Ep 3. Finland

In season 2 episode 3 of Restaurants on the Edge, the team travels to Finland to help a restaurant struggling to attract customers. The episode is titled "Finland" and takes viewers on a journey through the country's stunning scenery and unique culture.

The restaurant in question is called Oulu Talo and is located in the city of Oulu in northern Finland. The restaurant is situated in a beautiful building that used to be a theater, but despite its prime location, it has been struggling to attract customers. The team, which consists of chef Dennis Prescott, designer Karin Bohn, and restaurateur Nick Liberato, is tasked with helping the owners turn the business around.

The episode begins with the team arriving in Oulu and taking a tour of the city. They sample some of the local cuisine, including reindeer meat and salmon, and get a feel for the Finnish way of life. They also meet with the owners of Oulu Talo, Kaisa and Risto, who tell them about their struggles and their vision for the restaurant.

Kaisa and Risto are passionate about using local ingredients and showcasing the best of Finnish cuisine, but they have been struggling to find their feet in the competitive restaurant industry. The team is impressed by their dedication and sees potential in the restaurant, but they also notice some issues that need to be addressed.

One of the main issues is the lack of atmosphere in the restaurant. The building is beautiful, but the interior is outdated and lacks personality. Karin Bohn takes on the task of redesigning the space and brings in a team of Finnish designers to help her. They work together to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that showcases the building's history and celebrates Finnish design.

Meanwhile, Nick Liberato and Dennis Prescott focus on the menu and the food. They work with Kaisa and Risto to come up with a new menu that highlights local ingredients and Finnish flavors. They also help the owners improve their cooking techniques and presentation.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning footage of Finland's natural beauty. The team takes a trip to a reindeer farm, where they learn about the importance of reindeer meat in Finnish cuisine. They also visit a local market and meet with artisans and vendors who sell handmade goods and traditional Finnish treats.

By the end of the episode, the team has transformed Oulu Talo into a vibrant, welcoming restaurant that celebrates Finnish culture and cuisine. The new menu features reindeer meat, smoked salmon, and other local delicacies, and the interior design is a beautiful blend of old and new. The episode ends with Kaisa and Risto delighted with the changes and optimistic about the future of their business.

Overall, "Finland" is a heartwarming episode of Restaurants on the Edge that showcases Finland's unique culture and cuisine. The team's transformation of Oulu Talo is inspiring, and viewers will be left with a newfound appreciation for Finnish food and design.