Jorgen

Jorgen on the Hot Seat

1. What inspired you to become a Chef?

Well, it’s got to be the freedom dude! I would never fit insider a 5-foot cubicle wearing business suits and uncomfortable ties. It's absolutely liberating to find a profession where I can wear what represents me, as the real me! Do you see the tattoos on my hand? I don’t think they’d make a good impression in the corporate world. Plus, I can experiment and get creative in the kitchen, and it’s a bonus that sometimes ladies come in to appreciate the cuisine.

2. What is your signature dish? What do people love about it?

It’s hands down Karelian Pastry! It’s a traditional recipe in the Karelian region, a town sandwiched between Finland and Russia. What makes this my signature dish? The bewildered confusion that turns into amused appreciation when my customers take a bit of this peculiar pie – because it’s salty! Yes, this pastry is salty and originated sometime in the 1600s.

3. How do you describe your overall cooking philosophy?

In traveling lies inspiration. I think my whole being is fueled by the experience I gain through traveling. The Nordic countries are just so captivating with their vibrant culture, gastronomy, landscapes, and stories. Doing what you love doesn’t mean you don’t get burned out, everyone does! When that happens, take some time for yourself and escape into a rejuvenating retreat – traveling does it for me!

4.  Tell us a little about your Scandinavian origin.

We Nordics are known for our strength, resilience, and balance. I love some of the stereotypes attached to being Scandinavian. Like we are all a bunch of blue-eyes and blonde-haired people who cycle our way to work or are hiking mountains all the time. Also, that we are 24/7 happy, it’s hilarious to me. I must tell you, we are ranked the happiest place in the world to live, so I don’t blame foreigners for the stereotypes, makes me like my native more. 

5. If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?

Isn’t it evident by my appearance? I’d be a bougee tattoo artist, and I’d rock. I know there’s a bit of a negative connotation around tattoos. But tattoos are beautiful, they help you mark things that are important to you. And if you want to show it off, so be it! It’s an art form, and I really am into it.