Restaurant review: Farang

30 06 2012

Farang is a restaurant which serves modern Asian cuisine, located within the premises of the historical Kunsthalle. Farang offers unique and fresh flavors from Southeast Asia. Restaurant’s simplified, modern and atmospheric decor combined with the warm service and strong expertise in Asian cuisine creates an excellent setting for a comprehensive dining experience. One can also drink aperitif in the bar inside dining room and observe other diners. Farang is mentioned on Michelin guide as charming and best value restaurant.

Dediced to enjoy Farang Tasting menu which was real fireworks:

CHA PLU LEAF WITH SMOKED TROUT
roasted peanuts, trout roe

HAMACHI SASHIMI, VIETNAMESE STYLE
kingfish sashimi, asian herbs, black vinegar dressing

SOFT SHELL CRAB
green mango, mint, caramelized peanut, green ‘nahm jim’

CRISPY PORK WITH PALMSUGAR CARAMEL
crispy fried, braised pork with caramel and rice vinegar

THAI-ROTI BREAD, REDANG CURRY MORNING GLORY, CRISPY FRIED SALT & PEPPER TOFU
chinese water cress, bok choy, soft bean curd, battered crispy tofu

VEAL CHEEK ‘SEREMBAN’
slow braised veal cheeks, aromatic chili broth, ‘chili jam’ -sprout salad, noodles

THAI JASMINE RICE

‘HOLA HOLA 4′
Thai style marinated fruits, sweet peas, lime, vanilla-coconut stock, mango passion fruit sorbet

First dish was superb, rolled leaf around trout and enjoyed crisp and tasty dish. Kingfish was soft and spicy dressing complemented the flavour of fish. Crab was crispy but maybe a little bit too much fried. One of the favourites crispy pork with palmsugar caramel did not disappoint. In Taste of Helsinki it was a little bit over cooked but in an authentic environment just perfect. Tofu and thai roti bread were excellent; one could have eaten only bread with those sauces. Chinese watergrass is close to spinach. Veal cheek was tender and with dressing a great experience. Dessert was 4th version of Hola Hola, tasted better than we had a year ago. Tasting menu has not changed much since eaten last time, but can absolutely recommend it becase one has a chance to get familiar with different asian flavours. By ordering from a la carte list only few savors can be enjoyed.

Farang has few own Australian wines on their wine list. Red one suited well with pork and veal.

REVIEW: FOOD 5-/5 – SERVICE 5-/5 – OVERALL GRADE 4,5/5

Only annoying fact due to strong and delicious aroma of spices is that one might need to air clothing after scrumptious dining.

Note: Farang is closed 2.7 – 30.7 due to summer vacations. Prepare to book table well in advance as restaurant is always full.

http://farang.fi/?lang=en

http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/web/Restaurant/Helsingfors-00100-Farang-308850-41102

If you have time to visit to Kunsthalle after lunch or before dinner it is worth of it – http://taidehalli.fi/english/


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Restaurant review: Royal Line lunch cruise

23 06 2012

With over 65 years of experience Royal Line has shown Helsinki from the sea. One can get familiar with the best views including the inner bay of the Suomenlinna sea fortress. One see many islands, the beautiful shores of old city districts, famous historical buildings, churches, icebreakers, harbours, villas, saunas and the zoo.  A traditional archipelago buffet is also available as well as short a la carte list which is understandable due to size of the kitchen.

1 1/2 hour lunch cruise is nice way to combine relaxed sightseeing and lunch if one wants to see Helsinki from the sea and has only one day to spend time in the city.

Decided to enjoy King’s menu which started with Buffet. It consisted of various herrings, salads, vegetables, pate, terrine etc. Herrings were delicious; focus on those.

Two different main courses to choose from. Pepper steak with a creamy pepper sauce and Swiss potato cake was good, especially pepper sauce was enough spicy which one does not get so often. Roasted Archtic char with carrot and butter, dill potatoes was well prepared. Fish was not roasted too much which is always good achievement.

King’s menu included for dessert Chocolate Dream. If you translate actual Finnish name of the dessert it would be Chocolate dream of Queen Lovisa Ulrika. Excellent and sweet combination of different types of chocolate. Changed one dessert to Rhubarb pie with vanilla sauce.Vanilla could have tasted stronger. Appearance of both desserts was tempting, excellent effort in so modest environment.

REVIEW: FOOD 3+/5 – SERVICE 3,5/5 – OVERALL GRADE 3/5

http://www.royalline.net/articles/551/

http://www.royalline.net/


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Restaurant review: Havis

23 06 2012

Restaurant Havis specializes in seasonal Finnish and Scandinavian seafood. It consists of three different dining room styles. Dining room Havis looks as historic as building restaurant is located. Decided to reserve window table from this room. One can see old Market Hall from the windows http://www.wanhakauppahalli.com/. Dining room Kitchen is by open-plan kitchen and dining room Terrace is more relaxed sheltered patio restaurant which might be cold sometimes.

Dinner started with kitchen’s greeting which was marvelous. Whitefish roe, smoked fish mousse and red onion; could have eaten dozens of those “glasses”.

