Seven hours of immersive dining and boundary-pushing culinary artistry at The Alchemist.
Courtesy of The Alchemist
Five acts.
This became a pivotal moment in his career.
The Cathedral dining room at The Alchemist in Copenhagen.Credit:Courtesy of The Alchemist
It formed the fundament for holistic dining and later the new Alchemist.
I could barely contain my excitement as I approached the industrial Refshaleen neighborhood of Denmarks capital.
The Alchemist experience consists of roughly 50 distinct courses, referred to here as “impressions.”
Chef Ramus Munk with his butterflies.Jon Johnnidis
While the majority are edible, others are designed to be solely experiential.
I was greeted by some of the friendliest and most engaging staff Ive ever encountered.
For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world.
“Space Bread” from The Alchemist.Courtesy of The Alchemist
However, some of my favorite moments were totally unexpected surprises I hadnt seen or read about beforehand.
(I went with the wine.)
Then there was a butterfly.
The “Plastic Fantastic” dish.Megan Murphy/Travel + Leisure
Yes, an actual butterfly.
Although Ive eaten insects in other parts of the world, this was my first time trying a butterfly.
I took it all down as one crunchy bite.
The “Food For Thought” dish.Courtesy of The Alchemist
We entered a dimly lit corridor.
(Ocean pollution is one of the themes addressed during the experience.)
Now onto the main event.
The Alchemist’s “1984” dish.Megan Murphy/Travel + Leisure
The Alchemist prioritizes important conversations, using food as a medium to provoke thought and educate guests.
Megan Murphy/Travel + Leisure
The ultimate goal has always been to change the world through gastronomy, said Munk.
The restaurant is a platform to raise awareness and to reach out with our messaging.
To eat it, you must first set the chicken free.
Perhaps the most striking section of impressions is themed around the human body.
I followed her instructions; it was undeniably a strange sensation.
Glancing at other diners impromptu make-out sessions was also quite amusing.
Even as an adventurous eater, the realism of this dish challenged my perception of mind over matter.
However, not all dishes toyed with my emotions as intensely; some were more straightforwardly delicious.
I joined a small group of diners and was brought into an all-white room accented with colorful graffiti.
I didnt leave The Alchemist until well after midnight, but I could have easily stayed longer.
Instead, I felt satisfied and inspired on many levels.
