That might seem like an odd title after my recent FB post(s) regarding the great taxi service in Finland. However, to be fair, that post was mostly focused on the taxi 'efficiency', more than the actual quality of the personal service. So, with that clarification made, let's delve into what was, without a doubt, my best restaurant service experience in the six and a half years I've been coming to Finland.
The restaurant was someplace I had never been, called Kitchen G18, tucked just off Bulevardi. The menu was limited, but in a way that I felt they were only serving the handful of dishes that they considered 'worthy' of the experience they were trying to deliver, rather than me feeling like the choices were too limited.
They have a pretty solid 'tapas' appetizer, running €18. I'm not going to go into the prices of everything, that's not what this post is about. The reason I included it was to showcase the deal that they offer. If you buy a bottle of wine (which appeared to be reasonably priced) you could order the tapas platter for only €1 more. What? Yes, that's a smoking deal. Now, while several of the larger items on the platter only came in pairs, there was plenty to share between three to four people. Most of the melange was quite yummy. However, the lamb wasn't to my liking, but I don't fault the chef, I'm just not much of a lamb guy. But, on the other end of the spectrum, the cheese-stuffed peppers were incredible! There should have been twice (or thrice!) as many of those delectable gems.
Overall, the food was good. Actually, as I think we all know, that is a tremendously relative term. So for KG18, the quality is more like what a group of us (foreigners, that is) have come to refer to as "HG," which means 'Helsinki Good.' But, even as a modest foodie, what will draw me back to this cool place, is the amazing service we got, not the food itself. Superior customer service is something I crave!
We had two wait staff looking after us. Suzanna (I think) and our main waiter, Thomas Möller. Thomas was so attentive, warm, gracious and professional, I thought he was the owner. He appeared to care deeply about our experience, as though both his ego and livelihood were at stake. Now, I don't know how much Thomas makes as a waiter/manager in Helsinki, but he could (should?) teach courses in hospitality to every other person in Helsinki who thinks he/she is serious about restaurant life.
Oh, and did I mention he was humble? As I was effusing praise about the quality of his service (and actually did tell him that the service outpaced the food a bit), his comment was something like, 'Next time you come, we'll make sure your experience with the food matches the service.' Holy carp, he cares about both the front and the back of the house!!!
So, if you want to be treated just like you have become accustomed in other highly service-oriented countries, give yourself a treat and go to Kitchen G18. Make sure you ask for Thomas, and tell him Doug sent you. Actually, don't do that, as I'm sure I did not make as big of an impression on him, as he made on me. So, better yet, tell him that some crazy American, who yammered on about the quality of the service, and who left a [small] tip (money folded into an origami bow tie), sent you, and said that he was a certified, service Rock Star!
DMac out...
Yrjönkatu 18, Helsinki
+35810 3222 940
