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Restaurant review: Brasserie Kämp

3 07 2016

Brasserie Kämp

Hotel Kämp is a historical hotel in Helsinki. The hotel was originally built in 1887 by Carl Kämp. The building was demolished and the facade was rebuilt in 1965.

Dining at Hotel Kämp gives a possibility on a culinary journey from East to West. Asian food is offered at restaurant YUME. Brasserie Kämp offers a wide range of European brasserie style food.

A la carte list is short which makes ordering easy, if you find suitable dish. One option is to order gourmet “fast food” like Kämp burger or club sandwich which are luxorious. Especially french fries are maybe the best in the city.

Wanted to challenge kitchen and decided to order for starters Salad a la Kämp Mixed salad, cucumber, plum tomatoes with marinated artichokes and button mushrooms

Crispy, fresh vegetables made for a very delicious salad. The parmesan dressing was substituded by a vinagrette, and marinated artichoke with button mushrooms were the choice to make the perfect all vegan option. The other options are shrimps or chicken.

and Arctic Ocean Shrimps Hand peeled shrimps, fennel and apple salad, cold cucumber juice.

Shrimps were fresh and just hand peeled, of course. Cucumber juice was delicous and made the dish sort of soup like of starter.

Shrimps at Kämp

For main courses ordered Roasted salmon Creamed seasonal mushrooms seasoned with chervil and tarragon, potato puree.

Salmon was roasted well, meaning that it was not over cooked which can happen easily. Mixture of mushrooms and potato puree paired extremely well with the fish.

Salmon at Kämp

and from All day Dining list Black rice and cauliflower Black rice from Piemonte, roasted cauliflower, hazelnut vinaigrette.

From the “All Day Dinning” part of the menu, this is the perfect vegan option. The original dish is served with goat cheese. The dish is creamy, but the hazelnut vinagrette and roasted cauliflower keep it fresh and crispy.

Recommend to dine at the terrace of Kämp Brasserie, which is perfect location to observe passers-by on Esplanadi promenade or pedestrian street. Most of the dishes can be ordered as starters or main courses which helps in keeping the menu short.

Service was unique with French touch. There is a difference between Kämp Brasserie and recently opened trendy bistro type of restaurants when it comes to service. But it is refreshing that there still are some traditions honored.

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

http://brasseriekamp.fi/en/

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Tags: brasserie Kämp, Esplanadi, Hotel Kämp, Kämp, Yume
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Hotel, Restaurant, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: The Cock

2 04 2016

The Cock is an Eatery, Rotisserie and Bar. Restaurant is open all day, serving food and drinks from breakfast until late night. Restaurant consists of two dining areas , one at street level and one in the basement, which is reserved for bigger groups and private parties.

Breakfast menu is served from Monday to Friday 7.30-10.00. Lunch buffet is served up- & downstairs 11.00-14.30 and for dinner kitchen opens daily at 17.00 and orders can be placed until 23.00 every night.

At dinner chose for starters Caesar Kale, quinoa, avocado and parmigiano and Broccoli tempura Avocado and wasabi

Caesar salad usually consists of simple romaine lettuce but this one was lavish when it came to vegetables. Healthy dish without croutons but also vegan if you leave parmigiano away. But then it would not be Caesar salad anymore

The tempura took the strong taste of the broccoli, and together with the avocado made for a very interesting dish. You can’t really taste the wasabi, but the dish didn’t need it. A nice addition to the dish, just lightly salted, and crispy enough, were the kale chips.

Main courses were Rotisserie grilled chicken Frites and house salad and Saigon bowl Rice noodles, lemongrass, sprouts, market greens, peanuts, coriander and thai basil with Choice of Jalo basil tofu or Veef

Chicken portion was simple but tasty. It makes differece how you prepare meat and in this case way of grilling was successful. Fries were also delicious not to dry either soft.

