is one of the few, if any delis in the immediate area that cater to a Scandinavian cliental. It is located in the Bay Ridge are of Brooklyn and has been serving the community for at least five decades. In previous source studies, it was mentioned that Bay Ridge contained a large immigrant population, including a large Norwegian population. Originally founded to help Norwegian and other Scandinavian people assimilate, it has served many different ethnicities throughout the years.
The Nordic Deli doesn’t seclude itself from American culture. Many soups on the menu aren’t typical cuisine one would consider to be Norwegian. For instance, minestrone soup is offered, which is an Italian soup. There are also items you can get that are offered in local delis such as potato salad and macaroni salad, but the family prides itself on making the soups and salads, “homemade, by hand”.
A customer will find a whole wall dedicated to different types of berry preserves, some of which might seem unusual and many people have never heard of before. A few of these unusual berry preserves include Lingonberry, Cloudberry, and Gooseberry. Next to the berry preserves is a large supply of cod liver oil. One customer said “it’s an old-fashioned remedy” and “it tasted horrible”. On another wall, a customer can find a large section of soups and teas. Next to this section is a cheese selection, which among others contains Gulost and Nøkkelost. There is also a section in the middle with canned fish products and scones. In the back there is the counter where orders for fresh salads, soups, and other products can be taken.
The business is a family business. The owners are from Norway. Both started the business when they were young. Both are seniors but, the wife stills works everyday. Their daughter and granddaughter now help out. The daughter often works the merchandise counter which displays jewelry, apparel, and knick-knacks imported from Scandinavian countries. These items are also displayed in the window, with flags of Norway as well.
One item that reflects the culture, aside from the large selection of fish and soups, would have to berry preserves. Lingonberry is “one of the more popular” preserve. The Lingonberry preserve represents the need to can things for the long winters the Nordic countries have. The growing season is short so, whatever is grown must be able to last the winter. Lingonberry is also something most Americans aren’t familiar with, when many Americans think of preserves they think of grape or peach or apple. Lingonberry is something that is grown in the Nordic countries so; the people in Nordic countries used what was around them.
