Say Ole to a Taco Party

Sweden may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think about tacos, but they're one of the most popular foods there. I don't know when it happened, but these days it seems like every Friday, everyone in Sweden eats tacos for dinner.

I first had tacos back in the early '90s, when I was working on a cruise ship that sailed around the world. One of our ports of call was Acapulco, and I can still remember the taste of the soft tacos I bought from a lady who was selling them on the street -- stuffed with grilled fish, guacamole, salsa, chopped lettuce, and a squeeze of lime, they are one of my most vibrant food memories.

They are a great food for entertaining, since people love assembling their own. From a budget standpoint they are great, too, because you can let the occasion drive the level of elegance. For a casual get-together, offer grilled vegetables, or strips of grilled chicken, beef, or a firm white fish like bass; for a fancier occasion, grill lobster or scallops. What really matters is the quality of the ingredients. Lettuce should be nice and crisp to give the taco a nice snap when you take a bite, while the softness of the guacamole and the chunkiness of the salsa provide a great contrast of textures. Just set out the ingredients in bowls and on platters with fresh tortillas for instant entertainment!