Talk:René Redzepi

Hmmm Albanian?
According to the link someone provided as source that he is Albanian by the side of his father who was ethnic Albanian, Rene is half Danish half Macedonian , quote:"René Redzepi is the half-Danish, half-Macedonian head chef and co-owner of Restaurant Noma, the two-Michelin star restaurant in Copenhagen that is at the very forefront of the emergent New Nordic cuisine."ref

According to the interview with Guardian his father is Macedonian, quote: "His mother, a cleaner, is Danish, and some of his childhood was spent in Copenhagen, but his taxi-driver father is Macedonian, and he would spend months at a time there with his extended peasant family, being home-schooled." ref guardian interview

According to the interview with ABC News his father is Macedonian, quote: " My name is René Redzepi, I'm from Denmark. Em, I'm 32 years old. My father's Macedonian. I've grown up partially in Macedonia." ref ABC news interview

So according all of this interviews with Rene ,he comes from Danish and Macedonian family but he is Danish ,so what i really cant understand is how this article has something to do with wiki project Albania and how the writer of this article concluded that Rene Redzepi is Albanian.Daci92 (talk) 02:58, 17 January 2013 (UTC)

The Banner talk 01:13, 27 January 2013 (UTC)
 * Clearly we can see what Daci says. However, one point I would like to emphasize. Why his surname is Redzepi? It looks like Albanian but written according to the Macedonian orthography.--MacedonianBoy (talk) 09:31, 30 January 2013 (UTC)
 * Perhaps due to transliteration? The Banner talk 12:48, 30 January 2013 (UTC)
 * The surnames in Macedonia dont play any important role because during centuries many people changed their Surnames and Names because of changing faith,locations,political and society position.For good example we can take many villages in western Macedonia where Albanian population is as high as 100% in some places, but if you go in villages by the border and find Macedonians among the Macedonian Albanians then most of them will be with Muslim faith and Names and Surnames like this.Macedonian orthography doesnt classify this surnames as Albanian but Albanized. Check with Gorani peoeple that live in the area ,they are in fact Macedonians by self declaration but if you see their names and surnames you will say that they are Albanian. Daci92 (talk) 12:52, 30 January 2013 (UTC)
 * I won't agree with some parts of your arguments. Those Macedonian-like surnames used by Muslims are actually Macedonian Muslim (Torbesh), not Albanian. The so called 100% Albanian places south of Gostivar (not all), may not be classified as Albanian, but as Macedonian. The Albanian surnames mostly take the endings -i or -u, however I must say that there are "unorthodox" Albanian surnames in Debar and Struga. I am not arguing about the nationality of the guy (I do not know him), but I found this surname issue quite interesting. --MacedonianBoy (talk) 17:36, 30 January 2013 (UTC)

There is no macedonians with the name Rexhepi or as it was corrupted into Macedonian Redzepi because the xh translates into dz into Macedonian, Albanians in Macedonia are politically opressed and even they were forced to change their names, back in the days his last name would have been RedzepOVSKI but his dad is a proud albanian and removed the macedonian addon to his last name! — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ilirida16 (talk • contribs) 08:16, 31 January 2013 (UTC)
 * Back in the days you were not born and claiming that Albanians in Macedonia are politically oppressed is like claiming that Swiss people are oppressed in Switzerland.Please check your sources 3-4 times before you write something or say something.Daci92 (talk) 23:07, 1 February 2013 (UTC)

I find it quite funny, that some FYROMians try to claim Rene Redzepi as being FYROMian. They've tried to do the same with Alexander the great and Mother Theresa. Especially when thinking about, how much hate they have towards the Albanians that live in FYROM. It's quite evident, that Rene Redzepi is a child of an Albanian father, from FYROM, and a Danish mother. If you want there proof, just read this;

"Well, I’m born to a Danish mother and Macedonian father, back then of course it was Yugoslavia. My father is of Albanian decent, but the family has been living for generations in Macedonia, they are Muslims." TripiSh (talk) 12:25, 8 March 2013 (UTC)http://www.deliciousdays.com/archives/2010/10/06/rene-redzepi-noma/

