Helsinki | Reijosfood

Restaurant review: Bistro Telakka

23 05 2015

Telakka bistro replaced bistro Pirate Helsinki in May 2015. Same building and decor but new touch and enthusiasm.

Official opening was on the 22nd of May afternoon when Telakka served some delicious snacks, wine and beer for free. Snacks were actually bites from a la carte list. For instance mini Smoked salmon burger was excellent. Will definately try it later as big version.

Highlight of Telakka burger is beef between roll’s. It is big and you are asked how minced meat is fried. Ordered it as medium which was also the end-result. Unfortunately french fries were too salty but bet it will be fixed later.

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Tasted also Goat cheese salad with beetroots. Excellent match especially with D’Vine Cabernet-Merlot red wine.

Avarage price of wine bottle on short list is about 35€, which is really affordable concerning wine prices in Helsinki restaurants in general.

Telakka bistro is excellent supplementary dining place in Lauttasaari. One fish portion to main courses and place have promising future.

It is a little bit difficult to review service as you have to order from the bar inside. When it gets warmer, there will be hungry queuers waiting for possibility to place order.

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

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Tags: Finland, salad, Telakka bistro
Categories : 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

Wine review: Baron de Ley Reserva 2010

14 05 2015

Baron De Ley is a relatively new producer in Rioja. Started in 1985 by Rioja wine professional eager to create a chateau inspired winery with state-of the-art winemaking. They converted an ancient monastery into a magnificent estate and have been producing Rioja wines that reflect a modern style, expressive of the terroir and the Tempranillo grape.

Tasted wine was Baron de Ley Reserva 2010. Red wine is produced 100% of Tempranillo grapes. After 20 months ageing in new American-oak casks, a further 24 months rounding off in the bottle has brought it to its moment of plenitude.

THE LOOK

Ruby-red colour, typical better Spanish red wine

THE NOSE

Powerful fruity character mingling with reminders of its ageing, nice bouquet

THE TASTE

First impression is soft, but volume gradually extends across the palate to end with a long finish. Included tannins but disturbingly

Facts:

Alcohol:	13,5%
Extract:	27 g/l
Acidity:	5 g/l
Energy:	90 kcal/100 ml (360 kJ/100 ml)


Closure:	natural cork

“Gran reserva = matured for a long time, more than 3 years and in addition to a couple of years in the bottle. Reserva = aged 2-3 years and in addition to one year in the bottle“

Enjoyed wine first as such and then with 1st of May food. Paired extremely well with chicken and spiced lamb sausages. Suits definately with red meats as there is enough taste.

REVIEW: OVERALL GRADE 4+/5 – BANG FOR THE BUCK +++ / +++

Barón de Ley. A Rioja wine cellar in an old monastery.

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Tags: Baron de Ley, red wine, Rioja, Spanish red wine, Spanish wine, tempranillo
Categories : Fine Dining at Home, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Home Cuisine, Travel, Wine, Wine review

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

First of May (Vappu) lunch at Vanha

1 05 2015

Historic restaurant Vanha ylioppilastalo, Vanha in short, has been serving customers for more than 140 years. It is the classic venue for hosting celebrations and events in Helsinki. Located at the heart of the city, Vanha is not only an impressive building but an integral part of Finnish cultural history. Vanha’s spacious Great Hall provides a luxurious venue for dazzling concerts, dinners and corporate events.

Nowadays restaurant business is run by Royal Restaurants, which owns most of the fine dining restaurants in Helsinki.

First of May (Labour Day) is a day for lunch or brunch depending which time you choose for eating. Usually first setting is already at 11.30 and that is OK, if you have not had chance to eat breakfast. Prefered latter setting, which was at 15.00 at Vanha.

People were crowded in small hallway because setting was late. Doors to Great Hall were opened 15.20, which meant that earlier setting ended too late.

Vappu is also day for bubbling drinks. Instead of sponsor champagne Lanson, ordered Moet & Chandon. Wine list was all along short, so short that there was only one red and one white wine alternative for glass. Tried white wine and it was barely drinkable with whitefish.

Menu consisted of starter, main course and dessert buffets. Kind of was expecting that main courses would have been served to the tables but it would have been impossible.

Food available can be seen from the menu above but as it is only in Finnish, some highlights from it in English.

Starter buffet included herrings, gravlax, warm smoked salmon, lamb meatballs, caesar salad, breads and some other stuff.

For main course there was two alternatives, whitefish or beef fillet with root vegetables.

And for dessert chocolate cake, sweets and cheeses.

