While in Copenhagen in August of 2024, at the start of our two-week European Road Tour, Carter was searching for the coveted Noma reservation. Fortune smiled upon us as he found a lunch reservation during our trip. He asked if he should book it, as it was a vegetarian menu and I immediately said yes. It was only a three-top, so we decided that Jim Morgan should join us, as he was the only other older adult on the trip. Noma, Geranium, and The Alchemist are the hat trick of Copenhagen’s three Michelin-starred restaurants. It is challenging to obtain a reservation, though only for lunch. We were all very excited and looking forward to our dining experience.

As we made our way to the restaurant, we passed many gardens and greenhouses where Noma grows its produce. Noma is located in a former military warehouse complex on Refshaleøen, a peninsula of reclaimed land in Copenhagen’s harbor. The area has a history of land reclamation and industrial use and is now a hub for creativity and food culture. 

Finally, we arrived. As we entered the restaurant, we walked past the open kitchen, and the entire staff stopped what they were doing and greeted us with a resounding “Yes, Chef”! I love restaurants with open kitchens, and this was no exception. The attention to every detail was exceptional, the patterns of stones in the floor, the beautiful wood grain, and the natural light. This was an outstanding multi-sensory experience.

And now onto the meal.

After our first series of courses, we had a brief break and tour of the kitchen and grounds.

Now back to the meal.

Desserts

Digestives…

Carter, Jim, and I reflected on a truly profound meal. We have also been to The Alchemist, a truly memorable experience, and to Geranium and Noma, both three-star Michelin restaurants in Copenhagen, and Carter and I agreed that Noma commands a repeat performance. Little did we know that in four months, we would dine at Noma Kyoto later in the year. The other two restaurants are world-class, amazing experiences; however, given so little time in life, I prefer new experiences, but Noma is the exception.