Now, please change it back!TripiSh (talk) 12:25, 8 March 2013 (UTC)TripiSh
 * To be true: NO!
 * First: we don't take orders. Second: the Albanian decent of his father is of no relevance at all for René Redzepi himself. Third: the source you are offering is a food blog with only personal experiences. Most blogs are not considered to be reliable sources. Fourth: the present sourcing is a reliable professionally (paper and digital) magazine about the hospitality industry, what makes it a source of much higher quality.
 * Unless you can prove that the Albanian decent of his father has any influence on Redzepi's cooking, there is no need nor relevance to put it in the article. The Banner talk 12:52, 8 March 2013 (UTC) According to my personal genealogical research, as far as I know I have no Eastern European ties in the last 350 years.

Rene Rexhepi (correct writing) is half Albanian. He has been hosted in some Albanian programs (the last one I saw it myself in Top-Channel, I'll provide the link if I find it) where he even spoke Albanian (quite decently). I can't help but to notice that when it comes to ethnicity in the Balkans there is some kind of grotesque race to turn whichever famous person into everything but Albanian. The ability to cook (as well as personal tastes or considerations on one's origin) has nothing to do at all with ethnicity in itself. Please when it comes to "Macedonian" people, one must be extra careful since there is NO such ethnicity, but only a state made of different ethnicities. Thank you Etimo (talk) 02:42, 9 March 2013 (UTC)

Here's some interviews I found..He speaks (in English), explaining how the Albanian food influenced his cooking (quote: The Albanian food made me a cook), and his desire to learn Albanian and to teach it to his children. I think there is no need for further proof, but I'll post more in case I find. One note I find particularly curious: since when it is "of no relevance" to put someone's ethnic origins in a Wiki biography? Interestingly enough one have a problem to write Albanian (for whatever the reason), but apparently absolutely no problem at all to write a more generic "Macedonian" (meaning what exactly)?? Please, let's not balkanize Wikipedia too :). Thanks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsMhnrK36Z0, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY9G961ORTY Etimo (talk) 02:54, 9 March 2013 (UTC)
 * The fact that you know better how to write René Redzepi's name than René Redzepi himself, convinces me that you are unduly focused on his background instead of focused on him. You are trying to "balkanize" him (whatever that may be). The Banner talk 08:52, 9 March 2013 (UTC)

And how is it different to "focus on his background" from "focusing on him"?? isn't someone's background part of one's identity? The guy even declares that Albanian heritage influences his cooking and his life (did you even watch the videos??), and for you this is not worth mentioning? Who are you to decide on what's important about a person's life? For "balkanization" I mean exactly what's going on here right now..being blinded by hatred or prejudice to the point to distort reality for one's personal advantage (a very common Balkanic feature). Now, PLEASE (I'm not commanding you), if you're are so kind to edit the article (or allow other people to do it) adding (the very relevant) character's rightful ethnic background..Thank you Etimo (talk) 10:26, 9 March 2013 (UTC)
 * No, I did not watch the videos. I don't spend time looking at videos knowing that they will not be accepted as reliable sources anyway. And it looks very much to me that you are blinded my someone's ethnicity or nationality. Why don't you focus on his cooking? Because that is what made Redzepi famous, not where his daddy is coming from. And start writing some articles about Albanians instead of here about someone's ethnicity. Are there no local heroes among the Albanians? There should be some sporters, scientists, artists or politicians worth writing an article about! The Banner talk 12:35, 9 March 2013 (UTC)
 * If you are interested in his cooking, here's this interview in English, where in 50 minutes he doesn't stop saying that his cooking is heavily influenced by his Albanian ancentry. As I argument below, his ethnicity is relevant because of the influcence on his cooking, so it should be mentioned in the lede and also below, because cooking is what makes him notable in wikipedia. Guzhinjeri (talk) 19:10, 9 March 2013 (UTC)

