I was invited to experience the flavors of Denmark in a wonderful tasting event at Redbird in DTLA. Hosted by Visit Denmark, Wonderful Copenhagen and Norwegian Air (which flies to Copenhagen directly from LAX, Oakland, Las Vegas, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, NY and Boston), the tasting dinner showcased why Denmark is becoming a must-do for foodie travelers.

Danish smorrebrod
Danish smorrebrod, a modern take on classic farmer food



One of Denmark’s leading and most innovative chefs, Adam Aamann, came to Los Angeles to prepare a special meal for our group of travel and food journalists. He’s shaking up the foodie world by making smorrebrod, a modern take on classic farmer food. These are small, open-faced sandwiches on delicious Danish rye bread.

Chef Adam Aamann
Danish chef Adam Aamann (left) prepares our dinner in the private kitchen at Redbird in DTLA
Smorrebrod sandwiches
Smorrebrod is open-faced sandwiches on rye bread, these have potatoes, shrimp, fennel, radish and ramps
Black cod at Redbird
The first course, black cod with oysters, ash, apples, horseradish and buttermilk
Beef tartare
Beef tartare with lovage, celery, blueberries, hazelnuts and rye breadcrumbs

The event was held in a private dining area of Redbird, a very popular new restaurant in downtown Los Angeles, housed in the former St. Vibiana’s cathedral.

pork belly from Denmark
The third course, pork belly with kale, asparagus, peas and flowers
Fresh strawberries
Fresh strawberries from the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, with merinque, vanilla, almond crumble and sorrel.

The wonderful flavors of Denmark and Copenhagen are just a comfortable flight away on Norwegian and the airline offers some incredible fares. For travel in March or April, fares are available from about $500 roundtrip.