Destination Dining

Kota Alliance’s annual fundraising event, Destination Dining is back!

Destination Dining - Helsinki x Harlem presents some of the most talented chefs from

within the New Nordic culinary movement in the European Nordics teaming up with a

local super talent to create an unforgettable evening in a historical setting in Harlem.

Back for a second time around at Destination Dining, are the award-winning head chefs

and owners of restaurants 305 and Wellamo, Janne Keskevaari and Dani Hänninen from

Helsinki. Joining them is the celebrated Bronx-based chef Lana Lagomarsini, most

recently known for her appearance in season 1 of Netflix’s new show, the Pressure

Cooker.

The evening will start with cocktails and a small bite at 6:30 pm, followed by a sit-down

dinner. Tickets are priced at $250 with the possibility for an additional donation to be

made.

A ticket includes a 6-course dinner created in collaboration between the chefs, and a

beverage pairing, including cocktails inspired by the Scandinavian summer designed by

internationally awarded bartender Daniel Woodward.

All proceeds from the event go towards Kota’s programming in health and wellness,

healing arts, and economic empowerment for women in our community.

Chefs of the event:

Janne Keskevaari

Janne Keskevaaris is undoubtedly one of the top names in the Finnish culinary field. His

decade-long career within the highest tiers of Finnish fine dining has not been without

its accolades. In 2022, the chef was awarded second place in the esteemed Finnish

Chef of the Year competition. Since his appearance at Destination Dining 2023,

Keskevaari stepped away from his position as head chef at Michelin-awarded restaurant

Grön, to open his very first establishment, Restaurant 305. Described as a modern

neighborhood bistro, 305 has already won the title of best new restaurant in Finland.

Moreover, the establishment was placed as the 18 th best in the country in 2024, a true

testament to Keskevaari's exceptional culinary ingenuity and unwavering dedication to

crafting remarkable dining experiences

Dani Hänninen

Former Master Chef professional finalist, restaurateur, and Michelin chef Dani Hänninen

embodies a new wave of New Nordic haute cuisine. Hänninen’s esteemed restaurant

Wellamo, awarded as 23 rd best in the country and two circles of sustainability by the

360guide, has already in its short life of 3 years become a true Finnish staple. The chef’s

holistic take on food transcends the typical nose-to-tail mantra by not only focusing on

sustainable thinking around food but also on his approach to creating a more equitable

and safe restaurant industry for staff and customers alike. Through his advocacy within

the restaurant industry, Hänninen has been able to participate in various projects,

including pop-up projects which have included themes such as combatting loneliness.

Lana Lagomarsini

Introducing Lana Cooks, a culinary virtuoso with a passion for exploring the roots of

American food culture through the lens of the African diaspora. Lagomarsini embarked

on her culinary journey after graduating from Northeastern University, honing her skills

in prestigious kitchens such as Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Gramercy Tavern, and

Momofuku Ko, among others she has also worked and got inspiration from Argentinian

chef Francis Malmanm. With a rich tapestry of experiences, Lagomarsini has

emerged as a trailblazer, running her own successful private chef business, Lana Cooks,

serving clients across the tri-state area and beyond. Her culinary vision extends beyond

exquisite flavors; it's a celebration of heritage and a tribute to the profound influence of

Black food culture on American cuisine. Through her pop-up events, Lagomarsini

highlights the interconnectedness of African and American culinary traditions, inviting

guests to embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation.

Daniel Woodward

As a former full-time bartender turned feminist human rights advocate, Woodward has

found many ways to combine his love for restaurants with his steadfast commitment to

intersectional feminism. Woodward worked as an intern at Kota Alliance in early 2023,

starting then what is now the second in the series of Destination Dining events. His

background in restaurants is in some of the best cocktail bars in Helsinki, having won

titles such as World Class Best Bartender in Finland 2018, as well as in the highest tiers

of Finnish fine dining. His most recent workplaces in the restaurant industry include

Michelin-awarded restaurant Grön, and fine dining establishment The Room by Kozeen

Shiwan, whereWoodward currently acts as Executive Manager.

Please advise us about your dietary restrictions by email: [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Kota Alliance, 43 Saint Nicholas Place, New York, United States