So, I finally did it. Jumped right into the whole Minnesota lutefisk dinner scene. You hear folks talking about it, some with a sort of reverence, others… well, others make faces. I figured, after all these years hearing bits and pieces, I had to go check one out myself. It’s one of those things, you know? You just gotta experience it to get what all the fuss, or lack thereof, is about.
Finding a Feed and The Whole Setup
First off, finding one isn’t too hard if you’re in the right season, usually late fall through winter. Lots of churches, especially Lutheran ones, put these on. I picked one that a buddy mentioned, paid my dues at the door – felt like stepping back in time a bit. The smell hits you when you walk in. Not bad, just… distinct. A mix of steamed fish, potatoes, and something sweet, probably the desserts.
The place was buzzing. Down in the church basement, long tables set up, people everywhere. Lots of older folks, families too. It’s a real community thing, you can tell. Volunteers were hustling, refilling water pitchers, clearing plates. Everyone seemed to know their job, moving like a well-oiled machine, even if it was a bit chaotic in a charming way. You grab a tray, get in line, and shuffle along.
Tackling the Star of the Show (and its Buddies)
Alright, the food. That’s what we’re here for, right? The line moved pretty quick, and there it was – the lutefisk. It just sat there, kinda pale and jiggly. I took a modest scoop. They say you gotta douse it in melted butter, and boy, they weren’t kidding. There was a whole station just for ladling on the butter. Some folks add white sauce, but I went pure butter for my first real go.
And you know what? With enough butter, it wasn’t the horror show some make it out to be. It’s mild, real mild. The texture is the thing that gets most people, I reckon. It’s… gelatinous. But not offensive, not to me anyway. Just different.
But listen, the lutefisk dinner isn’t just about the lutefisk. Thank goodness, some might say. Here’s what else was piled on my plate:
- Lefse: Oh man, the lefse. Thin potato flatbread, soft and wonderful. I rolled mine up with butter and a sprinkle of sugar. Could have eaten a stack of just that. Some folks were real artists, rolling it perfectly.
- Meatballs: Good, solid Swedish meatballs. You can’t go wrong. These were a welcome sight, real savory.
- Potatoes: Boiled potatoes, perfect for soaking up more butter or gravy from the meatballs.
- Cranberry sauce: A bit of tartness to cut through all the richness. Necessary.
- Rommegrot: Some places have it, this one did. A rich, creamy porridge. Took a little bit, super filling.
And then dessert! They had krumkake, those delicate rolled cookies, and some kind of pie. I was stuffed, but you gotta try a bit of everything. It’s part of the deal.
My Two Cents on the Whole Shebang
So, what’s the verdict? I’m glad I went. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a tradition, a cultural thing. You see generations of families. People are friendly, everyone’s chatting. It’s like a big, slightly quirky family reunion where the main dish is famously divisive.
Would I rush back every week? Probably not for the lutefisk itself. But for the whole experience? Yeah, I can see doing it again. It’s a slice of Minnesota, that’s for sure. You go, you eat, you soak in the atmosphere, and you leave feeling like you’ve participated in something that’s been going on for a long, long time. And my biggest takeaway: don’t skimp on the butter for the lutefisk, and definitely load up on the lefse. That’s where the real magic is, if you ask me.