For starters ordered Toast Skagen a la Havis and Terrine of cockerel from Viskilä farm with apple and parsnip. Toast Skagen was real fine dining, maybe best ever.  Terrine was tender and best parts were sweet sauces and pyres which complemented flavours.

For main coursed had  Pan-fried perch, spring vegetables and browned butter and Grilled fresh-water pike-perch with beetroot risotto and false morel.
Both fishes were great. Also ordered new potatoes because one might survive only with those during Midsummer. Maybe peas and pine seeds could have been left out from Perch but otherwise well done. Kitchen also was flexible as they were ready to modify portions.

Dessert this time was as many other times before Assorted cheeses  (piece / selection). Chose one French Livarotti and one Finnish Peltola Blue (blue cheese).
Both were tasty and recommend to purchase Peltola Blue to home instead of often too salty rivals if you like blue cheese.

     
     

REVIEW: FOOD 4,5/5 – SERVICE 4/5 – OVERALL GRADE  4,5/5

http://www.ravintolahavis.fi/en

FYI: If you visit Helsinki in Midsummer, notice that almost all restaurants are closed on Friday and Saturday. Finn’s can be found from their cottages, boats and festivals, not from the city.


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Fine dining at home – Tuna fish

21 06 2012

Midsummer coming, decided to prepare fish. For starters some sushi and for main courses Tuna fish with noodels and salad.

Maybe 30 secs less cooking time for Tuna and Noodles. For sauce Hoisin and Garlic with Teryaki.

https://reijosfood.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=147&action=edit&message=1


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Taste of Helsinki – Part II reviews

17 06 2012

Part II includes reviews of tasted dishes at Taste of Helsinki.

http://www.tasteofhelsinki.fi/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Helsinki-Menu-2012.jpg

Small  disappointment was that none of the restaurants offered fresh fish for main course even though Helsinki is located by the sea. However, all dishes were delicious. Plastic cutlery was understandable, but caused some challenges. Must say that chefs made good job in a hurry. All dishes were well prepared and outlooks were perfect.

Decided to taste for starters Gambas Paris from restaurant Bistro o Mat  Grilled prawns, goat cheese, salad and grilled garlic bread which was excellent. Grill was outside by the restaurant marquee. From restaurant Muru (restaurant of the year 2012) Pate from Sir Lintsi, marinated swamps and red onion compote which was scrumptious, especially sweet onion compote. From Demo (1 Michelin star) ate Cold-smoked salmon and truffle potato pyre, excellent choice. And from Carelia fetched Endive-Aura Gold salad with caramelized walnuts, maybe Aura Gold should have been without alloy.

Chose for main courses from restaurant Farang Crispy pork, palm sugar caramel and rice vinegar which was really crisp but little bit difficult to eat with plastic fork. From restaurant Smör Organic lamb, early potato and ice herb, maybe best of all dishes.

For dessert had Tiramisu from Toscanini and Fraise, strawberries and meringue from Bistro o Mat. Tiramisu is always sweet, Italian restaurant Toscanini is located near Tomi Björks restaurants Gaijin and Boulevard Social. Meringue was tasty, totally different experience one gets in most cases. Must visit Bistro o Mat soon although it is located in Kirkkonummi.

This time reviews are for all dishes, not for different restaurant kitchens. One can not either judge service as food was served over the counter. All dishes provided possibility to relish gourmet food. Because weather was so good open air event succeeded 100%. Only minus was lack of tabels and chairs.

REVIEW: FOOD 4,5/5 (starters)

REVIEW: FOOD 5-/5 (main courses)

REVIEW: FOOD 4+/5 (desserts)


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Taste of Helsinki – Part I

16 06 2012

Part I includes vibes of Taste of Helsinki. Take a look at the pictures and make a conclusion how event succeeded on 16th June at lunch time. Some struggling with tickets but hopefully we shall meet again next year. Pictures are from Saturday lunch.

Tomi Björk from Farang, Teemu Aura from Demo and Samuil Angelov from restaurant Muru and their teams did their best as you can see inthe pictures below.

Jyrki Sukula presented interesting Finnish food history. Because of health program Finns accepted to use herbs instead of salt and butter which are used in French kitchen.

Second last picture shows queue for evening event. Lot’s of Markka’s spent 🙂

Review and pictures of foods tasted in part II.

http://www.tasteofhelsinki.fi/en/recipe-for-a-great-day-out-2/


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Taste of Helsinki – review will follow

14 06 2012

Taste Festifals in Helsinki, tickets available and in sale. Event is on 14th – 17th June near new Music House.

Update on 14th June: Taste of Helsinki in MTV3 news at 10PM on 14th June!

http://www.mtv3.fi/makuja/uutiset.shtml/taste-of-helsinki–festivaaleille-herkullinen-startti-iloinen-ja-rento-tunnelma?1566707

 

Update on 31st May: Now tickets are sold at lower prices until 10th Aug, but without refund below. Let’s see how many people will come.

