15 June 2017
Unfortunately, this spot has now closed its doors.
Restaurant Norman is located on Norman Avenue in Greenpoint – hence the name. But it’s also a reference to a Nor(dic) Man. Behind this new restaurant is Claus Meyer, one of the founders of Noma in Copenhagen. He moved to New York years ago and is slowly turning the Big Apple into a place where lovers of New Nordic Cuisine will be treated very well. Last Summer he opened the Great Northern Food Hall and restaurant Agern in the Grand Central Terminal. Agern has a Michelinstar already. And let’s not forget his Meyers Bageri, a bakery in New York where you can get the most delicious Danish pastries.
Restaurant Norman opened a few weeks ago under the roof of A/D/O. A creative space where designers can discuss ideas, exhibit their work or use the communal workspace. The initiative comes from MINI and also as a non-designer it’s great to see the design, the beautiful kaleidoscopic tunnel to the rooftop or shop in their in-house shop. And of course have breakfast, lunch or dinner at Restaurant Norman, which is also located under the same roof.
Of course the Danish pastries of Meyers Bageri are there to try, but there’s more. They are open all day and have a lunch special for 14 dollars. Then you will get a daily rotating entree and vegetable side dish alongside freshly baked bread. Other favorites on the menu are the Crab Toast, ancient Grain Porridge or the Dry Aged New York Strip. Claus Meyer opened this restaurant together with Swedish chef Fredrik Berselius who runs the popular, and awarded with two Michelinstars, Aska in Brooklyn.
The setting however isn’t posh or classical Michelin-style. You can immediately recognize the Danish design chairs and lamps of Muuto in the spacious restaurant. The interior is done by N Architects. Also based in Brooklyn, but they work on projects all around the world. With A/D/O and Restaurant Norman they converted a former warehouse into a open space so the public mixes well with the designers. And you, as a guest, can see things that are usually hidden behind closed doors. One of my favorite things in the design is that they re-used the graffiti covered bricks of the old building in a new way. That gives a playful effect.
The restaurant location is perfect. In between the hot spots in Greenpoint and Williamsburg and only a few steps from the Wythe Hotel. Still my favorite hotel to stay in Williamsburg. For more cool addresses in Greenpoint and Williamsburg see The New York Guide.
Check out: www.restaurantnorman.com
