Other Cities
FIKA (Midtown West)
The Scoop: Given that this is our fourth FIKA feature, you probably have a pretty good understanding of their Swedish angle at this point. But, just in case you somehow missed all three boats before, here's what you need to know: Started by Swedes Lars Akerlund and David Johansson, the Midtown West-based FIKA is about as Swedish as espresso shops come. From the name (which means "to take a coffee break" in Swedish) to their beans (roasted the authentic, Swedish way... in Sweden) to their sandwiches and sweets (produced by FIKA's own resident Swedish chocolatier), no matter how you slice it, you'll end up with something Swedish. So, go on, take your best shot; try your best to find one thing at FIKA that's not authentically Swedish. We feel confident you'll come up with nothin'.
Scout Notes: I've said it before and I'll say it again, Swedish coffee is better. No, it's not in your head and yes, you heard it here first. And, since FIKA is all Swedish all the time (helloooooo, have you been paying attention at all?), ipso facto, FIKA coffee is better. Here's why: First and foremost, the coffee blend FIKA uses is roasted over in Sweden, using two types of beans (one light and one heavy), so it's a well-balanced, somewhat different flavor than what you might be used to. Second of all, their coffee drinks are frills-free. The Swedes prefer to keep things simple by laying off the extra flavors when it comes to their caffeine (with the exception of chocolate chips to create a mocha, of course), so you can really taste the coffee's richness on its own. And, if you get addicted the way I have (it's only a matter of time, folks), you can even buy FIKA's roast in bags for home brewing when you're in a pinch.
With warm weather setting in (finally, right?), just the idea of a hot latte may be enough to make you have to sit down. Not to worry; you can get any of FIKA's coffee drinks or organic teas in iced form, which is a great accompaniment to your lunch of Swedish meatballs or sandwiches. The Skagen (shrimp salad with egg, dill, red onion and lemon on a hero), Överkalix (a juniper berry-marinated cured salmon wrap with arugula, cucumber and honey mustard sauce) and Göteborg (Swedish meatball sub) are all delicious options, but don't fill up. With pastries, cookies and, of course, more chocolate truffles than you could ever possibly choose from (just get 'em all, trust me), all of which are made from old, Swedish family recipes, you'll definitely want to save room for dessert. I mean, just look at those coconut-covered, oat and cocoa-filled Chcolate Balls—can't you hear them calling your name?
Menu Highlights:
Iced Organic Tea, $2.50
Iced Macchiato, $2.50
Iced Cappuccino, $3.50
Iced Latte, $3.75
Skagen, $9
Göteborg, $9
Överkalix, $10
Chocolate Ball, $2
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Scout Notes: I've said it before and I'll say it again, Swedish coffee is better. No, it's not in your head and yes, you heard it here first. And, since FIKA is all Swedish all the time (helloooooo, have you been paying attention at all?), ipso facto, FIKA coffee is better. Here's why: First and foremost, the coffee blend FIKA uses is roasted over in Sweden, using two types of beans (one light and one heavy), so it's a well-balanced, somewhat different flavor than what you might be used to. Second of all, their coffee drinks are frills-free. The Swedes prefer to keep things simple by laying off the extra flavors when it comes to their caffeine (with the exception of chocolate chips to create a mocha, of course), so you can really taste the coffee's richness on its own. And, if you get addicted the way I have (it's only a matter of time, folks), you can even buy FIKA's roast in bags for home brewing when you're in a pinch.
With warm weather setting in (finally, right?), just the idea of a hot latte may be enough to make you have to sit down. Not to worry; you can get any of FIKA's coffee drinks or organic teas in iced form, which is a great accompaniment to your lunch of Swedish meatballs or sandwiches. The Skagen (shrimp salad with egg, dill, red onion and lemon on a hero), Överkalix (a juniper berry-marinated cured salmon wrap with arugula, cucumber and honey mustard sauce) and Göteborg (Swedish meatball sub) are all delicious options, but don't fill up. With pastries, cookies and, of course, more chocolate truffles than you could ever possibly choose from (just get 'em all, trust me), all of which are made from old, Swedish family recipes, you'll definitely want to save room for dessert. I mean, just look at those coconut-covered, oat and cocoa-filled Chcolate Balls—can't you hear them calling your name?
Menu Highlights:
Iced Organic Tea, $2.50
Iced Macchiato, $2.50
Iced Cappuccino, $3.50
Iced Latte, $3.75
Skagen, $9
Göteborg, $9
Överkalix, $10
Chocolate Ball, $2
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
