The unique contrast between the ancient Roman Empire and the fast paced modern life gives a certain magic to the Eternal City.

Il Duetto is the only Italian restaurant in Helsinki offering the real taste of Italian cuisine. The Italian owners show their appreciation for art and culture by offering free space to artists.

Italians are well known for enjoying good food, following recipes that have been passed on from generation to generation. The secret that gives the right mix of flavours is in the carefully selected, high quality Italian ingredients.

Authenticity is a top ingredient of Il Duetto’s success, the only Italian restaurant and pizzeria in Helsinki offering the real taste of Italian cuisine. Located in the heart of the city, Il Duetto is an Italian pearl in the north of Europe. All the ingredients are bought from family farms in Italy and transported to Finland, where an Italian cook masters delicate dishes.

“Here, customers can taste a real piece of Italy guaranteed by Italian owners and chef. We are all committed to give the best of our Italian tradition and culture,” says co-owner Dario Alessi. Both owners, Alessi and Fabrizio Velardi, show their appreciation for art and culture by offering free exhibition space to artists. Until 14 May, Il Duetto hosts Swiss phographer Saša Tkalčan with his exhibition Vedute Romane, a glimpse from the Eternal City where the high speed of modern times contrasts with the magnificent Roman architecture.

Born to a Finnish mother and a Croatian father, having studied photography in Rome, Tkalčan’s works are often influenced by his multicultural background. Usually his work has a darker cultural and social reference. “I’d like people to be aware of things I see, some social realities I’m not comfortable with,” the artist says. “I’d normally look for the ugly and nasty, the so called disgusting realism.” By contrast, this exhibition is comprised of beautiful architectural photographs.

Il Duetto offers more than a trip to the exquisite land of Italian flavours. It shows that art and culture are found anywhere where the wish of spreading culture is alive.

Susan Fourtané - HT
Saša Tkalčan