As with the Beefsteak.

When I want a specific feast, but I can’t find it anywhere.

I have to cook it.

Here's the Story:

Back in 2017, while in Copenhagen, I ducked inside an old-school Danish restaurant that was packed to the gills to see what’s the hubbub.

At 2 PM on a Wednesday it was like a crossing over into a festival of herring delights.

Piles of Fish, pickles, bowls of lard, crispy pork, baskets of rye bread.

Every table was covered with food and snaps and surrounded by appetites and smiles.

A veritable viking feast with less ax and more dill.

What is this?!

It’s a Danish Christmas lunch.

OK we’re in.

Do you have a reservation?

I’m sorry you will have to try for next year.

oof.

But it helps to know a guy. I called an old-school chef friend who is connected and he was able to get us a table at that spot.

We sat DOWN around 12:30 PM and wobbled out at 5pm - which sounds like a long time until you learn that it’s been paired down from 12 days.

It was one of the most memorable meals of my life and I think of it every year around this time.