2_1_ScanMag_79_August_2015_Text.qxp_Scan Magazine 1 06/08/2015 15:17 Page 24
Scan Magazine | Culinary Feature | Finland
Nautical's Adrian Bäckman, Johan Gröndahl, Peter Sundblom
A culinary dream in an oceanic wonderland The Finnish archipelago of Åland. Islands, calm waters and phenomenal views. As if this wasn’t enough, Restaurant Nautical aims to complete your seafaring experience with good food, wonderful atmospheres and a splendid time. On top of a fine maritime museum, Restaurant Nautical offers nothing but the best (and most delicious) complements to your visit to the picturesque islands of Åland. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Nautical
Restaurant Nautical was originally built as a Captain’s Club in 1947. Without changing the naval atmosphere, the venue underwent a complete renovation in 2011 and is now standing as a modern culinary champion on top of the well-known and visited Maritime Museum of Åland. The three partners Peter Sundblom, Adrian Bäckman and Johan Gröndahl are now managing Restaurant Nautical where they, while staying true to the tradition of the location and venue, are paving the way for culinary innovations and pure Nordic tastes. “Our products are as local as possible,” explains Peter Sundblom. “If we can’t find it here on Åland, we can find it on the Fin-
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ish mainland, Sweden or even Norway, and if we can’t it’s probably not in season, which means that we wouldn’t use it anyway.” Indeed, staying true to the seasonal range and natural provision is something the managers of Restaurant Nautical puts at the very forefront of their culinary vision. By using what is naturally given and keeping it simple – but never boring –they have become a popular stop-by for archipelago visitors and maritime enthusiasts. “We believe that good food is enough,” says Sundblom when asked to describe the reason behind the fully packed restaurant and buzzing terrace. “The three of
us and our team know what we are doing and we love to experiment and find innovative varieties to Nordic classic dishes and ingredients. Our passion and love for the food and restaurant shines through,” he says happily. “That’s why people come back and why they enjoy spending time here. And the view doesn’t hurt either.” It really doesn’t. Out on the sun-filled terrace a wonderful view of water and islands offer a panoramic scenery guaranteed to satisfy you completely, even if you’re only stopping by for a quick drink. However, Sundblom’s own recommendation for a late summer's visit strikes all the right tones too. “Sit on our terrace with a drink in the afternoon sun and eat our delicious crayfish. It really is like nothing else,” Sundblom stresses. We certainly won’t argue. For more information, please visit: www.nautical.ax