When people say they’ve had an experience in a floating orb you usually dismiss them as totally bananas.
But you shouldn’t be so quick to judge, because they could have been talking about their ‘expedition dining’ experience in the Salmon Eye – home to Restaurant Iris.
Floating in the Hardangerfjord, near the Rosendal in Western Norway, the orb-like structure offers otherworldly views of cold waters, mountains and glaciers.
The structure itself which houses the restaurant weighs more than 1,200 tonnes and is covered in 9,000 steel plates making it look like something you could find if you went snooping in Area 51.
Restaurant Iris is rather exclusive, seating only 24 diners at a time, but there’s a two hour ‘learning experience’ available for those who don’t want to eat there.
After all, dining at this restaurant will take six hours, with it’s tasting menu comprising of a whopping 18 courses. Now that’s a lot of food.
Most spectacular restaurant in Norway! #restaurant #spectacular #michelin #michelinstar #iristherestaurant #hardangerfjord #norway
It makes the £246 cost of a seat in the restaurant almost seem reasonable if you’re getting that many plates!
There is of course the option to add a wine pairing for your 18 course menu (we’d be rather tipsy by glass number four) or alternatively there is an alcohol-free drinks pairing.
The ‘expedition dining’ experience is centred around newly discovered ingredients from the ocean and focuses on sustainability.
The meal even supposedly begins with a little film about the issue of food waste and its impact on the environment.
The restaurant states on it’s website: ‘The experience at Iris is, quite literally, a journey. It starts with a boat trip from the picturesque town of Rosendal, with a pit stop and welcoming snack at chef Anika Madsen’s boathouse on the island of Snilstveitøy.
‘Via the jetty of the floating art installation Salmon Eye, the evening kicks off with a multisensory underwater experience, to culminate in the dining room where stunning views of the fjord and mountain ranges create the backdrop for our set tasting menu.
‘When the weather allows, the rooftop terrace will set the stage for one of the courses, grilled over an open fire and enjoyed in the fresh air.
‘At the end of the evening, another boat ride awaits, taking the guests back to familiar shores and a comfortable bed in Rosendal.’
But if you’re a vegetarian, vegan or have a seafood allergy don’t get too excited, because the restaurant can’t accommodate your dietary requirements.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Source: Read Full Article