A new pop-up restaurant opens its doors at the Casino Luxembourg. The idea is for different generations, cultures and social classes to come together. The concept is: “fine dining, but inclusive!”
The pub is open!
Davide Sorvillo and Mathias Hameeuw, the creative minds behind the successful pop-up bar “Bonne Nouvelle”, and Chef Anne Knepper first met last summer during the inaugural edition of their “Chefs Night” concept. The chemistry struck immediately and they soon decided to set up a joint project: a fine-dining restaurant that focuses on sustainability and authentic food while keeping its doors open to all generations and walks of life. The name “Public House” (the full name for the English abbreviation “pub”) is meant to underline precisely this openness. As such, it goes against the prevailing elitism in many fine-dining experiences.
The restaurant is housed in the “Salon Saint-Hubert” in the municipal art gallery “Casino”, which until recently was home to the Peruvian restaurant “Kay”.
Public House offers a “discovery menu” of 3 or 5 courses and uses only regional and seasonal products. “It is important to us to respect the products that nature provides us locally!” says the Chef. Here, the accent is placed on vegetables and grains. However, regional freshwater fish and local game also make their way onto the menu. In addition, the wine cellar is filled to the ceiling with genuine natural wines that go perfectly with the culinary creations of the kitchen. For those who are not in the mood for a multi-course meal, you can simply drop by for a cold drink and a few nibbles.
To appeal to the slightly younger target group, events such as “Pizza Nights” are held regularly, offering simpler dishes at affordable prices in a casual atmosphere.
There are also plans for “4-hands dinners”, during which Chef Anne Knepper will create and prepare unique menus in collaboration with international guest chefs.
A new rising star in Luxembourg’s gastronomic sky
Anne Knepper is a name you should definitely keep on your radar. The 26-year-old Luxembourgish Chef originally studied economics, but cooking had always been a passion of hers. During her studies in Munich, she worked part-time in various kitchens and in a bakery, which contributed to her decision in changing career paths.
She then completed her chef training at the EHTL in Diekirch as a career changer and did her final internship at the renowned “Geranium” in Copenhagen. Thereafter, she settled in the city and worked as a chef for one year at Casa Madre, a small Italian restaurant, and for eight months at Admiralgade 26.
These experiences have had a decisive influence on her way of working. Indeed, in Munich, she picked up the philosophy of artisanal and transparent work at Julius Branter’s organic bakery. Her awareness for sustainable and local cuisine grew during her time in Copenhagen.
The project “Public House”, is now the opportunity for the ambitious young Chef to run her own restaurant for the first time. “I couldn’t have gone back to Copenhagen with a clear conscience and let this opportunity slip away,” she says with conviction.
Public House will be open for at least 8 months, every Wednesday to Saturday from 18:00 and can be found through the entrance next to the “Aquarium” (the casino’s glass pavilion).
More information: www.public-house.resos.com
Pictures: Public House
