Earlier this spring, we held a competition giving eight lucky winners the chance to attend a Culinary Team of Finland practice dinner as guests of Suomen Kaasuenergia. On Monday 11 June, winners and their guests arrived in Laajasalo, Helsinki, where the team treated them to a delicious menu.
The team holds regular practice dinners to refine its menu and teamwork for the Culinary World Cup 2018 in Luxembourg in November. Its main challenge follows in 2020: the Olympics in Stuttgart. The dinner was a first-class culinary experience and an opportunity to learn about the team and its upcoming competitions.
Before dinner, we enjoyed sparkling wine and aperitifs in the sunshine and heard our guests’ expectations. The winners included enthusiastic home cooks, food lovers and gas users, all keen to learn more about the menu, team and competition.
We enjoyed a three-course menu and acted as taste judges. During dinner, we learned that the team had trained eight days a month for 18 months for Luxembourg. The competition involves 32 teams from around the world, and Finland’s is one of the youngest. Victory is not a distant dream: Finland placed second in the competition in 2016.
Team Manager Kristian Vuojärvi says youth brings passion and a strong desire to develop. Despite their age, all members have considerable restaurant and competition experience, a requirement for joining the team. Participation is a hobby alongside their main jobs.
The evening was a success, with excellent company and weather alongside delicious food. A chance to speak to the chefs rounded it off—a unique opportunity for keen home cooks and food lovers.
“The food was a real experience, and it was fun to play judge in pleasant company, even though we had not met before.” – Heta Lehtipuu
“The event was lovely, interesting and, of course, delicious. I now see the national culinary team and its preparations in a whole new light!” – Maarit Väisänen-Vaara
“What a wonderful experience for a home cook like me—thank you. Our family has always cooked and baked with great passion.” – Sue-Alice Räty