Veef was the one chosen for this main. Veef is a combination of chickpeas and grounded grains. The consistency is very meaty, but it takes the taste of the dressing. The market greens included carrots, zuccini, and spinach. Overall a nice crispy, fresh dish.

For wine tried Château de Bel La Capitane 2011. Wine was Full-bodied, tannic with berry and oak notes and also aromatic. Wine is also available from Alko at a price of 20,30€ from sale-to-order selection.

Note the wine glasses, not the typical ones.

When it comes to tables at street level, do not accept the table by the door. Door is partly open when people wait in line in. Might get cold and someone is standing by the table all the time. Not our table, anyhow.

The name of the restaurant, The Cock, might be a topic of interesting discussion. From the bill you can find even more confusing messages. The owners of restaurant might have written it on purpose….or accidentally with small C.

As The Cock is part of Royal Ravintolat (Salutorget, Strinberg, Sasso, Savoy,….), it is a huge change in chain style. More relaxed, more trendy.

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

http://thecock.fi/

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Tags: Restaurant The Cock, Rotisserie, veef
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Farewell to Wine Expo in Helsinki?

21 03 2016

For several reasons Wine Expo in Helsinki has to be renewed or there has to come decision to stop keeping the fair.

Only Spanish bodegas were enough interested in to be exhibitors with country department. Visited Bodegas Penafiel and tasted two nice Crianzas.

Almost as many beer exhibitors as wine exhibitors or importers. What beer has to do with wines?

Entrance fee 23€ and you were forced to take tasting glass with you.

However, tasted few wines. From Hewitson always reliable Ned & Henry, Le Lecateur and Miss Harry. One of the best wineries in the world come from Australia.

http://www.hewitson.com.au/

From Sweden wine agent Granqvist offered wines from Scriani, Amarone Della Valpolicella and Valpolicella Ripasso. These wines differed from standard similar wines, especially Amarone. It was not that sweet as Amarones typicall are. Also the strong aroma of stable make this wine extraordinary.

http://www.scriani.it/

But with same setup prefer to visit wine importers own events and new Champagne tasting in April sounds more interesting than Wine Expo in the future.

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Tags: Hewitson, Scriani, Viini Expo 2016, Wine Expo 2016
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Wine, Wine review

Restaurant review: The Mess

18 03 2016

The Mess claims to be the living room of the Mothership of Work (MoW) working space collective. MoW is recently opened co-working hub for creative companies and individuals. Restaurant The Mess, which was officially opened on the 4th of March 2016, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and keeps doors open late night. Role models for concept come from New York.

Entrance divides restaurant in two spaces, bar/dining room with kitchen and second dining room. As music is played quite loud and if you only come to eat, second dining room might feel better.

Dinner menu is quite short which applies to wine list too. The Mess stresses that it has taken into account special diets as well as vegan choices. Therefore, post includes review of tasted vegan dishes.

For starter ordered HOD DOG Spiced pork sausage, red onoin jam, sauerkraut

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Tags: organic, Restaurant The Mess, The Mess, vegan
Categories : Bar, Cafe, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: Patrona

4 03 2016

Margarita at Patrona - reijosfood.com

Restaurant Patrona was born on February 2012, after a long and hard renovation. Target was to build a showroom of the rich & colourful Mexican culture.

But Patrona is not only showroom, it also serves great flavours of the Mexican kitchen, combining street food, market food and traditional mexican food. An important part of mexican gastronomy is the Tequila. Drink menu is based on different tequilas which can be enjoyed by glass or mixed with unique flavours.

Menu is quite versatile consisting of starters, market plates & Masa, main courses & Guisados and few desserts. You can also choose from tasting menus (4, 5 or 6 courses).

Of course started the dinner with Classic Marqarita; tequile, citrus liquor and lime juice. Salt around the glass supplements the Mexican enjoyment.

