A Restaurant Where the Bathroom Soap Complements the Meal - New York Times

Still, most restaurateurs might have found someone else to produce — if not procure — the soap used in their restaurant’s bathrooms. Both of those options were “on the table, too, of course,” Aamann says. But, of soapmaking, he says, “But then I Googled it and saw it wasn’t that complicated.”

To prove his point, Aamann sets up a production line on his kitchen countertop, where last August he produced about 20 liters of soap for the new restaurant. His method involves combining precise amounts of organic ingredients — including distilled water, foaming agents and aromatic essential oils — which he buys online.

Photo

At home, Aamann mixes various combinations of essential oils and scales up the quantities once he’s satisfied with the ratio. His favorite handmade soap to date combines four essential oils — lemon, cedar, bergamot and thyme. Credit Mikkel Heriba

He begins by combining oils in a jar, counting each drop sotto voce, and jotting down the total — a procedure that makes him resemble an apothecary. Aamann tests numerous combinations, constantly making adjustments. (“Let’s try 10 drops of thyme, seven of lemon.”) Sometimes he crinkles his nose. (“Too much mint, it’s a bit toothpaste-y.”) Other times he beams as if he’s solved a puzzle. Once satisfied with the ratio, he scales up the quantities and mixes everything in a large aluminum bowl.

Indeed, with its spoons and spatulas, the process resembles baking — though Aamann likens it to making snaps, the distilled spirit that’s flavored with botanicals and typically paired with smorrebrod. “You could make a nice snaps using quince, but you might need something else to give it edge, like oak,” he says. “It’s the same with soap. If you use cedar oil, which is warm and spicy, it would go with herbs such as rosemary and thyme, or citric oils like bergamot.” (Other advice for would-be soapmakers? “Follow your nose.”)

So far, diners are delighted with Aamann’s soap. “It’s had a huge impact on guests, with many wanting to know where to buy it,” he says. His peers, however, are “annoyed they didn’t come up with the idea themselves,” he jokes.

Aamann has no plans to sell his soap, however. Instead, he wants to ramp up production and make enough for all of his restaurants. And with supplies of the first batch running low, Aamann is working on new “recipes,” using ginger, mint and cinnamon. But he won’t be drawn out on the details. After all, it’s meant to be a surprise.

Continue reading the main story

http://ift.tt/2mm5XbB

Best Product Soap
Defense Soap Bar 4 Oz (5 Pack) All Natural Antibacterial Antifungal Therapeutic

Kirk's Original Coco Castile Bar Soap, 4 Oz, 3 Count

Raw African BLACK SOAP Organic From GHANA Pure Premium Quality CHOOSE

Dial White Antibacterial Deodorant Soap, 4 Oz, 10 Count