28 years in Aalborg: Mortens Kro surprises with an all-new concept
Mortens Kro has for 28 years been synonymous with evenings, white tablecloths, and craftsmanship in absolute top class.
But as our dining habits have changed – and meals no longer necessarily follow the clock – the gourmet institution on Mølleå is once again adjusting its direction.
Ten years ago, Mortens Kro introduced lunch service, and now they are taking the next step.
A “Late Lunch” concept that gives hungry locals (and hotel guests) the opportunity to sit down between 3 pm and 5 pm and enjoy a late lunch dish in the charming surroundings.
The concept launched at the beginning of September, and according to owner Morten Nielsen, it is mostly about keeping up with the times and not least using the resources they already have.
“We already have both chefs and waiters working all day.
Many guests check into our hotel around 3 pm and are hungry, and our lunch technically ends at 3.
It makes perfect sense to be available – both for hotel guests and for locals who feel like a luxury meal in the afternoon,” he explains.
From oysters to stjerneskud
The Late Lunch menu changes 7–8 times a year, and the current version runs throughout Christmas.
Here you’ll find both classic and modern options: Oysters, lobster salad, croissant with chicken salad, an already extremely popular stjerneskud – and of course the house’s showpiece: The Snack Tower.
The visually impressive tower is Mortens Kro’s take on a great afternoon lunch and consists of small servings, mini desserts, cheese, and signature dishes.
There is an option to add caviar, but as Morten Nielsen says: It became “a little too expensive” to include by default.
Prices start at 149 DKK for a single dish and go up to 449 DKK for the Snack Tower per person.
Luxury by the fireplace
In the fireplace lounge, the Verner Panton furniture has been newly upholstered in purple velour by local upholsterer Thomas Dyg, and the room is designed as a more informal luxury space compared to the evening restaurant.
Here there is room for spontaneous visits, a glass of champagne after Christmas shopping, or a couple of oysters beside the fireplace.
“It’s not a big setup. It should be relaxed, but still Mortens Kro,” says Morten Nielsen.
Opening an afternoon concept is also a response to how people in Aalborg go out nowadays.
With the rising number of wine bars in the city, there is good reason, according to Morten Nielsen, to create an alternative that combines good wine with small luxury servings – in an environment that is calmer than the evening but still completely refined.
We tried the Snack Tower
If you dream of a Late Lunch that both feels good in your stomach and looks great on social media, then the Snack Tower is what you should order.
The artwork – because that is what we must call it – is presented on a stand that, according to Morten, can only be sourced from abroad.
The three levels offer everything from oysters with tangy toppings, mini tarts and charcuterie to small desserts and pâtisserie cakes that almost function as a miniature gallery of what Mortens Kro can do.
Naturally, the tower is accompanied by a detailed explanation of each dish and how to get the most flavor out of each one – both individually and together.
Even though it is just a “light lunch,” it is not the kind of meal you simply toss into your mouth and hurry on from.
On the contrary, this is about truly enjoying all the great combinations of ingredients when they are at their very best.
New things take getting used to
Morten Nielsen knows that new mealtimes take time to settle in.
It took two years before people in Aalborg truly embraced the lunch offering, and he expects the same this time.
“Two weeks ago, I had a couple who thought lunch was a new initiative, and we’ve had it for ten years,” he says with a laugh.
“People need to get used to the fact that we are open – even in the middle of the afternoon.”
But patience is not a problem.
Mortens Kro has just celebrated its 28th anniversary, and according to Morten Nielsen, the restaurant has never been stronger.
“I always say that we have never had as many talented colleagues as we do now. It is wonderful to see a full restaurant and to feel that our presence still matters.”
Late Lunch is served Tuesday to Saturday from 3 pm to 5 pm – and if the current level of interest is any indication, the new timeslot will quickly become just as established a part of Aalborg’s restaurant scene as lunch once did.