There’s a Crayfish Festival Coming to Manila and We’re Going Cray!

It isn’t unusual to watch a food documentary on the Food Channel or NETFLIX where the focus is crayfish. Also commonly known as crawfish, the freshwater crustacean (which is often mistaken to be a mini lobster), has caught the attention of gastronomes. It gained popularity on culinary shows showcasing food finds from New Orleans and the Old South. What you might not know is that crayfish has been arrowed much longer. They are actually a traditional Nordic food, which dates back to the 16^th century, during the time of Swedish King Erik XIV. He had the fish in his moat at Kalmair Castle. By the 19^th century, it became a regular thing to eat amongst his people. Scandinavians would eventually make this a tradition that marked the end of summer, hosting garden parties to indulge in crayfish.

Crayfish with lemon wedges and dill leaves. This Swedish crayfish is traditionally brine in salt and lots of dill. Boiled for hours until soaked in dill flavor.

Other Nordic specialities will be served at the Crayfish Party, like Herring and Potato. A flavorful dish that combines the salty and smokey taste of the herring with the sweet and warm potato slice, softened by a rapid toss in a tangy vinaigrette.

Now on its 6^th year, NordCham Philippines, in partnership with Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, celebrates the season of the crayfish with their very special Crayfish Party event. The Viking-themed celebration, will also act as a fundraiser for the Chosen Children Village Foundation, who are “dedicated towards providing a home environment and care facility for physically and mentally challenged children.”

The Harbor Garden Tent at the luxury hotel will be transformed into a Viking Village for the anticipated get-together, which is set to open on the 8^th of September. Doors open at 6pm for the authentic Crayfish Party. Apart from the crustacean, a wide array of other Nordic specialties will be available for patrons. We’re most excited for the salmon gravadlax with honey dill mustard sauce, crispy roast whole pork, smoked tuna with capers, Swedish meatballs with lingon jam, janssons temptation, toscakaka, and picking herring and quiche.

Crispy roast whole pork - A traditional dish served during a Scandinavian Holiday feast. Whole pork roasted until its skin is crispy. — Crispy roast whole pork – A traditional dish served during a Scandinavian Holiday feast. Whole pork roasted until its skin is crispy.

Janssons Temptation is a dish that comprises of creamy potato and fish gratin.

San Miguel, Martin Miller, Engkanto beer, and Absolut vodka has come on board as alcoholic beverage partners to help get the party started. In addition, live musical performances (from such local acts like The Bloomfields) complete the sensory experience. Don’t forget to come in your best Viking ensemble (or at least your favorite Nordic football jersey) for the evening. Tickets are available at PHP 3,900 per person or PHP 35,000 for a group of 10. Those who chose to drink and eat all night can also opt to stay at the hotel with special discounted room rates that begin at PHP 6,500 (subject to applicable government taxes and service charge).

For event tickets, visit crayfishparty.ph. For more information, please call Georges Pattinson at +63 977 099 8952 or e-mail [email protected]. For inquiries and room reservations, kindly call Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila at +63 2 551 5555 or e-mail [email protected].