Well actually, there are plenty (how is the question relevant with the topic??), and I'll certainly write about them (I just registered), of course granted that they are not turned into "Macedonians" or "Greeks" by some hot-head with tha magic wand (is this how you "create" your "macedonian artists, scientists etc" ??). Listen pal, an interview (someone actually speaking his mind) is actually THE reliable sourse, I don't understand how can someone have put you in the position to lock a free article and decide what must be written in it, considered how biased your views are. In all Wiki's Bio articles the ethnic background of every actor or famous person is specified, especially if the person in question declares that this feature has relevance in his work or inspires his way of life (as it is the case with Rexhepi). I recommend you again to view the video-interviews and most of all to read Wikipedia's policy again, cause you are right now "balkanizing" the topic. If you persist in this childish stubbornness (which actually is making you pretty ridiculous) I will of course notify the issue to the moderators. Thanks Etimo (talk) 14:43, 9 March 2013 (UTC)

I find it highly amusing how The Banner tries to distort facts. I thought Wikipedia was all about facts, but I guess facts are not important, when trying to distort them. There are clues that tell us, that The Banner knows what he's doing. First he tells us, that he does not have any Eastern European 'blood' when tracing his roots back for 350 years. Well, of course that would mean he's more trustworthy, as we all know, Easter Europeans are untrustworthy. He continues to provoke, as he tells us, that we should write articles about famous Albanian scientists, artists and politicians and asks - rhetorically - whether there aren't any local 'Albanian heroes'. Lol. Do you need more evidence, that he doesn't like Albanians? When we provide evidence of Rene Redzepi's ethnic background, he refutes our evidence and our sources as being reliable. My source was from a blog, yes, but it was an interview with Rene Redzepi. Etimo's source was a video of the man - himself - Rene Redzepi, who - in English - says, that Albanian food influenced his cooking. But of course, 'The Banner' won't accept that, as that would him change the distortion of facts into the truth. I cannot grasp, that this guy - somehow - has been allowed to have 'the say', when it comes to what and what not to accept in here, as it this case truly highlights his bias. Now, please change it. A plea is not a command, by the way.TripiShTripiSh (talk) 15:25, 9 March 2013 (UTC)

Just drop it dude, it's not even worth it. I have really enough (and eventually don't care) of Slavic nationalistic mambo-jumbo cheap crap to be dragged in another witless discussion with a wanna-be "ancient Macedonian warrior", I thought Wiki would be different but even here you can't escape this Balkan monkey-business. Let's just bring up the issue to other people and let them get things straght (hopefully). One thing I won't drop though: Racism will NOT be tollerated!! Thanks Etimo (talk) 16:29, 9 March 2013 (UTC)


 * That he is an Albanian by ethnicity, can be supported by this reliable source. Also the New York Times, clearly says that his father is an Albanian from Macedonia. Both sources date 2011, so later than the current one, which dates 2010, and seems to be ill-informed. In addition, I doubt that you can find a better source than the NYT, for quality of information. Per Manual of Style of Wikipedia, Macedonia should not be mentioned in the lead, and should not even be mentioned in the paragraph ("Early life"), because his father was born in Yugoslavia, not in what's today Macedonia. Furthermore he is of Albanian descent, not Macedonian. Saying that he is a "Danish-Macedonian cook like we have in the current version, just doesn't make any sense, because: 1) He is not of Macedonian ethnicity, and 2) He was not born in the country of Macedonia, but in Denmark.
 * In my opinion his ethnicity is important, because in this source he says that his cooking is heavily influenced by his Albanian ethnicity. Now first and foremost he is a Danish citizen, so in the lead we should say that he is a Danish cook. In this interview in English he clearly says that he has Albanian roots and that he is very moved every time he goes to Albania because of his Albanian roots. In particular, around minute 4:30, he says that his father has roots from the Mat District which is in Albania, but his family had moved to Džepčište, an Albanians settlement in what used to be Yugoslavia. His father comes to Albania very often as he loves his country. In minute 6:35 he also says that he has gone to a special school which was in the Albanian language in Denmark.
 * In other words, in the "early life" we can say that his father was an Albanian that was born in Džepčište, Yugoslavia, today in modern Macedonia. Macedonia should not be mentioned anywhere else, and the wikiproject Macedonia is completely uncalled for. End of story. Guzhinjeri (talk) 18:11, 9 March 2013 (UTC)

