A fine dining experience is being organized in a church in Turku, Finland, with an eight-course dinner priced at 190 euros, which has raised discussions about exclusivity and outreach in the community.
In Turku, Finland, the Mikaelin Church is set to host a unique culinary event, offering an eight-course fine dining dinner on March 21st, priced at 190 euros. This price includes either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage package, making it a significant financial commitment for attendees. Pastor Jouni Lehikoinen acknowledged that the cost may be perceived as high by some, but he sees the initiative as a worthwhile effort to reach out to individuals who may not typically attend church services.
The idea for this dining experience originated from Foody Allen, a marketing and communications company, which envisioned using the church as a venue to explore new culinary spaces. Although the proposal was initially rejected by the city of Turku for a project trial, Foody Allen decided to proceed with organizing the dinner independently. This decision reflects a creative approach to engaging the community, using an unconventional setting to attract a diverse group of attendees.
Pastor Lehikoinen emphasized that although the meal's price might limit access for some, it aligns with their mission to foster connections and inclusivity within the community. He believes that such events can help bridge gaps and introduce new individuals to the church environment. Overall, this initiative underlines the evolving role of churches in modern society, where they seek to remain relevant and inviting in innovative ways.
