In the realm of overnights, there are certain destinations that prompt a collective sigh among us crew members. For me and many of my colleagues, that place is Rockford, Illinois. It's the kind of city that earns a sympathetic, “Bless their hearts,” from this Southern food enthusiast. But as my mom always says, “There's a silver lining in every situation,” and Rockford has proven to be no exception. Luckily, on this trip, I was with my first officer, Leonardo, who knew just the restaurant spot to turn my opinion around – The Norwegian. Let me tell you, Leo hit the jackpot with this recommendation and his company was greatly appreciated.
This eatery is brimming with charm, and the staff's hospitality goes above and beyond. Now, fair warning – the dishes I'm about to rave about might not be available when you visit. The owner and chef whip up a new dinner menu every week, ensuring a fresh and exciting Norwegian-inspired dining experience each time. But I guarantee you will not be disappointed with their creativity.
For starters, we indulged in the Black Mac which was a cuttlefish gnocchi with a tantalizing blend of cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, and house breadcrumbs. Now, cuttlefish may not be a pantry staple, but trust me, this dish is a game-changer. The subtle flavor of the sea, coupled with the richness of the cheeses and the crunch of the breadcrumbs, left me utterly impressed and craving more. Some of you may be asking what a cuttlefish is, according to “The Google” it's like a squid. The more you know…
For the main course, I opted for the rainbow trout, sourced fresh from the Great Lakes and expertly prepared with a house pesto and brown butter sauce Charon, served alongside a cherry tomato and green bean salad. Each bite of this perfectly cooked fish was a symphony of flavors, transporting me to the pristine waters of Scandinavian fjords. The tender, flaky flesh, coupled with the vibrant pesto and buttery sauce, left an indelible mark on my taste buds, urging me to relish every moment.
As I savored the meal, I couldn't help but feel like I was dining in the heart of Oslo, not Rockford. The Norwegian truly exceeded my expectations, and I'm already counting the days until my next visit. Go to their website or call ahead to reserve a seat as they do fill up and can run out of food as the night goes on. And if you're lucky, you may be able to be there for a night when they have live music. But please, let's keep this between us! The last thing I need is crew scheduling catching wind of my newfound appreciation for Rockford.
The Norwegian
1402 North Main Street
Rockford, IL 61103
815-329-6191
https://www.thenorwegian.com