Thanks Guzhineri but I really don't think this will make much difference knowing the type..he will keep calling it "Macedonian" even if Rexhepi himself screams his Albanian identity right up to his face Lol. Prejudice is a tough love to get rid of! By the way, the guy said in an interview that he will reveal details about his cousine and his early life in the book he's going to publish, so I guess you just have to wait! Etimo (talk) 18:35, 9 March 2013 (UTC)


 * I'm not sure who you are referring to, but what I brought are reliable sources, and the interview in English is crystal clear about his roots. The lead will be changed based on these sources, very soon, and so will his "early life". We both have new accounts, so may not edit for now, but I rely on the good faith of other contributors, who will make the change, or will agree with my arguments and so an admin can take the protection off, so that the article can be correctly edited. By the way, the admin correctly protected the wrong version and I duly notified him about how sources contraddict this current version.Guzhinjeri (talk) 18:40, 9 March 2013 (UTC)

Well, I was talking about the user called "The Banner", one of those with a lot of "good faith" who are supposed to write the truth. I hope things go the way you say, unfortunately there are a lot of people out there who still have (due to ignorance or just envy) a lot of prejudice towards Albanians, which I think might affect future articles. I hope these idiots won't be put in the position to take decisions! — Preceding unsigned comment added by Etimo (talk • contribs) 20:53, 10 March 2013 (UTC)

Before you guys start another Balkan War...
... let me point you out that Arbitration Committee/Discretionary sanctions is applicable to this article. The Banner <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 23:53, 10 March 2013 (UTC)

No need to point anything out to us, as you're the one who refuses to edit something, which is the truth. We have provided enough sources which prove, that he's of of (half Albanian/half Danish) ancestry, and that this has influenced his cooking. It is funny, that - even though you said this a couple a days ago - you still won't change it, even though we have provided several sources, which does exactly, what you ask: "Unless you can prove that the Albanian decent of his father has any influence on Redzepi's cooking, there is no need nor relevance to put it in the article. The Banner talk 12:52" - What is your excuse now?TripiSh (talk) 08:40, 11 March 2013 (UTC)
 * I have told you guys before: YouTube clips and blogs are not valid sources <span style="font-family:'Old English Text MT',serif;color:green">The Banner <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 10:01, 11 March 2013 (UTC)

It is you who is throwing gasoline to the fire, not us. You are an unreasonabe person, blinded by prejudice. We are not providing you just with YouTube videos, but also with reliable sources (See the link by Guzhineri above), the videos are INTERVIEWS IN WHICH THE GUY IN QUESTION SPEAKS DIRECTLY ABOUT HIS LIFE which goes as a support to the evidence. Besides, what kind of miraculous evidence do you think you have?? (please provide them) Because you act like you're the guy's new best friend who knows more about him than he knows about himself!! Ok, let's try with an example to explain you that twisted mind of yours, if a politician or any authority makes a statement which is caught on tape (an everyday routine), that should not be considered evidence?? Are videos and interviews not used every day to quote people? I mean, it is very hard not to go down on you strong, because you have made a conscious choice not to be reasonable, therefore this is the only language you apparently understand!!! We reach out are hands and you keep slapping them!! But be carefull because you are the one who is in danger to be notified, not us!! As I said, Racism WILL not go unnoticed!! Etimo (talk) 16:44, 11 March 2013 (UTC)
 * The very next time you accuse me of racism, I will make sure that you will get blocked over that! I take that as personal attack. <span style="font-family:'Old English Text MT',serif;color:green">The Banner <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 16:48, 11 March 2013 (UTC)

No it's an objective truth, as it is being unreasonable. You should learn to tell the difference!! If you don't wish to be accused of Racism, than don't act like one! It's pretty simple. Now if you are so kind to provide us with your miraculous first hand evidence which overshadow the New York Times, respectable cooking magazines and first hand video interviews. I told you before, don't think you can act as a dictator running his own "private club", Wikipedia is based on democratic principles and you're violating the basic ones (it's an objective fact, not a personal accusation). Please do notify this and let's see who's got the truth on his side!! Etimo (talk) 16:59, 11 March 2013 (UTC)
 * So, you do it again. <span style="font-family:'Old English Text MT',serif;color:green">The Banner <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 17:27, 11 March 2013 (UTC)

