Dinners like this don\u2019t come around very often in Helsinki. On Thursday September 17, the British Ambassador\u2019s residence in Kaivopuisto will open its doors to the public for one night only as Brit Pop, an organiser of international wine and food events, arrives in Helsinki.<\/p>\n
The kitchen will be headed up by chef Kai Semple, who grew up in London and is now based in Copenhagen. He puts a modern spin on Caribbean classics, drawing particular inspiration from the food cultures of Jamaica and Trinidad.<\/p>\n
Despite the grand setting of the Ambassador\u2019s residence, this won\u2019t be a stiff, formal affair. Semple\u2019s food philosophy centres on boldly spiced dishes designed for sharing, served in a warm and informal atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Jerk spices, goat curry and British wines<\/p>\n
The evening\u2019s menu includes plantain nuggets, jerk skewers and a goat curry based on Semple\u2019s grandmother\u2019s recipe, served with potatoes and Caribbean rice and peas.<\/p>\n
The plant-based option is a wild mushroom and okra curry. Dinner ends with a dessert made with mango, meringue and passion fruit.<\/p>\n
The menu and setting alone would make this an interesting evening, but there\u2019s a third draw: British wines. A different wine has been selected for each course, with four English producers presenting their bottles: Domaine Hugo from Wiltshire, Langham from Dorset, Lyme Bay from Devon and Whitewolfe from Kent. The winemakers themselves will be there to talk about their wines.<\/p>\n
Similar Brit Pop events have previously been held in cities including Paris and London. After Helsinki, the next Brit Pop will take place in New York.<\/p>\n