Alchemist, Copenhagen – most enjoyable and exciting dining experience I’ve ever had, this time with my son

Late last month I had the opportunity to travel to Copenhagen with my 12 year old son for what was a stunning, exciting, fun, delicious and generally mind-blowing meal at Alchemist with Chef Rasmus Munk. This was my third time dining at Alchemist and the entire team from Chef to GM Lykke to the entire staff went out of their way to make the evening one to remember for a lifetime.

Alchemist has undergone some changes over the past year – "Act I" has changed completely to a unique digital art experience using diners own faces and the famous ballroom has been replaced for an interactive edible paint activity.

More than the environment, the food has transformed from prior visits, clearly inspired by events like the elBulli dinner and represents a restaurant aiming for its third star. It is easy to categorize Alchemist by the "gimmicks" and cast the food off as more novelty than dining. While never a fair criticism, this can no longer be assigned on any level. Exceptional dishes from the restaurant's history and development remain integrated with courses that seek to solely reach culinary heights – no message, no gimmick, just good food.

Striking Alchemist classics like the Perfect Omelette, Smoky Ball and Burnt Bikini and desserts like Andy Warhol and The Scream remain. All are incredible in their own right and speak to 3* dining. New additions like Pigeon in the Grave – a delicate pigeon in black truffle sauce cooked in wax, a technique from the elBulli collaboration – and Squid Shabu Shabu – delicious squid "noodles" in a bright broth – could easily be found at any top restaurant in the Nordics or elsewhere.

Having my son invited into the kitchen to work with the staff, preparing and plating his own desserts was simply extraordinary – like taking batting practice with an MLB player or skating the ice with an NHL forward. He was educated, trained and cheered as he perfectly completed two of the dessert impressions. Even my son, an experienced fine diner, was blown away by the complexity of each course and left with the greatest appreciation possible for the challenge, dedication and art this level of cuisine entails.

Any opportunity to dine at Alchemist would be the highlight of an eater's year. To have this experience with my son, catered for his interest and curiosity, filled with wines and beverages from the vault, exceptional premium caviar selections, the pure attention to hospitality at every step of the meal was rewarding and emotional. I simply cannot feel more fortunate to have these experiences myself and now with my family.

This link contains an album of the entire meal which as of this posting is not captioned – I will be updating that later today with descriptions of all the scenes and dishes.

https://imgur.com/a/6IYwnXQ