Smør

What happens when you pair an epic restaurant menu with an artist’s imagination? Enter Drawn Delicious: iconic restaurant menus reimagined as works of art. One ChowNow restaurant, one local artist, and a full-blown menu transformed into an aesthetic bonanza—appetizers, main, desserts, and all. Now, even the act of deciding what to order is its own visual feast.

Artist: David Huang

Published: July 7, 2022

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Square Illustration for Smør by David Huang

New York
New York

How were you introduced to Smør and their food?

I had brunch there with a friend one cold Saturday morning. We shared three smørrebrød and a Danish hot dog. The experience gave me such a cozy feeling that I picked up some flowers afterwards.

What’s your favorite thing on the menu?

The pickled herring smørrebrød! It’s flavorful, funky, and vinegary.

How did you capture Smør’s vibe?

Well, first I read through their menu and stopped in one weekend. The composition of the main menu starts with the imaginary dining room at Smør, then stretches into the Danish countryside and townscapes. I imagined myself eating at Smør and being transported back to Copenhagen. Style-wise, I went for a more geometric look: bold colors and shapes, and simple hand lettering.

http://Illustration%20of%20Smør's%20Food%20Menu

What inspired the details in your illustration?

While I was doing research on Danish culture, I came across a lot of patterns, architecture, and folk traditions. The woman holding a fish is inspired by a Danish folk dress… and I added the fish because I thought it’d be cute.

What do you think is so special about Danish cuisine?

I tried it for the first time in college when I visited Copenhagen. What I like about Danish food is that it’s complex in flavor. Fresh ingredients are cured, pickled, and smoked.

What sets Smør’s menu apart from the rest?

Smørrebrød is already so unique, what with its contrasting flavors and textures. But Smør takes this tradition to another level by preparing everything to order on the spot.