Have you ever dined in a fairy tale? Welcome to Den Røde Cottage a culinary haven nestled in a small beech forest near the sea. This charming red cottage in Klampenborg a short distance from Copenhagen has a history as rich as its modern cuisine.
Built in the 1800s Den Røde Cottage initially served as a holiday home for Copenhagen’s bathing and hunting enthusiasts. Hunters enjoyed lunch here. Imagine the scene hearty meals shared amidst the tranquil forest. This area was far from Copenhagen then. Now it’s only a twenty-minute drive.
In 2010 Anita Klemensen and Lars Thomsen revitalized Den Røde Cottage and its neighboring yellow cottage. They created a minimalist yet cozy black-and-white interior. Forest themes are reflected in the chairs and staff uniforms. The intimate dining room feels like a home a testament to the attentive service.
Both Anita and Lars are chefs their collaboration resulting in a refined menu. Anita’s pastry expertise shines through in the delectable desserts like her chocolate cake paired wonderfully with Danish cherry wine or elderflower berry juice. The menu changes monthly reflecting seasonal ingredients sourced from small Nordic producers. Even the water is bottled on site.
Their cooking is classical yet light. A Bordelaise sauce for instance might incorporate green tomato for freshness root fruits for added texture and taste. It’s a symphony of flavors a perfect balance of rich tradition and modern innovation.
The restaurant unfortunately is permanently closed. But its legacy remains. Its Michelin stars in 2012 and 2013 stand as a testament to its excellence. The memory of the exquisite food remains. The enchanting setting still evokes the magic of a fairytale. The Little Red Cottage’s tale lingers a captivating story of culinary artistry in a charming setting.