Discover the philosophy behind the chef-entrepreneur whose family restaurant is near Bryggen in Bergen
Chef Adam Bjerck is a well-known name in Bergen. His achievements include competing on the Norwegian national culinary team and founding Adam's Matkasse, a successful recipe box service. He is also an artist and grills the city's juiciest steak at Engen Steakhouse. Although his focus is always on good ingredients and delicious dishes, he also a desire for the general public to be able to enjoy good dining experiences without it costing too much. It was precisely this inclusiveness that Adam had in mind when he started Bjerck.
"This should be a place for everyone," he says.
A centrally located family restaurant
Inside the door at Torgallmenningen 1A, on what is one of Bergen's busiest shopping streets, is a bar and restaurant for all kinds of guests. Up a flight of stairs and seated at a round table is a spot that has views of the harbour, the Fish Market, the mountains, and the buzzing life and atmosphere of Western Norway. Here, Adam wants everyone from families with children to groups of friends and couples on a date to enjoy a warm atmosphere in what he believes is the building with Bergen's best view.
"When you have such a nice and central venue in the middle of Bergen, with views of the best of the city, including Bryggen and Mount Fløyen's hillside, you need to share it with everyone," he says, adding:
"The nice thing about Bjerck is that there may be someone celebrating their 19th birthday at one table and another group gathered for a 90th birthday celebration at the next."
Bjerck's tasty menu
The location Adam is referring to is at the corner of a venerable building called Harbitzgården, also known as Lidohjørnet, the Lido Corner. The premises has housed a restaurant ever since Café Lido first opened a tea room there in 1965. The building is from 1936; with its characteristic bell tower and historic significance, it's an important part of the urban landscape. It's also now a place for everyone, thanks to Adam.
"I want the food to be delicious and to have a menu where everyone can find something they like, whether it's a tasty seafood dish like our bestseller Prinsefisk, or a juicy burger. And the prices must be affordable."
The goal is for people to gather in the middle of the city centre for a quiet lunch, dinner with the family, or a celebration with good friends in the evening.