Raw materials of top quality, a high ambition level, and a good sense of curiosity are some of the ingredients in recent years’ extraordinary development in the Swedish restaurant world. Stockholm is estimated to have gained a natural position among the gourmet nations of Europe.

Swedish chefs have won one international contest after the other. In 1997 the young Swedish chef Mathias Dahlgren won the world championships of fine cuisine - Le Bocuse d’Or - in Lyon. Two years ago another Swede won the European championship in Bordeaux. The exclusive association of European chefs - Eurotoques - has just elected a Swedish chairman and this autumn Eurotoques will hold its annual congress in Stockholm.

"We feel we can conquer the world," states one of the capital’s young talents. "It is just as fantastic as Björn Borg and the Swedish tennis miracle."

For the last 20-30 years several of Stockholm’s restaurants have regularly had stars in the gastronomist’s bible, the Michelin Guide. Paris is probably the only city with more restaurants per inhabitant than Stockholm, which now boasts more than 700. Moreover, there have never before been so many high-quality inns in this Baltic capital, with its clean water in the canals in the heart of the city. In other words, some of the best raw materials are just around the corner. The cold seas of Scandinavia produce fish and shellfish of high quality. One of the secrets behind the new Swedish kitchen is the exquisite selection of raw materials. The best suppliers are often the smallest - and closest.

The whole world is their inspiration

"We have around 25 different suppliers," states Danyel Couet, young master chef at Restaurant Fredsgatan 12 which recently gained a star in the Michelin Guide. "We have a fisherman who literally lands the catch in our restaurant."

Couet has worked at 3-star restaurants in France and in the USA - the experience he gained is his inspiration in the Fredsgatan kitchen. His recipe for success is strong, powerful flavours combined with a unique style.

Many of Stockholm’s talented young chefs share the experience of travelling and working all over the world and they are clearly influenced by the Mediterranean, the USA and Asia.

"Swedes are open to trying out something new such as cuisine from other countries. But the basis for my cooking is flavours presented in a modern, personal way," states the Spanish-oriented world champion of cuisine Mathias Dahlgren, owner of the Catalan-sounding Bon Lloc, where he successfully cultivates "La nueva stila latina". His hard work last autumn was rewarded with a Michelin star.

Gastronomy in cultural Stockholm

The foundation for the current gastronomic success was laid by an older generation of master chefs of the 1980s who have served as mentors to the new array of stars. Inspired by "La nouvelle cuisine" they have developed and refined traditional Swedish dishes. Ulriksdals Värdshus is the place to enjoy the world-famous Swedish "smörgåsbord". Another example is the Operakällaren with the finest restaurant interior in the capital, and with a Michelin star to boot. While Stockholm is Europe’s Cultural Capital in 1998 a special Swedish-style cultural menu is offered.

Other Swedish-style restaurants worth visiting are Den Gyldene Freden with its picturesques interior in Gamla Stan and Nils Emils in the southern part of the city. Diners can sample Swedish specialities such as herring, salmon, lamb and game, e.g. reindeer.

The Cultural Capital Year naturally has naturally reserved a special place of honour for fine cuisine. Under the motto "Every day is a celebration" seven of the city’s best restaurants offer a cultural menu which is renewed every day of the Cultural Capital Year. Den Gyldene Freden, Grand Hotels Veranda, Sturehof, Leijontornet, Le Bistrot de Wasahof, Ocean och Prinsen are the names of the restaurants which have a new menu every day of the week in 1998.

Bon appetit!

Ulriksdals Wärdshus, Ulriksdal,
Tel: +46 8 85 08 16

Den Gyldene Freden, Österlånggatan 51,
Tel: +46 8 10 90 46

Grand Hôtels Veranda, Södra Blasieholmshamne 8,
Tel: +46 8 679 35 00

Sturehof, Stureplan 2,
Tel: +46 8 679 87 50

Leijontornet, Lilla Nygatan 5,
Tel: +46 8 14 23 55

Le bistrot de Wasahof, Dalagatan 46,
Tel: +46 8 32 34 40

Ocean, Norr Mälarstrand 76,
Tel: +46 8 652 40 90

Prinsen, Mäster Samuelsgatan 4,
Tel: +46 8 611 13 31

Restaurants with a Guide Michelin star:

Edsbacka Krog, Sollentunavägen 220,
Tel:+46 8 96 33 00

Bon Lloc, Bergsgatan 33,
Tel: +46 8 650 50 82

Wedholms Fisk, Nybrokajen 17,
Tel: +46 8 611 78 74

Operakällaren, Operahuset, Karl XII:s Torg,
Tel: +46 8 676 58 00

Paul and Norbert, Strandvägen 9,
Tel: +446 8 663 81 83

Fredsgatan 12, Fredsgatan 12,
Tel: +46 8 24 80 52

Stockholm's location on the Baltic has always had a role to play in city life. As was the case in the 13th century when the Swedish capital was founded, boats are still frequently used as a means of transport today. The white steamers which date from the turn of the century still make their way out to the Stockholm Archipelago, while ferries take day trippers to Djurgården – a flourishing island of culture and endless amusements. During the city's year as Cultural Capital, Stockholm's waters will provide the setting for a multitude of maritime events, with vessels of all ages, sizes and types finding their way to the capital from near and afar – from Viking longboats to modern racing yachts. The royal sloop has been used to transport a number of heads of state to the royal quay – among them HRH Queen Elizabeth II. Although the Swedish King, Carl XVI Gustaf, enjoys taking part in sailing regattas, he'd rather be speeding around in his motor launch. Stockholm's year as Cultural Capital will provide a unique opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the Bernadotte dynasty. Several of the royal palaces are inviting visitors into areas which have never before been open to the public, and various exhibitions detailing Swedish monarchs' historical meetings with foreign regents rank amongst the year's cultural events.

