Noma, one of the world's most exclusive fine-dining restaurants, recently announced a 16-week residency in Los Angeles, with seating costing $1,500 per guest. Tickets went on sale this morning and, according to Noma chef and founder René Redzepi, all tickets sold out in 60 seconds.
“We're so sorry to see everyone trying to reserve tables for Noma LA,” she posted on her Instagram Stories this morning. “We're selling out faster than ever. Please add yourself to the waitlist when cancellations occur. Sold out in 60 seconds.”
Redzepi then shared another post: Noma will be appearing at Courage Bagels in Virgil Village today, from noon to 2 p.m., or until sold out. The collaborative event will only serve 250 bagels, at $25 per order. According to an Instagram post from the popular bagel shop, a warm sesame and sea salt bagel is garnished with oyster mushrooms, pumpkin bushi, black pepper, a savory sweet rose, nasturtium and bergamot.
Redzepi said in an Instagram video that today's pop-up will feature “some of the things we're working on” for the tasting menu.
This is the first of multiple collaborative pop-ups in Los Angeles that Noma and its test kitchen have planned for the coming months.
In 2023, Noma, the Copenhagen restaurant named five times number one in the world, announced a planned closure for the following year. But instead of closing permanently, the restaurant began offering “seasons” of fine dining menus, which may be offered elsewhere. During his “season” in Los Angeles, he will serve a locally inspired tasting menu in Silver Lake from March 11 to June 26, with 42 guests at each seat, four days a week.
Earlier this month, Redzepi told The Times that he doesn't expect to make any money from the Los Angeles tasting menu, and that the $1,500 price tag covers the cost of transportation and lodging for 130 of his employees in Copenhagen during the tour. A program for chefs under 25, called Noma LA Industry Table, reserves a table for young chefs to dine during the pop-up event; Redzepi also plans to offer mentorship and work experience to local chefs during the residency.
More collaborative pop-ups like today's at Courage Bagels are planned. An upcoming pop-up store in Los Angeles for Noma will sell products such as vinegars, coffee and hot sauces. The restaurant's nonprofit, MAD, is also continuing its speaker series here in Los Angeles for symposiums on cooking, sustainability, and more.
Courage Bagels is located at 777 Virgil Ave., Los Angeles. Their collaborative pop-up with Noma Test Kitchen will be open from noon to 2 p.m.
