Eliassen Matkunst is a company established by Simen Einebakken Eliassen. The business was founded in 2023, originally to run the kitchen at the Lyngen Experience Lodge hotel. Later, Simen expanded the offer to include private assignments as a chef and food production. The newest project is the establishment of the restaurant Emmer in Nord-Lenangen, Lyngen municipality, which opened in 2024 under the name Emmer - by Eliassen Matkunst.

 

BACKGROUND

Simen comes from a family with a deep passion for food, which was the catalyst for his entire journey. As a child, he showed a keen interest in cooking, often standing by the kitchen counter to learn. He enrolled in culinary school in Tromsø in 2011, but formal education held little significance for Simen. He quickly realized that his culinary skills were well above average and felt he was learning little in the classroom. One of his mentors told him he had nothing left to learn at school, motivating him to leave and obtain his trade certificate a year ahead of schedule.

​

He gained recognition in Tromsø, working at renowned restaurants such as Emmas Drømmekjøkken, Mathallen, and Maskinverkstedet, eventually serving as Head Chef at Skirri. After 10 years in Tromsø, he sought new challenges. He packed his bags and headed to Vesterålen, where he worked as Head Chef for Halvard Ellingsen's new project, a café/bistro in Sortland. Simen has always loved challenging himself, often changing workplaces whenever he felt the need to acquire new knowledge. After about a year in Vesterålen, he received an offer to run the kitchen at Lyngen Experience Lodge for high-end clientele.

 

This marked the beginning of Eliassen Matkunst. In the autumn of 2023, Simen established his own company for the first time. Within just a year, he expanded the business to include private catering and opened his own restaurant. Today, the company employs 8 permanent staff members, including skilled chefs and a waiter with extensive knowledge of wine and hospitality. We also accept apprentices who show exceptional promise within the culinary and restaurant arts.

​

​

Lyngen offer spectacular nature and rich resources – from the sea and seafood to agriculture, mushrooms, herbs and game. For a chef, this is an eldorado, where the ingredients can be gathered right in the vicinity. Simens consept is to utilize nature's gifts, support the local community and shop locally. The food must be short-cooked, made from natural ingredients, and treated with respect and simplicity.

​​​​​​​