Restaurant Aure in Copenhagen has received its first Michelin star at Monday’s distribution of the coveted stars. The award ceremony took place in the capital of Finland, Helsinki. The recognition is particularly remarkable because the restaurant opened just 81 days ago.
“I am totally overwhelmed, and all emotions are swirling around inside me right now,” said 29-year-old Nicky Arentsen in a press release. “We are incredibly proud because it is an important stamp of approval for Aure, and I am completely out of breath at the thought of it happening so quickly. It simply surpasses my wildest imagination, and I couldn’t have done it without the whole team behind it.”
Co-owner Emma Nørbygaard explained that the people behind Aure were initially surprised by the invitation to the ceremony in Finland – especially because of the restaurant’s young age. “We have risked everything we own to open our own place, so the recognition of Aure and Nicky’s abilities is a dream come true at rocket speed,” she said. “Now we’re just looking forward to coming home and showing even more people what Aure stands for.”
Aure was the only Danish restaurant out of nine new Michelin restaurants in the Nordic region to receive a star – including three Swedish, three Norwegian, and two Finnish restaurants. In addition to the prestigious star, Nicky Arentsen also received the Young Chef Award 2024. It was a clearly moved young man who could step onto the stage in Helsinki to receive his industry’s homage.
“Look at me,” he said when asked how it felt. Arentsen has a background in other Danish Michelin restaurants such as Aoc and Jordnær. Last year, six Danish restaurants received their first Michelin star.