Unique. Creative. Excellent.

Copenhagen, Denmark

It all began when we got lucky and actually landed a reservation at Noma (#1 Restaurant in the World) on the last day they would be open for business in Copenhagen. They are relocating to Sydney in 2016. We were excitied but nobody really wanted to pony up the $600+ per person to experience this place. We went with option 2. The goal was to find something comparable. How do we find something that compares with the #1 restaurant on the planet? I don’t know but we tried. I was looking for something special. Scandinavian/Nordic but I wanted an experience. Multiple courses, wine pairings, etc. I thought maybe Ralæ, which is operated by Noma’s sous chef but chances of getting in were slim to none. After some careful research, I got lucky again and found a gem and was able to make our group’s reservation.

The place was called, Höst.

Let me take you through the experience...

We got in and were immediately greeted by a very friendly team of hosts who led us down a steep but beautiful staircase as we soaked in the beauty of the interior. The downstairs was cave-like, intimate, very Scandinavian. Modern, clean, minimal but with a bit of rustic charm. We were guided into our own private dining room. It was gorgeous. We stripped our layers that protected us from the cold outside and got right down to business. Our server got the party started and the courses started flowing.

Here we go.

Starters:

Beetroot Meringue w/ Salted & Smoked Yoghurt

Wine Pairing: Cremant de Bourgogne – Albert Sounit

Beef Tartare from Eye of Rump with Oyster Crème and Cucumber

Puff Cakes with Lovage, Cream Cheese and Shrimp

First Main Course:

Cod w/ Smoked Fish Fume, Sunflower Seeds and Cauliflower

Wine Pairing: 2014 Chablis – Somaine Collet (Chardonnay/Burgundy)

Pie with Yoghurt, Blue Cheese and Dill topped with Lingonberries and Mushrooms, served with Duck Heart and foam from Jerusalem Artichokes

Manitoba Bread with Butter and Wheatgrass

Second Main Course:

Veal Brisket with Green Kale, Celeriac and Black Truffle

Wine Pairing: Rosso di Montepulciano – Sabazio (Sangiovese + Syrah/Tuscany)

Desserts:

Junket Mousse with Porter Beer Iced Cream with Rye and Raspberries

Sea Buckthorn Ice with Salted Caramel, Meringue and Liquorice

Wine Pairing: Rieseling, Feinherb – Figaro

Milk Chocolate and Salted Caramel Truffle with Crispy Breadcrumbs

This place was exquisite.

Service was phenomenal, value and quality of ingredients was above par and we left happy and full. An incredible exploration through some very unique offerings with flavors and textures I could have never imagined. This meal was one for the books and I will never forget it. Needless to say, I highly recommend this place. If you are looking to take an adventure and dsicover exciting, authentic Scandinavian cuisine, look no further.

Cheers.