Skagen Lunch at Alchemist, Copenhagen
Experience the refined flavors of Denmark with the Skagen Lunch at Alchemist, one of Copenhagen’s most avant-garde dining destinations. This exceptional dish is a tribute to the fresh, coastal ingredients of the Skagen region, artfully crafted with the signature innovation of Alchemist.
As with all of Alchemist’s creations, this meal is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, plated with minimalist elegance and precision.
Set in the artistic, immersive environment of Alchemist, the Skagen Lunch becomes more than just a meal—it’s a sensory journey, capturing the essence of Nordic cuisine and cutting-edge culinary artistry.
Celebrating the Scandinavian Way – A Tradition Sparked by the Masters
In the late 19th century, three pivotal figures of the Scandinavian art scene—Oscar Gustaf Björck, Christian Krohg, and P.S. Krøyer—helped shape a vision of life that remains deeply intertwined with the way we celebrate today.
These artists were part of a tight-knit community known as the Skagen Painters, many of whom were influenced by the French Impressionist movement during their time studying in France. It is believed that they were among the first to introduce the concept of champagne to Scandinavia, bringing back with them not only new artistic techniques but also a culture of elegance and celebration.
They were more than painters; they were visionaries, capturing not just moments on canvas but the essence of joy, connection, and what would become our deeply rooted culture of celebrating life.
The best-known work to capture this spirit is Krøyer’s iconic painting, “Hip Hip Hurra!” Painted in 1888, the masterpiece depicts an idyllic summer scene where a group of friends raise their glasses in a toast amidst the lush greenery of a Scandinavian garden. It’s not just a portrait of friends gathered for lunch; it is an ode to celebration, to life’s moments of happiness, light, and conviviality. The effervescent champagne they raise in their glasses represents not just luxury but the spirit of coming together—an integral part of what we today would call hygge.
Art and Champagne is a cultural legacy
Krøyer, Björck, and Krohg weren't just painting scenes of camaraderie; they were shaping a new way of living, where art, life, celebration, and culture all intertwined. As these painters gathered for leisurely lunches, picnics, and festive dinners, they cemented the idea that good company and good wine—often champagne—were integral to celebrating the Scandinavian way of life.
Art historian Elisabeth Fabritius (wikipedia) has often remarked that Krøyer, in particular, was most influential in making Skagen a symbol of "sun and summer fun, partying and youth, happiness, and the idyll of sunlit summer nights." It’s easy to imagine that their gatherings, often by the seaside or in the comfort of lush gardens, would include a bottle or two of champagne to elevate the spirit of togetherness.
From Canvas to Culture - Following in the Footsteps of the 21st Century
Champagne winemaker Yvonne Seier Christensen would like us to remember that Champagne was part of a unique setting a hundred years ago. Fast forward to today, our in-house historian (by passion), Olemic(Wikipedia), helps us revisit and align our forefathers' activities with today's lifestyles, reminding us to embrace traditions as we continue to follow in the footsteps of our artistic ancestors in our daily celebration of life.
Champagne has become a symbol of celebration and enjoyment, embodying the Scandinavian spirit of seizing the moment and reveling in shared experiences. From formal gatherings to intimate picnics, the act of toasting with champagne is now ingrained in the way we mark special occasions and, quite simply, celebrate life.
Champagne has become a symbol of celebration and enjoyment, an integral part of the Scandinavian spirit of seizing the moment and reveling in shared experiences. From formal gatherings to intimate picnics, the act of toasting with champagne is now deeply ingrained in the way we mark special occasions and, quite simply, celebrate life.
We see echoes of Hip Hip Hurra! in our modern-day picnics, garden parties, and casual hygge moments. Just like the artists of the late 19th century, we gather with friends, family, and communities, often outdoors, surrounded by nature, with glasses of champagne raised to toast the beauty of togetherness. Whether it's celebrating a milestone, a simple get-together, or the coming of summer, the essence of celebration—rooted in the traditions set forth by Krøyer, Björck, and Krohg—lives on.
Honoring the Legacy of Art, Life, and Celebration
Let us honor the legacy of Björck, Krohg, and Krøyer, whose love of life, art, and celebration has influenced the way we celebrate today. Their timeless scenes of togetherness, laughter, and toasts under the Scandinavian sun remain deeply connected to how we mark life’s most precious moments.
Skagen Champagne Lunch
Experience light and lusciousness Skagen Champagne @ Alchemist