Eating My Way Through Scandinavia: Norrebro Bryghus, Copenhagen

The first night of our stay in Copenhagen we ate at the brewery in the “hip” neighborhood of Norrebro. I put “hip” in quotes here, because this is precisely how the neighborhood was described to my parents by our friendly concierge and subsequently, precisely how my parents insisted on referring to themselves throughout the evening for having ventured coolly into this Williamsburg of Scandinavia. Hip hop we went to the brewery where we selected a 5 course tasting menu which included a beer pairing with each course. Wether under the influence of jet-lag or delusions of hip-ness I can’t be sure, but it evidently did not occur to us that two members of our five person party do not, in fact, drink beer. True champions in the fight against wastefulness, my brother, father and I bravely accepted the challenge of imbibing 20 beers over a filling Nordic meal. (I’m expecting my medal any time). 

The brewery from above.

Eating My Way Through Scandinavia: Oliver's Black Circus, Copenhagen

Oliver’s Black Circus, Copenhagen

For a restaurant whose slogan is “let’s be weird together,” Oliver’s Black Circus did not disappoint. Carefully concocted dishes of myriad locally-sourced ingredients made for a menu which sounded more like a garden catalogue than anything searchable on Seamless. I’m certainly no culinary master, but I had no idea that so many types of “root” could even be cooked.  But it won me over, roots and all. 

The scene:

The façade has a deer silhouette, so obviously I like it immediately. 

A Louisiana Better Than Mardi Gras

Denmark’s Louisiana Museum of Modern Art has newly ascended to the upper echelons of my favorite museums. Situated on the coast of the Øresund Sound with breathtaking views of neighboring Sweden, the building is deceptively expansive but still, as is the feat of so much of Scandinavian modernism, retains an aura of warmth. 

I’d heard a lot about the Louisiana, located a half hour train ride from Copenhagen in Humlebæk , but was surprised when we arrived to what looked more like a quaint country cottage than a top tier art institution. 

The entrance to the Louisiana.