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Qype: Glenn Miller Cafe in Stockholm

Stockholm

I moved to Stockholm last Saturday. By Wednesday night, I’d already found the best jazz venue in Stockholm.

This place blew my socks off.

Totally hidden in a very central part of Stockholm, the Glenn Miller Cafe is a total gem of a jazz establishment. I felt like I walked into an eastern European, jazz bar circa 1930. The venue is small and is a restaurant/bar. The ceilings are high, the decor is inspired, the owners are wonderful. I’m convinced it’s the best venue in which to see a local jazz trio. And a great one at that.

When I came on Wednesday, a local scando-jazz quartet completely inspired me with some amazing jazz. Very outside, extreme jazz. Mindblowing jazz. I was totally surprised by the level of music that was being played. Reminiscent of Ornette Coleman at the Golden Circle here in Stockholm 40 years ago…

It was crowded. We managed a table off to the side. So if you don’t like small crowded places, reconsider. However, the crowd makes the place and adds to the energy. The beer and wine was flowing. The crowd was a local, loyal group of jazz enthusiasts of all ages. Everyone was into the music. The energy was awesome.

Oh…and no cover. Someone comes around with a donation basket and you’re free to give as much as you want. Unreal.

I will definitely be a regular here.

Check out my review of Glenn Miller Cafe - I am dunedonkey - on Qype

Qype: Koh Phangan in Stockholm

Stockholm - Restaurants - Thai

Koh Phangan is actually some of the best Thai food I have ever had. I am by no means a Thai food connoisseur, so my experience is limited, but I have eaten enough to know the difference between the Thai food I ate in San Francisco, and the Thai food at Koh Phangan. It’s only now that I realize how San Francisco thai food truly pales in comparison. In retrospect, SF’s Thai scene is made up of bland, uninspiring cuisine.

Koh Phangan inspires on many levels. The food was really excellent. The Penang Neu, the Chicken Satay, and the Pad Thai, all very standard Thai dishes were all better than I’ve previously had. They were extremely flavorful and extremely spicy, so if you don’t like spicy food, buyer beware.

The ambiance is fun. It’s a bit tacky and overdone for my taste, especially when the lights went out and there was a thunder and lightning display, but the quality of the cuisine is enough for me to sit through it and enjoy the atmosphere. Plus…the urinals are metal buckets. That was pretty funny.

PS: Great beer selection

Check out my review of Koh Phangan - I am dunedonkey - on Qype