This post is an informative journalistic coverage of a PR event with editorial & reportage elements that do not aim to promote any business, organisation, product or service.
Today - on the day of publication- I am a member of Ruokatoimittajat ry (Finnish Food Writers' Association), and attended this PR event as a food writer (not as an influencer).
29 April 2025 - Otava Café, Helsinki
The scent of fresh bread and brewed coffee set the tone as my fellow foodies and I arrived at this morning’s PR breakfast to celebrate the launch of Toukola – Rakkaudesta arkiruokaan (For the Love of Everyday Food), a new release from Otava.
The morning began with a tasting spread with highlights inspired by the book. We sipped on the forest-rich lingonberry-smoothie, followed by fluffy pancakes, soft bread rolls, charcuterie, cheese, seasonal veggies, and hot drinks that warmed our hands and moods.
Mervi Alatalo from Otava opened the event with a warm welcome, followed by a relaxed Q&A with authors Sanna Mansikkamäki and Anni Reenpää, who shared stories behind the book’s creation. They spoke about photographing the dishes in natural settings which gave the visuals their grounded, homely feel.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Both the newly published book and the popular food & craft focused video hub of Otava's popular Kotiliesi share the same name: Toukola - a tribute to Kotiliesi’s cosy red log cabin, tucked away in the protected forests of Nuuksio. That peaceful, welcoming spirit runs through every page and frame.
Sanna and Anni brought together Toukola's most-loved recipes - blending comforting classics with fresh ideas - into a book designed for modern home cooks. Inside, you’ll find 5 chapters with various quick weekday dishes, drinkspiration, traditional baking techniques, seasonal DIYs, and tips for hosting shared meals.
But this book goes beyond food. It encourages slower, more mindful moments in the kitchen. QR codes on many pages unlock bonus content and videos at the online channel that add a digital touch to the tactile joy of print. It’s practical, creative, and quietly inspiring—like a gentle nudge to find beauty in the everyday.
Slurping my smoothie, I felt grounded, curious, and ready to bring a piece of Toukola home with me.
Thank you so much to Adèle Couavoux (Communications and Marketing Manager) for inviting me to this PR event. I also appreciate the opportunity to meet the authors, Sanna Mansikkamäki and Anni Reenpää, who presented their newly published book and shared their creation experience at Otava Café today.
You can read Otava's related press release here + see more insights and photos on my Instagram.
DISCLOSURE
The organiser has not set any special criteria and has not initiated any financial/alternative compensation that would require the creation of any written or visual content related to this PR event nor the promotion of any products/services in exchange for attendance - but I decided to share my experience anyway as I think you'd enjoy exclusive insights from my recent gastro adventure. Any PR products/samples/food, drink/services/raffle prizes handed out by the organisers, other participants or exhibitors (if applicable) were not a form of compensation, nor part of an exchange agreement.