For starter had FISH CEVICHE White fish, ginger-habanero tiger milk, cucumber, red onion, ice fennel

Fish cheviche at Patrona - reijosfood.com

Nice combination of white fish, herbs and spices. Small side dishes were corn chips with salsa. Might have added more white fish but maybe the portion would have been too big then.

For main course enjoyed CHICKEN ENMOLADAS Roasted chicken with zucchini and carrots, chili-chocolate-peanut sauce, crispy tortillas, cream and fresco cheese, sesame seeds

Patrona - reijosfood.com

This main course was very tasty and all ingredients paired extremely well with each other. Maybe again more chicken but on the other hand the size would have grown.

Wines are not so important part of Mexican cuisine as beers and therefore wine list is short.

Patrona is qenuine Mexican restaurant. You can not compare it to any Tex-Mex fast-food chain places Helsinki is full of. Food is prepared Mexican way and you can not find hamburgers neither Fajitas which are too typical for those Tex-Mex restaurants.

Decoration is completed with Mexican style, the whole Mexico was actually put on display in one picture.

Patrona decoration - reijosfood.com

For my taste a little bit more chili in main course and food review would had been 4,5. Service was thoughtful and professional.

If you like Mexican food, try Patrona instead of those copy-paste Tex-Mex restaurants.

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

http://patrona.fi/

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Tags: Margarita, Mexican food, Mexican restaurant, Patrona, tequila
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: Bronda

11 02 2016

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’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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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Tags: Bronda, Espa, Helsinki, Hewitson wines, Menu Esplanad, Park Esplanade
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: Kiila Food and Bar – revisit after almost 3 years

14 09 2015

Restaurant Kiila was opened on 2nd March 2012. Restaurant is open from morning until night offering breakfast, brunch on Sundays and public holidays, lunch, dinner and bar services.

Location for restaurant is one the the best in Helsinki, just opposite of department store Stockmann. And views to two directions give diners opportunity to watch shoppers and by-passers. The restaurant serves breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch and dinners.

Visited third time Kiila Food and bar. Recent change was that bar after entrance was also for diners. That part of restaurant is called KiilaBurger and a la carte area has name Kiila A’la Carte. In the summer time terrace attract thirsty customers with drink offers, usually sparkling.

For starter ordered Salmon Cheviche Lime and citrus marinated salmon, coriander, mango and parsnip chips.

I had not eaten earlier combination which included salmon and mango. These two paired well and maybe alos partly because of herbs and rye bread. Really promising start for the dinner.

For main courses had Ribs and potato wedges with coleslaw and bbq sauce.

Ribs were excellent and there was plenty of them. Almost no grease at all which meant that you could easily eat them without chewing fat. Potatoes were not exactly wedges but taste and crispness were ok.

The prices of wines are affordable. Almost all wine bottles are under 40€, which is not the fact in most restaurants in Helsinki.

Had glass (or two…) of Zonnebloem Shiraz from South Africa. Wine paired perfectly with ribs.

The food at Kiila has improved from previous visits which quarentees that it does not have to wait me 3 years for re-visit. And remember always ask for window table.

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

Ravintola Kiila

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Tags: bar, Finnish restaurant, Helsinki, Kiila, terrace
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: Pjazza – Italian cuisine at its best

16 05 2015

Restaurant Pjazza was opened in Autumn 2014 providing Italian cuisine in quite impressive facilities. Restaurant area consists of several dining spaces like main dining room, loft above dining room, so called boulevard right after main entrance and small round table.

New Bepop Bar & Lounge was just opened on Ascension Day Eve providing better use for separate space. There is also VIP Lounge available and if you need Ballroom or seminar room, G18 is rented by Pjazza. And new terrace when ever the weather allows dining outside.

First visited the newly opened bar and tried Aperol Spritz. It is the best drink to review bar drinks and Pjazza did good job.

One interesting detail is that bar offers some snacks on Friday between 17-19. Typical for Italian bars, but not before in Finland.

