Dining, Travels

Alchemist ✿✿

Posted by markhadland on
A large, intricately designed iron door with organic patterns, set against a brick wall in an industrial area.
Group photo of four men standing in front of large iron doors against a textured brick wall.
TheHad, Carter, Mitch & Paul

With our visit to Alchemist in Copenhagen, we would complete our quest to dine at all three Michelin-starred restaurants in the city. My good friend Paul Ellington asked me to get tickets about six months before our trip so he could also enjoy the experience with me, Carter, and Mitch.

Alchemist is set in Refshaleøen, an industrial part of Copenhagen, home to beautiful waterways, Noma, CopenHill, the Det Kongelige Teater (Operaen), and many other restaurants, cafes, bars, design studios, and other interesting sights. It’s one of the coolest areas in Copenhagen.

A serene waterfront view of modern and traditional buildings reflecting in calm water on a clear day in Copenhagen.
Reflections
Two men smiling for a selfie in a sunny harbor area in Copenhagen, with colorful buildings and boats in the background.
Walking in Nyhaven
A scenic view of a calm waterway in Copenhagen, with reflections of buildings and boats along the banks, under a clear blue sky.
A whimsical neon ghost decoration in a cafe overlooking a body of water, with chairs and tables visible in the background.
Exterior view of the Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, showcasing its modern architectural design with a large overhanging roof and glass facade.
Exterior view of a modern black building with a large rectangular window showcasing indoor plants and decor, reflecting the surrounding water.

Now onto the Alchemist Experience

The Experience as described by the restaurant:

The alchemists aimed to purify, mature, and perfect physical objects. In the same way, we strive to transform and transcend the nature of food and dining.

The Alchemist experience consists of up to 50 impressions, combining both edible and purely experiential elements. The menu may be paired with a beverage or a selection from our extensive wine cellar.

During the evening, you will be guided on a parallel journey through Alchemist’s unique physical spaces and your senses.

Please arrive with your mind open and ready to expand your idea of culinary art together with us. Please be aware that Alchemist might not be the right choice for an evening of business discussions or that first nervous date.

The experience lasts for 4–6 hours, and the only prerequisites are curiosity and presence of mind.

Let’s GO!

Exterior view of a large industrial building with a brick facade and large windows, where guests are gathered outside, preparing to enter.

We begin in an industrial part of Copenhagen at a warehouse with a massive set of iron doors. Guests are greeted at the doors, enter a foyer with sculptures, and observe an extensive digital display showcasing key moments in history.

A man standing in front of a large sculptural piece resembling a torso.
Paul is anticipating the experience.

ACT I – ENTRANCE

A sculptural representation of a muscular torso displayed on a pedestal in a minimalist environment.
A multimedia display featuring an artistic representation of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh's mask, illuminated in a dark setting.
Two statues of male figures in classical attire, with detailed facial features. In the background, a sketch resembling Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man appears on a panel.
A digital display featuring two famous art pieces, the Girl with a Pearl Earring on the left and the Mona Lisa on the right, illuminated in an artistic presentation.
A digital display featuring two famous artworks: 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' by Johannes Vermeer on one side and 'The Birth of Venus' by Sandro Botticelli on the other, illuminated in a dark environment.
A two-sided display featuring a historical painting of diners at a table on one side and a statue of a Roman figure holding a child on the other side, illuminated against a dark background.
Three men in early 20th century attire, including hats and suits, posing in front of a blurred urban background with smoke.
Three astronauts posed in white space suits in front of a large moon backdrop.

ACT II – LOUNGE

We are then seated at a multi-level bar where we select our beverage parings and enjoy our initial experiences.

Interior view of Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, showcasing a bar with bottles, elegant lighting, and guests dining.
Looking up at an industrial ceiling design featuring dark tones, a large horizontal metallic structure, and thin vertical lines of light.
Interior of the Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, featuring an expansive wine wall illuminated by soft lighting with patrons seated and enjoying the experience.
Interior view of the Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, featuring a modern design with hanging lighting fixtures and a prominent wine display.
Digital menu display from the Alchemist restaurant featuring drink options and selections for the dining experience.
Our menu was an iPad resembling a digital artifact created by Da Vinci

The Experience, or menu, is broken into a series of Acts and Scenes. Act I was the initial digital experience at The Entrance. Act II is set in the Lounge and consists of Daisy, Smokey Ball, Voronoi Laska, Omelette, Sunburnt Bikini, and Sea Buckhorn Tonic.

