Jonathan Morales
Guest Chef at Restaurant E.Ekblom
Jonathan Morales is an Argentine chef living in France. He currently runs three Parisian restaurants (Alfred, Alfi's and LE SAND), where French and Italian cuisines meet in a simple, everyday way. Jonathan’s journey began in Argentina and continued in the Basque Country—places that taught him to respect ingredients and to cook with patience and intention. Today, his cooking is rooted in a bistro style: honest food, seasonal products and dishes that people want to come back to. It is about balance, generosity and creating something that feels both familiar and precise. In his restaurants, what matters most is the product—how it is treated, how it is seasoned and how everything comes together naturally on the plate. It is not only about recipes, but about a way of understanding food: working with what’s available, listening to the product and building dishes with clarity and purpose.
Morales x E.Ekblom
Menu
This menu is built around Nordic ingredients and the products available during the season. We wanted to create dishes that are clean, balanced and full of flavour, combining classic techniques with local ingredients such as trout, venison, mushrooms, scallops, lamb, berries and pine. Each course has its own character, but together they tell the same story: respect for the product, careful cooking and a menu that reflects the landscape where it is served.
Why do you work in the culinary industry?
I work in the culinary industry because food is my way of communicating. A restaurant is more than a place to eat—it is a place where stories are shared, friendships are built, families reconnect and strangers become acquainted. There is something special about being part of those moments and creating experiences that people will remember long after the meal is over.
What sparks your passion for creating and collaborating on culinary experiences?
My passion comes from the people. I love the process of creating something together, whether it’s with fellow chefs, producers or the team behind a service. Food is never just about what’s on the plate; it’s about the conversations, the stories and the moments it creates. Seeing people gather around a table and share an experience is what keeps me motivated and inspired.
What matters most to you when it comes to dining?
What matters most to me when dining is the atmosphere. Good music, thoughtful lighting and a sense of privacy allow me to fully enjoy the experience. For me, dining is not only about the food but also about how a place makes you feel.
Your food philosophy:
For me, food starts with the product. Respecting great ingredients and keeping things simple is essential. I try not to hide flavours behind unnecessary techniques. But I also believe every dish should have a touch of surprise—something a little out of the ordinary that sparks curiosity and creates a lasting memory.
Your favourite drink in the evening or when going out to relax:
A really nice wine!
Your favourite pizza:
Pepperoni.
Restaurant
E.Ekblom
Efortlessly sophisticated, E. Ekblom is a restaurant, wine bar and living room in one of Turku’s most prestigious locations. The kitchen serves carefully crafted dishes to suit every taste. The menu features juicy burgers, delicious tapas and more classic dishes alike, and is clearly divided into starters, mains and desserts. Every dish is exactly what it promises to be – not overcomplicated, but honest and full of flavour.