So, you're amazing first hand source is 'Caterer and Hotelkeeper'..mmmm...Now, do you still think I am personally attacking you or you understood what I'm trying to say to you?? I mean you mockingly told me to write about "Albanian artists, scientists etc.", isn't this what I'm trying to do? :) Etimo (talk) 17:08, 11 March 2013 (UTC)
 * Identifying reliable sources I guess you did not read that. <span style="font-family:'Old English Text MT',serif;color:green">The Banner <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 17:28, 11 March 2013 (UTC)

I guess you didn't read that either. Anyway look, this is the last time I'm writing to you (I have more stimulating things to do like staring at a wall), so read carefully. First, this is not a personal issue or attack to you, so stop flattering yourself. As incredible as it may sound to you, you're not the object of my objection. Second, by refusing to change a doubtfull source with others that are more detailed and rich in information, without giving a satisfactory explanation other than your personal whim, you are violating Wikipedia's fundamental rule. Third, you can be liable to law prosecution by Rexhepi himself for spreading false information on his account and missusing his name. These are FACTS not THREATS. Do you understand what I'm saying to you??? Now do what you want!!! Etimo (talk) 20:52, 11 March 2013 (UTC)
 * You are really funny! BTW: No legal threats <span style="font-family:'Old English Text MT',serif;color:green">The Banner <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 21:05, 11 March 2013 (UTC)

You don't speak good English, do you? Lol, Just kidding. I'd like to communicate to the users involved in this discussion that the issue has been sent to the Dispute Resolution notice board and and now it's responsibility of others. Thank you Etimo (talk) 22:09, 11 March 2013 (UTC)
 * Sockpuppet investigations/Etimo <span style="font-family:'Old English Text MT',serif;color:green">The Banner <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 23:06, 11 March 2013 (UTC)

So I'm a POV-pusher and have a double account? Nice try but I'm sorry to disappoint you, this doesn't end here!! Etimo (talk) 08:36, 12 March 2013 (UTC)
 * I have to admit, much to my surprise the investigation drew a blank. So no, you are not a sockpuppeteteer. My apologies for that. <span style="font-family:'Old English Text MT',serif;color:green">The Banner <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 09:47, 12 March 2013 (UTC)

Well, not to my surprise pal, you are clearly biased and that's what faults your judgment. Apologies exepted, but this too has been taken into account, as well as your false politeness. The notification to the Dispute Resolution Board will be sent again, until the article is properly edited with the new sources and you are exposed! Etimo (talk) 10:09, 12 March 2013 (UTC)
 * There is nothing to expose. I fully admit that I have no mercy with POV-pushers. <span style="font-family:'Old English Text MT',serif;color:green">The Banner <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 13:42, 12 March 2013 (UTC)

Sure, and I'll have none with incompetent arrogants like yourself. But I would be carefull on the "POV-pusher" thing, you have already taken a blunder once, I haven't!! Lol Etimo (talk) 18:32, 12 March 2013 (UTC)

Nationality in lede
Don't know, nor do I care about what is going on here, but the lede should only include the subject's nationality and not ethnicity. --Malerooster (talk) 14:01, 12 March 2013 (UTC)

Because if Rexhepi declares his Albanian heritage has been important in shaping his work and identity, I don't see any reason we should leave that part out. Besides, as already has been explained several times above, Macedonia is just a region of what once was Yugoslavia made of several ethnicities. That doesn't give us much infos about a person's identity. Etimo (talk) 18:47, 12 March 2013 (UTC)
 * It's fine to cover ethnicity and heritage, ect, just not in the lede sentence per WP:MOSBIO, thats all. --Malerooster (talk) 01:26, 13 March 2013 (UTC)
 * His descent is already mentioned in the section "Early life and education". <span style="font-family:'Old English Text MT',serif;color:green">The Banner <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 23:41, 13 March 2018 (UTC)


