It’s that time of year again, when the streets of Ballard fill with the nostalgic aroma of lutefisk and pickled herring: the Ballard SeafoodFest is taking over the ‘hood July 7-9.
The free festival is a celebration of all things fishy – with a Scandinavian flair of course. The cultural heritage will be well represented this year, with the Old Ballard Liquor Co. hosting two Scandinavian food booths selling nothing but seafood. “We’re raising a finger to the increasing presence of soulless fair food, frozen corn dogs and hamburgers,” owner Lexi tells us.
The Old Ballard Liquor Co. will have Tumble Swede, the Scandinavian seafood sandwich booth, with Danish coriander pickled herring, apple and beet crème sandwiches, Norwegian white pepper smoked salmon, sweet mustard and arugula sandwiches, and Swedish shrimp, egg and dilly lemon sauce (Räckmacka) sandwiches – all served on split Macrina Bakery potato baguettes.
A new addition this year will be Ole and Lena’s Herring Shack. “Our tongue-in-cheek contribution to dry Norwegian humor will be offering nothing but herring,” Lexi said. On the menu will be alderwood smoked herring, pickled herring with carrots and onions, and crispy deep fried herring, along with sides like dilly fries and pickled veggies. Both booths will have elderflower and lingonberry lemonade, made by Old Ballard.
The festival is still in need of a few volunteers, or “Deck Hands” as they call them. Every volunteer receives a free salmon dinner and beverage token. If interested, click to sign up.