Food itself was excellent. All dishes were fresh and well prepared. Even whitefish was delicious although it was in thermal container. Of course it was a little bit over cooked due to that, but otherwise good.

Restaurant advertised with live music. Well, 20 minutes playing by 6 ladies, which you could hardly hear. Our table was close to the stage for shows, which allowed to see and listen but I think that at other end of hall they could not hear anything. Ladies played well, that was not the problem, but you expect to hear music at least half of the time dining lasts, which was 2,5 hours.

As mentioned before, food was excellent.

You can not review service because you had to pick up the food by yourself. Drink serving was polite and special thanks to effort made for bringing us Moet & Chandon instead of Lanson.

Vanha and Great Hall are glorious and therefore overall points could be better. But for vappu lunch system does not work. First you waited to get in because earlier setting was late. Then you queued for starters. And then next event was already starting when you paid the bill. Space was used too effectively on the First of May.

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

Vanha Ylioppilastalo

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Tags: Finland, First of May, Labour Day, Vanha, Vanha ylioppilastalo, vappu, Vappu 2015
Categories : Champagne, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: Brasserie Kämp – Kämp burger

26 04 2015

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. The headquarters of the bank KOP were situated in the building for almost three decades, until 1995. A major restoration project, started in 1996, culminated in the reopening of Hotel Kämp in 1999.

Restaurant Brasserie Kämp offers a wide range of European food brasserie style. After building heated terrace four years ago you can dine “outside” all year around like in many brasseries in Paris. That is the place for enjoying Kämp burger.

Kämp burger consists of Black Angus beef patty, chipotle and bacon dressing, pickled red onion, cheddar, little gem lettuce between roll and pommes frites.

You can can choose the degree of maturity of the meat. Medium means that you get patty which is red inside. And patty is thick, thicker than you usually have seen and juicy. It is one reason for the price, 24€, but of course the milieu adds some value add. Fries are crispy as they should be and served with elegance.

With red wine, usually pinot noir, Kämp burger is perfect hunger killer for lunch!

Brasserie Kämp is perfect location to observe passers-by on Esplanadi promenade and eat that famous Kämp burger. You can also watch swanky cars parked front of Hotel Kämp or driving to the hotel garage.

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

Ravintola Brasserie Kämp.

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Tags: brasserie Kämp, burger, Espa, Esplanadi, Finland, Hotel Kämp, Kämp burger, pinot noir
Categories : Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Hotel, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Wine review: Faustino I

18 04 2015

Faustino I

Bodegas Faustino is located in Oyon – Álava in Rioja, Spain. It enjoys a well-deserved international reputation after more than 150 years of experience in the production and aging of premium wines. The winery has 650 hectares of vineyards in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, between Laguardia and Oyón villages (in the North of Spain). The fourth generation family business, has become a leader in the production and exportation of high quality wines.

The names of Bodegas Faustino wines are simple, just Faustino and something and usually something is number. The smaller the number, the better the wine should be. Winery produces red, white, rose and cava wines.

Tasted wine was Faustino I Gran Reserva 2001, which costs in Alko 24,90€ making it obviously upper shelf wine. Wine is produced from Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes. I means that it should be the best of this Faustino red wine series.

THE LOOK

All Faustino bottle lables have same style and all Faustino red wine bottle labels have some traditional figure on them.

Faustino I 2001 was dark red but although it had some age already, no brownish color.

THE NOSE

Pleasant and rich aroma without surprises.

THE TASTE

Medium-bodied, aromatic but somehow lackluster flavor. Expected a little bit more after reading some of the tasting notes from professional wine sites.

Facts:

Alcohol:	13,5% by volume
Extract:	26 g/l
Acidity:	6,1 g/l
Energy:	90 kcal/100 ml (380 kJ/100 ml)


Closure:	natural cork

“Gran reserva = matured for a long time, more than 3 years and in addition to a couple of years in the bottle. Reserva = aged 2-3 years and in addition to one year in the bottle“

Tasted Faustino I first as such and that gave an impression of little bit lackluster flavor. To be honest this wine has not enough boost for red meats. But with blue cheese it paired extremely well.

Therefore recommend to enjoy Faustino I, at least 2001, with white meats, game birds and cheeses. Cheers!

REVIEW: OVERALL GRADE 3+/5 – BANG FOR THE BUCK ++ / +++

Bodegas Faustino Rioja wine.

