This August, I had the incredible opportunity to take part in a four day course in Helsinki, organised by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland for Finnish chefs working at embassies around the world.

Bringing together 13 chefs from Tokyo to New York, the course was an inspiring mix of Finnish food culture, gastronomy, sustainability, cooking, networking and, of course, plenty of eating!

From learning about Finland’s food strategy and visiting an organic grain farm, to hands on workshops covering fish, vegan desserts, vegetarian cooking and Finnish game, every day brought something new.

We were also lucky enough to visit some of Helsinki’s outstanding restaurants, including Michelin starred Finjävel and Finnish classic Nokka, as well as enjoying an evening at the Government Banquet Hall.

The course completely exceeded my expectations. I came away with a deeper understanding of the role Finnish cuisine can play in promoting Finland around the world, along with lots of new knowledge, inspiration and ideas to bring back into my own cooking.

Most importantly, it was a fantastic opportunity to meet and learn from fellow Finnish chefs, producers and food professionals.

A huge thank you to everyone who made the course so special, and to my 12 wonderful colleagues for four unforgettable days of cooking, eating, learning and laughter.

We set off on a road trip to Épernay, the heart of the Champagne region, for a weekend of world-class tastings, stunning scenery, and a bit of cycling adventure. From sipping Perrier-Jouët’s elegant Grand Brut to discovering organic winemaking at Leclerc Briant, every stop offered something unique. We even made time to visit the historic Cathedral of Reims and stumbled upon some hidden gems along the way. Join us as we explore the best of Champagne—one glass at a time!

THE WEDDING PLANNING PROCESS

The planning process is intricate and involves a myriad of details, from setting a budget to finalising the guest list, choosing a venue, and coordinating the big day. Here are a few things to consider when you’re planning your big day;