If you ever happen to find yourself in Stockholm this is a restaurant I would definitely recommend – even if you will absolutely identify yourself as a tourist by going there. I thought it worth making a quick note.

Fem Sma Hus (five little houses) is located in Gamla Stan (the old city) on Nygrand, a narrow alley just off Skeppsbron. It occupies a series of arched brick cellars which get lower and more atmospheric as you go deeper - some are well below water level. These date from the 17th century. This place has a really nice feeling to it.. and the service is so friendly. I have been to a few restaurants in underground cellars like this here now and I have to say I just love them.

The food is traditional Swedish and French – I can imagine some people would be rapt to see such menu options as reindeer and Port marinated carpaccio of elk served with Västerbotten cheese. My friend Malin made we wish I had also ordered this entrée..
Kalixlöjrom serveras med gräddfil, rödlök och smörstekt bröd
Bleak roe, served with sour cream, red onion and toast - 195 kronor -

The wine list started as follows:

Frankrike
Pauillac
1958 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 6400 kr
1978 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 5700 kr
1979 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 4200 kr
1980 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 3300 kr
1981 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 3600 kr
1982 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 12000 kr
1983 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 4000 kr
1984 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 3100 kr
1985 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 4900 kr
1986 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 4900 kr
1987 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 3500 kr
1988 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 4700 kr
1989 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 4500 kr
1990 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 7200 kr
1991 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 3600 kr
1992 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 3200 kr
1993 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 3600 kr
1994 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 3700 kr
1995 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 5500 kr
1996 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 4500 kr
1997 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 2800 kr
1998 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 2600 kr
1999 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 2700 kr
2000 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 8900 kr
2001 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 4100 kr
2002 Château Latour, 1:er Cru, 3500 kr

The choice (by an American !)… 1996 Lindemans St. Georges, Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, 825 kr I enjoyed this very much – the vanilla oak was quite obvious but well balanced by the richness of the fruit. It’s always a treat to have a glass of wine in Sweden and even better to share it with a great bunch of people.