Last Friday I was FINALLY able to go to Aamanns-Copenhagen - the authentic Danish restaurant (which also has takeout availability) in New York's Tribeca. Aamaans has been mostly finished for over a year except for a few mechanical issues in the building which took forever to resolve - and I have been waiting impatiently for its opening!
Having a lifelong familiarity with Danish cuisine both from my own childhood in the US, my family in and around Copenhagen and via countless trips to Denmark, I have a deep emotional connection to the wonderful flavors and textures of the food. And, they are wonderful! But, the food is only part of the experience of dining at Aamanns.
The design of the restaurant is beautiful. Here's what you might feel when you enter the restaurant:
comfort - surrounded by the natural textures and materials
light spirited - via the expanse of white surfaces, furnishings and huge window which brings in lots of north facing natural lighting
engaged - with the organic feel of the artwork
relaxed - with the casual nature of the bar
inspired - by the collection of beautiful, yet simple, every day objects on shelving and on tables AND by the wonderful, super fresh, food
All of the elements work together to effectively create a comfortable, happy, yet stimulating feeling. The natural materials and textures beautifully merge the Scandinavian style with the vibe of its location - Tribeca.
The design of the room has a straight forward and functional feeling to it, but it's the beauty captured in the function, i.e. choice of materials, that the Scandinavians do, not only well, but to perfection which so often translates into a straight path toward comfort-both physically experienced and visual.
A few words from Sanne Ytting, founder and owner of Aamanns-Copenhagen:
"The space is designed by the young talented Danish designer from Copenhagen, Anders Buck Faaborg.Chairs: Fritz HansenLamps: Mater,Bodum, Holmegaard, MENU, By Nord, Sort of Coal, Anne Black, are also represented at Aamanns-Copenhagen.The overall goal was for me to create a piece of Denmark in Manhattan, a feel of being somewhere in Denmark.. clean design, elegant but still warm feel....The art on the walls are made by the famous Danish artist, Peter Max-Jakobsen - we do rotating exhibits every 4 months in a collaboration with Kim Jørgensen, Oxholm Galleries in Copenhagen."
Here's how this look can translate into a kitchen design - it's so easy!
- A foundation of white
- Natural stained wood floors - #2 oak is just fine rather than a perfect wood with no knots
- Modern chairs
- A touch of stainless and/or glass to bring in a functional feeling
- Organic elements such as pieces of nature, handmade ceramics, textiles and so on
- Simple, beautiful forms
- Good natural lighting
Scandinavian style is not only one interpretation, it can be nudged in many different directions. As so many of us are inspired by hotels, restaurants and other public places, I thought the style of this warm space might inspire, which can translate easily into one's home.
I've been inspired and comforted by both the food and the design - very much so! Aamanns-Copenhagen serves breakfast, lunch and dinner AND you can make reservations online as well.