The world-renowned Denmark restaurant Noma begins its pop-up in Los Angeles on Wednesday, but past abuse allegations against its decorated chef drew protests.
A demonstration was held outside the Paramore Estate in Silver Lake, where René Redzepi has begun a sixteen-week residency, serving up cuisine to those who paid the $1,500 a person price tag.
Among those protesting were former Noma chef Jason Ignacio, restaurant workers, and the group One Fair Wage. Ignacio and the others tried to deliver a formal letter to Redzepi, demanding accountability and reform.
“This marks the beginning of sustained worker action demanding accountability and resolution not only at Noma, but across the world,” Ignacio said. “For over two decades, the culture surrounding René Redzepie and Noma has been celebrated without confronting the true harm countless workers have experienced behind the curtains. I witnessed intimidation, a culture designed to extract everything from many people and discard them as they break.”
Ignacio also said workers were being choked and punched.
“It's important for people to understand that Noma at this point is not a restaurant, it's a crime scene,” he said.
The group said if Redzepi doesn't respond to the letter, there will be more demonstrations and a possible lawsuit.
The allegations against Redzepi came to light in a New York Times article published on Mar. 7. Since then, American Express and Blackbird pulled their sponsorships. Redzepi also posted an apology on his social media.
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