Fika is a Swedish verb which translates to "take a coffee break," usually accompanied by something sweet and delicious. While most Americans take their coffee to go, fika is an important daily ritual for Swedes who like to take a moment to indulge in conversations with friends and colleagues. It's not surprising that Swedes are among the heaviest consumers of coffee in the world.
This coffee-centric lifestyle was the inspiration for Swedish transplants and friends Lars Akerlund and David Johansson, who in 2006 opened their first Fika espresso bar, located next door to the Plaza Hotel in New York. They source Arabica beans, which are flown in every three weeks directly from Löfbergs Lila, a century-old roaster in Karlstad, Sweden.
To go with that coffee, Fika introduces Fika Choklad, the first line of hand rolled truffles, pralines and chocolate bars created exclusively by Håkan Mårtensson, executive pastry chef and chocolatier. He makes each of his creations (ranging in price from $1.50 to $2 per piece) with milk and dark chocolate from Callebaut and Valrhona, and uses fresh ingredients such as lingonberries, raspberries, passion fruit, hazelnut, Tahitian vanilla, espresso, ginger bread spices and various liqueurs.
This All Hallows' Eve, don't expect absolution from Fika Choklad's limited edition Seven Deadly Sins, a set of eight truffles crafted to capture the essence of the most objectionable vices. They include: Lust (red) -- passion fruit and chili fondant; Gluttony (purple) -- butter truffle, Frangelico and pine nuts; Pride (wood/brown) -- almond gianduja and sea salt; Greed (gold) -- champagne and strawberry; Sloth (white) -- vanilla truffle; Wrath (black) -- licorice, raspberry and black pepper; and Envy (green) -- cactus and lime. I'm sure you are envious now.
Retail price is $15 a set.
