Chef visit

Experience a unique dinner prepared by an award-winning top chef at Koskivahti

October is a month of indulgence! Sahanlahti and Restaurant Koskivahti welcome award-winning and highly talented Johan Kurkela, who will represent Finland in the Bocuse d'Or chef competition in the 2026-2027 season.

A unique five-course dinner will be served on two evenings – Friday, October 10, and Saturday, October 11, starting at 6:00 p.m. The evening's memorable culinary journey will feature strong flavors, the finest pure domestic ingredients, and delicacies from around the world.

Kurkela's guest chef menu

• Tomato, Hera, Lipstikka
• Lamb, Kale, Rye
• Pikeperch, Jerusalem artichoke, Vendace roe
• Goose, beetroot, shiso
• Farm milk, pumpkin, persimmon

Who is Johan Kurkela?

Johan Kurkela is a highly experienced professional who has worked in several of Finland's most prestigious restaurants, including Olo and Grön. Kurkela won the Chef of the Year title in 2023 and has previously represented Finland in numerous international cooking competitions. Kurkela won the Chef of the Year title in 2023 and has previously represented Finland in numerous international cooking competitions.

In May this year, Johan Kurkela was selected as Finland's representative for the Bocuse d'Or season 2026-2027 in the Bocuse d'Or qualifying competition. Kurkela is currently training full-time for the 2026 European qualifiers and the 2027 world finals.

What is Bocuse d'Or?

Bocuse d'Or is the world's most prestigious and demanding culinary competition, which has been held since 1987.

The Bocuse d'Or competition season lasts two years, with the first year consisting of national qualifying rounds and continental qualifying rounds in Europe, America, Africa, and Asia. The continental qualifying rounds select 24 finalists for the second year, who compete in the final competition every two years in January in Lyon, France.

Price and table reservations

The price of the unique five-course menu is €85 per person.

Seats are limited, so make sure you reserve your spot for this unique dinner as soon as possible!
We are taking table reservations every half hour from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on both evenings.

You can make your reservation through our table reservation system here.

For more information and table reservations for groups of more than 12 people, please contact: sales@sahanlahtiresort.fi / +358 10 5083 500

Stay in Sahanlahti

• Combine an unforgettable dinner with a stay at the cozy Sahan Hotel and book a pampering accommodation package for October 10–11 at the fantastic price of €255, including accommodation and Johan Kurkela's tasting menu for two. For more information, click here.
  
  
• Combine your dinner with a pampering weekend at Elsanrannan Saimaavilla for €490/2 people/2 nights. For more information about this accommodation offer, click here.

(Photo: Bocuse d'Or Academy Finland ry / Santeri Stenvall)