Peter Ox: A Door Into Danish Gastronomy

 Hej from Denmark!  Our class has arrived in Scandinavia and is ready to begin our explorations into Nordic food and culture.  One of our first activities was to engage our senses while sampling traditional Danish foods at Peder Ox.  

​     Peder Ox is a quaint Nordic-French restaurant that has been nestled into the heart of old town Copenhagen, Grabrodretorv, since 1975. Guests are initially drawn to the front door by the golden-orange glow of the old facade, painted in with the vibrant reds and yellows of the surrounding historic architecture. 

    Stepping in, you feel as though you have been invited to a family dinner table in a rustic countryside cottage, perhaps experiencing an example of the Danish concept of “hygge” (pronounced hue-gah) - which describes the Danish way of enjoying simple pleasures through things such as cozy atmosphere, joyful friends, and comforting food, which is exactly what Peder Ox brings together. 

    The Smorrebrod spread was as enticing and rich with character as the neighborhood we had explored prior to our cozy feast. A well- and long-loved traditional Danish dish, this plate consisted of marinated rhubarb herring, pan-fried plaice, chicken salad, and new potatoes- all served with rye bread and complemented with mature cheese and port jelly. The meat and potatoes of this dish were brought to life by the vibrant and aromatic garnishes and sauces that introduced new, exquisite tastes, demonstrating why they have been staples in Nordic Gastronomy for centuries. Smoked cream cheese, pearl onions, lovage mayonnaise, remoulade, asparagus, and fresh dill were but a few of these culinary pieces of history and flavor. Peder Ox opened a door into the alluring and vibrant history, culture, and gastronomy of Denmark.  I am excited for our educational journey to continue!