Catch a fire
The signature drink at Café Kuluma in Oulu, northern Finland, is the Rammstein. When someone orders this flaming cocktail, the lights are dimmed and the German heavy metal is turned up. To eleven. It’s a big hit with the locals, especially at weekends.
The berry-flavored Rammstein was first mixed by restaurant manager Jani Rantaeilola, but it’s not the only one to set the night on fire as the drinks list has a whole bevy of fiery beverages.
Established in the spring of 2004, Café Kuluma is housed in a tall, open space that brings to mind old an cocktail lounge serving manhattans, martinis, and other international classics. The bartenders will mix any of those, but prefer to stick to their guns. (And flamethrowers.)
“In addition to a variety of liquors we stock a great selection of fresh fruit, berries, and juices which gives us a great opportunity to try out different things. But the most important thing is that clients are happy,” says head bartender Aimo Markus who is also head of the local chapter of the Finnish bartenders’ club. He adds that it takes a little extra effort and inspiration to experiment like this, but the costs are fairly easy to manage.
The expert management at Café Kuluma is based on teamwork and it’s is no coincidence that the establishment boasts the town’s most celebrated bartenders. Every one has a definite personality but as an ensemble they complement each other perfectly. Highly motivated, they also take part in competitions, are forever honing their skills, and even train other tyro barstaff.
Café Kuluma attracts a wide clientele, from students to white collar workers, its cocktails are decent value and in demand although in summertime draught beer and cider also go down well.
kuluma
Address Kauppurienkatu 5, 90100 Oulu
Tel. +358 8 333 009
Website www.kuluma.fi
Seats 88 + patio 60
Open Sun-Thu 11:00-02:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-03:00
Signature drink Rammstein (Cointreau, fresh strawberries, raspberry syrup, cranberry juice, and cinnamon; absinthe for the flame)
Restaurateurs Jari Hämäläinen, Ville Koskela, and Perttu Virolainen
Restaurantmanager Jani Rantaeilola
Bartenders Leena Komulainen, Aimo Markus, Petri Määttä, and Marjaana Rantaeilola
Location Downtown Oulu, between the marketplace and Rotuaari pedestrian street.
“Comfortable place for the everyman that combines a cocktail bar and a pub. House specialty is spiced vodkas.” / “An atmosphere that can’t be found elsewhere in Finland.” / “Kuluma’s character is created by skilled bartenders who take pride in what they do. And the drinks, the drinks…” / “Top quality selection of beverages. The staff are motivated to keep developing as bartenders and to keep offering clients new experiences.” / “Oulu’s top staff takes good care of the customers and drinks.” / “Superb beverage product – with good amounts of innovative madness, creativity, and expertise.”
