Norwegian treat leaves a mark in OTC

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

A few residents of Otter Tail County, for the third time this year and in three separate months, have enjoyed lutefisk. 

The latest enjoyment of this Scandinavian treat took place Thursday noon, Dec. 7, at the Viking Café in downtown Fergus Falls. Their previous lutefisk feeds took place Oct. 27 at Walcott, North Dakota, north of Wahpeton and Nov. 16 in Barnesville.

Lunch at the Viking Café included lutefisk, mashed potatoes, peas, lefse and melted butter.

“It’s nice to see people enjoying lutefisk during the lunch hour here, between Thanksgiving and Christmas,” said server Doris Warren.

Throughout the fall and early winter, lutefisk suppers are hosted by many churches and restaurants such as the Viking Café. 

Lutefisk lunches and suppers have for many years drawn an older crowd. Such was the case at the Viking Café in Fergus Falls. However, some lutefisk lovers see younger people developing an appreciation for what many describe as a love-it-or-leave-it delicacy.

Many who say they did not like lutefisk as kids came to appreciate lutefisk as adults. This is the case for Tom Hintgen, writer of this news article.

“We still have enough lutefisk lovers to make what we do worthwhile,” Viking Cafe owner Pat Shol said. “We’re pleased with the quality of lutefisk we’ve been receiving. Cooked correctly, lutefisk is soft and flaky. Overcooked, it quickly gels.” 

Much of today’s lutefisk is really ling, a cousin of the cod. Ling processes easier and produces a whiter meat, which Americans prefer.

“We hear jokes about lutefisk lovers,” Shol said. “Detractors say lutefisk is an ethnic absurdity, abandoned by rational people. But all that matters is that we have people coming to our restaurant who love lutefisk this time of year.”