In what’s being described as one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in Denmark, and perhaps Europe, Noma head chef Matt Orlando has revealed more details of his new ‘American’ eatery slated to open this summer.
After helming the kitchens as chef de cuisine of what Restaurant magazine has named the world’s best restaurant for three years running, the American expat has decided to step out on his own with the blessing of Noma owner René Redzepi, reported Danish publication Politiken this week.
Redzepi, for one, will miss him tremendously: “In the many years Matt has been with us, I have always seen him as perhaps the greatest talent,” he told the paper in an email.
To be called Amass, the restaurant will open in a 60-year-old former shipping depot in Copenhagen, a space with six-meter-high ceilings, original workshop lights and sliding glass doors. Orlando also plans to plant a 500-square-meter garden that will supply the restaurant with vegetables and herbs.
But instead of New Nordic cuisine, which Redzepi is credited with pioneering and popularising at Noma, Orlando told the paper he plans to serve “honest” food that reflects his background as an American chef.
And while he may serve spare ribs at the restaurant, don’t expect them to be slathered in barbecue sauce, à la Americana.
It may, for example, be dry-aged for 30 days, marinated in milk bacteria, and then cooked sous-vide for three days before hitting the grill.
Food will be served family style, he says, with communal platters and plates meant to be shared and eaten with your fingers, and price points will be cheaper than at Noma.
Amass is scheduled to open July 1st, 2013.