"In order to succeed, we must never stop developing. We are now at the point where we have to challenge ourselves again and take a new step forward. Therefore, we have to move”, said Esben Holmboe Bang, co-owner and chef at Maaemo.
As the first restaurant in Norway with three Michelin stars, Maaemo has received a lot of attention far beyond national borders, and there is a long waiting list for tables every day. Over half of its visitors fly in exclusively to eat at the restaurant. Changing something that works well is always associated with a certain risk.
“Moving Maaemo is very scary! We are at a stage where perfection is the only thing that applies. Every day. Now we feel the next step is to take the experience to the next level, so moving is a natural decision. We have to dare to walk the tightrope and take risks. For me, creativity is daring to renew, even if it means putting yourself on the line,” says Esben Holmboe Bang.
Next stop: Bispevika
Overlooking the glistening Oslo Fjord, a whole new neighborhood is being built. It is here, in Bispevika, that the new Maaemo will be located.
– "We feel that we are creating something amazing, and in a brilliant location. We are working closely with the developer to shape a new but recognisable place where Maaemo’s heart will beat," says Esben Holmboe Bang.
Maaemo will open in the new premises in February 2020 and although Holmboe Bang is looking forward to moving there is a lot to be done before that time.
– "The whole team works hard every day to give our guests a unique experience and we are not going to rest before the move. On the contrary! But we may have to find a little extra something when time winds down at our current location,” says Esben Holmboe Bang.
About Maaemo
Maaemo first opened its doors in December 2010 and is run and co-owned by Danish Head Chef Esben Holmboe Bang (36). In 2012 it was awarded two stars in the Michelin Guide just 15 months after opening. And in 2016, the restaurant achieved Michelin’s highest accolade of three Michelin stars, becoming the first ever restaurant in Norway to do so. Esben Holmboe Bang is one of the youngest chefs to ever have been awarded three Michelin stars and one of the youngest three Michelin starred chefs in the world today. In 2018 Maaemo ranked as the world’s 35th best restaurant in the San Pellegrino list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Maaemo — an old Nordic word meaning “Mother Earth” — is focused on creating a narrative around the subtle and pure flavours of Norway. The produce used at Maaemo is entirely organic, biodynamic, or wild. Maaemo builds around its local produce-driven cuisine with a focus on reflecting the changing seasons and the raw nature of Norway. The restaurant exclusively serves a tasting menu that is a pageant of dishes such as Norwegian langoustines with pine; sour cream porridge with smoked reindeer heart; and Røros butter ice cream with brown butter caramel.
Web — www.maaemo.no
Booking/general questions — [email protected] or +47 22 17 99 69
