Wellness month and hobbies – what do our creators of special experiences do in their free time? Culinary and Beverage Art

2024-11-05T14:16:03

As part of our wellness months, we continue to showcase our employees’ hobbies, through which they keep their minds fresh and spirits high, allowing them to create the best experiences for our guests.

The heroes of this story have found a passion for culinary and beverage art. Sharing their stories with us are Geili Tulits, Corporate Sales Manager for Tallink Hotels in Tallinn; Kelli Männik, Marketing Specialist for Tallink Hotels in Tallinn; and Federico di Maio, chef and culinary instructor at Ristorante Flavore.

Geili Tulits, Corporate Sales Manager, Tallink Hotels, Tallinn

Describe your hobby

My hobby is cooking and, in winter, baking as well. I’d probably enjoy baking more if I didn’t end up eating everything myself! So, to keep things balanced, I tend to cook rather than bake.

How did you discover cooking?

I’ve been cooking a lot with my grandmother since I was a child, as she’s a chef. I remember she would give me the simplest tasks, but even those brought me so much joy from cooking together. As I grew older, cooking became essential, especially after my family moved to Finland when I was 14, and I chose not to go with them. I had to start being independent, including with cooking.

Even though my grandmother lived nearby and cooked daily, I began experimenting more on my own and wanted to try new things. I’d look up recipes in books and online, but in the end, I’d always make my own version. For example, every one of my dishes includes turmeric – though I can’t quite explain why, perhaps for the colour or because I heard somewhere it is healthy!

What makes cooking enjoyable for you, and what value does it add to your life?

I love cooking when there is no rush, especially when I’m cooking just for myself. If someone else is joining me or tasting my food, I feel an extra layer of pressure. For me, cooking is a calming activity. And as an added bonus, I often receive compliments on my dishes, particularly savoury ones, since I’m not as fond of making sweets (except for cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting—those I could bake and eat every day!).

What is your most memorable cooking experience?

The most memorable “fun” experience from childhood was when my mom made caramel pudding, and I decided to add a large amount of salt because it was too sweet for me. In our house, we had to finish everything on our plates, so let’s just say I learned that day that not every dish needs my twist, especially when it involves turning sweet into salty.

A recent positive experience was last summer in Saaremaa, where we tried making pizza from an old Italian recipe. The dough took three days to prepare (which, for someone as impatient as me, felt like three years), but when it was finally ready, the taste and texture were a perfect 10/10. I haven’t had better pizza before or since!

What would you recommend to someone interested in cooking but hesitant to start?

My advice is: just go for it! Start with affordable ingredients so you don’t feel bad if it doesn’t turn out right. One of my friends could only make boiled macaroni with salt until she was 19, and now she’s one of the best home chefs I know. So there’s hope for everyone!

Kelli Männik, Marketing Specialist, Tallink Hotels, Tallinn

Describe your hobby

Cooking and baking.

How did you discover cooking?

My interest in culinary arts sparked in early childhood, thanks to a family passionate about food. From a young age, I’d help my mom, grandma, and great-grandma with everything from simple snacks to grand feasts. Initially, I was more of a taster, but over time, I started helping more and becoming efficient.

What makes cooking enjoyable for you, and what value does it add to your life?

Cooking is a delicious form of therapy. Besides the joy of creating and tasting something wonderful, I get to explore different cuisines, experiment with flavours and textures, and bring happiness to myself and others. Plus, every meal can be a mini masterpiece since, as they say, we eat with our eyes first!

What is your most memorable cooking experience?

Two moments stand out: one simple, one vibrant. I vividly remember helping my great-grandma make pancakes at our summer house when I was about four. We probably ate more batter with my little sister than we cooked! The homemade apple jam and mom’s cocoa made that meal a warm memory.

The liveliest experiences are family dinners, where I can showcase my skills and present global dishes. From classic potato salad and cinnamon roll, the recipes of which have been passed down for generations, to sushi and roast meats with shiny red wine sauce, these nights are about the joy of giving.

What would you recommend to someone interested in cooking but is hesitant to start?

Start with simple recipes, find a cookbook, and pick dishes you already enjoy. Then, play around with spices, swap in new vegetables, and experiment with flavours. Let’s create memorable dining experiences together!

Federico di Maio, Chef and Culinary Instructor at Ristorante Flavore

Describe your hobby

I’m a hobby sommelier, I have a passion for fine wines and tastings.

How did you discover your hobby?

One evening, I felt curious about the world of wine. I learned to open bottles properly, understand different wines, study their histories, and started reviewing them, rating flavours and characteristics from 1 to 5. Soon, I was leading tastings for others.

What makes your hobby enjoyable, and what value does it add to your life?

I enjoy exploring the tastes of different wine regions, like Italy and France. It opens my senses, taking me on a world tour from my own home, one sip at a time.

I appreciate good flavours and love sharing them with others.

With wine, quality and price must be balanced, and the bottle should look beautiful! Many expensive wines come in unexpected bottles—sometimes you’d never guess that such a good wine could be inside!

Several wines in my collection are unique and over 20 years old. These precious bottles can stay in my home for years, only to be opened on extraordinary occasions.

The last one I opened was my wonderful Brunello di Montalcino, during Christmas.

What is your most memorable experience with your hobby?

Every tasting is unique because of the people I share it with. My family are my biggest fans, and they often say I seem to glow when I talk about wine. Sharing these moments create lasting memories.

I especially enjoy opening very old wines; their flavours are complex, often transformative, offering an experience you can only have once — at that first sip.

What would you recommend to someone interested in learning about wine but hesitant to start?

• Try different wines from around the world — whites, reds, rosés, sparkling wines, champagnes, dessert wines, and vermouths.
• Start with affordable options at your local store.
• Then, explore specialised wine shops with exciting selections, like the Tallink e-store.

And if you’re ever unsure where to start, come visit me at Flavore, and we’ll dive into the world of wine together!