THE BEST IN THE WORLD!
5.0+ + +…read more
It's hard to imagine that one of the world's most acclaimed restaurants is located on the 8th floor of a football stadium. Yet, that is exactly where we found Geranium.
We arrived by taxi at Parken, home to F.C. Copenhagen and the Danish national football team. Waiting for us were two gentlemen who greeted us and directed us toward the elevator. It was a rather unexpected beginning to what would become one of our most memorable dining experiences.
As the elevator doors opened on the 8th floor, everything changed. Gone was the feeling of being inside a football stadium. Instead, we entered a beautiful, serene dining room overlooking the treetops of Fælledparken. Geranium calls it "Dinner in the Canopy."
With all of their accolades, I could not say that I did not expect a lot. After all, they've earned three medals in the Bocuse d'Or competition (one of each: bronze, silver and gold), three Michelin stars and the ever-so-coveted World's Best Restaurant in 2022 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants. We were in for a treat, but just not knowing the level at which that excellence would reach.
We were led to our beautiful, circular table of light-colored wood and stone and to a fabulous view of the open kitchen. As we looked around us, it seemed that most were dressed in business casual. We weren't too sure about the dress code, so we dressed up a bit and absolutely felt at home. The staff were immaculate in their service and presentation.
On the table was an upright envelope, held in place by a slotted wooden piece. Nearby were scissors resting on a napkin atop a wooden plate. With the scissors, we revealed the contents of the envelope--the menu. This was a fabulous interactive touch, filling the evening with even more excitement and mystique.
My husband decided to choose our own wines for the evening. We usually go with the wine pairing, but he was feeling daring and adventurous. When the Sommelier brought us the wine list, I must have gasped, as it was the largest wine list I had ever seen. It was not a book; it was a novel at nearly 300 pages! With the expert assistance of the Sommelier, my husband chose some wonderful wines and finished our meal off with an ice wine.
We dined during their Winter Universe menu. The dishes were beautifully plated and presented with such precision. Just when I thought I had experienced something so wonderful, the next dish would arrive and surpass the former. I was completely delighted with everything: the food, wine, service, pacing and atmosphere.
Just when I thought that things could not get any better, we were invited to take a tour of the wine cellar, private rooms displaying a fun portrait of Chef Rasmus Kofoed and Søren Ledet (co-owners of Geranium), a display case with the three Bocuse d'Or statues and the open kitchen.
Their wine cellar is astonishing and could have its own separate review. At the time, they housed Dominus (1991, 2007, 2015), Château Margaux (2008) and a Château Mouton Rothschild (1982), to mention a few in a sea of bottles!
Upon returning to our table, we enjoyed multiple sweet bites uniquely presented along with a lace-like edible botanical centerpiece of delicate gold Jerusalem-artichoke to resemble leaves and flowers.
Our dining extravaganza was over four and a half hours (make it closer to five hours if you include our time chatting with the manager up front). Time flew by as we indulged in the most amazing meal I've ever experienced. We're so fortunate to have been able to dine here and will take these memories with us. In our hearts and taste buds, it will be quite the feat to surpass this gem.
