PRO finalist Pasi Brilli is the creator of Bomba's innovative delicacies

Press release 15.2.2024

PRO finalist Pasi Brilli is the creator of Bomba's innovative delicacies

In addition to its spa and nature activities, the Karelian village of Bomba, located in the coastal landscape of Lake Pielinen, offers versatile and high-quality food experiences. The creator of the flavors is Kitchen Manager Pasi Brilli. At this year’s PRO gala event, also called the Oscars of HoReCa professionals, Brilli was one of the three finalists in the category professional kitchen product development.

– I really appreciate being shortlisted in this very high ranking of PRO finalists. Placing in the top three shows that my long-term work for both the industry and Finnish food culture has been noticed, Pasi Brilli says.

Restaurant Bomba respects local flavors

Brilli, described by the PRO jury as a bold visionary, has shown ambition and creativity in designing new menus for both Restaurant Bomba and Break Sokos Hotel Bomba's hotel restaurants. Last year, Bomba House launched an à la carte menu highlighting local flavours, as well as a five-course Valamo menu, inspired by the monastery wines.

– The inspiration for the à la carte dishes comes from authentic Karelian flavour memories and the implementation has been done with a modern Karelian twist. The menu highlights local ingredients, such as turnips from the village, berries from the yard, pikeperch from Lake Pielinen and venison from the local forest. The Valamo menu is paired with the magnificent berry wines of the nearby monastery, creating wonderful matchings with everything from Jerusalem artichoke and tournedos to domestic cheeses, Brilli explains.

The relaxed Buolu Cafe & Ristorante, serving pizzas and pastries, opened at Break Sokos Hotel Bomba in October 2023. Brill is also the creator of this menu.

– Buolu serves both Neapolitan artisan and classic pizzas. The innovative pizza toppings include smoked vendace from Lake Pielinen, candied lemon peel and homemade smoked pepper jam. Pastas, on the other hand, are served Italian style with, for example, salsiccia sausage, lamb or truffle oil.

Bomba's hotel extension to open for Midsummer

Break Sokos Hotel Bomba and the entire Karelian village area of Bomba are currently being transformed into an even more versatile tourist destination. General Manager Sanna Tenhunen praises the way Bomba, thanks to Pasi Brill's innovative approach, has also become a notable food tourism destination.

– Food is, after all, an important part of the travel experience. Our newest restaurant will open next summer, after which we will offer culinary experiences at three different restaurants. A nice addition are the Karelian pie workshops and Valamo wine tastings at Bomba House, which tourists can participate in weekly during the summer. If you are interested in dining in nature, we also offer packed lunches to enjoy by the fire, Tenhunen adds.

The proximity to nature, the traditional Karelian village culture and the hotel's luxurious Kalevala-style spa make Bomba a unique experience. The hotel expansion featuring lakeside rooms and new restaurants will be completed by Midsummer 2024.

Pasi Brilli serves as Kitchen Manager at Break Sokos Hotel Bomba, heads the food product development team at the North Karelia Cooperative and is also a member of the food product development team at SOK. Brilli has also been awarded Chef Rôtisseur and Cordon Bleu recognition by the Finnish Chef Association.

The PRO gala annually recognizes the best HoReCa* experts in our country, in 15 different categories. The award ceremony took place on January 29th, 2024, at the Helsinki Opera House.

(*Hotel/Restaurant/Catering)

More information:

Sanna Tenhunen, General Manager, Break Sokos Hotel Bomba, tel. +358 10 762 3856, sanna.tenhunen@sok.fi

Pasi Brilli, Kitchen Manager, Break Sokos Hotel Bomba, tel. +358 10 762 3861, pasi.brilli@sok.fi

Break Sokos Hotel Bomba, located next to a traditional Karelian village on the shore of Lake Pielinen in Nurmes, is a spa hotel offering modern Karelian luxury. At Spa Bomba's luxurious spa, nature and Karelian mysticism emerge in surprising places. The spa has three saunas and seven pools, as well as a panoramic view of the lake. Bomba House, with its exhibitions, shops and nearby restaurants serves as a showcase for Karelian culture. Restaurant services are provided by Bistro Buolu and Restaurant Bomba.

Break Sokos Hotel Bomba stands to be renewed; a completely new 92-room hotel wing with lake-view rooms will open on the shore of Lake Pielinen in the summer of 2024.

https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/hotels/nurmes/break-sokos-hotel-bomba