Georg Jensen, a Danish silverware creator, has brought to Chinese shores a Danish fine-dining experience unlike any other, according to an article written by Mike Peters for China Daily.
Known as The Georg, the part-restaurant, part-showroom is housed in a hutong (courtyard) in Beijing, between the Back Lake (Houhai) and the Forbidden Palace.
Still in soft-opening mode, The Georg has already received praise from various critics, both local and international.
Beijinger magazine, in a review, wrote, "None of Beijing's independent fine-dining establishments could hold a candle to TRB until The Georg crept quietly into being at the end of last year."
Peters attests The Georg's apparent early success to two things: finesse and an appreciation of the Danish silverware Georg Jensen is most known for. The brand has been a renowned silver craft house for approximately 110 years, and Chinese tourists crowd its showroom in Copenhagen.
David Chu, Georg Jensen's chief creative officer, only felt it natural to build the company's first Chinese showroom and first restaurant that can "capture the DNA and the feel of Copenhagen."
Peter Bundgaard Rutzou, a renowned Danish architect, worked on The Georg and created a warm dining room. Meanwhile, in the kitchens, Chef Talib Hudda leads an army of chefs to create New Nordic masterpieces a little akin to that of restaurants like Noma.
Diners are also encouraged to abandon the traditional course style of fine dining. With every dish costing at 130 yuan or $20, guests can mix and match to their heart's content. A chef's special can also be put together. For 450 yuan, diners get a special selection of dishes. Wine pairing is also available for 450 yuan.
As for the food, Peters wrote in his article that the dining experience was superb. Color and texture blended perfectly well, and the dishes were made with carefully chosen ingredients, both locally sourced and imported. The presentation of the dishes was in stark contrast to an almost Spartan menu that consists of items like "grilled parsnip - squid - black garlic" or "baked black halibut - malt - potato," making the dining experience a pleasant surprise.
To top the elegant and sumptuous dining experience, diners can head upstairs to the Jensen gallery and admire the works of the century-old brand.