Finland for foodies: Wolkoff, Lappeenranta

In Wolkoff, located in Lappeenranta, the menu seasons change more frequently than the seasons in South Karelia. In the upcoming spring, the restaurant is hosting mussel weeks for the first time, featuring mussels prepared in three different ways.

“Every now and then, you have to try something new. I believe mussel weeks will interest our customers,” smiles Karo Sintonen, the Head Chef at Wolkoff.

Wolkoff extensively utilizes the offerings of local producers, both in the dinner menu and the weekday lunches, regardless of the season. The reason is simple: locally sourced ingredients are not only an ecological choice but also of extremely high quality.

“In addition to our autumn, winter, and spring menus, we have two summer menus. Especially in the summer and fall, we make versatile use of products from local farms. We freeze and preserve some ingredients, such as berries and mushrooms, for the winter,” says Sintonen.

Wolkoff is situated in a bakery house built over 170 years ago. In the same historically rich block operates Wolkoff Wine & Beer Cellar. The drinks are selected with the same basic principles as the restaurant’s food ingredients.

“We prefer products from microbreweries, which we change according to the season. We have a wide selection of various wines, champagnes, and beers. Ciders are also included in the assortment.”

The Wine & Beer Cellar also offers small bites prepared in Wolkoff’s kitchen, which pair well with carefully chosen drinks.

Meet the chef Karo Sintonen

The Finnish ingredient which gets your creativity flowing?

Finnish berries – especially wild strawberries are excellent ingredients. It’s delightful to create tasty desserts like sorbet or mousse from them. A nice variation from the ordinary strawberry.

A song which sets your kitchen on fire

John Mayer “Last Train Home.” It’s good, laid-back background music that nicely accompanies the work.

When @Wolkoff, taste...

Sailor-style mussels aka Moules Marinières is a classic, French way to prepare mussels. Mussels prepared this way are also easily approachable, making them suitable even for those trying mussels for the first time.

When @Lappeenranta, do...

Lappeenranta is a summer city. The entire harbor area is beautiful, but it’s especially worth seeing the sandcastles being built there, with a theme that changes every summer.

Go visit Wolkoff

• wolkoff.fi
• Ainonkatu 5, Lappeenranta, Finland