On Sunday you can enjoy brunch buffet and what is definately welcomed speciality, live jazz three times a week! Even during brunch you can listen live jazz, which makes event lively and distinguish Pjazza from other brunch spots.

Menu consists naturally of Italian dishes. You can start the dinner with Antipasti, continue with Primi Piatti (pasta), enjoy Secondi (traditional Italian meat or fish) for main course and finalize ensamble with Dolci (dessert). But what differs Pjazza from other Italian cuisine restaurants in Helsinki?

If you like to eat pizzas then you must try Pjazza. Dough used is left to rise for a minimum of 72 hours, and even up to 96 hours. And you can order all pizzas glutein-free. Nowadays quite necessary option. Tried neighbours pizza and it was one of the best in Helsinki.

First you are served some just baked bread with olive oil. One good example of Pjazza’s commitment to Italian cuisine. And when it comes to red wine you can buy a bottle of it with the price of 29€. And this time I mean wine is not basic carrafe wine, it is definately better than basic red wines you might think to be drinked.

For starter had Affetati Italian Misti Cold cuts including ham and salami. Especially liked procioutto cotto, which was delicious and fresh without any ham fat. Perfect starter as also olives were small and tasty with stones.

For main course decided to taste pasta, as it is best proof of capability of providing Italian kitchen for customers. Chose FETTUCINE GAMBERI E ZUCCHINI Fettucine with prawns, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and garlic.

What were pleasant surprises?

First of all pasta was al dente, which is not the case typically in Finland. People prefer unfortunately over cooked pasta. Then there was big king prawn included in the portion, which made the dish perfect. One of the best pastas available in Helsinki.

Had to try Tiramisu for dessert. It is the only Italian dessert I can really compare. And Pjazza survived perfectly!

Excellent serving bowl, which completed enjoyment.

Food at Pjazza is excellent. If you are friend of Italian kitchen, then you go to this restaurant.

Maybe it is due to personnel working at Pjazza enabling Italian flavors really to carry the country on to your table.

And take a look at wine list. One of the best red wines is really under 30€ per bottle. Tasted also pinot grigio with pasta and it had enough character. Grappa selection is also reasonable. Without that digestive restaurant would not be Italian.

When summer comes the terrace will be the spot for next dining experience. Improvement from previous a little bit “cold” restaurant is significant. Different spots for different moods. Please prepare to book table in advance.

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

etusivu | Pjazza.

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Tags: Bepop Bar & Lounge, Italian cuisine, Italian food, italian restaurant, Pjazza, Restaurant Pjazza
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: Tony’s deli

9 05 2015

Restaurant Tony’s deli was re-opened in April 2015 after an extensive renovation. Italian cuisine continues to be the main attraction, but restaurant includes now more space due to the new spot at street level.

Main restaurant, Tony’s deli, serves more sophisticated portions like it did in the past.

Lounge diVino with shop has a antipasti buffet and new in restaurant concept, Italian Street bar, is most relaxed, when it comes to athmosphere. There you can order antipasti trays and even listen modern music.

Tony’s deli (restaurant name) was founded already in 2005, but after some changes in restaurant location and ownership, Ravintolakolmio http://www.ravintolakolmio.fi/ operates it.

First hiccup came when asked recommendation for aperitif and if restaurant has Aperol Spritz. Waitress had to go ask if they have it….. Decided to order Campari soda and glass of house champagne, which was Mumm.

Started dinner with Antipasti as in Italian restaurant you should do. Depending on the amount and size of these small Italian snacks, you soon know if you have to skip Primi Piatti, pastas, which are also on menu.

For antipasti had Tony’s delis beef carpaccio with raspberry vinegar, Olives with basil and rocket and Grilled gem lettuce with parmesan and pine nuts.

Beef was tender but taste was covered under sweet vinegar, salt and parmesan. With less of those, this dish would have been excellent. Olives are good example of basic Italian antipasti and Tony’s deli managed well. Gem lettuce could have been more grilled, but it must be difficult to avoid burning of soft lettuce leave.

