When this old world starts getting me down
And people are just too much for me to face
I climb way up to the top of the stairs
And all my cares just drift right into space
On the roof, it’s peaceful as can be
And there the world below can’t bother me
Let me tell you now

When I come home feelin’ tired and beat
I go up where the air is fresh and sweet (up on the roof)
I get away from the hustling crowd
And all that rat-race noise down in the street (up on the roof)
On the roof, the only place I know
Where you just have to wish to make it so
Let’s go up on the roof (up on the roof)

At night the stars put on a show for free
And, darling, you can share it all with me

I keep a-tellin’ you
Right smack dab in the middle of town
I’ve found a paradise that’s trouble proof (up on the roof)
And if this world starts getting you down
There’s room enough for two
Up on the roof (up on the roof)

Up on the roof (up on the roof)
Oh, come on, baby (up on the roof)
Oh, come on, honey (up on the roof)

Everything is all right (up on the roof)

– Up on the Roof – Sung by The Drifters, Songwriters: Carole King / Gerry Goffin

FIRST ROOFTOP FARM IN DENMARK

The ØsterGRO farm itself is now 9 years old, born in the spring of 2014 under the vision and efforts of Kristian Skaarup, Livia Urban Swart Haaland, and Sofie Brincker. That first year sixteen local families joined the CSA (community-supported agriculture) endeavor. Built over a former car auction house, the farm is a brilliant example of the social sustainability that has become a priority in this neighborhood. I’m more than impressed. It’s seriously pretty up here. And the produce is top notch.

TAKE A SEAT AT THE COMMUNAL TABLE FOR DINNER

Ding, ding, ding! Time for dinner. Step inside the greenhouse and take your seat at the long communal table set charmingly with mismatched dishes and fresh-cut flowers. I came as part of a large group of international friends living here in Copenhagen and we were taken to the table first for the 8:30 pm seating. A couple visiting the city was sandwiched between us and another smaller group. I’ve heard others who have come as a couple and found themselves with new friends after the evening’s meal was complete. If this idea speaks to you, maybe check when you book.

DINNER IS SERVED

We were welcomed by our lovely hostess who explained a bit about the evening’s proceedings and was ever helpful with a natural wine recommendation. Courses were presented on sharing plates for two and introduced each time by the talented chefs themselves. You can order a wine pairing to accompany the selection of dishes or order from the menu by the glass. Pairings come with four servings and cost DKK 310.

STARTER SNACKS SERVED FIRST

We were served four courses of seven little dishes. We started with bite-sized “snacks” to start. A warm-up for what was to come. The first amuse-bouche was a pulled rabbit roll fried in a light tempura with cod skin, apple chutney, fried sage, and mushroom sauce. Rich, but tiny. A perfect tempter.

Next, we were presented with a little onion cracker topped with a fennel and garlic glaze, dried egg yolk, pretty petals plus some pickled and fried garlic.

FIRST COURSE OR STARTERS

I will admit, this was my favorite round of dishes – interesting layered local flavors beautifully presented. Next, a little slice of fried herring was placed on top of a cod tartar with oyster cream and lovage leaves made fancy with a few edible flowers. This dish was delish.

Soon we were served a lovely little tart made of puff pastry layered with confit mushrooms, sliced fennel, an egg yolk cream, caramelized lemon sauce and topped with fennel fronds, preserved lemon and garlic cheese. Um yes. It was that good. Flaky and full of flavor, it was a crowd favorite for our group for sure.

MAIN DISHES DON’T DISAPPOINT

More cod coming up. Good thing I love this mild fish so available in local waters. I can highly recommend taking a tour by boat to pluck your own from the clear cool waters offshore. But tonight I was happy someone else had procured the not-so-pretty fish and cleaned them for me. Next up, cod rolls with smoked butter over a rabbit sauce and green parsley oil.

Presented in tandem with a potato puree, caramelized onion, onion compote, and wood sorrels. To be honest, I wanted them on the same plate. The flavor of the buttery onions was so potent and I was wishing I could have eaten them together with the lighter-flavored cod.

DESSERT IS A DISH BEST SERVED… LAST?

Ok – so here is where my personal bias comes into play. I have not one photo of the dessert served at our lovely farm-to-table dinner. I will admit, when dining out, I don’t usually take dessert. I have been known to take another glass of wine to finish the evening off or even a cup of coffee. I did try it. It was fine. But it wasn’t the dessert. It was me. I may have taken to heart the communal table atmosphere more than the sweet treat set in front of me. You’ll just have to book a table to taste it for yourself.

HINTS AND TIPS FOR OUR OWN FARM TO TABLE EXPERIENCE

Gro Spiseri is open for dinners every Thursday through Monday from March to November and must be pre-booked and paid for online. Seatings are available at 17.30 or 20.30. We chose the later seating as the sun sets at almost 22.00 come midsummer. It was lovely. Although, come early for the later seating as we had little time to enjoy the beautiful garden once the platings began. For reference, we finished at nearly 23.00.

Fixed price for 5-course seasonal dinner | DKK 560
A glass of various natural wines | DKK 75 – 150
Wine pairing | Check restaurant prices

Breakfast collab with local bakery icon Hahnemann’s Køkken | DKK 260
Available April to Mid-November, one seating 10.00 – 11.30

3-course seasonal lunch | DKK 360
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – one seating 12.30 – 14.30

Make sure you climb up and take in the farm from the top. Especially on a beautiful summer night like we enjoyed.

Come to Copenhagen, she said. It’s tasty here.

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