Alchemist – Early Feb

Is that a real butterfly?

This all looks horrible

ZOMG! that looks amazing

Lots of contrasting opinions here, many which based from my experience I think reflect flawed assumptions so thought I’d give my review.

First of all, it should be mentioned there are 50 “impressions” all up across multiple rooms, both for small performances and for different sections of the meal. For me, there was an incredibly tight and well executed balance of more experimental bites, more classic, conventionally delicious courses, reformatted comfort foods with global flavors from street food to fine dining, aspects of social commentary and use of rare or seldom used ingredients.

Because this entire experience is roughly 7 hours and 45+ dishes there’s never a feeling that if something isn’t to your taste that the meal has been ruined, for me a big part of the enjoyment is in the variety and “grandeur” across the whole meal.

There was a sense of strong intention that they’re clearly aware of mixing more creative and surprising elements with those that are supposed to bring comfort and raw enjoyment. This isn’t a Mugaritz, or even as out there as Noma. Its self-aware, and clearly supposed to be fun.

As a whole while I definitely agree these aren’t the most explicitly appetizing courses visually you’re going to find in the world, I appreciate the *very* uniquely Alchemist aesthetic across the board. Again, there’s a constant balance of slight discomfort or intrigue and right back to luxurious, straight forward flavour combinations and deliciousness. Similar to this balance was the social commentary in terms of courses emphasizing sustainability for example, which gave backbone to the overall experience without ever feeling like its forced down your throat.

Favourite highlight potentially the lobster claw and its horseradish dip. Somehow despite the almost cartoonish aesthetic and “processed” look this is one of the most delicious lobster dishes I’ve ever had, mixing the best of fine dining with reformatted comfort food like a lobster roll. A lot of similar instances with reformatted south Asian dishes and flavour combinations too. Absolutely loved the green curry style meatball on the end of the chicken foot, both visually and in terms of flavour. SO much going on visually, in texture and in flavor in a small package. Again maybe it doesn’t look all that elegant but its undeniably striking, and its fucking delicious.

I won’t spoil it but there was one particular moment where they involved all diners in the dome and the staff in a shared moment out of the blue, everything stopped for this mini unexpected “performance” involving a drink and some type of jellyfish for about a minute. Never experienced anything like this at a restaurant but this little event for me was really awesome. No other restaurant comes close on the finer details like this imo.

On service generally I like a friendly but less involved staff that are happy to chat but not overstaying. Very rarely do I feel like even at top end restaurants that the service is “authentic”. In this regard, Alchemist easily had the best service I’ve ever experienced. Super knowledgeable, enthusiastic service persons that are able to read their customers, and also that felt *real*. The general manager in particular willing to have long chats and was capable of some fun banter too. Felt very genuine, knowledgeable and happy to be there. On top of this the staff did a very good job of bringing you back to earth when the restaurant itself is quite overwhelming, there’s zero sense of pretension from the staff. Also appreciate Rasmus himself participates at various stages to interact with diners.

I did a split wine/non-alcoholic pairing and its the rare occassion where I wish I’d entirely gone non-alchoholic. Truly, the Kombuchas in particular and the personally branded bottles they are presented in are at such a higher level than what I’ve had elsewhere that it puts them to shame. On top of this there was an impressive mix of textural elements and cocktails across the pairing too. And constant refills on top of this. Being very into high end Chinese teas they did a great job of implementing this as well, an impressive variety in the final lounge area before concluding.

Do you eat the butterfly

Edit🥲 never mind I read the comments

This is garbage. It will always be refuse and will be forgotten within weeks.

You know why?

Because it’s crap.
It challenges you? Fuck off.