 * I think it's a bit disingenuous to NOT refer to his descendency/background in the lede as it is something Redzepi discusses openly -- and also self-identifies with in his many press articles where he is featured saying he considers himself a Dane but also to be specifically Macedonian-influenced. I mean, that should take precedence over anything, right? -- Erika aka BrillLyle (talk) 00:12, 14 March 2018 (UTC)
 * See Manual of Style/Biographies: The opening paragraph should usually provide context for the activities that made the person notable. In most modern-day cases this will be the country of which the person is a citizen, national or permanent resident, or if the person is notable mainly for past events, the country where the person was a citizen, national or permanent resident when the person became notable. Ethnicity, religion, or sexuality should generally not be in the lead unless it is relevant to the subject's notability. Similarly, previous nationalities or the place of birth should not be mentioned in the lead unless they are relevant to the subject's notability. It is the cooking that makes Redzepi relevant, not where he gets his inspiration from. <span style="font-family:'Old English Text MT',serif;color:green">The Banner <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 11:29, 14 March 2018 (UTC)


 * In the most collegial way, I respectfully disagree. I would also be okay taking it out of the lede. I just think because he talks about his background so much that it's important. But if you feel super strongly -- and it seems like a lot of people do -- then take it out.
 * I would LOVE it if this editor who is just splashing sloppy content that is copyvio and overly detailed, if he would stop. It's diluting the content on the page and is 3Rs, right? It is not AGF editing at all. Blargh. -- Erika aka BrillLyle (talk) 07:11, 15 March 2018 (UTC)
 * I do not feel the need to remove his background out of the article. But it is the manual of style what describes that the nationality is mentioned in the lead. Beside that, Redzepi is known for his "Nordic Cuisine", not for his Albanian/Macedonian/Yugoslavian Cuisine. <span style="font-family:'Old English Text MT',serif;color:green">The Banner <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 11:10, 15 March 2018 (UTC)
 * Ow, and please note that the last revert is not from my hand and based on the manual of style mentioned by me earlier. <span style="font-family:'Old English Text MT',serif;color:green">The Banner <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 11:42, 15 March 2018 (UTC)

Pjesnik21
It was necessary to revert your edits
 * 1) Redzepi was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, to an immigrant father from the Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and a Danish mother. The father was not from North Macedonia, as that did not exist at the time.
 * 2) Redzepi lived in the rural area of Džepčište No evidence of that in the given source.
 * 3) After the family moved back to Denmark, Redzepi spent often his summers in Yugoslavia when he was young. At that time, it was still Yugoslavia, not Macedonia. When you claim just "Macedonia", you can also talk about the part in Greece.
 * 4) It is useless to give the Macedonian or Albanian pronunciation of his name, as Redzepi is born and bred Danish.
 * I hope this clarifies matters. The Banner  <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 19:25, 18 January 2021 (UTC)

It's not pronunciation, it's spelling. Lots of people of immigrant background have their name spelled in the native language of the country they hail from in the introduction, such as Zlatan Ibrahimović, Dejan Kulusevski, Christian Pulisic, Erik Sviatchenko, Mila Kunis, Milla Jovovich, Rami Malek, Malik Bentalha. His father's roots influenced his life, as he spent long periods of time in Macedonia. Also, North Macedonia may have not been independent but it existed. I agree with you on points 2 and 3, there was a misunderstanding when I edited it. Pjesnik21 (talk) 20:29, 18 January 2021 (UTC)
 * His native language is Danish. He is born and bred a Dane. What you do is denying his actual nationality and place of birth.
 * About Macedonia: you link to a country, not to a geographical region.
 * So no, your edits were wrong and needed to reverted. And deliberately introducing factual errors is - to understate it - frowned upon. The Banner  <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 20:40, 18 January 2021 (UTC)

I said in the native language of the country they hail from, not his native language. It is a fact that he has an ethnic name and its native spelling should be noted down. I do not know what kind of agenda you have against Balkan peoples that makes you deny and hide his background this hard. Nobody ever said he isn't a Dane or born and raised Danish. Pjesnik21 (talk) 10:43, 19 January 2021 (UTC)
 * You wrote again that Redzepis father was from an at that time non-existing country, so I have reverted that again. But thanks for making clear that you are here to push your own nationalistic agenda instead of building a neutral encyclopedia. The Banner  <i style="color:maroon">talk</i> 11:01, 19 January 2021 (UTC)