BIOGRAPHY
JAAKKO SORSA
Ocean Table Executive Chef
Founding President, Disciples Escoffier Hong Kong
Some of Chef Jaakko Sorsa’s most pleasant memories go back to his grandparents’ island, located on one of Finland’s 187,888 lakes. Growing up watching his grandmother transform freshwater fish, wild mushrooms, wild berries and game into delicious dishes, Jaakko was inspired to begin his journey into the culinary arts.
Jaakko started his culinary career 27 years ago. He first apprenticed with Finnish and Swedish master chefs, where he gained a solid foundation in classical cooking techniques. For years, he was part of the culinary team assigned to the Presidential Palace of Finland. Preparing dinners for official state visits, his guests have included François Mitterrand, Bill Clinton, and Vladimir Putin among other world leaders.
Jaakko was one of the keys in the success of the two Michelin-starred Chez Dominique in Helsinki. His resume also includes cooking in the luxury hotels and resorts of Bermuda and the Fiji Islands, as well as a stint in the United Nations peacekeeping/crisis management forces in South Lebanon.
In 2004, Jaakko arrived in Hong Kong to open FINDS with the goal of introducing true Nordic flavors to the Asian palate. The kitchen at FINDS is closely attuned to the seasons of the north and many of its ingredients are personally sourced from the waters around Scandinavia. Also highlighted are the unique preserving techniques of Finland, which include multiple methods of smoking, drying, curing, and pickling.
In 2011, Jaakko was invited to Tokyo to plan and prepare a modern Finnish dinner for Princess Takamado of Japan. To help craft this gastronomic delight, he drew upon his experience in preparing private dinners for the Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark, the Princess of Sweden, and the House of Saud.
Jaakko was recently hired by Frantzén Group—the group behind the three Michelin-starred Restaurant Frantzén in Stockholm and the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Zen in Singapore—to bring Studio Frantzén to Shanghai. Jaakko worked with Chef Björn Frantzén and his team in Sweden in finalizing the menu. Unfortunately, the project was put on hold due to the pandemic.
At present, Jaakko is in charge of the culinary experiences you will enjoy at Ocean Table.
Ocean Table is a performing arts and culinary space, where guests enjoy 2,000 sq. ft of privacy that includes a music salon, movie theater, bar and sommelier area—all with stunning sea views. Ocean Table is fully owned and operated by TK Media Group.
latest awards
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Arctic Blue Gin, Double Gold, Best Spirit in the World, WSA 2018 / 2019
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Chef of the Year – Editor’s Choice, Foodie Forks 2015
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Best European Restaurant, Restaurant Week 2015
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Top 10 European Restaurant 2014, WOM dining guide
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Bites of Distinction Award, Crave Magazine 2014
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100 Top Tables 2013, South China Morning Post
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Chef of the Year, honorable mention, Foodie Forks 2013
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Top 30 Restaurants, Visitors’ Choice Dining Awards 2013
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Best European Cuisine, Cordons Bleus GHM 2012
"extra RESUME"
Finnair – Business Class Menus 2016 - 2019
Created multiple menus for the route Hong Kong–Helsinki
Finnair was awarded as the ‘Best Inflight Catering Airline 2016’ at the World Traveller Awards by China’s Tourism Industry
Arctic Blue Gin – co-developer / shareholder 2018 –
The man behind the taste of the artisan gin is Master Chef Jaakko Sorsa, who works and lives in Hong Kong. The distiller of the gin is Asko Ryynänen, the Master Distiller of the Karelia-region-based Nordic Premium Beverages. Arctic Blue Gin has won Double Gold and was also chosen as the Spirit of the Year 2018 at the World Spirits Awards, Germany 2018, Arctic Blue Gin Navy Strength won Double Gold and was also chosen as the Best Spirit, in USA 2019.
