Torni

[ WWW.FINPOP.NET ]

THE FINNISH POP CULTURE PORTAL

Restaurants in Finland : Torni
Interview : Rainer Vento / restaurant manager

When was established Ravintola Torni and who had this idea?
Restaurant Torni is a part of hotel Torni.´Torni` means tower and architecturally the building was the first ´skyscraper` in Finland. It opened the same year as the Parliament building in 1931. The silhouette of Torni has become an essential landmark of Helsinki

For the persons who don't know well Helsinki, could you explain where Ravintola Torni is located?
In the center. Near the Stockmanns department store.

Is the location of a restaurant an important thing?
Yes, it is the most important thing.

How would you present or describe Ravintola Torni?
The interior of the place is based on the buildings genuinen style; Finnish functionalism with Art Deco influence. There is nostalgia in the atmosphere, covering the time has passed from the 1930`s until today.

What kind of cuisine do you propose?
We have Scandinavian kitchen with finnish specialities.

What are the specialties of Ravintola Torni that you would definitly recommend to our readers?
We are very known of our game dishes, one should try them when visiting us. Our snaps glases are also worth to see.

How often do you change the menu?
Four times a year.

How do you select your chef?
He has to have a very good view of his own about the cookery today. Our present chef Mika Väätäinen is a young professional who has been working in several top places in Helsinki.

Is it difficult to find a good chef in Finland?
It is not difficult for us.

It is always necessary to discuss a little bit about money... What is the average price that a couple who come to have a classical meal should expect to pay?
Something about 60 - 80 euros

To conclude this interview, are there any projects or happenings in the near future for Ravintola Torni?
I´m afraid not. But the summer is coming and we open the terrace on the top and that`s worth to visit, too.
Interview by Vincent Lefrançois - 2003