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Tags: Bodegas Faustino, Faustino, Faustino I, Rioja, Spanish red wine, Spanish wine, tempranillo
Categories : Fine Dining at Home, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Home Cuisine, Travel, Wine, Wine review

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: Sundmans Krog – revisit after 2 years

8 04 2015

Sundmans krog

Opposite of the Old Market Hall used to be two restaurants with almost similar names, G.W.Sundmans and Sundmans Krog. However, difference was quite huge. In the past one Michelin star restaurant G.W. Sundmans in the second floor was closed from public last year; it is now private restaurant for special occasions.

Restaurant Sundmans Krog is more laid-back restaurant with one speciality, fish buffet, which you can order for starter or for main course. For main course it is maybe too modest and needs some additional dishes.

Dining rooms in the old building is refreshing as most new restaurants try to be trend setters or their decor is really simple.

We were seated in small side room at sofa table. A little bit echoing but otherwise nice to sit on soft couch compared to hard wooden chairs.

Started the dinner with easy decision, Sundmans Krog’s traditional fish buffet with dill potatoes.

Potatoes were brought to the table with bread and unique butter scoop. Restaurant’s name on paper cover was a nice surprise.

Spiced salmon was unfortunately too salty and it disturbed because herrings at the buffet are salty of course.

This time salmon roe was missing although buffet table included sour cream and onion mince. Was it finished or did the restaurant save money?

For main course ordered Fish of the day with Stewed potato seasoned with mussel cream and dill- fennel sauce.

The fish available is quite rare in Helsinki restaurants, haddock. It is close to cod but smaller and drier fish. White pepper do not match with white meated fish, at least not in this case.

Restaurant Sundmans Krog was one of the few restaurants open on Eastern Sunday in Helsinki. However, it was not full at all. Maybe fish buffet should be a little bit more generous or extra ordinary in order to attract more customers.

We did not try special offer from separate Steak and red wine list, which is available until 5th May. Maybe that would have raised grade for food.

Service was professional and polite as expected.

Two years ago Sundmans Krog earned better points but maybe next time it will come back to the same level.

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

Sundmans krog | Services | G.W. Sundmans & Sundmans Krog.

If you get window table you can see Market Hall and Market Square, ask for it.

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Tags: fish buffet, Market Hall, Market Square, Sundmans Krog, Wanha Kauppahalli
Categories : Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: BBQ House in Kamppi shopping center

5 04 2015

Restaurant BBQ House is situated in Kamppi shopping center. Restaurant has heated outdoor terrace, where we dined, which expands in the summer to a large bar and terrace area. BBQ House is specialised in steaks and meats, name should also tell it. If you decide to dine inside or terrace is full, you can watch how chefs manage to do they work in open kitchen.

The Argentinian touch, which restaurant used to have, has almost disappeared during the past years. Portuguese language is menu is still there.

Started the dinner with restaurant offer wine, only 15€ for bottle of French sparkling wine. Excellent price/quality ratio in Finnish restaurants.

For starters we chose Tapas dishes. From alternatives we decided to taste Marinated vegetables and artichoke, Shrimp toast and Kangaroo meat with sweet potato chips.

All three tapas starter were basically ok. No surprises, enough tasty and enjoyable. Wonder why restaurant has kangaroo meat on list, it does not suit with other dishes.

For main courses ordered Chicken and Reef perch (scope fish). For these dishes you have to choose sauce from different alternatives and side dish from 5alternatives.

With chicken tried rum-pepper sauce and sweet potato fries. Excellent combination and when chicken breast still has some skin on it, taste improves.

Never have seen Finnish restaurants serving Reef perch. Is this the way BBQ House tries to tease customers like with kangaroo meat.

With fish had BBQ salad and chimichurri as sauce. Paired nicely with fish, but price for quite small portion is high.

Sitting at the heated terrace is convenient although outside temperature is close to 0C degrees still in April. You can watch what happens at Kamppi Square and front of Tennispalatsi, biggest cinema complex in Finland.

Terrace dining raises overall grade.

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

BBQ House: pihviravintola – helsinki – kamppi – narinkkatori

previous review available https://reijosfood.com/2012/03/10/latino-flavours-at-restaurant-bbq-house/

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Tags: BBQ House, HOK-Elanto, Kamppi, latin food, lava rock grill, Portuguese
Categories : Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Wine review: Leindl Irrbling Riesling Reserve 2013

29 03 2015

What, again riesling….?! Yes, because at the moment think it is THE best white wine grape.

The Austrian winery Leindl is a young company from Zöbing in Kamptal. The main focus is on grapes Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, Muscat, Burgundy and Zweigelt and Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and St. Laurent.

