Juha Tanttu : Ah, the Savoy : fine dining in Helsinki

THE LEADING HELSINKI RESTAURANT AND FAVOURITE VENUE OF INFLUENTIAL FINNS, FOR SIXTY YEARS THE SAVOY HAS WITNESSED FINNISH HISTORY IN THE MAKING

This book marks the 60th anniversary of the Helsinki Savoy. Established in 1937 on the South Esplanade, the restaurant received its name after the finest Continental traditions. Noblesse oblige: only the best is good enough for the Savoy. The dining room, now part of Finland's protected architectural heritage, was designed by master architect Alvar Aalto.

The Savoy was intended to offer its guests a unique culinary experience. This it does. Marshal C.G.E. Mannerheim, a long-time regular at the Savoy, had his own table and his special favourite dishes at the restaurant. Many other renowned Finns have returned time and again, drawn by the combination of delicious food and an elegant setting overlooking the city centre. With them they have brought foreign guests whom they wished to impress with top-notch Finnish cuisine. Thus over the years the Savoy has built up a reputation as an international meeting place offering exquisite food and a congenial atmosphere.

Fine food prepared by star chefs has always been the Savoy's hallmark, coupled with a dedication to excellent service. A pioneer of Finnish gastronomy from the very beginning, the Savoy still sets culinary trends today.