Seattle to celebrate Crossings with style

You are invited to a special Slooper-inspired dinner at Leif Erikson Lodge

On Oct. 9, 2025, Leif Erikson Day, a replica of the sloop Restauration will sail into New York Harbor, exactly 200 years after the first Restauration landed there, as Norwegians everywhere celebrate.. Photo: S E Klungtveit / Restauration venneforening / restauration.no

With the anticipated arrival of the replica of the sloop Restauration in New York City on Oct. 9, 2025, the excitement is reaching all the way to Seattle. After all, it's not every day that we will be celebrating 200 years of organized Norwegian immigration to North America.

While the first organized Norwegian immigrants, the "Sloopers of 1825," never reached the Emerald City, which was first settled in 1851, Pacific Northwest Norwegian immigrants have a strong connection with the Sloopers. Proud of their heritage, they honor Norwegian immigrants, going back to the Viking explorer Leif Erikson, often called first father of Nordic immigration. In 1903, they named their first Sons of Norway Lodge in his honor, Leif Erikson Lodge 2-001 in Seattle's historic Ballard neighborhood, home to many Norwegian immigrants.

Sons of Norway Leif Erikson Lodge in Ballard is home to a set of beautiful murals depicting scenes from Norwegian history and mythology. / Image: Leif Erikson Lodge

Now, most appropriately, with its treasured murals that pay homage to Norwegian history and heritage, the Lodge will be the setting for the Crossings Commemoration Dinner & Program on Oct. 9, Leif Erikson Day. This was the very day the Sloopers landed in on American shores. The Pacific Northwest Nordic community is set to come together to celebrate and reflect on the meaning of immigration, both past and present.

A Slooper-inspired feast

Food and drink are an important part of any big celebration, and the Oct. 9 event at Leif Erikson Lodge will be no exception. Looking back on an adventurous chapter of the Slooper story from Madeira off the coast of Portugal, the theme for the evening's cuisine is a creative take on the island's cuisine. A gourmet dinner will be prepared by the popular Seattle caterer On Safari Foods.

When the Sloopers found a barrel of Madeira wine floating on the sea, it was like a godsend for the thirsty passengers on board. They drank with gusto , quickly became intoxicated, and risked cannon fire for not raising their flag. Just in the nick of time they hoisted it up, the U.S. ambassador recognized who they were, and they went ashore to enjoy a week of hospitality.

On their 1825 voyage, the Sloopers stopped inMadeira off the coast of Portugal, the inspiration for the feast at Leif Erikson Lodge. / Image: Base map – Gunleif Seldal. Artist – Jens Flesjå

At the Crossings Commemoration Dinner & Program, guests will be treated to a signature cocktail, as they mingle before dinner. A full-service no-host bar will be available as merriment mounts.

While they were at sea, pickled herring and flatbread were staples for the Sloopers and make the perfect appetizer at the Crossings dinner. They are best served with a shot of aquavit, and a festive toast is planned to open the program—skål!

The main course, Chicken Madeira, will be accompanied by parsley-scented rice and an autumn salad with mixed greens, roasted pears, candied walnuts, and blue cheese lemon-maple vinaigrette, the bounty of the Pacific Northwest meets the savory tastes of the Mediterranean.

And for those looking for a vegetarian option, a green lentil, mushroom, and walnut Bolognese pasta dish is offered.

In keeping with the theme and cuisine, Portuguese wine, both red and white, will complement the meal, and Norwegian beer will also be available as well as full bar service.

The Restauration Sailor Roast coffee from Stavanger, Norway, will served to tope off the festive meal on Oct. 9 Leif Erikson Lodge. / Photo: Rogaland Coffee House

And what could be more appropriate and delicious for dessert than a cheesecake "ostekake" parfait, a salute to the arrival of the Sloopers in New York City on Oct. 9, 1825, a delicious finale course to a festive and memorable meal. Served with Restauration Sailor Roast coffee from Rogaland Coffee House in Stavanger, created for the bicentennial celebration and the 2025 Atlantic crossing of the Restauration, it will be another moment to remember.

The evening's program includes a performance by Hardanger fiddler Rachel Nesvig and friend.s. / Photo: Rachel Nesvig

Much more than a meal

Last but not least, the Oct. 9 celebration will be more than a meal. There will be music performed by celebrated Hardanger fiddler Rachel Nesvig and friends , distinguished speakers, and an exciting presentation about the new journey of the Restauration, and a Norwegian-themed auction.

The Crossings Commemoration Dinner & Program is sponsored by the Seattle-Bergen Sister City Association, Leif Erikson Lodge, and the Norwegian Commercial Club.

The cost for the evening is only $65, and everyone is welcome—velkommen!

Our event was a smashing success — tusen takk to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and everyone who attended and hope make it so special.