Sweden's Delicious West Coast: Ljungskile

?Leave the salt and seaweed air for the creature comforts of a bygone era atVilla Sj?torp (Pl 22009, Ljungskile, +46-(0)522-20-174; VillaSjotorp.se), a copper-roofed, elaborately detailed 110-year-old mansion re-purchased and restored by a descendent (great-granddaughter) of the original owner.

?A homey, upscale B&B, there are 14 creaky rooms -- all wood, chandeliers, and floral print personality -- individually decorated with assorted antiques, although you needn?t sleep over to take advantage of the award-winning kitchen.

 Grab lunch or tea on the veranda and soak in glittering views of the Orust Island oyster fields and fjords in the distance while lovebirds leisurely push each other on a swing in a nearby ancient oak.

 Somewhere between bites of crisp-skinned cod on a drizzle of red wine reduction and a sachet of charred candy-like carrots, turnips, and asparagus, and buttery dilled new potatoes -- ?organic, seasonal, and locally-sourced,? naturally, buzzwords that are practically redundant in these parts -- one had to wonder if it?s possible to get a bad meal in Sweden.

 We never did figure it out: that particular reverie disappeared as fast as our cold rhubarb soup and wild strawberry dessert.

A perfect place to sleep off your food coma 

Villa Sjötorp seasonal creations: squash and lobster bisque 

Villa Sj?torp seasonal creations: stacked beets and croquette 

Villa Sj?torp seasonal creations: steak with red wine reduction 

Villa Sj?torp seasonal creations: seared salmon in saffron sauce 

Villa Sjötorp seasonal creations: caramelized pear and vanilla bean cream 

Room with private fireplace at Villa Sjötorp 

Central foyer 

The Orust Island Sound