The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2020 - Issue 27

bite travel In Copenhagen, the neighbourhoods are quite diverse with each one having its own distinct vibes and looks. Areas like Refshaleøen are described as gritty and industrial, while Frederiksberg is posh and classy. Ves- terbro was once the red-light district of the capital but, today, it is cool and authentic with hip nightlife, fash- ion boutiques, sex shops, and old school gritty vibes, while the less trodden path of Sydhavnen is nature-led, architectural, and authentic harbour-side living on the edge of the city. For those who love to be near the water, Christian- shavn has colourful houses and idyllic canals that make this neighbourhood, with its group of small islands, unique and one of Copenhagen’s most picturesque areas. In Amager, you will find islands Brygge and Ørestad, as well as East Amager where food and life on the water are booming. Nordhavn is filled with new buildings, top-notch bathing, and eating in the sky. It is the hotspot for impressive architecture, design studios, and new gastronomy. Some see Copenhagen as the happiest city in the world, although Helsinki in Finland beat them to the punch in the polls. Despite paying higher taxes, the Danes have shorter workdays, free college tuition, more holidays, and a way of life called ‘hygge’ which means “acknowl- edging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cosy, charming, or special.” In other words, they take time out to relax and recharge, making them perhaps the most easy-going of people. The cuisine is also excellent with plenty of restaurants including Michelin-starred, as well as street food mar- kets, serving sustainable organic food. One of the most renowned restaurants is Noma, a gastronomic Mecca of world-class dishes created by Chef Rene Redzepi and his staff presented in 20-course meals. The tables are usually booked up quickly but they sometimes offer diners the option of sitting at the ‘Sharing Table’ if there are no group bookings and people don’t mind sharing the table with strangers. The restaurant has three seasons throughout the year - Scandinavian seafood from January to June, vegetable dishes from July to September, and game and forest cuisine such as goose, leg of moose, reindeer tongue, and wild duck for the remainder of the year. Located beside a lake in the countryside, diners are greeted by the staff upon arrival and offered a welcome drink. Before being seated, you may get the chance to wander around the greenhouse and look at the various jars and concoctions on display. Another restaurant, Havfruen Seafood Restaurant in Nyhavn (New Harbour), has a selection of smørrebrød (open sandwiches), lunch specials such as Salmon Tar- tare, Crabmeat, and Bacalao (Cod), as well as snacks, oysters, and seafood platters. You can also try Havfru- en’s tasting menu, indulge in their starters and drinks. The outside of this restaurant has a wonderful golden mermaid sign, which symbolises the English transla- tion of the restaurant’s name meaning ‘The Mermaid’. Copenhagen Zoo