Restaurant review: Ambassador (Spain)

26 12 2012

Restaurant Ambassador, most sophisticated a la carte restaurant at the Lopesan Costa Meloneras hotel, offers exclusive contemporary cuisine based on the traditional spanish and french cuisine. All portions are prepared with special care, modern techniques that enhance these noble tastes, exact cooking temperatures in order to maintain the quality of the used products, mixture of tastes that will surprise hopefully also us in an elegant and exclusive atmosphere. The Ambassador offers a fixed menu for every season and suggestive tasting menus day by day.

On Christmas Eve restaurant served menu consisting of several delicious dishes.

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Dinner started with glass of Champagne Paul Goerg Brut.

First three dishes were served at the same time. Papaya “soup was delicious as well as smoked eel and salmon. Maybe turkey roll was most modest of the three starters.

Second dish was Bouillabaisse with tasty giant shimps. No need for toast as bread was already served.

Sole was a little bit over cooked but combination was succesful. Some salty iberian ham made this dish very tasty.

One of the best made dishes was sorbet, which was real soft and not at all icy as they can sometime be. Would have eaten more and actually got one as a dessert as asked one dish without milk products.

Cheek of veal was excellent, it was enough long cooked which made it really crisp. One of the best meat dishes eaten.

For dessert Ambassador served sweet cake combination and some chocklate pieces. Unfortunately we were already so full that was not able to eat them anymore.

Dinner was great, maybe some haste in serving because restaurant was full.

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

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Restaurant review: Copas y Tapas

21 12 2012

Copas y TapasCopas y TapasCopas y Tapas

Second visit to restaurant Copas y Tapas prepared us to our winter vacation to Spain. First time at the restaurant was great when it came to food and service. Because of these important facts restaurant was placed high in Restaurant and wine review ranking list. Also therefore expectations were high.

https://reijosfood.com/2012/09/08/restaurant-review-copas-y-tapas/

Novelty is that restaurant has started co-operation with Chef Sami Tallberg, maybe one step forward to chase Michelin star? Some adjustments for echoing was also made regarding to restaurant website.

Dinner starts with assortment of three, four or five tapas, depending on hunger. As we were going to eat main courses, 3 tapas seemed to be enough as last time. You do not know what you get because restaurant chooses what to offer; but of course you can influence on it.

Hot capsicum (sweet pepper) soup, Filled capsicum and Pork neck mousse on rye bread. Recommendation was to start with hot soup which was good and suitably salty. Next ate filled capsicum which was filled with cream cheese and crayfish, excellent. Overripe organic pork neck mousse was scrumptious. Could have eaten 5 of them. On top of tapas were two pieces of licorice which suited well for salty mousse. (NOTE, only soup was changed from last visit)

Tapas at Copas y Tapas

You can choose from four different main courses which differ almost every day depending on fresh ingredients available. Today alternatives were Marble steak, Rooster, Pike Perch and Vegetable portion. Chose Rooster with carrot, zucchini and orange sauce and Pike Perch with beetroots, zucchini and parsnip pyre. Rooster was a little it over cooked, otherwise simple and delicious portion. Pike perch needed salt but otherwise portion was great.

For dessert ordered Assortment of 5 cheeses: Manchego, Comte, Livarot, Gruyrere goat cheese and Ossay-Iraty. Excellent combination! When it comes to NOSE Livarot was most tempting. But all cheeses were excellent, even Manchego which might be quite ordinary.

BUT, recommendation of wines was so interesting it needs other blog because both white and red wines were not sweet!

Cheeses at Copas y TapasCheeses at Copas y Tapas

Copas y Tapas will be one of the rising stars at Helsinki restaurant area, especially if you want to have serious discussion about Spanish wines. And selection of Spanish brandies is wide. Service. really importantpart of esxperience, was excellent again!

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

http://www.copasytapas.fi/


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Two most Christmassy places on the planet…

17 12 2012

….are in Finland!

CNN picked out TOP 10 places to celebrate Christmas (link below).

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/11/travel/celebrates-top-10-christmas-destinations/index.html

Two first rankings for destinations in Finland!

1) Rovaniemi and Santa Park

This is the original place Santa Claus starts his journey to deliver gifts with reindeers.

http://www.santapark.com/en/santapark

2) Ranua and Ranua Zoo

Zoo with polar bears and other wild forest animals, but also reindeers.

http://www.ranuazoo.com/English/Winter/Front_page.iw3

See also this video, everything is from real life…..That is why CNN chose so wisely.


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Categories : Cafe, Fine Dining at Home, Restaurant, Wine

TOP 10 restaurants in Finland

13 12 2012

Farang_2

Kauppalehti Optio has listed 10 best restaurants in Finland. Magazine has in each issue reviews of three different restaurants which also supports this list. Best restaurants are:

1. Chez Dominique, Helsinki..2 Michelin stars

2. Olo, Helsinki..1 Michelin star

3. Savoy, Helsinki

4. Muru, Helsinki

5. Farang, Helsinki (X)

6. Demo, Helsinki..1 Michelin star (X)

7. Luomo, Helsinki..1 Michelin star

8. G.W. Sundmans, Helsinki

9. C, Tampere

10. Chef & Sommelier, Helsinki

(X) Restaurant and wine reviews has tested these restaurants

Only Michelin 1 star restaurant missing from TOP 10 is restaurant Postres.

http://www.kauppalehti.fi/omayritys/optio+chez+dominique+on+paras+ravintola/201212320889?request_ahaa_info=true


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Restaurant review: Kiila Food and Bar

9 12 2012

Food and Bar 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.

Visited second time Kiila Food and bar just before Christmas. Major change had been made concerning a la carte list because serious affordable fine dining was not anymore main target. It does not mean that food would be worse but portions were not so ambitious they seemed to be in the beginning. More Finnish dishes than earlier, like fried vendace.

For starter ordered “Carnival plate by Kiila” for two including fried mozzarella sticks, chicken skewer, cherry tomatoes, carrot-, cucumber- and sweet pepper sticks, fried halloumi, mini bratwurst, bbq-, chili-mayonnese- and dill-sour cream- sauces. Tomatoes were missing but not so huge dissappointment. Chicken with bbq sauce was great as well as mozzarella. Otherwise quite simple portion because of ordinar vegetable sticks. But all sauces were delicious.

Starter

For main courses had Grilled Chicken Breast with roasted vegetables and sweet chili sauce and Giant Shrimps Pasta with chili-coriander sauce. Chicken was OK. Pasta was raw or it had dried after cooking. Seemed that base of the sauce was similar for both dishes. Have to say that pasta sauce was one of the most spicy in Finland.

ChickenPasta

For desserts ordered one sorbet because no other choise for lactose free dish and chocolate cake with mascarpone foam and blackberry syrup. Sorbet was OK and cake really delicious, maybe best part of dinner. Some black currant and red currant berries, very typical Finnish berries.

SorbetChocklate cake

Kiila seemed to be quite popular, no wonder. Prices are affordable and location perfect, you can watch Stockmann Christmas lights just opposite. Laid-back athmosphere makes it easy to come to the restaurant.

Stockmann

Some trouble with service again. White wine was warm when it was brought to the table, big tablespoons for dessert and had to pay at the cash desk, because no waiter/waitress was available.

REVIEW II: FOOD 3/5 – SERVICE 3-/5 – OVERALL GRADE 3/5

Kiila

Restaurant review: Food and Bar Kiila

http://www.ravintolakiila.fi/


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Restaurant review: Lasipalatsi

1 12 2012

Lasipalatsi – the Glass Palace – is 75 years old building at Mannerheimintie. Although the building had originally been intended to serve as a temporary structure, the building became central monument next to the old bus station. Essential part of the building was the large restaurant Lasipalatsi on the upper floor.

In the end of 1996 the building had undergone years of gradual decline, was given protected status and a restoration project began. Two young architects – Pia Ilonen and Minna Lukander – assisted by interior designer Martti Lukander restored the original Functionalist style; pure white walls, large windows, interiors with warm colours and delightful little details. New restaurant Lasipalatsi was opened in the autumn 1998. There is also small bar in front of the dining room. Restaurant plays soft traditional Finnish “lager” music which leads 50 years back.

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Lasipalatsi kitchen combines the cherished traditional Finnish culinary culture with international influences. Restaurant is also well-known for its “theme weeks”, such as Blini, Asparagus, Fish and Reindeer.

When you enter restaurant, it is like you go back in time. But it is refreshing! We were able to get window table, should ask for that. Winter had just arrvied day earlier.

Sokos

For starters enjoyed Lamb vorschmack with baked potato acccompanied by pickled gherkin, beetroot and soured cream and Raw-pickled salmon, smoked salmon and salmon roe. Vorschmack http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vorschmack was excellent and best part of the meat dinner. I am not so familiar with this food but trusted kitchen. Fish starter was great as expected, simple Finnish tastes

DSC02841Fish plate

For main courses ordered Fried pearch fillets and scallops with ruby red orange and Rack and neck of lamb from Åland potato purée flavoured with garlic. Pearch was well preapared but one of the two scallops was maybe a little bit raw. Lamb again was delicious but would have expected more flavoures, especially rack of lamb was tender and with potato pure great.

FishLamb

And for desserts Pieces or assortment of Finnish cheese, one piece for both with port wine. One was Peltola Bule and one Mouhijärvi Metsuri. Both genuine and relly tasty Finnish cheeses. Not so Finnish was that you were able to get grappa.

