René Redzepi's highly anticipated project for 2024 revealed: a return to roots or absolute novelty? Discover it here in advance.
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The news
In October, the maples and ginkgos of Kyoto will frame a grand event: the eminent chef René Redzepi will once again bring his award-winning restaurant, Noma, to Japan, returning to the Ace Hotel Kyoto for his autumn residency.
The famous Danish gourmet has garnered acclaim and worldwide resonance for his futuristic yet environmentally respectful cuisine. Each dish is a canvas upon which Redzepi has painted over time with seasonal ingredients and cutting-edge culinary techniques. His approach to gastronomy is a balance between roots and experimentation, both technical and creative.
Kyoto, on the other hand, with its rich history and culinary culture, is the perfect setting for this extraordinary collaboration. Known for its refined kaiseki cuisine and attention to detail, the former capital of Japan is a sought-after destination for food lovers in search of authenticity and beauty. The meeting of Noma's innovative vision and Kyoto's timeless elegance promises to be an explosive combination of flavors, textures, and emotions.
Already with the debut of Noma at the hotel in spring 2023, sold-out performances were recorded. This year, the restaurant will only open from Monday to Thursday, excluding weekends, starting from Tuesday, October 8, until Wednesday, December 18, 2024. There will be four dinners and three lunches per week, with all guests seated at communal tables in the main dining room of the Ace Hotel Kyoto. The latest occupies a historic building from 1926 that once housed the central telephone company of Kyoto, designed by Tetsuro Yoshida (one of Japan's most respected modern architects), later integrated into a modern complex.
The menu? Focused on products from local suppliers, ranging from Wagyu to Wasabi. Both Danish and Japanese cuisine also extensively utilize fermentation, so there's a green light for conservative techniques to treat cucumbers, seaweed, and miso. Additionally, there will be special events such as wine tastings, cooking classes, and private dinners with chef René Redzepi, offering guests an unparalleled culinary experience. The basic tasting menu will cost 540 euros (about 900 Australian dollars per person), with a beverage pairing of 300 euros (about 500 Australian dollars per person). A service charge of 10% will also be added, with the entire culinary experience totaling approximately 900 euros per person.
Noma Kyoto accommodation and dining packages can be purchased through the Ace Hotel Kyoto website and include a minimum of two nights at the Ace Hotel Kyoto, along with access to booking a lunch or dinner for two at the Noma residency.
