Saturday at MOMA anytime of year is a madhouse packed with folks who need to check it off in their guide book.  Meanwhile, plenty of galleries throughout the city stand nearly empty.

So in preparation for my trip to Iceland I ventured to Park Ave near Grand Central and took in Nordic Impressions at the Scandinavia House.  It’s a small exhibit, but you can’t beat the free entry.  My favorite piece was an oil painting by Eggert Petursson.  It’s about a foot square canvas, and the micro landscape of native plants seems almost edible.

And if your tastebuds are tingled, stop by SMÖRGÅS, the Scandinavian restaurant on the first floor.  The setting is fantastic, with a live birch tree in the center of the dining room.  Reflective of the New Nordic Cuisine philosophy, ingredients are locally sourced from the restaurant’s own farm in the Catskills. I love taking visitors here: the food is superb and it’s rarely crowded.

Scandinavia House also has concerts, movies and other events.  I once saw the Talea Ensemble perform in Victor Borge Hall.  So blessed to live in this city and to still find places where tourists rarely roam!