Moving from one country to another always brings with it an introduction to new cultures and a different way of approaching life. Almost 10 years ago I moved to Finland and I was of course ready to expect that some, if not many, things would work differently over here. So far I have not been disappointed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The whole sauna culture for me was something very new. My in-laws introduced me to the whole sauna experience but it was not to be for me as I get a headache from them – and not only because of the beer. It is however a major pastime in Finland and so inevitably I do get asked to provide catering at sauna parties. These are usually very relaxed parties where everyone is in a good mood since they have had the chance to get a good sauna in as well as a few refreshments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes however these parties are not quite what I expected, especially having lived in quite a conservative country such as South Africa. Mind you, Finland is also quite conservative in many respects, but once you hit the sauna all that goes out the window. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
My first experience with a guys-only sauna party and dinner was in a small seaside sauna venue in the town of Naantali. I arrived at the venue only to find a dozen naked guys wandering around the place, chatting and having beers. This is not the usual reception I have when going to do dinners where people are often nervous about having a stranger in their home and taking over. When you have the sauna, this nervousness and shyness completely disappears apparently. I must admit I was taken aback with this new situation for a short while but then I got on with cooking dinner and everyone eventually got dressed as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now this situation has become almost normal for me as well and I now regularly find myself in sauna venues, offices and private homes being confronted by naked men drinking beer before normality sets in and dinner can continue<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My menu on this occasion:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biltong pate on herbed toasts<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Poached prawns and avocado with a homemade cocktail sauce<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Butternut and orange soup with a parmesan cheese straw<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ethiopean chicken Doro Wat with boiled egg and Injeera bread<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pepper, paprika and tarragon dusted fillet of beef on roast vegetables with a red wine, chili and chocolate jus<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moroccan citrus salad marinated in honey, mint and pistachios<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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