With starters restaurant serves delicious foccaccia and even gluten-free bread if needed.

For main courses ordered Braised entrecote of beef with thyme and red wine sauce and Pan-fried white fish with white wine sauce. For main courses you have to choose side dish from 8 different alternatives. Part of them are the same as starters.

Entrecote was braised well so that grease had almost gone. Only problem was that lettuce was softening in sauce. Suggest to serve it in separate bowl as potatoes for whitefish. Fish was well prepared but maybe side dish suggestion, potatoes, is not the perfect match.

Wine list is modest consisting mainly from Italian wines. Chose for red wine Chianti which paired well with meat starter and main course. Montiggl riesling instead was dissappointment. Tasted almost like sauvignon blanc and it was served too early. Had to ask ice for it.

Noticed that restaurant offers wine tastings, but if 4 glasses are filled with 16cl at once, what happens to temperature of white wines?

Tony’s deli antipasti buffet is the one you must choose, if you visit restaurant. It is most popular among diners. Main courses are of course most difficult to prepare.

As restaurant has been opened month ago, waitering needs still some guidance.

Italian pizzeria music in the background might attract most and main dining room is quite impressive due to glass roof. There are many paintings on the wall’s and Sophia Loren is still on men’s room wall.

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

Restaurant Tony’s Deli – Italian restaurant, Helsinki

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Tags: antipasti, Aperol, Campari, Finland, italian restaurant, Tony's deli
Categories : Art, Bar, Champagne, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: Pastor – revisit

12 04 2015

Pastor was opened in August 2014 adding new cuisine in Helsinki restaurant scene. Inspiration comes from the Peruvian kitchen with add on’s from east Asian ingredients. Really fusion cuisine as there are some hints from sushi culture and Spanish kitchen. The portions can be eaten alone or they can be shared, of course nowadays.

Decor is simple, maybe even rugged. But as Pastor is also open until 3AM on Friday’s and Saturday’s and transforms even more laid-back socializing place, it does not matter.

Visited Pastor second time, previous review can be found be using search.

Menu consists of Ceviche bar snacks, starters, main courses, side dishes and desserts. Ceviche dishes are popular in the coastal regions of the South and Central Americas. The dish is typically made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, such as lemon or lime, and spiced with chili. One proof of Peruvian kitchen!

Decided to order for aperitives again glass of house champagne, Lassaigne Les Vignes de Montgueuz and glass of excellent riesling, Brauneberger Juffer, which was chosen by Pekka Koiranen, head of restaurant and propably the best sommelier in Finland. Wine included some residual sugar making it semi-dry.

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Wine world is the best part of Pastor. Recommend to ask sommelier to choose wines, that is the most easiest way to get right wines for complicated flavors. We even got two wines for starters and main courses in order to compare them with food.

With starters we were served Schlumberger Riesling Saering and Montinore Borealist, half glasses of both wines. With ribs Greenhough Pinot Noir and Tommasi Amarone Valpolicella Classico. And with seabass Comte Lafond Sancerre and Gewurztraminer J. Höfstätter.

With this selection you can call Pastor also as wine restaurant.

You have 2 1/2 hours time enough for eating. Last time we had to finish wines at the bar but as we did not have any dessert, time was enough.

Restaurant is popular in the evenings, so prepare to book table well in advance. It is possible to dine at the bar but dining is more convenient in real dining room where you can see the kitchen.

Pastor is fresh and welcomed dining experience with new flavors. Service is quick and polite.

Overall grade is high because of the focus in wines. And it is needed, because wines are maybe not the most common beverage in Peruvian cuisine, are they?

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

http://www.pastorrestaurant.fi/

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Tags: Amarone, Finland, Pastor, Peruvian cuisine, Restaurant Pastor
Categories : Bar, Champagne, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: Teatterin Grilli – what has happened?

