The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has completely altered our daily life, and the restaurant industry is one of the hardest hit by this crisis. If we don’t support our local restaurants now, they might not be around when this is all over. In Demark, we have entered a second lockdown as a result of rising cases this winter. Yet again, restaurants had to shut down. However, it’s still possible to support small businesses. Even though you can’t go out to eat right now, a lot of restaurants are still open and offering takeout and home delivery options. Some of our favorite local spots here in Copenhagen have been really creative in adapting their concepts during this time. This video series from the spring lockdown is still relevant, showcasing some of the creative responses to the Corona crisis from Copenhagen eateries and shops.
Looking for great take-away or delivery food in Copenhagen? Check out our Copenhagen Take-Away Guide!
Episode 1: Il Buco and Brace
Il Buco transformed their restaurant into a grocery store offering pasta kits for you to make at home, lots of discounted wines, toilet paper, and other goods. Restaurant Brace, which usually serves a tasting menu, has pivoted and is offering comfort Italian food for take-away, like a veal carpaccio, Nordic-inspired pastas, and a panna cotta for dessert.
Episode 2: Coffee Collective
Coffee Collective, one of our favorite coffee shops in Copenhagen, are keeping all their locations open during the second lockdown. While you can’t sit down, you can still buy take-away coffee, brewing gear, and bags of coffee to bring home from their cafés at Jægersborggade, Torvehallerne, Godthåbsvej, Bernikow, Telefonkiosken, and Sankt Hans Torv. We met up with founder Klaus Thomsen to hear about how the virus has affected his business, and how we can support Coffee Collective and other coffee shops during this time. As an added bonus, Klaus also demonstrated how to brew coffee using the Kalita Wave. Watch until the end for the home brewing guide!
Episode 3: Hart Bageri and Rødder & Vin
Hart Bageri, one of our favorite bakeries in Copenhagen, is still open during this second lockdown serving take-away sourdough bread, pastries, sandwiches, Basque cheesecakes, and coffee. In this episode, we met with owner Richard Hart to talk about his bakery and how they have adapted to strange new times. Hart added many safety measures in the bakery, but they also added free home delivery to help encourage people to stay at home.
Next, we met up with Solfinn, the owner of Rødder & Vin, who has also turned to delivery to keep his business afloat during these times. Since he can’t have his shop and bar open right now, he’s bringing the natural wine boutique to you! Whether you’re craving a “smagskasse,” a six-bottle box curated by Solfinn, or you just want a bottle of something juicy, Solfinn will bring it to you via the bike lane – with no time slots and no delivery minimums. Solfinn’s glass-half-full attitude in regards to this crisis is contagious!
Episode 4: Østerberg Ice Cream and Iluka
Østerberg Ice Cream, one of our favorite ice cream shops in Copenhagen, remained open during the summer lockdown serving take-away scoops of ice cream (but is only open one day a week now during the winter lockdown). In this episode, we met with owner and ice cream scientist Cathrine Østerberg to talk about her shop and how she adapted her business during a pandemic.
Next, we met up with Beau Clugston, the chef/owner of Iluka, a restaurant focused on sustainable seafood. In response to the Coronavirus, he created “Iluka At Home” – food delivery in the form of cook-at-home meal kits. The purpose is threefold – to keep his business afloat, to support his suppliers, and to teach Danes how easy it can be to cook fish! Iluka at Home is closed in December, but the plan is to re-open in January.
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Feel free to leave a comment and share creative responses you’ve seen to the Covid-19 pandemic!