Ed U.
Yelp
Going to Copenhagen without trying the smørrebrød is like coming to San Francisco without having one of those absurdly expensive sourdough bowls of clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf. OK, that wasn't a great parallel because there is far more variety with smørrebrød, which is a uniquely Danish creation, an open-faced sandwich that may have any combination of toppings on a piece of buttered rye bread. A lot of places serve it in the city, mostly in small kiosks and crowded delis that require you to know what you're ordering quickly lest you confront impatient customers behind you in line. The Danes are really laid back except when it comes to their smørrebrød.
That's what makes Aamann's Take-Away the ideal place for a virginal smørrebrød eater like myself because they have all their beautifully constructed sandwiches on display. All you need to do is point... you know how to point, don't you, Ed? You just put your finger in the air and... point. And point I did. At the Roast Beef with Nectarines, Walnuts, Romaine and Shallots (see photo). And at the Salmon with Cabbage, Dill and Crispy Bacon (see photo). And also at the Turkey with Fennel, Dill and Tomatoes (see photo). In short order, they were recreated photogenically on an oblong plate (see photos). Understand I was there at close to 4PM since I was hungry after a long afternoon tour of Hamlet's Castle in Helsingør about an hour or so away.
You would think pickin's would be slim and service rather surly, but that was not the case. The staff was more than cordial, and they were more than happy to serve me, the lone customer eating smørrebrød at that hour. The take-away part of the operation looks like an upscale deli with modern white cafe tables (see photo). I had the place to myself, so I could truly enjoy the meticulously constructed sandwiches without interruption. Total price for my order came to around 55 DKK, which is approximately $10. Chef Adam Aamann has put a truly fresh and local spin on a traditional Danish treat, and the best news is that he has opened a new Aamann's near Union Square in Manhattan. San Francisco next, please.
FOOD - 5 stars...fresh, creative takes on smørrebrød delighted this tourist
AMBIANCE - 4 stars...place matches the food
SERVICE - 4.5 stars...very nice and attentive no matter how close to closing it is
TOTAL - 5 stars...a must-eat when you're in wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen