Celebrated Chef Amalia Obermeier-Smith Joins FIKA Café as Executive Chef

Minneapolis— November 21, 2022 — Visitors to the American Swedish Institute (ASI) in Minneapolis are accustomed to making one of the Food Network’s Twin Cities Best Restaurants part of their visit. FIKA Café, the museum’s Nordic-inspired restaurant, has earned local accolades and national critical mentions as a New Nordic Cuisine dining destination. Today, ASI is excited to announce Amalia Obermeier-Smith—formerly of Fig & Farro, Patisserie 46, the Walker Art Center and others*—is joining FIKA Café as executive chef.

“We are excited to welcome Amalia to the team as our new executive chef,” said Nadya Goncharova, food and beverage director, American Swedish Institute. “She is not only a talented cook with an impressive culinary and health and wellness background, she is an unmatched baker, specializing in both savory and sweet pastries. We are confident Amalia will bring new excitement and creativity to the menu, while maintaining our standards and commitment to Nordic ingredients, the ASI community, and the culture of FIKA. Amalia’s background will help FIKA expand our pastry case and takeaway, as well as deliver new vegetarian and vegan options for our guests.” Amalia will also collaborate with ASI’s popular Nordic Table culinary classes.

“I am elated to join the team at FIKA— the café’s commitment to culture and cuisine is astounding and I am grateful to lead this incredible team,” said Amalia Obermeier-Smith, executive chef, Fika Café, American Swedish Institute. “I’ve found a home where I can use my skills and training, while I continue to grow and challenge myself. My passion, talent and love has always been food and I am ready for this new chapter — I know it’s going to mean a lot more cardamom!”

American Swedish Institute (ASI), designated to the National Register for Historic Places, is a historic castle-like mansion, museum and cultural center, and a gathering place for all people to explore diverse experiences of migration, identity, belonging, and the environment through arts and culture, informed by enduring links to Sweden. ASI, which The Wall Street Journal calls “[a] model of how a small institution can draw visitors through exciting programming,” is located at 2600 Park Avenue in Minneapolis. For more, visit asimn.org.

Media Contact: Darby Johnson, Public Relations Specialist

*Please oh please make sure to ask Amalia about what it was like to tour with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra as its catering sous-chef in 2021!