19 03 2015

Restaurant Teatterin Grilli is situated in Esplanade Park (Espa) behind Swedish theatre. It has been the front runner in compaining dining and social interaction with bar, which once was popular. Same concept has been operative at least for 10 years, which is a long life-cycle for restaurant/bar.

This time ordered from downgraded a la carte list Lime marinated whitefish, avocado and grilled gem lettuce and Grilled king prawns and country bread. Why downgraded? You could buy bread with tomato for 4,50€ as a starter.

Small portion of small whitefish pieces was tasty. If starter pays close to 14€, the size should be bigger. Whitefish is not the cheapest fish but would call this dish as snack.

For main courses had Grilled salmon, roasted eggplant, spinach and bell pepper sauce and TG Burger with chili flavoured shrimp mayonnaise and pommes frites.

Asked one salmon portion without spinach and waiter wrote that down. However, original portion included it and restaurant offered to change it. Now the fish was bigger and cooking was better, first salmon was overcooked and therefore dry.

TG burger was what it should have been. Delicious and spicy shrimp sauce makes this burger worth of over 20€. Unfortunately french fries were already softened, maybe to portion stayed too long under heat lamp.

First ordered for wine also as aperitif Peter Lehman Art & Soul riesling. Due to taste of petrol and acidity, ordered glasses of Arthur Metz riesling, which is more suitable for pre-dinner wine. Art & Soul paired well with fish dishes, but with burger red wine, of course.

Restaurant Teatterin Grilli is not any more what it used to be. Customers have dissappeared, only about 16 diners at 8PM. Although head waitress said that dining room was full before we arrived. Did we scare all other customer away?

Small starters and re-prepared salmon did not convice. Compared to food served last time and several other times, something had happened in the kitchen.

And serving, it went wrong from the start. We asked for another table in empty dining room, as we were first seated close to the kitchen and service door, which was open all the time. We got another table from not so convenient space where serving was difficult due to pillar. And we really felt, that we were not welcomed by main waitress after asking new table.

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

Ravintola Teatterin grilli

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Tags: Esplanade Park, Finland, Restaurant Teatteri, Restaurant Teatterin Grilli, Teatterin Grilli, TG
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: Casa Mare – cozy bistro

9 03 2015

Restaurant Casa Mare is most popular all year round bistro in Lauttasaari. Especially families with small children come to eat pizza with salad buffet, which includes to all main courses. Sometimes place is close to kindergarten; actually there is also playgroud for children.

In the summer time terrace surrounds restaurant building, cozy place to dine if weather allows. There is also bar if you just want to have a beer or drink.

You do not actually need to order starters, if you settle for salad buffet. It is simple, few basic salads and home made bread, but always enjoyable. Also self made spread is a must with the bread.

For starters ordered Snacks Tiger shrimp marinated with garlic and chili, Pesto marinated shrimps and toasted bread as well as Parma ham and melon.

You get only one tiger shrimp, if you order that snack. A little bit difficult to share. On the other hand another snack included bunch of basic shrimps. Parma ham with melon is usually safe choice as it was at Casa Mare.

For main course had Chicken with goat cheese Chicken fillet, grilled goat cheese and Casa Mare pesto.

Basic portion with basic flavors but always enjoyable bistro dish.

With most of the main courses you have to choose side dish. Chose Honey seasoned root vegetables, which has always been delicious. Asked to leave onions from one portion away which succeeded easily.

Restaurant Casa Mare has one rose wine on their list and ordered that. Zenato Bardolino from Veneto, Italy is basic fruity rose wine and it pairs well with bistro type of food.

Service is always polite and quick although restaurant was full of customers. You can not make table reservation for small groups but usually you are able to get table. Have been lucky as we always dine by the window.

