Anita Klemensen was born in 1977, and grew up in North Jutland County. She wanted to become a chef, so one day offered to work for free at the restaurant Søllerød Kro, where she was offered an apprenticeship. She trained under pastry chefMarkus Grigogav and head chef Casper Vedel.[1]
Klemensen opened the restaurant Den Røde Cottage, and the cafe Den Gule Cottage in 2010,[2] at Cottageparken located around ten miles away from Copenhagen.[3] She had previously worked as head chef in central Copenhagen.[2]
At Den Røde Cottage, Klemensen served New Nordic cuisine. This means that all of the elements served are sourced from in the local area,[4] with a few exceptions which are sourced from elsewhere in Denmark.[3] The restaurant itself is within a forest, which offers a plentiful supply of herbs during warmer months. She kept to a seasonal menu, featuring dishes such as Onions, Onions, Onions which had onions served in four different ways during the winter.[4] She took British chef Rick Steinforaging while he was researching his book Rick Stein's Long Weekends.[5]
When she was told that she had won a Michelin star at the restaurant, she did not believe it. The first she heard of it was when a friend telephoned her with congratulations.[6] She knew that the restaurant had been visited on three occasions by the inspectors prior to the 2012 guide, but did not anticipate winning a star. When it was awarded, Klemensen became the first Danish woman to win the accolade.[7]
Klemensen wanted to take some time off and closed down Den Røde Cottage as well as Den Gule Cottage just before Christmas 2017.
