As I walked into the small Norwegian store in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Bay Ridge, I could smell this distinct sweet aroma in the air. Store owners Helene Bakke and her daughter Arlene Rutuelo of Nordic Delicacies frequently use the spice cardamom in their baked goods. Their Kransekaker which is a traditional almond cake decorated with candies and Norwegian style waffles, which are to die for; are just a few of the numerous baked good available at this store. Nordic Delicacies also sells their “finger-licking”, famous lamb ribs and their “don’t knock it till you try it” fish pudding made with fresh cod.
As I noticed the decor in the store, my eyes were ready to pop out of my head. Scandinavian decorations in conjunction with their culture filled the store. The vibrant colors of red and blue flew freely amongst the store. Directly through the front door, customers can expect to be drawn to the food display case filled with all types prepared foods. Next to the display case is another display case but with small gifts and items. Nordic Delicacies sells authentic Norwegian cook books, assorted Norwegian style napkins, and even an electric iron to make your own delicious cookies. This store is located on 3rd avenue between Bay Ridge Avenue and Ovington Avenue. Simply hop on the next R train and get off at Bay Ridge Avenue. The store is only a block away from the train station.
Nordic Delicacies would’ve been just another store back in the 1950s but a community once rich with Norwegians was beginning to dwindle and disappear in the 1970s. Many of the Norwegian immigrants that lived in Bay Ridge from the 1950s and 1960s had moved away because of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 which put a stop on all the immigrants coming into America from Norway. However, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 opened the door for immigrants from other countries to enter America, such as Morocco and Ireland.
In 1987, Bakke and Rutuelo decided that they didn’t want to see their culture disappear from Bay Ridge. They opened Nordic Delicacies to preserve their culture in a neighborhood they call home.
“We felt a little sad and decided that we didn’t want to see our culture die.” says Rutuelo. “So we took steps to find location and after a year we opened this store.”
Using unwritten recipes passed down from previous generations, Rutuelo cooks her dishes to sell to those that still demand it. However, she didn’t always know how to cook the dishes.
“When we first started here, it drove me crazy because she did a pinch of that and a pinch of this but I would tell my mom I needed recipes!” says Rutuelo. “Hers was always perfect and I struggled but now 28-years later, I can do the same thing.”
When Nordic Delicacies first opened in 1987, most of their customers were walk-in customers who would order from the neighborhood. However as the diversity of the residents changed in the neighborhood so did the customers. What started as a favor to some loyal customers who moved away from Brooklyn became an everyday occurrence.
“We did it as a favor to some of our customers who begged us to ship to Ohio.” says Rutuelo. “I didn’t even know what mail order was back then but now we ship throughout all 50 states.”
Customers who wish to order from Nordic Delicacies can go to their website and print out an order form. Customers will need to fill out the form and mail it to the store or have the other option of calling in to place their order. Another option that is always available is the walk in option as customers can expect to be greeted warmly by the family as they take in the consuming smell of the delicious authentic Norwegian food.
Nordic Delicacies manages to stay in business because of their dedication to their community in providing a Norwegian cultural store. With big corporate stores like Target and Costco taking over Brooklyn, it is difficult for small businesses like Nordic Delicacies to stay open. Many residents buy their foods at the big businesses. When asked how they compete against the big stores Rutuelo responded by saying “Costco doesn’t sell Norwegian food.”