Tasted wine, Leindl Irrbling Riesling Reserve 2013, has been maturated 9 months in stainless steel tanks, and on top of that 3 months in bottles. Most of riesling wines get some flavor from oak barrels, which usually improves the taste. I have tasted really “hard” steel tank rieslings like Gun Metal, which was not so pleasant experience. However, Leindl’s Irrbling, at least the reserve one, exceeded expectations.

THE LOOK

Pale yellow with some light green apple, no visible acidity.

THE NOSE

Pleasant balanced aroma, nothing disturbed sniffing, not even possible steel metal tank bouquet

THE TASTE

Dry, some minerals but not so much as usually in Austian rieslings. No metal flavor, not too much petrol or acidity. Some might thing, that this is too light for riesling, but I do not.

Facts:

Alcohol:	13,5 by volume
Extract:	25 g/l
Acidity:	6,6 g/l
Energy:	90 kcal/100 ml (360 kJ/100 ml)
Sugar:	5 g/l

This wine is suitable with white fishes and white meats but also good choice for aperitif.

Tasted the wine first as aperitif and then with spicy salad thai style and grilled giant shrimps. For main course had blue halibut with noodles again asian style. Leindl Irrbling Riesling Reserve 2013 paired nicely with both dishes.

Bang for the buck is two plus because wine costs a little bit over 20€ in Alko. Cut few euros and this wine would be bull’s eye.

REVIEW: OVERALL GRADE 4,5/5 – BANG FOR THE BUCK ++ / +++

Weingut Leindl | Wir verbinden Tradition & Innovation.

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Tags: Austrian wine, Finland, Leindl, Leindl Irrbling Riesling Reserve 2013, riesling, riesling wines, Wine
Categories : Fine Dining at Home, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Home Cuisine, Wine, Wine review

Restaurant review: Copas y Tapas – revisit

24 03 2015

Cupatge d’honor from Pere Ventura

Copas y Tapas is an independent family-owned business which serves Spanish food and wines with Finnish flavor. Restaurant is located at Fabianinkatu, close to Senate Square. Dining rooms are on two levels and both areas were booked-up on Saturday evening.

Copas y Tapas downstairs

Copas y Tapas upper dining room

Have visited Copas y Tapas several times before; earlier reviews can be found by using search. Previous visits have been successful, therefore expectations were again high.

Three course dinner costs 46€ including “tapas” plate as starter, main course which can be chosen from 4 alternatives and dessert. 5€ additional payment for meat dishes.

Recommend to choose Menu of the Day because if you choose dishes separately, you pay as much for starter and main course.

But of course you might need some time to make a decision and best way to speed up decision process is to taste some cava for aperitif. Chose Cupatge d’Honor from Pere Ventura. Wine is produced from xarel.lo and chardonnay (30%) grapes. Chardonnay gives some smoothnes and balance to this cava, which I can recommend, if you have chance to taste it.

This time restaurant served for starters Soup, Filled capsicum and Smoked pork.

Soup was warm and tasty, enjoyed it first. Then finished capsicum, which had some delicious shrimp filling. And last smoked pork, which was with add-on’s great experience.

You can choose from four different main courses, which differ almost every day depending on fresh ingredients available. Today alternatives were Duck, Marbled beef (5€ extra), Whitefish and Vegetarian. Chose meat, which was cooked on charcoal grill and whitefish.

With meat was served grilled scrumptious portobello mushrooms and some other enjoyable side dishes. And as you can see from the picture below, ripeness is perfect.

Whitefish was also superb with roots and swamps. And fish was enough big, which is not the fact in all restaurants.

Decided to share 5 pieces of cheese instead of sweet dessert. Only way to remember all tasted cheeses was to ask waiter to write the names down, which he did really quickly, see the list below. Best one was blue cheese type of piece on the right side of plate.

Delicious home-made crispbread should be available in supermarkets, because it was so tasty.

For wine ordered bottle of Torres Vina Sol, which is neutral and easy to drink.

But of course wine lovers must enjoy wines, which pair with food eaten and therefore had glass of Propiedad from Palacios Remondo with the meat. Excellent wine produced from garnacha grapes in the Rioja region.

And with cheeses waiter, or could even say sommelier, chose Nectaria riesling wine from Torres. Not too sweet wine is produced in Chile at Valle de Curico.

Copas y Tapas is excellent affordable fine dining bistro in Helsinki restaurant scene, especially if you want to have serious discussion about Spanish wines. Bottles are always brought to the table and usually you can choose from two alternatives, which waiter have pre-selected for you matching to the food.

