
Happy new year – I have been thinking and reflecting on so many good things that have happened.
Leaving Kaffekælderen, in Køge, was to make more time for guests, love, nature and slow food.
I enjoy the moments – less time on Social Media. I take loads of photographs, but none live up to the beauty and progress I experience with my own eyes.
2024 has been a wonderful year with loads of new guests and returning guests.
It definitely has been the year of love – Højriisgaard has been chosen for romance – on more than one occasion. I have recognised guests “from somewhere?” – absolutely positive it has been a real-life meeting – it turns out it’s from one of those “dating/kærlighed I vildmarken” series that I am addicted too – well I bake all the while I’m watching. I am always discreet though – that is one of my skills, professionally.
As I said I enjoy the moments, my guests, remember all meetings with a smile.
You don’t have to be a TV personality to come here to Femø, romantic get-aways are also for you, or just a relaxing time with a girl-friend or son or daughter. There have also been guests with heartbreak or just a guest that needs to get away from it all. I enjoy taking care of my guests.
This year our flock of poultry was increased by one. Jacques turned out to be a cockerel though. He gets to stay with Sofia, a hen that was lowest in the pecking order with the rest of the flock. It was quite a to do when we tried to join Jacques and Sofia with Valentino and his harem of Putte, Rosie, Victoria and Irmgard – so we won’t be joining them together anytime soon.
I think I’ve gotten a cat, Kitty, she is so cute, with very short legs but she hisses at me, so it confuses me. She really would like to come in, but with Conrad and her majesty Chainee, she would not survive long.
This evening I am again catering a little intimate dinner party in our little guest dining room. Just for four.
Throughout the year I have been so lucky to be asked to cater for gatherings of friends, families and associates.
Three course dinner to celebrate Norway’s National day – Crème Ninon with homemade grissini and Lamb for main course and a lovely trifle served with homemade rhubarb liqueur.
Cakes for a beautiful island wedding in a lovely family. Cake for our literature group. There have been two small birthday celebrations for two of the islands smallest children.
Storytelling festival with packed lunches and a cosy dinner for 35 people. A middle eastern inspired buffet with Dalbakkegaard organic chicken, homemade falafels, and salads.
Breakfast baskets delivered to guests staying at Høns og Hamp, our very own regenerative farm, with semi primitive camping.
A wonderful dinner with "the young" producers here on Femø. Trine Krebs, and her Dad, decided to spend their summer holiday on the southern islands of Denmark. They were recomended to stay with us here in Højriis. There were so much serendipity around this delightful evening, makes me want to do it all again.
A hunting lunch for 15 hunters in wellingtons and hunting gear in November. They had Cassoulet with roast potatoes and a cabbage salad and traditional mince pies (homemade mincemeat in Clonakilty Whisky) with brandy butter and whipped cream for dessert.
Regularly throughout the high season my guests have requested that I make evening meals for them, I’ve been making a lot of fish n chips, everything made from scratch, and I love it. Especially the fish – as it is an integral part of coming to an island, and it is my pleasure to work with more fish, and vegetables and extra overloaded with vegetables.
Everyone has enjoyed the food experiences I have had the pleasure of creating for our valued guests.
There has been bad news too through this year – it is not a walk in the park down in this area of the world – I think of our fellow self-employed businesses in this neck of the woods. I do my best to support the small businesses. I wish it was easier for us and everyone, but the foot fall is low. The balance of resources – even very small batches mean there is way too much waste of both time, energy and materials for so few guests. It’s a fine line all the time. So you may expect the price of living to be lower here in this area, unfortunately the case is completely different than what you find in regions with a more dense population.
Luckily our guests can have the advantage of coming to a destination that is dedicated to them and where there is far between any other tourists. A destination almost untouched and hosts that are ready to tailor your stay just to your liking.
Life is even better shared – we share our home and our hospitality with you. You are so welcome, it is my pleasure that you enjoy❤️🌱❤️
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