A hand holding a decorative spoon with a golden-orange sauce on a silver flower-shaped base, with a glass and a small clay vessel in the background.
A hand holding a bottle of wine featuring a detailed illustration of a man in a bow tie, with a collection of artistic tools depicted on the bottle label. In the background, a tablet displays digital data and several glasses and dishes are visible.
Artistic floral centerpiece made of metal resembling sunflowers, casting intricate shadows on a textured tabletop.
A small, round culinary presentation featuring caviar topped with delicate flowers, set on a bed of moss and a piece of wood.
A small dish with a textured white surface and pink geometric pattern placed on a textured gray table.
Early impressions
Interior view of the Alchemist restaurant showcasing a colorful wall display of ingredients and staff members engaged in culinary preparations.
Display of various items and sketches in a dimly lit setting, featuring glass containers, drawings, and unique objects on shelves.
A chef preparing dishes in a stylish kitchen with a wall of neatly arranged jars in the background.
Two white circular edible items with a leaf pattern on top, placed on a round, smooth white plate.
A yellow, oval-shaped edible item presented on a white plate, resembling a small piece of art or culinary creation.
Two round golden treats presented on a glass plate with a layer of sand, alongside a clear glass of water.
More early bites
Interior view of a spiral staircase leading up to a wine cellar, featuring illuminated steps and a backdrop of wine racks filled with bottles.
A view of a wine cellar with wooden wine racks filled with various bottles, illuminated by soft lights, showcasing an organized collection.
A collection of wine bottles neatly arranged on a wooden shelf, displaying labels prominently.
Interior of the Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, featuring a dark ambiance with vertical light fixtures, a bar area, and staff preparing drinks.
Staircase illuminated by soft lighting, leading upward in an industrial setting.
An aerial view of an upscale dining area at Alchemist in Copenhagen, showcasing guests seated in elegant chairs around tables, with a bar area highlighted by warm lighting and a backdrop of chefs working in an open kitchen.
Overview of the bar

ACT III – DOME

After touring the two-story cellar, we progress to Act III to ascend the Dome, a massive domed room where rotating images and media are displayed throughout the dinner.

Interior view of the Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, featuring a domed ceiling illuminated with blue light and jellyfish projections.
Interior view of the Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, featuring a vibrant, underwater-themed digital projection on the ceiling and colorful coral designs along the walls.
A colorful cocktail served in a coupe glass, resting on a textured marble surface illuminated by blue lighting.
Interior view of Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, featuring a dimly lit space with a blue ceiling and illuminated dining tables.
A close-up image of a cocktail glass filled with a purple drink, sitting on a textured stone tabletop. The bar area features blue lighting, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
A vibrant digital projection of an underwater coral reef scene, featuring colorful corals and marine life, displayed on a curved screen in a dimly lit dining environment.

Scene 1

Artistic glass dome with a cracked texture and blue light reflection on a textured surface.
The famous eye, which is actually a glass-blown eye with caviar served on top, portrays a pupil. It is called 1984 after George Orwell’s novel.
A creative food presentation resembling an organic, round shape with a glossy, multi-colored surface, set against a textured table surface.
A close-up view of a decorative round object resembling an eye, with a deep center and a glossy surface, placed on a textured surface under blue lighting.
Close-up of a pink, spherical dish with a glossy surface and a decorative design on top, resting on a textured stone surface.
A top-down view of a colorful dish resembling an eye, featuring a circular design on a textured surface.
A vibrant projection of cherry blossoms on a domed ceiling, creating an immersive dining atmosphere at Alchemist in Copenhagen.
The ceiling is an ever-changing kaleidoscope of imagery – Sakura

The Dome’s visuals cycle through various themes throughout the evening: Under Water, Coral Bleaching, Expressionism, Sakura, Blood Cells, Heartbeat, Surveillance, ICU, Playtime, Kaleidoscope, Papercuts, Rabbit Hole, MC Escher, Northern Lights, Ember, Space Junk, Silk Ribbons, Seasons, and finally Scales.

