5_ScanMag_77_June_2015_Text_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 05/06/2015 16:48 Page 73
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Finland
Mercat is a modern tapas bar to which he soon hopes to introduce the lilting sound of a Spanish guitar. All restaurants are located in the centre of Helsinki, and the different character of each caters to a broad range of customers. ”You’ll see hipsters and skaters as well as business people in suits. We are all about inclusion and relaxation.” Giving means getting Defining himself as a 'glass-half-full' sort of person, Torchio admits that he believes in karma. ”We were the first to introduce Mexican cuisine to Helsinki, but now there are a few new restaurants cropping up. We are happy about the competition. It keeps us on our toes and helps us stay innovative. It means we can keep trying new things, keep changing things up,” he says. There is clearly something to be said for extending a friendly hand. ”In this business, we all do better by supporting each other,” concludes Torchio with a smile.
The future does indeed look bright for this enthusiastic and ambitious innovator. ”Right now the focus is obviously on running and continuing to develop our existing restaurants,” he explains. “But I do dream of expanding further here, as well as opening up a place in Stockholm at some point.” Already this year there are new things and surprises in store for the many friends of Manu Torchio’s take on Mexican food. And along with the food comes an atmosphere that is hard to replicate. ”Customers at Patrona have said that a visit is like suddenly being whisked somewhere else,”
Torchio says happily. “Being able to create a feeling like that really goes beyond making good food; it becomes an experience to savour.” Introducing the food of his homeland to people who are new to Mexico is another source of joy for Torchio. ”In our lunch places, I love seeing people put down the fork and knife and instead eat tacos with their fingers as we do. Then I know they are really getting it!” he laughs. For more information, please visit: www.patrona.fi
Issue 77 | June 2015 | 73