Honing in on their Scandinavian heritage, Aster, the Nordic-French inspired restaurant situated in Victoria’s new food hub, Nova Food, are putting on a kräftpremiär or traditional crayfish feasting dinner on the 31st August. Executive Chef, Helena Puolakka, who creates Nordic cuisine from her Finnish heritage using classic French techniques, has created a number of mouth-watering crayfish dishes to celebrate all things midsummer to be served with Provencal Rosé on the terrace at the banquet.
Traditionally held during August due to crayfish harvesting in Sweden being legally limited to late summer, the celebrations are held outside and feature numerous crayfish dishes, most commonly cooked with dill, paper hats, lanterns and bibs. Staying true to form, Aster are going to be hosting their feast on the terrace, diners will be treated to a dozen Wiltshire crayfish served the traditional way with dill and sourdough, and copious glasses of Cote de Provence Rosé, followed by either creamed girolles, crispy pancetta and poached hen egg on brioche; hot smoked arctic char, pickled cucumber, with lace potato and prawn velouté or rump of lamb with provençale vegetables and lemon thyme jus. To finish off there will be a choice of Blueberry crème fraiche tart; Nordic mess or the signature dessert, The Marshall (rhubarb sorbet and Aquavit), to give a sweet ending to the evening.
Originally from the south-west coast of Finland where crayfish traditionally were harvested in August, Helena wanted to bring this tradition of summertime eating to London and celebrate crayfish in all its freshwater glory, creating an unusual but delicious combination by pairing it with rosé. The mild white flesh of the shellfish complements the delicate and white fruit aromas of the rosé perfectly, making for a heavenly match to be enjoyed whilst basking in the sun on the terrace at Aster.
Devour crayfish and sip on rosé as Aster transports you to the shores of Scandinavia and the Mediterranean coastline for a traditional crayfish banquet.
About Aster
Aster, the latest restaurant from D&D London, is situated in Victoria’s new food hub, Nova Food. The 10,000 square foot space, designed by Russell Sage Studio, is set across two floors, a café and deli can be found on the ground floor, and upstairs a stylish restaurant and bar. Helena Puolakka, Executive Chef, takes the helm in the kitchen, serving Nordic cuisine from her Finnish heritage complemented by classic French dishes and techniques refined over her career.
Traditional Crayfish Banquet – 31st August – £52
Aster, 150 Victoria St, Westminster, London SW1E 5LB
www.aster-restaurant.com | @astervictoria
