Petri: A culinary journey rooted in memory and Swedish Nature

In the heart of Stockholm’s Östermalm neighbourhood, a culinary gem named Petri is making waves in the gastronomic world. SCAN Magazine delves into the story behind this unique establishment, guided by the insights of its visionary founder, Swedish chef and restauranteur Petter Nilsson.

The bustling streets of Stockholm are home to many culinary gems, but few are as intriguing as Petri. An intimate gastronomic world of its own, Petri is the brainchild of Petter Nilsson, a seasoned chef with a long history in the world of fine dining. Having honed his skills in France, Nilsson returned to Stockholm with a dream to create a dining experience that is both sublime and deeply personal.

The name ‘Petri’ is not just a moniker, it’s a nod to Nilsson’s past. “The historical connection to the name is through Petri Pumpa in Lund,” he says. “I worked there in the nineties, a time that deeply influenced my view on food and ingredients.” This reverence for history and personal experience is a recurring theme in Nilsson’s culinary philosophy.

Nilsson’s inspiration doesn’t just stem from his past experiences or the ingredients he uses, however. He draws from the world of conceptual art, the intricacies of the human mind, and the vast palette of ingredients and products at his disposal in and around Stockholm. “The initial inspiration is dreamlike,” he says, “and it materialises through our palette.”

For Nilsson, food is more than just sustenance, it’s a journey through memories and the senses. “Food often links to memories of places and events,” he says. This sentiment is beautifully encapsulated in Petri’s signature menu, named after the evocative scent of rain – ‘Petrichor’. “For me, it evokes the memory of cycling as a child after a summer rain,” Nilsson adds.

Petri offers a chance to experience exciting expressions of nature on a plate, and to embark on a culinary journey like no other.

Celebrating the vegetable

Petri’s dishes are inspired and in tune with the changing seasons. Nilsson and his tight-knit team prioritise seasonal ingredients, ensuring that the menu is always fresh and reflective of the time of year. “We aim to adapt every day according to the prevailing climate,” he explains. This commitment to seasonality ensures that every dish at Petri is in constant creative flux.

While many fine dining establishments focus on luxurious proteins, Petri has made a point to celebrate the vegetable. “We aim to challenge our ingredients, get to the heart of each one,” Nilsson explains. This approach results in dishes that highlight the unique flavour and texture of each vegetable, offering a dining experience that is both innovative, exciting, and ever-changing.

No fine dining experience is complete without the perfect wine pairing, and Petri excels in this domain also. With a wine list recommended by Star Wine, Nilsson’s approach is clear. “We look for the uniqueness in each wine,” he says. “The accent that can amplify nuances in our dishes. It’s not about labels or appellations but the rich diversity of expression.”

Nilsson’s commitment to local sourcing is evident in his close relationships with local farmers and suppliers. “The fact that they are in our vicinity is purely positive as their products reflect our place and time,” he says. “This local focus ensures that every dish at Petri tells a story of the land and its people, even though we take a lot of creative liberty to refine and elevate all ingredients into unique dishes.”

Expressions of nature on a plate

As we look to the future, Nilsson has plans to continue to evolve and express the essence of Petri. “We hope to go as far as possible on our journey,” he says. “To continue being inspired and inspiring.” With a focus on sustainability, both gastronomically and humanely, Nilsson’s ambition is for Petri to be a mainstay in the culinary world, getting better with each passing season and year.

For those fortunate enough to dine at Petri, what can they expect? “A contemporary dining experience,” Nilsson promises. “A nuanced culinary journey accentuated by craftsmanship, combinations, and sublime surprises.”

In a world where dining out has become commonplace, Petri offers a chance to travel through time and memory, to experience exciting expressions of nature on a plate, and to embark on a culinary journey like no other. Every meal at Petri tells a story, shares a memory, and is a moment in time as precious as the scent after a sweet summer rain.

Petri is the brainchild of Petter Nilsson, a seasoned chef with a long history in the world of fine dining.

Web: www.petrirestaurant.com
Instagram: @petrirestaurant