Meet Rebecka Lithander – Star Wine List’s new ambassador in Malmö
Rebecka Lithander, sommelier and general manager at restaurant Mutantur in Malmö, is Star Wine List’s new ambassador in Malmö and Skåne in the south of Sweden.
”I feel that Malmö tends to be a bit one-dimensional when it comes to food and wine, so I’m looking forward to showing a diversity that sometimes is hidden behind the current trends,” says Rebecka.
Welcome to the team! Tell us about your background in wine?
”I studied to become a sommelier in California after a few years in the industry, and I really got hooked on working with food and wine pairings. An internship at Manresa in Los Gatos, back then a two-star, deepened my interest and led me to a position at Daniel Berlin Krog in Skåne Tranås. During my time there, the wine program developed, and we went from one to two Michelin stars, an experience that I will always carry with me.”
Tell us about Mutantur, where you work now?
”Mutantur is a restaurant with an à la carte menu with high gastronomic ambitions but with a relaxed attitude to service and wine. Fine-tuned and at the same time uncontrolled with high pressure in the dining room. A contrast to working at a Michelin star restaurant, and exactly what I wanted after Daniel Berlin.”
How does it feel to be Star Wine List’s new ambassador in Malmö, and what do you look forward to the most?
”It’s going to be great fun. I feel that Malmö tends to be a bit one-dimensional when it comes to food and wine, so I’m looking forward to showing a diversity that sometimes is hidden behind the current trends.”
There are some new places that have dared to open after the pandemic, which of course is incredibly fun
How has the scene in Malmö survived the pandemic?
”In general, quite alright. Of course, most places are screaming for staff right now, but it feels like it is moving in the right direction. At the same time, a lot of new venues have popped up, which suggests that growth seems to be underway after a tough time, to say the least.”
What’s the situation on the wine scene in Malmö right now? Any specific trends?
”There are some new places that have dared to open after the pandemic, which of course is incredibly fun. The trends seem to remain where they have been lately; much to the more natural styles of wine, but also with some more classic influences.”
Which are the most interesting wine places in Malmö right now, in your opinion?
”I look forward to the opening of Brasserie Sture 1912: my inner old man longs for a slightly more classic water hole. Otherwise, [Aster] (venue 1636) is a newly opened favourite with great cocktails and a balanced natural wine list.”
And your personal favourite spots?
”Bouchon] (venue 716), for sure! (Mutantur is also fun with a dynamic and changing glass program, but there I am biased, to say the least.) At Bouchon, you will always find something fun to drink at a nice price point and French bistro-style dishes to eat. Hard to beat!”
Check out the new venues in Malmö and Skåne, selected by Rebecka Lithander.
