This was my 9th noma visit.
To me, noma has always been about the staff, not Rene. I wanted to show support for that staff in this moment… they didn't ask for this. All of them have either moved across the world for this pop-up or quit prior LA-based jobs to work it, and I can only imagine how demoralizing this situation has been.
As an LA local, I also wanted to show support for the suppliers that likely took big financial risk to supply noma with products that otherwise have no market.
Finally, I also believe that getting the industry to a better place requires encouraging and celebrating workplace evolution from the top. Noma and this controversy has the visibility that true change from them could result in industry changes otherwise not possible. For example, you could imagine noma spearheading a more staff-driven leadership and ownership model from restaurants, something akin to the New Nordic manifesto but for the restaurant workplace.
experience tl;dr
- Rene wasn't there. Thomas Frabel seemed to be the face of the kitchen in ways I might have seen Rene in the past. The staff handled this situation with grace and were fully open about it.
- Venue was incredible. One of the most gorgeous restaurant venues I've ever been to. Sounds like it will be converted to a club of some sort after the popup which is unfortunate because it should really remain a food venue.
- Menu was impressive and fun, but it didn't stand out as one of my favorite noma meals. Many of the courses had clear analogs from prior noma menus, so I felt they didn't take big enough risks embracing LA. I also think it felt too seaweed-forward for LA, and some choices (e.g. lobster) just don't scream LA at all to me. Still some real hits and creative moments, with my favorite being the mole main course. I just wish they took some bigger swings!
by Impressive_Soft_2283
15 Comments
Looks very good, controversy aside. Quite different than any restaurant offerings in the States.
But with these kind of menus, I wonder if the artistic pursuit outweighs emphasis on taste which seem to be a trend in Nordic countries.
How were the beverage pairings?
Glad you enjoyed it. For one of the first times in awhile, we declined. I actually purchased the tastebuds for guaranteed access so it was extra frustrating. I get it, it’s expensive for them to do this but it feels like I’m subsidizing someone’s vacation. $1500PP is insanity given what I can get for that elsewhere in the world. It’s basically 2x what we paid for noma in CPH two years ago with pairing. It sold out so obviously people are willing to pay, just not us.
Looks shite
Just to be clear, Rene hasn’t resigned from Noma, he resigned from the board of his nonprofit and “stepped away” from the LA pop-up, mostly for optics. He’s still a major stakeholder. But agree the staff and suppliers deserve support.
That said, this food doesn’t look impressive OR fun, especially given the price. We have the most incredible, colorful produce here in LA and this is weirdly drab.
Looks like the sort of meal worth poking someone with a barbecue fork under the table for.
How was the overall vibe considering the protests and everything?
The food looks very Noma, but 1500/person is certainly steep for what is pictures, even by Nordic 3* standards.
I’m glad Frabel is getting an opportunity to lead again. My wife and I dined at Inua in Oct. 2019 and it was the best meal we had during our 3 week tour of Japan (honeymoon). She had dietary restrictions at that time, and I remember Frabel and his team had a Skype meeting with her prior to our trip to coordinate. Her menu ended up being almost completely different from mine. That will always stick out in my mind – the team viewed those dietary restrictions not as a burden but as a opportunity to innovate and show hospitality.
I almost never say anything but the fact you think this venue was “incredible” at a 9th visit is a joke and invalidates the rest of this review
You sound like someone with too much money or someone who didnt earn their own that cant decern whats actually worth spending it on
“This was my 9th noma visit”
Dang ok lol
idk if pictures, but it looks like a lot is left to be desired. but also, lobster, right after lobster season ended. interesting choice.
How did you eat the prickly cactus leaf with a spring of eucalyptus?
Honestly, thank you for sharing this. It makes me very happy to know I didn’t pay $3000 for this.
Rene controversy aside, is it just me or does this look pretty meh for $1500 a pop?
For me – anything associated with Rene at this point is toxic. Passing…I just don’t have the head space to make excuses these days and would just prefer to face reality head-on.