Restaurant review: Farang – tasting menu

29 02 2016

Farang and Korona - reijosfood.com

Farang is a restaurant which serves modern Asian cuisine, located within the premises of the historical Kunsthalle. 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 small bar inside one the the two dining rooms and observe other diners.

As a regular visitor, dediced again to enjoy Farang Tasting menu. Menu consist of 8 dishes if you include thai roti bread as one of them.

CHA PLU, `ROASTED ALBACORE
lime marinated Albacore tuna on a cha plu leaf, green mango, roasted peanut, Atlantic salmon roe

Farang starter - reijosfood.com

HAMACHI SASHIMI `COCONUT & LIME´
hamachi sashimi, coconut cream and lime dressing, Asian herbs

Farang sashimi - reijosfood.com

CRISPY SOFTSHELL CRAB `SALT & PEPPER´
softshell crab, green mango, mint, peanut `nahm jim´dressing

Farang soft shell crab - reijosfood.com
CRISPY PORK & PALM SUGAR CARAMEL
braised, crispy fried pork, caramel, rice vinegar

Farang crispy pork - reijosfood.com

THAI-ROTI BREAD, REDANG CURRY
chinese water cress, bok choy, soft bean curd, battered crispy tofu

Farang thai roti bread - reijosfood.com

MORNING GLORY, `SALT & PEPPER´ TOFU
chinese water cress, bok choy, battered crispy tofu

image

CARAMELIZED BEEF SHORTRIBS, `JUNGLE CURRY & CHILI JAM
roasted beef shortribs, Farang’s `chili jam´ flavoured jungle curry, coconut cream, thai eggplant, `nahm pla prik´ dressing

image

HOLA HOLA 19´
thai style marinated fruits, sweet pea, vanilla and coconut cream, guava peach sorbet

Farang Hola Hola - reijosfood.com

First dish was superb, rolled leaf around tuna with herbs and spices was excellent as always. Fish can change because once it was trout.

Sashimi was soft and spicy dressing complemented the flavour of fish.

Soft shell crab was crispy and paired well with mango and herbs.

One of the favourites crispy pork with palmsugar caramel did not disappoint this time either. It has been one of the favourites all 7 years Farang has been operating.

Tofu had to be eaten with thai roti bread. Bread with sauces was that scrumptious that one could have eaten only those.

Beef shortribs were tender but like more pork ribs. Maybe was already full but this dish was not at the level all others were.

Dessert was 19th version of Hola Hola, becoming already a classic sweet dish. Asian dessert is difficult for Finns but Farang can prepare them to better suit local taste.

Tasting menu has not changed much during the years, 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.

For wine had Italian red wine Korone produced from Sangiovese, Merlot, small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and autochthonous vines. Wine paired extremely well with spicy tastes because of grape combination.

Farang was again nominated as Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in February 2016. Actually 3 of 4 Bib Gourmand restaurants in Helsinki are owned by the same guys. Not bad at all!

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

https://farang.fi/en/

 

 





Michelin star restaurants in Helsinki 2016 – 4 restaurants with 1 star

24 02 2016

Lamb at Demo - reijosfood.comDessert at Demo - reijosfood.comPil red wine at Demo - reijosfood.com

Michelin Guide announced new list of Michelin starred restaurants in Finland today, 24th of February. Four restaurants got 1 Michelin star, all in Helsinki. Actually all 4 restaurants maintained rating but unfortunately no new stars.


Restaurants with 1 Michelin star in Helsinki are:

Ask, Vironkatu 8, Helsinki – Restaurant Ask.

Chef & Sommelier, Huvilakatu 28, Helsinki – Restaurant Chef & Sommelier, Helsinki / Chef & Sommelier – Organic restaurant in Eira.

Demo, Uudenmaankatu 9-11, Helsinki – Restaurant Demo | ”Share a laugh in the middle of culinary excellence”

Olo, Pohjoisesplanadi 5, Helsinki – OlO Restaurant treats you to a Gastronomic journey of Nordic influence

Demo bar - reijosfood.com

Pictures are from restaurant Demo, which has maintained Michelin star since 2007 being oldest Michelin star restaurant in Helsinki.





Restaurant review: Bronda

11 02 2016

Bronda - reijosfood.com

Bronda, the 4th restaurant in Helsinki by Tomi Björck and Matti Wikberg, opened it’s doors in April, 2014. Located on the corner of Eteläesplanadi and Korkeavuorenkatu, large space with high ceilings and big windows with otherwise plain interior design, offer interesting dining experience.

The lounge bar is open until late and it offers view to Park Esplanade. You can also dine there in even more relaxed athmosphere. Today bar is one of the most popular in Helsinki.

Bronda name comes from the building restaurant is located.

Bronda - reijosfood.com

Bronda’s dishes reflect Europe and particularly countries Spain, Italy and France. Portions are meant to be shared but you can also choose your own dishes.

For food chose Menu Esplanad with not so cheap red wine Hewitson the Mad Hatter from Australia. Wine list is versatile and somehow too luxorious compared to decoration and atmosphere but on the other hand you can enjoy wines you do not necessarily get anywhere else.

Dinner started with Prawn cocktail and Black Sesame Caesar. Would say sophisticated version of prawn cocktail which usually is covered with mayo. Apple gave lighter taste for already delicious starter.

Bronda I - reijosfood.com

Second dish was Local Beef Tar Tar & Mustard-Dashi. If you are afraid of tar tar’s you should try this one. Oriental spices make the dining experience pleasant.

Beef tar tar at Bronda - reijosfood.com

3rd dish served was Baby back rib.  Ribs were juicy and tender. Aioli was great but who can eat all that which was in the plate. Had maybe one spoonful.

Ribs at Bronda - reijosfood.com

4th and 5th dish were served at the same time; Fish stew and Risotto. Must say that risotto was too salty but otherwise very tasty. Stew included salmon fish and mussels and as it was prepared bouillabaise style, it really was scrumptious.

Fish stew and risotto at Bronda - reijosfood.com

Dessert was Tiramisu, but unfortunately forgot to take picture. It was tasty and perfect ending for dinner

Bronda was almost full when entering for 18.00 setting and was still full when leaving.

Relaxed athmosphere and loud background noise make restaurant perfect place for group gatherings. If you do not want to eat, it is worth to visit the bar.

Bronda bar - reijosfood.com

Compared to visit to restaurant over year ago both food and service had improved. Waiter and waitresses serving our table were well trained but also genuine.

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

http://ravintolabronda.fi/en/

 

 








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