When I visited Denmark a couple of years ago, I knew I would come back for more—not simply because I found Copenhagen utterly charming then but also because some important people in my life have decided to call this city home. We came back over the weekend to attend the wedding of my dear friends Céline and Michael, and got to appreciate Denmark on a deeper level. We celebrated in Aggersvold Gods, a stunning property with stables and a beautifully restored barn nestled in the Danish countryside of Jyderup. There we participated in many Danish and Belgian wedding traditions (e.g. cutting the groom's socks for the former and waving napkins in the air when the couple arrives at the reception for the latter); dined on heaps of sumptuous salmon, beef and cake; listened to tear-jerking heartfelt speeches; watched a beautiful fireworks display; snacked on addictive Danish-style hotdogs from a food cart that magically appeared after midnight; and danced until daybreak on the day of the summer solstice. It was such a treat to see the lush Danish countryside, dotted with wildflowers, windmills, cows, sheep and horses, for a change.

We also got to spend a little bit of time in Copenhagen, where we visited some of my old favorites and discovered some new ones with J. I spent my previous trip to Copenhagen mostly on my own, which can be a nice way to experience a city but is wholly different from doing so as a couple.

Last time, I ate at Torvehallerne every chance I got, sampling different types of Danish smørrebrød and local treats. This time, J and I enjoyed the innovative Nordic cuisine at Restaurant Höst. We tried both of Höst's Evening experiences, which are listed on the menu as including an aperitif, three courses with wine pairing, dessert and coffee or tea. In fact, the meal ends up as an eight-course meal with all the little extra treats they give you. Amazing value at prices well appreciated by this food-enthused New Yorker.

Almost everything we were served was fantastic but there are a few worth talking about in more detail. The Signature Menu's first course was inspired (though perhaps not for the less adventurous), with a fried chicken foot and succulent Norwegian lobster served on a slate plate alongside a smoldering juniper branch. Underneath the plate was a bowl of glas-cabbage, toasted hazelnuts and juniper, all of which was topped off tableside with decadent lobstercream. Absolutely delicious and so inventive! The main course was everything I could possibly want on a plate but impossible to photograph by candlelight so my description will have to suffice: ribeye steak with smoked lettuce cream, cabbage, pea sprouts, and fried chips made of squid ink. The most delightful dish of all, however, was an unassuming pre-dessert of house-made yoghurt served over berries ... and sprinkled with pop rocks! We couldn't stop smiling with every crackle-topped bite. These pictures were the best I could muster in the dark and intimate cellar where we were seated, as I do so hate ruining the experience for myself and other guests with flash photography. But this webpage gives a better indication of Höst's beautiful food and interiors.

Despite now having been to Copenhagen twice, I still feel like I've only scratched the surface. It's a rapidly expanding and evolving city, with so much to tease and tickle one's imagination. Thankfully, I know that there will always be more occassions to visit. I can't wait to see what this sparkling city will show me next!