A vibrant and immersive digital display of cherry blossoms against a blue background, creating a serene atmosphere in a restaurant setting.
A vibrant, abstract digital display with swirling colors in blue, orange, green, and purple, creating a mesmerizing visual experience in a modern dining setting at Alchemist in Copenhagen.
A panoramic view of a dining room with a vibrant, projected artwork on the domed ceiling featuring purple hues and floral designs.
A ceiling painted with pink flower petals and branches against a blue background, creating a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere.
A vibrant dome ceiling adorned with pink cherry blossoms against a blue and purple backdrop, creating a visually stunning atmosphere in a dining experience.
A creatively presented dish featuring a bright red lobster claw resting in a decorative wire mesh arrangement, accompanied by a small bowl of orange powder, set against a blue-lit background.
A creative dessert presentation featuring a reddish-brown sculpture resembling a rocket, placed in a bowl of fine powder, against a textured surface with a blue shadow.
A creative culinary presentation featuring a vivid red lobster claw placed in a mesh net, accompanied by a small bowl containing a red powder, set against a blue-lit background.
Lobster Claw
Digital menu interface showcasing beverage options at Alchemist restaurant, featuring wine and drink pairings displayed on a tablet with a purple background.
The beverage menu. One dials the various circles to select vintages, styles, varietals, and flavor profiles.
A cork from Chateau de la Maltroye displayed on a wooden stand, resting on a textured surface.
A vibrant and abstract artwork featuring a large flower-like shape illuminated in shades of red and orange against a textured background.
Blood Cells
A vibrant red visual display depicting a heart and interconnected blood vessels, viewed in a dimly lit dining area.
Heartbeat
A blurred image of a restaurant scene, featuring a chef in a gray shirt, with others engaged in various activities in the background.
A chef in a gray uniform stands in a restaurant setting, looking thoughtful or serious, with dim lighting and blurred figures in the background.
Two chefs standing in a dimly lit restaurant setting, with a dark background and a warm-colored overhead light illuminating them.
Chef Rasmus Munk
A delicate culinary creation presented on a blue-lit glass platform, with a small edible item wrapped in transparent plastic situated on top.
A close-up view of a delicate food presentation featuring a small, wrapped item on a glowing blue plate.
A dining experience at Alchemist in Copenhagen, featuring an illuminated dish with a translucent edible flower, set against a colorful backdrop and a blurred figure of a server in the foreground.
Plastic Fantastic
A vibrant visual projection of a flower-like design illuminated on a dome ceiling, with hues of red and blue, depicting an artistic atmosphere during a dining experience at Alchemist in Copenhagen.
Interior of Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, featuring a curved dome ceiling with a fluid projection and patrons enjoying the immersive dining experience.
Abstract depiction of swirling clouds or fog, creating a dreamlike and atmospheric effect.
A plate featuring a round mound of a textured, pale-colored dish, resembling a delicate dessert, presented on a polished surface.
Crab Toast
Close-up of a wine glass casting a circular shadow on a textured stone surface, with ambient blue lighting creating a moody atmosphere.
A ceiling view of the Dome at Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, featuring an artistic display of various vintage televisions and screens projecting images, creating an immersive light show.
Two bottles of wine on a table, with one bottle visible labeled 'ALTAGRACIA Eisele Vineyard 2015' and the other labeled 'Chateau De La Maltroye'. In the background, a projection of vintage televisions creates an immersive atmosphere.
View of the Alchemist dining experience with a focus on a glass of wine and water, with guests in the background and a vibrant digital projection overhead.
Surveillance
Two men taking a selfie in a dimly lit setting with a display in the background.
An array of old televisions and monitoring equipment displayed on a wall, featuring various images and static screens.

Scene 2

A close-up view of a lightbox displaying a portrait of a man, illuminated from above, with soft shadows highlighting the features.
A sepia-toned portrait of an elderly man with a serious expression, showing part of his upper body and head.
Litophane Pablo-matic
A delicately shaped dessert spooned onto a purple plate, featuring a rich chocolate or mousse-like texture garnished with small red pieces and flowers.
A creatively presented dish resembling a heart, garnished with small pink flowers and placed on a round, vibrant plate.
A spoonful of dessert resembling a tongue placed on a red glass plate.
Tongue Kiss
A close-up view of a purple-hued wall, adorned with various sparkles or light reflections, creating a cosmic or dreamy atmosphere.
Playtime
A large dome ceiling with multiple screens displaying blue and yellow images, creating an immersive visual experience, while guests are seen enjoying drinks and socializing below.
Surveillance
Abstract visual display featuring numerous large, stylized eyeballs with pink and red hues, set against a dark background.
ICU
A close-up view of a creative dessert presentation resembling a brain, with pink and purple textures, atop a textured surface.
Food for Thought
Interior view of the Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, featuring intricately designed walls illuminated in purple, creating an immersive dining atmosphere.
A dramatic view of a decorated ceiling with intricate patterns and green lighting, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
An artistic ceiling design illuminated in blue, featuring intricate patterns and textures, viewed from a dining area in Alchemist restaurant.
Playtime

Scene 3

A gourmet dish featuring a delicate presentation of ingredients arranged to resemble a rose atop a small portion of creamy sauce on a circular white plate, with a textured gray surface in the background.
Airy Bread
Artistic presentation of a dish resembling a fish skeleton adorned with colorful edible flowers on a circular plate.
Hunger
A vibrant overhead projection of a lush green landscape with colorful flowers and strawberries, creating an immersive and enchanting atmosphere.
A colorful underwater scene featuring glowing jellyfish, vibrant corals, and lush green plants, illuminated with blue and green hues, creating a magical aquatic atmosphere.
A vibrant digital display showcasing a lush green landscape with various colorful mushrooms and flowers.
Rabbit Hole
A golden, textured food item resembling a rolled pastry, placed on a white plate against a gray background.
A gourmet dish featuring a golden pastry with intricate patterns next to a small pastry tart filled with a yellow cream, all presented on a round white plate atop a textured gray surface.
Cachapa
A guest at the Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen holds a piece of food while interacting with a digital display in a dimly lit setting with colorful projections.
It’s OK to play with your food.
An artistic digital projection of a vibrant and colorful garden scene with various plants and flowers, featuring a central illuminated structure that resembles a treasure or vessel, surrounded by an immersive atmosphere with visible dining guests below.
Aerial view of a vibrant dining space with colorful projections on the walls and floor at the Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, showcasing a mix of artistic and culinary experiences.
Aerial view of a modern dining space at Alchemist in Copenhagen, featuring colorful lighting, multiple levels, and abstract design elements.
A gourmet dish presented under a glass cover, featuring various edible elements atop a textured base, illuminated by ambient blue lighting.
Wiped out
A close-up image of a metal container with a wire mesh lid, showcasing orange chicken feet resting on a bed of herbs.
Burnout chicken
A vibrant display of northern lights illuminating a starry night sky, framed by silhouettes of trees.
An aerial view of a dining space at the Alchemist restaurant, featuring illuminated futuristic decor and vibrant digital visuals of colorful mushrooms and plants.
Colorful and abstract ceiling projection in a dining space featuring vibrant patterns and elements, with people enjoying their experience below.
A close-up image of a transparent, contoured plate next to a red jelly-like square on a textured surface, showcasing reflections and light play.
Reflection
A colorful and immersive projection on a domed surface depicting foliage and swirling colors, creating a surreal dining atmosphere.
A colorful and vibrant ceiling display with swirling patterns of red, blue, green, and yellow lights, creating an immersive ambiance in the dining space.
A dynamic projection of a cloudy night sky with trees silhouetted in the foreground, creating an immersive atmospheric experience.
Northern Lights
A close-up representation of Edvard Munch's painting 'The Scream', featuring a figure with a distorted face, holding its head with both hands against a background of vibrant colors in a swirling sky.
The Scream
Vibrant and colorful abstract patterns projected on a dome ceiling, featuring swirling hues of red, orange, blue, and yellow.
Ember
A small, shiny red dessert shaped like a heart, positioned on a plain white plate.
A detailed view of an artistic dessert resembling a small red heart on a white plate, set against a textured gray table.
Two chocolate desserts on a white plate, one cut open to reveal a dark filling and a red glaze on top.
Eight Layers of Life
A close-up view of a vibrant, abstract visual display featuring swirling reds and yellows, resembling a dynamic and immersive light installation, likely seen in a culinary or experiential setting.
An immersive visual display depicting a vibrant scene with dramatic red and blue colors, resembling an otherworldly landscape, as part of the Alchemist dining experience in Copenhagen.
A vibrant digital representation of the cosmos featuring the International Space Station floating against a backdrop of stars and a glowing sun.
Space Junk
A close-up view of a unique black object with a wavy pattern on its surface, placed on a marble table.
Illusion

Act IV – EXPRESS YOURSELF

For Act IV, we exited the Dome. We transitioned to a room painted all white, where we were presented with several cans of edible paint labeled with emotional themes and offered the opportunity to express ourselves.

