Nicolai Nørregaard
Nicolai Nørregaard | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 1, 1979 Svaneke, Bornholm, Denmark |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, Restaurateur |
| Known for | Executive chef and co-proprietor of Kadeau |
Nicolai Nørregaard (born 1 October 1979) serves as the executive chef and co-proprietor of Kadeau, which operates venues in both Copenhagen and Bornholm. Growing up on the Danish Baltic island of Bornholm, he was deeply influenced by his grandfather’s self-reliant culinary practices that focused on locally cultivated vegetables, seafood, and traditional preservation techniques.
Biography
Raised in Svaneke on Bornholm, Nørregaard began his culinary journey alongside his grandfather at an early age. Although his original ambition was to pursue architecture, he spent summers working at the restaurant Svaneke Pakhus and does not possess formal training in cooking.
In 2007, together with fellow Bornholm native Rasmus Kofoed, Nørregaard established Kadeau Bornholm by taking over the restaurant Strandhytten. This location boasts panoramic views of Sømarken’s coastline and has been awarded one Michelin star since 2016. The distinct microclimate of Bornholm supports the growth of fruits such as figs, peaches, and mulberries, which play a significant role in shaping the restaurant’s seasonal offerings.
A fundamental aspect of Kadeau’s culinary philosophy draws inspiration from Bornholm’s heritage smokehouses, especially one managed by Nørregaard’s uncle. These facilities employ traditional cold and hot smoking techniques for fish—a meticulous and uncommon practice today. This legacy forms a core part of Nørregaard’s methodology and aligns with the principles of the Nordic food movement.
Kadeau prioritizes ingredients that are seasonal, sourcing produce from its own garden and local foragers during summer months. The menu adapts continuously throughout the growing season to highlight Bornholm’s harvest, with extensive preservation methods employed to ensure ingredient quality during winter.
The Copenhagen branch of Kadeau launched in 2011 in Christianshavn and has upheld two Michelin stars since 2018. While the Copenhagen restaurant remains open throughout the year, the Bornholm establishment operates seasonally from May through September.