Last late winter, when I was setting up my company and developing the concept for my bed and breakfast, my old friend from next door suggested that I could also offer breakfast to people who are not staying at Mattila. For example, to those visiting their grandparents' house across the road. The idea stayed with me and quietly simmered in the background, but I did not pursue it any further at the time. There was already plenty to do: building the website, marketing the bed and breakfast, and organising various events that I have been fortunate enough to host. Events that have already attracted hundreds of visitors.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, someone from Ranua whom I knew through phone conversations sent me a message. He asked whether he and his wife could stop by for breakfast the following morning before heading to their cottage construction site at Lake Simojärvi. By then, I had already welcomed a few overnight guests, and serving breakfast was starting to become second nature. So I warmly invited them to come. And so, on a Saturday morning, guests staying at Mattilan talo and visitors from outside alike sat down together in Mattila's Pirtti to enjoy a traditional Finnish breakfast.

A breakfast tailored to your wishes

Those who have stayed at Mattilan talo already know that breakfast guests receive a breakfast wish list the evening before. On this little form, each guest can tick exactly what they would like for breakfast: choose a hot drink, decide between porridge or yoghurt, select whether they would like one boiled egg, two, or none at all, pick their preferred bread, and choose the toppings they enjoy most. And of course, I also ask whether they would like to finish their breakfast with Mattila's homemade oven pancake served with jam. In addition to these choices, guests select the time they would like to come for breakfast. This allows me to serve porridge cooked to perfection, freshly brewed coffee, and crisp, fresh vegetables right when they arrive. Name cards on the set table show each guest where to sit, so they can settle in and start enjoying their breakfast straight away.

Let's reduce food waste together

I came up with this somewhat unconventional à la carte system for a very simple reason: I want to minimise food waste. I have always been a little troubled by the amount of food that goes to waste in restaurants and hotel breakfast buffets. That is why I wanted to try a system where every guest receives a generous serving of exactly the foods they enjoy. I know that I am a bit of an odd bird myself when it comes to porridge. At hotel breakfasts, I choose almost anything except porridge. It occurred to me that breakfast lovers come in all varieties, so from the perspective of reducing waste, it makes perfect sense to let guests tell me what they do and do not want. That way, I can prepare exactly the right amount of food.

The system has proved extremely successful. Food waste has been minimal, guests have left with full stomachs, and the feedback has been very positive. Another important reason for the wish list is Mattila's location. The nearest grocery store is 40 kilometres away in the village centre of Ranua, so optimising breakfast supplies also depends on knowing in advance how much of each fresh ingredient I need to purchase.

An unhurried breakfast is the perfect start to the day

Alongside the cosy breakfast setting and breakfast prepared from fresh ingredients, the true jewel of breakfast at Mattila is the unhurried atmosphere. When choosing your arrival time, I encourage you to leave enough room in your schedule to enjoy your breakfast in peace, either on your own or in the company of others who appreciate the same kind of experience. It is not uncommon for one or even two hours to pass pleasantly while enjoying breakfast in the Pirtti, sipping coffee or tea, meeting new people, and sharing good conversation.

Doesn't that sound like a rather inviting way to start the morning? Why not come and try it for yourself! I usually serve breakfast at Mattila from Friday through Monday.

Get in touch, ask about available places, and reserve your relaxed, delicious, and satisfying breakfast experience by emailing info@mattilantalo.fi or calling +358 45 166 5534.

Once the time has been confirmed and a place reserved for you and your party, I will send a link to an electronic breakfast wish list by text message or email. Through it, each guest can share their preferences as well as any dietary requirements or allergies.

Welcome to breakfast at Mattilan talo!

Tintti