A small container labeled 'CREATE' with ingredients listed as 53% courage, 15% trust, and 30% enchantment, alongside a paintbrush, situated on a surface that has a purple glow.
A close-up of a container labeled 'SURPRISE' filled with red edible paint, with a brush resting inside, against a purple background.
A can labeled 'ANGER' sits on a table with a straw, highlighted by purple ambient lighting. The can's ingredients state: 20% frustration, 58% fury, and 22% hostility.
A close-up of a paint bucket labeled 'FEAR' containing blue paint, with a stick inside for mixing. The background is dimly lit with a purple hue.
A can of paint labeled 'SADNESS' sits on a white table with a paintbrush resting in it, surrounded by other paint cans and art supplies under purple lighting.
A container labeled 'HAPPINESS' with a yellow substance inside, resting on a surface illuminated by purple light.
A doorway with abstract brush strokes in shades of burgundy, contrasting against a white surface.
A decorative door featuring abstract and playful paint designs in shades of purple, resembling whimsical shapes and patterns.
A purple-lit wall featuring colorful jellyfish, coral, and seaweed illustrations, with a small white stool in front.

We transitioned from this room to meet Chef Ramsus and witnessed the operations of the command center, where all of the evening’s experiences are orchestrated. I was impressed to learn that they use Trello on a large screen to manage all guests’ preferences for the evening.

Interior view of Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, featuring wooden countertops and chefs preparing food in a dimly lit atmosphere.
A touchscreen display showing a detailed table of guests' preferences at Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, with various menu items and notes, set against a wooden countertop with plates and utensils nearby.
A group of chefs working collaboratively in a dimly lit kitchen environment, focused on preparing dishes at a central counter.
A digital display screen showing a Trello board interface, highlighting various tasks and organization elements, possibly from a restaurant management system.
Group of friends posing together with a colorful artistic backdrop in the Alchemist restaurant, Copenhagen.
TheHad, Chef Rasmus Munk, Carter, and Mitch

ACT V – BALCONY

For the final Act, we ascended above the Dome to the Balcony, where we sampled a variety of desserts and after-dinner drinks.

A digital display featuring an abstract representation of a humanoid figure with textures resembling moss or algae, set against a dark background.
A dramatic shadow pattern created by light reflecting off a curved surface in Alchemist restaurant, Copenhagen.
Golden decorative lighting fixtures resembling leaves hanging from the ceiling in a dimly lit space.
An industrial space with a ceiling displaying colorful reflections and lighting, creating an immersive atmosphere.
A wooden table with glassware and napkins, set in a dimly lit dining environment.
A decorative yellow sphere resembling a balloon, positioned on a white plate, with a drizzle of caramel sauce artistically arranged on the plate.
A close-up view of a glowing orange food item placed on a frosted glass box, surrounded by a wooden table surface.
A close-up of a hand holding a chocolate dessert shaped like a twisted cone on a stick, placed on a wooden table with drinks in the background.
Interior of Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen featuring unique lighting fixtures and elegant seating arrangements.

We experienced over 50 distinct food moments and impressions during the six-hour Alchemist Experience — a truly once-in-a-lifetime event. Much of its magic comes from the sense of awe and discovery that accompanies your first encounter with Alchemist. Every moment is crafted to surprise and delight, merging food, visuals, media, and social commentary into an immersive journey. It’s far more than a restaurant — it’s an experience in every sense.

A collage of immersive visual experiences from Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, showcasing various themes such as auroras, abstract patterns, and underwater scenes projected on a dome.
Dome Media Collage
Artistic presentation of unique culinary dishes from Alchemist, Copenhagen, featuring a variety of textures, colors, and arrangements that highlight the dining experience.
Food Experience Collage
Four individuals posing together in a restaurant with a colorful projected background, showcasing a vibrant and artistic ambiance.

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