STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — In the midst of a few cancellations around the island, the Norwegian Heritage and Greek festival organizers carried on, despite the rainy weather.
Ruth Kornbrekke said the Nordic pride celebration brought several hundred guests through Nansen Lodge in Travis. By 4 p.m., Astrid Peterson’s Scandinavian canteen sold out of imported brined fish balls, chocolate candies and Nokkelost cheese.
Lines went quickly for lapskaus — a hot corned beef-potato hash treat — and freshly pressed cardamom waffles.
Chef Brian Kornbrekke of the resident catering operation Taste of Honey served pulled pork piled high on a roll.
“They were perfect comfort foods for weather like this. We were busy since we opened. I never expected a crowd as we had today. It was a warm and welcoming event, like it always is. But this year it was really exceptional with the coziness, being with the good company of fellow Staten Islanders,” said Ruth Kornbrekke, an organizer of the event and Mom of Chef Brian.
Additionally at the event, Lillian Kuell and her husband Harry worked on the Nordic Birthday Board.
Susan and Ken Olsen sold brown Swedish bread, a family tradition shared once a year with the public here at this festival. And Ellen Lindstrom played the accordion.
GOING GREEK
Meanwhile in Bulls Head, the day of mizzle forced Greek Festival organizers to food output solely at Holy Trinity–St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Dozens of items were offered to go (pickup only through 11 p.m.) on Saturday including gyros, spanakopita, moussaka, pastitsio, loukoumathes and assorted pastries.
Mother Nature put the kibosh on Oktoberfest at Pouch Camp and the Westerleigh Folk Festival a.k.a. West Fest in Westerleigh Park.
Workers at Latino restaurant Mambo’s Kitchen and Grill of Castleton Corners produced thousands of empanadas for the event. They are available for sale — chicken with cheese, beef with cheese and guava with cream cheese — at at 1903 Victory Blvd., Castleton Corners, 718-801-8506 through 9 p.m.
Owner Chris Nunez said the Cuban and Puerto Rican fare would be ideal foods on a stormy night. The restaurant delivers through GrubHub.
Source: Silive