 

Update on 26th April: Tickets have been available from 1st of April but thanks to Helsinki City support, prices for tickets are now cheaper. Bought already tickets before new prices but can get some money back when entering festival area.

Taste Festivals are unique events where the host city’s most acclaimed restaurants and chefs gather to present their signature dishes to visitors.   Taste Festivals have now set a new benchmark for food and drinks worldwide with many Taste Festivals being hosted around the world, now also in Helsinki.

At each event, hundreds of thousands of visitors enjoy signature dishes from the world’s finest restaurants, purchase top quality food and drink from our exhibitors and meet the most loved celebrity chefs.  For Taste of Helsinki already following chefs have indicated participations:  Tomi Björck, Kari Aihinen and Sami Tallberg.

Several fine dining restaurants will be there too including Aito, Mistro O mat, C, Carelia, Demo, Farang, Juuri, Muru, Smör, and Toscanini

http://menolippu.fi/taste-of-helsinki-tarjous2/

http://www.tastefestivals.com/


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Fine dining at home

9 06 2012

https://reijosfood.com/home-made-food/


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Restaurant review: Blue Peter bistro

9 06 2012

Restaurant Blue Peter is our local favourite. Modern decor by Vertti Kivi, good service and especially pleasent terrace. Mid May was so rainy we decided to dine in Bistro inside. Still quite quiet but warm athmosphere.

Decided to take salad buffet as starter; fresh green salad, shrimp and smoked salmon salad with home made focaccia were as good as always. One could also choose from various tapas if  one prefers to pay for starters. Salad buffet is for free if order main course.

For main course ordered Grilled tuna fish, vegetables and wasabi-teriyaki sauce and Grilled chicken, red wine sauce and potato wedges. Tuna fish was ordered as medium but is was anyway a little bit chewy. Sauce with vegetables was best part of this portion. We have tried grilled chicken with various choises several times and it is always enjoyable. Can recommend e.g. pepper sauce with french fries also.

For dessert green tea and double espresso; calvados etc…please try!

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Second visit early June, bistro was full as well as a la carte dining area. Most popular dish seemed to to be Cheeseburger,which is actually very good. Have tasted that several times. Blue Peter had few trainees trying to do their best. Refreshing was suggestion for dessert wine and the way how it was presented.

This time ordered Fried salmon, forest mushroom sauce, dill potatoes, vegetables. Salmon was fresh and mushroom sauce is perfect choice for greasy fish.

For dessert always so delicious Crepe with jam and ice cream. Restaurant has best crepes in town!

We visited Blue Peter a la carte at the beginning of this year and it was extremely enjoyable experience. We expect the same in the future and you can count of quality level also!

REVIEW: FOOD 3/5 – SERVICE 3,5/5 – OVERALL GRADE 4/5 (May review)

REVIEW: FOOD 3,5/5 – SERVICE 3,5/5 – OVERALL GRADE 4/5 (June review)

A la carte review https://reijosfood.com/2012/01/27/restaurant-blue-peter/

Pictures below are taken at bistro dining room. First one from May and second from June; little bit better weather 🙂

http://www.bluepeter.fi/articles/891/


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Restaurant Review: Kielo

3 06 2012

Restaurant Kielo is located in Joensuu in the North Karelia. It has one of the most sophisticated kitchens in the area. Name comes from flower, lily-of-the-valley, which happens to be national flower of Finland. Kielo serves Finnish and local dishes and uses ingredients which are purchased from local producers. In the summer diners can also eat at the terrace.

A la carte list is short but offers enough alternatives for tasting delicious Finnish food. Wine list could be more versatile; wish to add Riesling as one of the crapes.

After graduation party it was time to dine.

Started dinner with Green salad (starters were a little bit difficult for allergic guest), Smoked fish mousse and potato salad (maybe more clear taste of potato would have made the starter perfect, Starters of the house – 5 small starters from North Karelian flavours (reindeer, chicken rillette, smoked salmon mousse, beef rillette and pate) and Asparagus with sauce Maltese. All starters were good, but especially Starters of the house were masterpieces. Tender reindeer and pate were best part of it.

For main courses ordered Pan fried perch with false morrel sauce, Fillet of deer with beef rillette (Roe) and Vegetables of the house. Fresh fish was this time Pike Perch as Perch has finished. Fish was fried with experience. Ordered one portion without morel sauce which actually is well suited for Finnish fishes. Roe was so soft that one could have been able to eat it with spoon. Beef rillette was also tasty but maybe a little bit too much salty.

For dessert had Finnish cheeses (Aura Gold blue cheese, 4 and 6 months ripened Finnish cheeses), Sorbet of the house with berries and Cow´s first milk pudding with rhubarb and ginger flavoured ice-cream. Would have prefered one older and stronger cheese, but port wine smoothed over flavors; as always. Sorbet and ice-cream are always delicious as they were also this time.

Kielo is genuine Finnish restaurant serving well prepared Finnish food. In warm summer day one should always choose to dine at the terrace.

REVIEW: FOOD 4-/5 – SERVICE 4-/5 – OVERALL GRADE 3,5/5

http://www.ravintolakielo.fi/


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