Imagination runs the show at Chef & Sommelier restaurant

Another visit at C&S, and still excited as it was our first. Of course the food is superb, but C&S is first and foremost a global experience. The service here is utterly, utterly professional. Actually, and we're speaking by experience, no other restaurants in Helsinki - heck in Finland - come closer to this level of perfection.
You want to sample this whisky from that sauce? No problem, they bring the bottle and give you a sip. Or trying separately this cheese that was part of an elaborate course? The cheese is on a plate in front of you in a matter of minutes! The motto here is "yes sir, absolutely".
Then the food. We are always amazed by the level of (wild) imagination - and boldness, of Chef Sasu Laukkonen. To serve a plate of cabbage, or a potato soup? In a Michelin star restaurant? Surely you must be kidding? But they don't! And it works. It shows the level of skills to transform an humble vegetable into a culinary masterpiece. And when Sasu comes to your table to detail the courses, you realize it is his passion for food that fuels his imagination, and by ricochet his cuisine. And he's one of the nicest guy around too. One extra word for the sommelier Johan Borgar. Being french myself, I'm always sceptical when a "foreigner" explains french wines for me. But to my great shame, I must admit that he knows his job. And he knows it to perfection. And like Sasu, he's a very nice guy. We do not forget the entire kitchen staff who come occasionally in the dining-room. Without them, this place probably wouldn't be as good as it is now. If there is one place to go in Helsinki, it has to be Chef & Sommelier. Unforgettable experience.

 Potato, onion and green currants

 

 Cabbage and rosemary

 

 Pumpkin and buckthorn rostaed with mustard seeds

 

- * - * -

Gizzard and grains

(no photo)

- * - * -

 

 Onion and celeriac with lentils puree

 

 Beef osso bucco, bone marrow and parsnip

 

- * - * -

Cheese

(no photo)

 

We asked if it was possible to get a selection of local cheeses - (naturally it was).  By the way 2 kinds of warm homemade breads are served during the dinner, along with rock salted butter. Yummi!

- * - * -

 

 Citrus ice-cream and liquorice sauce

 

The Queen! (blueberry sorbet with mousse and cake... was it raspberries or strawberries?)