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

Restaurant Casa Mare lauttasaari, Helsinki – Place

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Tags: Bistro, Casa Mare, Finland, Lauttasaari, Restaurant Casa Mare
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: Santa Fe – Mexican style

4 03 2015

Restaurant Santa Fe serves Mexican food in the central of Helsinki city. Texmex, Cajun and international foods are in main role in the restaurants relaxed atmosphere. During summertime a decked court yard terrace is popular for dining and it also offers live music from Monday to Thursday starting at 21.00.

Santa Fe is located at Aleksin Piha where there are two other restaurants. All three dining spots are owned by same company and share terrace area. But at the end of February you definately want to dine inside.

Always start the dinner with Nachos, this time with Chips and Dips hot chili tomato and avocado dips and nachos.

Portion is small compared to, for instance Hard Rock Cafe but it costs half of it. So, is you are really hungry you might want to order also something else. Unless you fill your stomach with beer…..

For main course, of course, Chicken Fajitas!

Basic portion includes pieces of chicken breast, sweet pepper, onion, guacamole, hot chili tomato sauce, creme fraiche, jalopenos and two tortillas.

You can ask to replace onion with pepper, if you do not like onions. You also can ask for more sauces and extra tortillas if you like. Sauces you might want to ask, but 2 big tortillas are enough to be filled with chicken and other stuff.

Restaurant has wine offers, you can get either bottle of red or white wine at a price of 19.90€.

Propably most of the diners order beer, but wine lovers choose wine even in Mexican restaurant. Utilized offer and ordered bottle of Canapi Shiraz, which was chosen as “cheap wine” of the year 2013 and costs only 6.99€ in Alko. So restaurant takes nice margin anyway….

Tried also rose wine Barefoot Rose which is too sweet even for Mexican food.

Santa Fe is most popular Mexican food restaurant in Helsinki. In the summer time it is more thatn restaurant because of the terrace. Dining room is dark, therefore pictures are quite “dizzy”.

If you visit Helsinki in the summer time, you might want to stop by Aleksin Piha and eat something at oneof the 3 restaurants. Santa Fe is obvious choise, if you like spicy and especially Mexican food.

REVIEW: FOOD 3/5 – SERVICE 4-/5 – OVERALL GRADE 3,5/5 (winter time)

Santa Fé front page | In English | Santa Fe | Rafla.fi.

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Tags: Aleksin piha, Canapi Shiraz, Finland, Mexican food, Mexican restaurant, Restaurant Santa Fe, Santa Fe
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: Boulevard Social

22 02 2015

Boulevard Social was third BW restaurant and it opened its doors in May 2012 on the Boulevard Street (guess where the name comes?). The kitchen and bar offer combination of traditional flavors from Greece, Lebanon, Tunisia, Morocco and other Mediterranean countries. The quite simple bistro decor used in the restaurant has been designed to enhance the restaurant’s flavors.

All BW restaurants share idea that dishes are to be shared. You can choose from two tasting menus with matching wines or order from a la carte list. We decided to order first few snacks, one starter to be shared and two main courses to be shared.

But before dinner we ordered for aperif Pumpkin el Greco, which was recommended by waitress. It included thyme, which suits well for many meat dishes, but with this drink end-result was not so successful at least when it comes to our taste.

We started the dinner with snacks 2x GRILLED GREEN MUSSELS `ON A STICK grilled green shell mussels, almond and chorizo salsa and 2x MINI CHICKEN KEBAB `SOUVLAKI´ grilled chicken kebeb marinated with herbs, coriander, dill yoghurt.

Mussels with salsa were extremely delicous, almond and chorizo paired well with grilled green mussels.

Grilled meat tastes usually better that fried. Chicken pieces were juicy but at the same time firm due to way of cooking. Sauces were again scrumptious and with them whole dish was bull’s eye.

For starter we ordered GRILLED TIGER PRAWNS `CHERMOULA´ grilled tiger prawns and lemon, honey roasted sesame seeds, saffron mayonnaise to be shared.

