The Copenhagen is New York's sole Danish restaurant. It opened nearly four years ago bySonne Yitting, from Denmark who previously was a school teacher at Manhattan's Park Side School. She opened it because she was frustrated not being able to have the food from her home country she missed so much.  The restaurant is located in Tribeca close to the Holland Tunnel.

Whatever your preconceived vision of what you think a Danish restaurant should look like; minimal, clean lined . . . this is indeed reinforced on entering The Copenhagen. Floor to ceiling front windows makes way for an abundance of natural light that spills across the teak wood floor where tables made of pine with slender curved chairs are positioned spaciously. Walls are graced by contemporary Danish art. The lighting fixtures are sleek.

On a first visit I strongly recommend the Smorrbrod (pronounced Smurbird) or as foreigners know it as the "open face sandwich." On this visit I had two sandwiches; the Duck with Spiced Red Cabbage and the Cured Salmon with Herb Ailoli and Scallion. I liked them both, but preferred the Duck.  Both were served on a slice of dark rye bread which is made at the restaurant.  Other sandwiches include; Beef Tartar, Eggs & Fresh Shrimp, and Pork Liver Pate.  The plate that the sandwiches are served on is made of granite, and like everything else in The Copenhagen it is imported from Denmark.

The Copenhagen has an easy relaxed vibe which oozes with mellow. Billie Holiday's unmistakable voice coos, the cool jazz of Jerry Mulligan, little candles flicker. The service is friendly but low key.

The Copenhagen serves eight home made Aquavits, the liquor which the country is most well known for producing. The selection is a s follows: Fennel, Dill, Elderberry, Pear Vanilla, Sea Buckhorn, Beet, Licorice, and the "Copenhagen House" which is the most popular.

ADDED VALUE!  Here is a picture of my friend Steen Petersen who is a native of Copenhagen.  I met him five years ago when I was traveling in Laos. He is visiting NYC.

Interesting Fact about Denmark . . . The Danish monarchy is the oldest continuing monarchy in the world, and has existed over 1,000 years.

Language greetings:  "Hello" (hej) "Thank you" (tak)  "Delicous" (lifig)