Fusion cuisine blends brilliantly best parts of Spanish and Finnish food cultures. Michelin guys should check it for Bib Gourmand label.

Service, really important part of experience, was excellent again. Owner of the restaurant came to shake hands with us after recognizing us, which added extra feeling of being welcomed.

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

Ruoka | Ravintola Copas y Tapas

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Tags: cava, Copas y Tapas, Finland, Pere Ventura, Restaurant Copas y Tapas, tapas, tapas bar
Categories : 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

Comments : 2 Comments »
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: Ragu – revisit

15 03 2015

Restaurant Ragu opened its doors April 15, 2014, respecting the history of renovated Neo-Renaissance house in the 1890s. Restaurant has dining rooms and all year-round open terrace, where we dined this time. Chefs Antti Antti Asujamaa and Erno Kemi have created a menu from Italian food traditions and Scandinavian ingredients.

Ragu used to have wine bar when we visited first time, but success in restaurant side required more space and bar was partly changed to dining room.

Started the dinner with Aperol Spritz and bland de blanc Champagne. Ragu makes the best Spritzs in Helsinki, because the amount of Aperol is just the right, so that you can identify the flavor.

You can choose separate portions from a la carte list or pick, for instance, one of the menus. We chose again menu Ludari with 4 courses, which partly are surprises. The name of the menu comes from the street restaurant is located, Ludviginkatu.

Kitchen is skilled to take into account customers constraints of some food ingredients and other wishes especially with this menu. Menu should change on weekly basis.

After placing the order freshly baked 4 different breads and 4 different spreads were brought to the table. Restaurant also served self made glutein-free bread (in the picture) and must say that the baker really can her job. You can also order home that bread, if you ask it day before.

For starters we were served Broiled trout, which was delicious. You really enjoy the taste of fish when it is broiled, but not too much because part of the trout was medium cooked.

Quail egg and pecorino cheese on salad leaves complemented the enjoyment of eating first course.

Second course was Crab soup which was served with style.

Pieces of crab were in glass jar, which was poured half full with crab stock.

You could also order this dish from a la carte list, which I can warmly recommend. That tasty and mouth-watering crab soup was!

For 3rd and main courses restaurant served Braised Iberico pork with risotto and Halibut with dark fish soup.

Pork was crisp due to long cooking time. Dish itself was prepared with professional way. Cauliflower lightened otherwise quite luscious dish.

Propably halibut was meant to be second dish as it was so small. Also salinity disturbed a little bit. Maybe the weakest link of all dishes.

Before dessert restaurant served Blue cheese in a glass jar. Jars are typical for Ragu as I was served veal similar way when visited first time restaurant.

And for desserts we got two different portions due to special requests concerning some of the food ingredients.

Pannacotta cake, Ice-cream and other goodies made the dessert like heaven.

Special dessert was prepared from Meringue and Sorbet, again tour de force from the kitchen.

Great way to end the dinner.

For wines we trusted restaurant’s recommendations for each portion. All served wines came from Italy, of course.

Maybe the best of all 4 different wines was the only red wine with pork. From barbera grapes produced Giulia Negri from Piemonte paired brilliantly with meat.

Sweet white wine with dessert was not too sweet and matched with dish nicely.

Ragu has also Italian vintage wines from Angelo Baja, Piemonte. So, you can spend almost 500€ for white wine bottle of vintage 1999, if you like to.

Restaurant, as it is in elegantly renovated building and it’s dining rooms are classic yet chic, enjoys still of success. You can eat in privacy as tables are not too close to each other. Music is not too loud, again more customer-centric approach. As you can see from the glasses on the tables, every detail has been taken into account.

There are many paintings on the walls. We were sitting at the covered terrace where picture below was taken. Remember seeing at least 6 art works in that space.

Food at Ragu is well prepared, elegantly set and delicious. Finnish-Italian fusion cuisine works well by combining best parts of both. If fish main course would not have been so salty, Ragu would have earned close to 5 points for food.

Waitresses take orders and serve drinks but you can meet chef’s, bakers and confectioners as they bring most of the portions to the tables. The contents of each portion was explained well and it is needed, if you choose surprise menu as we did.

Our revisit was successfull and can thefore recommend Ragu, if you are looking for sophisticated and modern dinner setting with excellent food.

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

Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: Aperol Spritz, Finland, Ragu, Restaurant Ragu
Categories : Art, Champagne, 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

Comments : 4 Comments »
Tags: Bistro, Casa Mare, Finland, Lauttasaari, Restaurant Casa Mare
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

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