good design. good breakfast. i should move to sweden.

today i visited broder, a scandinavian eatery specializing in delicious breakfast treats.

high-five broder! first of all, let me tell you, the location is fan-freaking-tastic-- right next to a cool little independent record store in the north end of portland near ladd's addition.

the atmosphere is super tiny, but very well designed (what did you expect?). definately a cozy, hip little spot. not a fan of the size? they have amazing lighting in the place and big window up front. with the space, they've really done a lot to open it up.

i ordered the swedish pancakes (that's Aebleskiver). i never thought i would say this, but ihop lies, i was expecting the crepe-like dish the hop used to serve as "swedish pancakes" with lingonberry jam and butter. instead i got this little creme puff looking things in a little skillet dish with the jam, lemon curd and maple syrup on the side. expecting the extremely light crepe dealies, I also ordered a fruit cup as well, which turned out to be a sliced apple in a cup of yogurt. i have to say, everything, though not what i expected, was delicious! the pancakes were fluffy and light as well, but filling with the trio of dipping options. the fruit and yogurt was a nice finisher, though I didn't need it. the yogurt was plain, but mixing with the leftover lingonberries made for a nice bite :)

my friends ordered the swedish waffles (2 BIG waffles with seasonal fruit compote, butter and maple syrup, YUM!) and pytti panna (a skillet with baked eggs, potatoes, smoked trout, and veggies). Everyone was very happy with their choices. Good textures and flavors seemed to be the comments.

the beverages are fab. you can get a cup of serve-yourself-coffee right when you walk in the door, while you wait for a table. one friend and i had stumptown coffee, which i had heard wonderful things about and was not disappointed. the place also brings you a jar of sugar cubes and little pot of creamer. my other friend had a grapefruit juice mimosa, which we all tried and agreed was different-- but very good.

the bewares: you will wait. the place is a shoebox, but totally worth the wait. drink coffee or record shop after you put your name on the list. portions are not super big. plan on not leaving busting at the seams.