Author
‘Scapas Dining’ – nominated for ‘The Best Hardcover Cookbook’ in ‘Le Cordon Bleu International Food Media Awards’ in Australia 2010
Disciples Escoffier Hong Kong - Founder and President
Disciples Escoffier is one of the largest and renowned gastronomical associations over the world, with over 22,000 members. The association has achieved national and international recognition for their effort in raising knowledge training development and support of young chef talents. In 2008 Jaakko was requested to launch Hong Kong delegation and acted as a president 2008-2013
International Culinary Institute - Board of Examiners Member 2017 -
Board of Examiners is an independent board approving curriculums and education results
Ici is operated by Vocational Training Center, Hong Kong Government
International Culinary Competition Judge
Certified by WACS - World Association of Chef Societies
Bocuse D’Or China 2011
Jury member
Hospitality Exhibition Demo Kitchen and Culinary Contest Organizer
Disciples Escoffier multi-station demonstration and competition kitchen
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SIAL, Shanghai, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
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Restaurant and Bar exhibition, Hong Kong, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
ELEQT Brand Ambassador of Fine Dining
ELEQT offers a privileged young and interactive audience the opportunity to expand horizons, experience the finer things in life and discover old and new friends within a network of trust and luxury. The company offers its members access to exclusive events, luxury lifestyle experiences and a wide range of benefits, and can only be obtained by invitation only. ELEQT is part of the Quintessentially Luxury Group.
Guest Chef - Thailand
‘The Chedi’, 5-star resort located in Chiang Mai, 2007 and 2008
Guest Chef - Japan
Embassy of Finland in Tokyo 2011, ‘Dinner for Princess Takamado’
Guest Chef - Singapore
Hilton Hotel, Singapore, 2011, ‘A Nordic Christmas and New Year’
Guest Chef – Hong Kong
American Club, Hong Kong, 2012
Guest Chef – Sweden
‘Livsmedelsföretagens Matdag’, Stockholm, 2013
Guest Chef – Indonesia
Asian Food Channel / DBS Treasures, Grand Hyatt Jakarta, 2015
Culinary Advisor and Guest Chef - China
Beijing, China 2009.
Finnish food media dinner and food styling/organising the Finnish Pavilion of
‘EU EXTRAVAGANZA 2009’, a food and music festival organized by European Union Embassies
Guest Speaker
WWF seminar and panel discussion 2011: ‘Seafood Crisis – an Ocean Friendly Solution’
Guest Speaker
‘Food Tourism Seminar’, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Science 2015
Guest Speaker / Ambassador
Nordic and Baltic Chefs Business Forum SAUCE 2015, Tallinn, Estonia
TV EXPERIENCE
‘Ruokala’ 2000
Popular cooking show with two Finnish celebrity chefs. Jaakko visited for an episode as a guest chef, cooking dishes from the seafood restaurant he operates in Bermuda for Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.
Broadcaster: MTV3 (Finnish Commercial TV Station owned by Bonnier)
‘Jaakko ja Maailmanvalloittajat’ / Jaakko and the Globetrotters 2009
A documentary about Jaakko’s life in Hong Kong.
Hosted by known Finnish TV personality Jaakko Selin
Broadcaster: YLE (Finland's national public-broadcasting company)
Top Chef Finland 2011
Guest judge for an episode in this Finnish franchise of the global TV format
Broadcaster: Sub-TV (subsidiary of MTV3 - Finnish Commercial TV station owned by Bonnier)
‘Hansin Matkassa’ / Chef Around the World 2012
A new Finnish lifestyle television series showcasing the mixture of culture, traveling, high-end cooking and culinary highlights taking place in several locations all around the world.
The show is hosted by 2 Michelin-star awarded chef Hans Välimäki (Chez Dominique, Helsinki). In the show he visits famous Finns living abroad. Jaakko acts as the host for a culinary adventure around his city of residence, Hong Kong.
Broadcaster: MTV3 (Finnish Commercial TV station owned by Bonnier)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2375612/
TVB Hong Kong 2011 - 2012
港生活.港享受 Dolce Vita (Nov 2011)
甜姐兒 My Sweets (Episode 14, Dec 2011)
靚人靚湯 Pretty Soup Brewers (Episode 11, Apr 2012)
環遊世界明星賽 All Star World Exam (2013)
‘Haasta Hans / Challenge Chef Hans’ 2014-2015
A new Finnish television series produced by Banijay Group.
Celebrity guest teams challenge two Michelin star awarded chef Hans Välimäki. Jaakko is coaching eight teams for two seasons of the show. As this is a new original format, it will be presented in Cannes International TV Festival.
Broadcaster: JIM (subsidiary of Nelonen/Channel 4)