• Gustav III – Clothes for time and eternity. An exhibition of the king's clothes which also tell the story of his life – from his christening gown dating back to 1746 to his silk tricot outfit and black domino gown he wore on the night of the 1792 masquerade ball when he was shot. The Royal Armoury, ends 29 Mar.
• Birka – the Viking Town. A Viking trading centre and Sweden's first city was founded on the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren, west of Stockholm. Many archaeological finds are on display in the island's Viking Museum. This summer's theme is The Vikings as Craftsmen. In May the Museum of National Antiquities will be holding a comprehensive exhibition about Birka – the Viking Town with original exhibits. Visitors are eligible for a package comprising admission to both museums and a boat trip to Birka.
• Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte – A European Career. This exhibition comprises contributions from Sweden, Norway, Germany and France. Its perspective is very international and uses the words of the founder of the current Swedish dynasty as a starting point: "Noone has had a career like mine", ie from non-commissioned officer to Napoleon's marshal and then King of Sweden. The Royal Palace from 20 May to the end of the summer.
• The Royal Table. This title covers two exhibitions at the Royal Palace on how the royal table was and is laid for official occasions. The large state dining room will provide visitors with an insight into royal hospitality. The middle of the table will be laid with the "Brazilian service". Gustav III's official dinners will be the theme of the exhibition in the Royal Treasury. All year.
• Open Rooms. During Stockholm's year as Cultural Capital some of the royal palaces will invite visitors into rooms not normally open to the public. These include the Bernadotte Library at the Royal Palace which contains the private book collections of Swedish kings over the years. All year. Call 402 61 26 to book tickets for palace tours. Drottningholm Palace will be opening up one of its kitchens to display its classic royal dinner services, while the billiard room will be open at the Chinese Pavilion. Tullgarn Palace will be admitting visitors to the kitchen of food-enthusiast Gustav V, while at Gripsholm Castle it's open house in Gustav III's famous cavalier wing – Sweden's first hotel. Jun-Aug.
• Open House at the Palace. Sweden's national day, 6 June, will also see a number of events at the Royal Palace to celebrate 25 years of Carl XVI Gustaf as king. Look out for the procession of the royal horses in the courtyard.
• Bread and Circuses. For a few days in May the streets and squares of Stockholm's Old Town will swarm with people from bygone eras. Musicians, players, jesters and jousters will perform amid the craft and market stalls. Old Town, 26-31 May.
• Maritime Culture '98. A host of marine activities are set to take place during the summer at Galärvarvet by the Vasa Museum in the heart of the city. A boat-building centre for 400 years, the shipyard will have hundreds of new berths where boats of all ages from around the world will be moored. 23 May-15 Aug.
• Archipelago Fair with a traditional market where boats bearing goods from around the archipelago stop to sell their wares. Look out too for archipelago music. Snacks and food available around the harbour area. 29 May-1 Jun.
• Historic Boats at Brunnsviken in the Eco-park, the world's first inner-city national park. A copy of Gustav III's 18th century sloop, Delfinen, inspired by the gondolas of Venice will carry passengers between the Bergius Botanic Gardens and Haga Park. Jun-Aug.
• The Rowing Boat. See the capital from one of the city's recently designed rowing boats. In the past rowing boats were a common sight in Stockholm and were crewed by women. The summer will see skilled rowers taking passengers wherever they wish to go. Galärvarvet and Skeppsholmen. 1 Jun-30 Sep.
• Archipelago Boat Day. All of Stockholm's steam boats still in use will parade from Stockholm to the idyllic archipelago island of Vaxholm. Strömkajen, 3 Jun.
• Stockholm In Harbour Race. Some 20 large yachts race on the waters of central Stockholm. 25 Jun.
• Europe's Largest Maritime Meeting. Boats from Sweden, the Baltic countries, the UK and elsewhere will gather in Galärvarv harbour. On 4 July they all sail into Stockholm. 2-6 Jul.
• Country Boats. Races and displays. Galärvarvet and Djurgårdsbrunnsviken. 24-26 Jul.
• Sail Stockholm 1998. At least 50 sailing ships, including many fully rigged vessels, call into Stockholm. Join in and choose between day trips and longer trips, eg to Turku in Finland. Celebrations on the quayside once the ships have arrived. 16-20 Jul.
• Veteran Boat Festival. Take a trip back to the early 1900s at Galärvarv harbour and admire the motorised and sailing boats. Look out too for speedboat racing. 23-26 Jul.
• The Vikings are Coming! Longboat replicas from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Russia, Germany and the UK sail in to Galärvarvet in the heart of Stockholm. The Aifur will be rolled up to the National Museum of Antiquities on logs. 1-3 Aug.
• Catherine the Great and Gustav III. Two cousins who both became autocrats – one in Russia, the other in Sweden. Their relationship is the theme of a major exhibition at the National Museum of Art. 9 Oct-15 Mar 1999.
• Peter the Great and Karl XII. Their childhood, upbringing and interests are the theme of this exhibition on Russia and Sweden's shared history between the end of the 17th century and the late 18th century. The Royal Armoury. Oct-Feb.