Top chef Arto Lappalainen: "These work clothes make you feel edgy"

The new duo behind Restaurant Viila created a buzz in Tampere at the beginning of the year. At the same time as the menu, the restaurant's staff's work clothes also changed. "Coordinated work clothes create a sense of teamwork."

The tables at Restaurant Viila are arranged in comfortable groups, and you can see straight into the kitchen island from between the shelves. Black tiles adorn the steel stove. Matte black lamps hang from the ceiling of the restaurant hall, and there are pictures on the walls of the old file factory that was located in the block.

After a busy lunchtime rumba, Viila's host Joona Lähdesluoma and the kitchen staff shift manager Arto Lappalainen had time to throw a moment Aprons aside. Lappalainen, who also competed in the Finnish chef team, also introduced the Tampere bistro's new menu and the staff's traditional work clothes after joining the house in January 2018.

"In addition to the good looks of Medanta's workwear, I also like its fit, flexibility and ease of care. The clothes are in a class of their own."

It is important to the restaurant's management duo that the staff's attire speaks the same language as the restaurant environment.

"Style matters matter more than ever in working life. In the restaurant world, the kitchen has become more and more prominent – ​​it has moved to the dining room, under the eyes of customers. So the aesthetics of workwear matter."

Work clothes create a team spirit

When choosing new workwear, Lappalainen knew what he wanted – and from whom. He had become familiar with Medanta’s chef’s clothing while working at the Food and Art festival in Mäntä. This event, which combines food and art, is the brainchild of Pekka Terävä, owner of Michelin-starred restaurant Olo.

The chef's jacket designed by Medanta for Terävä is already a household name in the restaurant industry. Lappalainen also has four of these "pekka-terevi" in his cupboard.

Lappalainen and Lähdesluoma believe that proper work clothes give self-confidence. Short-sleeved black chef's coats prevent splashes from showing, and the outfit is complemented by narrow-legged, well-fitting, antibacterial chinos. Instead of a tall chef's hat, Viila's kitchen staff wears a stylish black flap cap in their hair.

“These clothes make you feel edgy.”

The owners of Viila also want to use clothing to promote a sense of teamwork between the kitchen and the dining room.

“It is important that employees look like they belong here. Uniform work clothes also create a sense of community,” says Lappalainen.

In Medanta's clothing, Lähdesluoma praises the fit, breathability and ease of care, in addition to the breathability.

“Work clothes are easy to wash yourself, as odors and dirt are removed even at low washing temperatures. And the clothes don't wrinkle in the wash. You don't need to iron the chef's coat, a few shakes after washing are enough. And instead of buttons, there are handy snaps.”

Work clothes that match the mood

Viila, led by Lähdesluoma and Lappalainen, has already made headlines. “A new gastronomic star has risen in Tampella,” wrote Aamulehti in February 2018.

Lappalainen thinks that Medanta's black, well-cut work clothes are particularly suitable for the dim evening atmosphere of Viila. They also receive compliments during the day. The three ladies who came for lunch praise the staff's modern work clothes and the fact that they knew who was on staff as soon as they entered.

“There’s a big difference between these and the peplum pants and big boxy jackets from restaurant schools,” Lappalainen laughs.

Lähdesluoma nods next to him and notes that restaurant clothing is often unisex.

"Which means they don't fit anyone properly. The clothes are often baggy, but at the same time they tighten in the wrong places."

Any more details of your own?

Both Viila's kitchen staff and waiters were involved in choosing work clothes when Medanta's Key Account Manager Satu Mikkola drove from Helsinki to Tampere. She brought along sample pieces, which they then tried on in peace.

Currently, in Viila, Medanta is expecting the arrival of Vans all-black kitchen shoes that repel water. The originally flat sole has been shaped so that the shoes are more comfortable to stand on. The sole has also been fitted with a brake, as there is a risk of slipping in the kitchen.

In the future, Lähdesluoma and Lappalainen would be interested in designing Viila-like details for workwear with Medanta.

"For us, a carpenter's style would suit Viila. The sleeve pockets could be made of denim or leather," the duo brainstormed.