Renowned Michelin-starred chef Rasmus Munk of Alchemist, the groundbreaking Copenhagen restaurant, is embarking on an extraordinary culinary journey with SpaceVIP, introducing an unprecedented dining experience in the stratosphere. Partnering with luxury space travel company Space Perspective, Chef Munk will offer a multi-course menu aboard the Spaceship Neptune capsule, promising an unparalleled gastronomic adventure.
Alchemist, known for its innovative and immersive dining experiences, typically accommodates only 52 guests per night for its 50-course tasting menu. However, Munk's latest venture takes exclusivity to new heights, limiting the space balloon dining experience to just six fortunate guests. With Munk's culinary prowess, which has earned him two Michelin stars and consistent placement in the World's 50 Best Restaurants list, diners can expect an extraordinary gastronomic journey beyond earthly confines.
The price tag for this extraordinary experience is equally astronomical, with each guest expected to pay approximately $495,000 for the meal and a six-hour journey aboard the Spaceship Neptune. To put this into perspective, it surpasses the median cost of a house in the United States and exceeds the price of even the most expensive Michelin-starred restaurant experiences on Earth.
Despite the hefty price, Chef Munk emphasizes the historic significance of this inaugural journey, hinting at the possibility of future trips with potentially lower costs. Alongside the culinary experience, guests will witness the sunrise from 100,000 feet above sea level, donning bespoke outfits crafted by luxury French skiwear brand Ogier. The capsule boasts amenities such as wifi, a full bar, and even a bathroom, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious experience throughout the voyage.
Munk reveals that while some dishes will be prepared beforehand and heated onboard, each culinary creation will be scientifically and philosophically inspired by the history of space travel. He aims to highlight food as a universal thread in human existence, adding a profound dimension to the dining experience amidst the Earth's curvature.
Proceeds from the Spaceship Neptune trip will be donated to the Space Prize, a New York City-based organization promoting gender equality in science and technology, including space exploration—a testament to Munk's commitment to social responsibility.
In anticipation of this extraordinary venture, Munk expresses his excitement, calling it "insane" in an Instagram post. Indeed, this collaboration between culinary innovation and space exploration promises to be a groundbreaking and unforgettable experience for all involved.