The MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries 2021 was launched on Monday 13th September, at a Star Revelation event in Stavanger, Norway. It was hosted by the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, Gwendal Poullennec.
The Guide covers the countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. This year, for the first time, the Guide has been published in a digital format only. Listings can be found on the MICHELIN Guide website and on the free MICHELIN Guide iOS and Android apps.
During the event, special awards were presented for:
• Sommelier
• Welcome and Service
• Young Chef
• Chef Mentor
The MICHELIN Nordic Countries Sommelier Award 2021 was presented by Filippo Mobrici, President of the Consorzio Barbera d'Asti e Vini del Monferrato. The award went to Henrik Dahl Jahnsen, Wine Director and Head Sommelier at restaurant Speilsalen in Trondheim, Norway.
Speilsalen is situated in the striking Britannia Hotel and, stepping into this elegant ‘hall of mirrors’, you feel as if you are stepping back into a different era; one with gilded ceilings, plush drapes and sparkling chandeliers – and where an army of staff provide polished service to guests at either the well-spaced, immaculately set tables or at the counter.
In 2020, after being open less than a year, Speilsalen was awarded One Michelin Star for its elaborate, classical dishes; carefully crafted using the finest Norwegian ingredients.
Gastronomy is not always just about eating, however: it is about enjoying great wine too and, while
Christopher Davidsen creates culinary magic in the kitchen, Henrik Dahl Jahnsen and his team enhance their guests’ experience by delivering the perfect choice of beverage to complement their food.
Speilsalen’s impressive wine list boasts a comprehensive selection from the Old and New World, which is updated regularly, and there are also three different wine pairings available to experience alongside the tasting menu: the ‘Wine Pairing’; the ‘Wine Lover’; and ‘The Private Selection’, which explores wines from some of the greatest and most sought-after producers.
It’s not just about perfectly paired wine flights – though these certainly are that – but also about recommending wine to diners who perhaps want a bottle or even just a glass or two. The ability to anticipate and then deliver the right wine whilst taking into consideration the varied requirements, tastes and preferences of individual diners is a rare skill – and one that they’ve fully mastered at Speilsalen.
On receiving the award, Henrik Dahl Jahnsen said:
“When we work with wine this is really what it’s all about: trying to get that perfect combination. Of course, the food has to be great but if you can then add on with the beverages, I think the guests have an even higher experience.”
