Combine a dash of Miami's South Beach with the gleaming sleek jet-set lines of European chic. Toss in some Rodeo Drive elegance, throttle back a bit of Dubai's ostentatiousness. Now, mix in a throng of steel cool, tall, lithe blonde Nordic gods and goddesses, with a generous dollop of New York vitality, and what do you get? Oslo's Aker Brygge district.

When I first arrived in Oslo, I heard some murmurs about a really nice area close to the water. I couldn't make out the name, given that I don't speak Norwegian and my hearing is pretty bad. Then, a few days later, after meeting with a local, she suggested that I can either go visit the Oslo Opera House ("to the left") or the really cool, modern district ("to the right"). Later that day, I met some other people and they also offered that I should drop over at this nice district by the water. A few days after that, another person suggested that I visit Aker Brygge.

Finally, after a week in Oslo and the sun finally peeking out from behind the rain clouds, I headed over to this mystical district. As is my wont, I walked there. Without internet access, I promptly got lost and walked into several cul de sacs that dead-ended at the train tracks. Eventually, I found the turn and headed over to this gleaming façade set at the edge of the water.

Yeah, this isn't your grandmother's Oslo. This little oasis is brilliantly modern, but with warmth. Unlike San Francisco's Embarcadero Center's cold and indifferent concreteness, Aker Brygge extends a warm welcome to the coolness of its modern architecture. The area is not at all foreboding nor forbidding. It's friendly and fiery without a hint of exclusivity. Posh without a trace of arrogance.

I stopped over at Hanami, the highly regarded sushi restaurant referred to me by the wonderful duo at Wear2where. Unfortunately, there was no seating available for the rest of the evening, so I enjoyed a 17 year-old Nikka Taketsuru. Wow, Nikka was smooth, with a heady bouquet and long, sexy legs. Nikka spoke to me, saying, "Forget the Kentucky white trash, the Scottish or Irish lasses, you deserve a more adult experience." I'm sold.

After an all too brief moment with Nikka, I left Hanami and made way to explore the rest of the complex, even though the darkness of night had enveloped the city. Hungry, I searched for a novel place to park myself for a quick meal. The Aker Brygge area is bereft of multinational conglomerate dining establishments, save for the odd choice of TGI Fridays. I didn't go there. I went to Asia, an asian fusion restaurant and had a nightcap of a dinner.

All in all, the place has grace, charm and excitement. I would strongly recommend coming with a partner or in a group. It could be a bit intimidating for an individual to walk around the area. I will be back to explore some more.