Title: Petter Schjerven‘s Annual Rakfisk Feast: A Talk with ‘Typisk Norsk’ and ‘Typisk Deg’ Host
The aroma of raclette cheese and freshly made churros filled the air at Oslo’s Spikersuppa Christmas market as ‘Dagbladet Bok’ met with ‘Typisk Norsk’ and ‘Typisk Deg’ host, Petter Schjerven, to discuss his new Christmas-themed book, ‘Jul under krigen II’. Apart from learning about how Norwegians celebrated Christmas with rationed food behind blackout curtains, we also delved into what gets Petter Schjerven into the festive mood and, of course, his famous rakfisk lag or ‘c Ursula’.
Get into the Christmas Spirit with Petter Schjerven
Petter Schjerven, a 57-year-old grandfather of five, swears by a mix of traditions to get him in the festive mood. "Listening to Christmas carols, decorating the tree with my grandkids, and preparing my special rakfisk lag are some of the things that make me feel truly Christmasy,” he shared.
The Infamous Rakfisk Lag
The annual rakfisk feast at Petter’s villa in Nordstrand, Oslo, has become a talked-about tradition in Norwegian media circles. "It’s a pre-Christmas tradition we started 14 years ago, with only one year off due to the pandemic," Petter revealed proudly.
When asked about the notorious snub of ‘Radioresepsjonen’ and ‘Papaya’ comedians Tore Sagen, Bjarte Tjøstheim, and Steinar Sagen, Petter laughed it off. "It’s become a running gag. After Tore and Live Nelvik missed a few years back, radio hosts Bjarte and Steinar started teasing Tore about not being invited. We all have a good laugh about it."
A Rakfisk Feast like No Other
Petter’s rakfisk lag is no ordinary fish dish. Served cold with flatbread, potato leftovers, and a dollop of sour cream, it’s a Norwegian Christmas classic. The guest list is stacked with celebrities, with ‘Atle Antonsen’, ‘Linn Skåber’, and ‘Ine Jansen’ being regulars, along with culture vultures like Steinar and Bjarte.
While Tore Sagen jokes about not being invited, Petter assures us, "It’s all in good fun. I’m sure he’d be welcome if he could make it."
Wishing You a Merry Christmas
As we wrapped up our interview, Petter wished all his festive guests a Merry Christmas. "Jeg ønsker alle deltakerne som var i rakfisklaget en riktig god jul," he said, smiling.
From the aroma of raclette at the Christmas market to the laughter-filled rakfisk feast, it’s clear that Petter Schjerven knows how to get into the Christmas spirit. Here’s to another year of rakfisk laughter and good cheer!
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