Portuguese Pastry Chef Finds Career in Helsinki
Catarina Espirito Santo, a pastry chef from Portugal, has transitioned her culinary career from a Michelin-starred restaurant in Lisbon to Helsinki's growing food scene.
Portuguese pastry chef Catarina Espirito Santo has relocated her culinary career from a Michelin-starred restaurant in Lisbon to Helsinki's burgeoning food scene. She arrived in Finland in January 2019, finding the city offered a blend of high-quality living, career opportunities, and access to nature.
Espirito Santo cites the flat hierarchy and the quick formation of connections within the restaurant community as key factors in her decision to stay. "Finland surprised me. I was given more responsibility right away, and that trust has been key to my growth," she stated.
Her passion for food began in her grandmother's kitchen in Portugal. In Helsinki, she finds that ingredient seasonality pushes her towards inventiveness. "You have to work smarter to make something extraordinary out of the seasons," Espirito Santo explained.
Through successful pop-up events, she has merged Southern European flavors with Nordic simplicity. Espirito Santo sees significant potential in Helsinki's food scene for new voices and ideas. She aims to bring a relaxed, unforgettable experience to the city, integrating nature and urban life.