Hans Valimaki

Chez Dominique

 Hans Välimäki was born and raised in Tampere where his family helped laid the groundwork for his culinary roots. At the tender age of 16, Hans began his culinary journey that took him from chef Vocational School all the way to being included in the San Pellegrino Top 50 Restaurant List.
It wasn’t until 1995 when Hans wore the toque as Sous Chef at Restaurang Gasslingen, which boosts 1 Michelin Star, that he began to develop the vision and culinary philosophy that is still intact to this day.
Hans became owner of Chez Dominique in 1998 and within 3 years, he was awarded his first Michelin Star. Two years later, Michelin bestowed it’s second star upon the restaurant which it still carries to this day. Along the way, Hans Välimäki has written many books on a variety of
cooking topics, hosted numerous TV shows, and has been awarded many awards and accolades including:
Chez Dominique Book 2004
Välimäki, Book 2008

“Restaurateur of the Year 2003″, the International Food & Beverage
“50 Best Restaurants in the World”
2006, rank 39
2007, rank 35
2008, rank 39
2009, rank 21
2010, rank 23
2011, rank 35
“50 Best Restaurants in Finland”
First Place 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
“Top Chef Finland” Head Judge and Host