Four tiger prawns for 28€ is quite much but of course they are also quite expensive comperad to basic prawns. Grilling made shellfish perfect and with sauce worth of 5 points.

For main courses enjoyed WHITE FISH, ROASTED RED PEPPER & SAFFRON fried white fish, roasted red pepper and saffron broth, merquez sausage, mussels, squid, turmeric aioli, chick peas and ROASTED SEA BASS & HERBS roasted sea bass, parsley, coriander, tomato, roasted almond butter, fennel labneh.

The degree of ripeness of both fishes was consumate. Fish skin of whitefish was easy to eat and of course no fish bones disturbed. Only disruptive thing was the salinity. When dish included lot’s of herbs, sauces and many flavors as you can see and read from the name of dishes, you do not actually need salt.

For side dish ordered Patatas Fritas which were great but actually you do not need them unless you are really hungry.

What makes Boulevard Social cuisine interesting and inviting are the various sauces, which are served with each dish. Actually sauces formed an important part of dining experience. You really get a chance to taste flavors from all Mediterranean countries.

Wine list focuses on wines from southern France, Italy and Portugal regarding to restaurant web site. But there are lot’s of wines from other countries and regions.

We had bottle of Rudesheim riesling which has been created by Swedish cellar master Markus Lunden. Wine is produced at Weingut Georg Beuer. This riesling paired well with all dishes we had, enough crispy and dry.

Usually it is difficult to get table from restaurant unless you make reservation at least week earlier. We made the reservation a day before and dined on early dining time (2,5 hours time to eat). Tables are close to each other but we had table for 4 person and therefore plenty of room.

Snacks and starter were really enjoyable but contradictory tastes and saltiness in main courses affected food points.

Service was polite and professional. But as dishes came so quickly, had to ask to slow down the pace before sea bass.

Boulevard Social has unique cuisine in Helsinki and especially flavors from North Africa add exotic impression. Dining room is twilight, therefore pictures are a little bit dark, sorry for that.

If you want enjoy well prepaired portions and especially desire exotic not so common tastes in Helsinki, restaurant is for you.

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

Restaurant Boulevard Social

Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: Bar and restaurant Boulevard Social, Boulevard Social, Bulevardi, Finland, Restaurant Boulevard Social
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: Kaartin Hodari & Hummeri

15 02 2015

“Kaartin Hodari & Hummeri” is not actually restaurant, but as it serves mainly gourmet hot-dogs, it deserves to be reviewed. Direct translation for the name of the restaurant is “Hot dog & Lobster in Kaarti”.

Restaurant is owned by same chef’s and sommelier’s as Muru and Pastis. Hodari & Hummeri is located next to Pastis, which is in a way convenient.

Dining room is tiny, only 5 small tables. One option is to eat by window but the you have to sit on pillows.

You can not reserve table which is understandable.

Because of the name of the restaurant, had to order Shrimp & Lobster version of 7 alternative hot dogs.

Also tried French fries with salt although you could flavor the with truffle, parmesan, chili or herb-garlic.

And glass of pinot noir red wine pairs nicely with this stuff due to softer taste of grape.

Hot dog was fresh and tasty. It included of course sausage which first suprised me. Had to ask, if this really is shrimp and lobster version. Kind of was waiting to see visible pieces of lobster, like in the logo. Think I chewed one piece of lobster. Anyway with tomato, onion and other stuff inside the the roll made this hod dog really enjoyable.

Hot dog was delicious, but overpriced compared to amount of lobster it included. Would you pay 20€ for hot dog? All other versions are under 10€, which makes more sense. Otherwise FOOD grade would have been higher.

Because you have to place the order at bar counter, service is not reviewed.

Overall grade is high because business idea is unique. If you like hot dogs, Kaartin Hodari & Hummeri is worth to try.

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

Kaartin Hodari & Hummeri.

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Tags: Finland, Hot Dog, hot dogs, Muru, Pastis
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel

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