Because of Little Christmas Party date restaurant was full, otherwise you might get table easier.

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

http://ravintola.lasipalatsi.fi/en/index.php

Imagine what it was like 50 years ago, picture taken on 30th Nov,2012.

Lasipalatsi


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Restaurant review: Stefan’s Steakhouse Helsinki

25 11 2012

Restaurant Stefan’s Steakhouse Helsinki opened on the 16th November, 2012.

Stefan Richter, one of the founders, is a partly Finnish, partly American chef residing in California(small pictures below). He was a runner-up in the 5th season of U.S.A version of Top Chef cooking competition show. Interesting news is that he will try to win again in the 10th season this year! Richter has also appeared as a guest judge in the Finnish version of Top Chef. Aleksi Herlevi, winner of first Finnish Top Chef is the main chef at the restaurant (picture below).

Chain already has restaurants in Tampere and Turku and it is part of Restamax Group which has several restaurants with different styles in several cities.

Nice fireplace separates bar and dining room. Decoration is cozy and relaxed, lots of plaid and american style.

For starters ordered Scallop & Truffle seared scallops, cauliflower and fresh truffle, which is not so typical for steak restaurant but for cuisine by Top Chef”s it is and Green Salad green salad with wasabi dressing. Scallops were delicious. Small but so tasty portion, could hsbr eaten at least six scallops. In green salad could not find wasabi, otherwise ok. Maybe it was left away due to request not to use Lactose produts in this portion?

In steak restaurant you probably should eat only beef but challenged kitchen by ordering also fish for main course. Wanted to see if it is just mandatory option for those who would prefer something else than red beef. Therefore had for main courses Whole Grilled Sea Bass whole grilled sea bass, fennel seasoned with coriander and ginger-butter sauce but of course basic beef Finnish Tenderloin 180 g with cognac and peppercorn sauce, garlic & parsley butter and  caesar salad. Restaurant highlights the origins of beef, another alternatives are beefs from Australia and New Zealand. Sea Bass was just prepared as it was so hot but maybe a bit over cooked. Finnish Beef was great (good have been warmer) as well as sauce and butter. You might wonder why to order butter, but if you desire extreme experience, just order it. However, that amount of butter would be enough for 4 person. Caesar salad was also enjoyment with crisp salad leaves and tasty sauce.

You have to order side “dishes” from the following categories in order to get whole portion. Increases the price of main course up to 9€ which might lead to a little bit overpriced end result.

Sauces 3€ … cognac and peppercorn sauce, sauce bordelaise, smoked garlic sauce, red wine sauce, sauce bearnaise and grated horseradish & egg yolk

Butters 2€ … garlic & parsley, cep & thyme, cafe de Paris and goat cheese & pine kernels

Side orders 4€ … parmesan french fries, puikula potato mash, pan fried potatoes with aioli, truffled macaroni & cheese, coriander seasoned fennel, wilted fresh spinach, warm almond cous-cous, pan fried brussels sprouts & mushrooms, bean stew & oven roasted beetroots, rocket & goats cheese and caesar salad

For dessert ordered Chocolate Fondant chocolate fondant with vanilla ice-cream and Pepper & Pineapple pineapple seasoned with black pepper and mango sorbet. Fondant was delicious with ice cream. Must learn how to make it. Pineapple with merengue and sorbet was also good. Because portions are not too big, it is easy to continue with desserts.

Week after opening and dining area was full at 7PM (not the bar), good start for Stefan’s Steakhouse.

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

http://www.ravintola.fi/stefans_helsinki

http://fi-fi.facebook.com/pages/Stefans-Steakhouse-Helsinki/364647083622951


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TOP 50 restaurants in Finland

22 11 2012

The 50 Best Restaurants in Finland

Project by Uni One Oy started in 2004 aiming to increase appreciation of Finland’s restaurants by listing the top 50 each year in a handy guide book format and in the newspaper. About 200-300 leading professionals from Finland’s restaurant industry – both chefs and others – are given the chance to vote for the establishment they see as the best. This creates the 50 Best list.

Interesting is that only 2 out of 5 Michelin star restaurants are in TOP 10 in this list https://reijosfood.com/2012/03/14/michelin-star-restaurants-in-finland-2012/

Restaurant Olo has 1 Michelin star which proves they have earned 1st place.  Also Nyt-Insert chose Olo to the second place in their review http://nyt.fi/20121102-nyt-liite-valitsi-nokka-on-helsingin-paras-ravintola/

Restaurant Muru was chosen restaurant of the year 2012 by Finnish Gastronomy Society which also is a proof of  being on top of this list http://www.gastronomit.fi/vuodenravintola.php.

Restaurant Farang leads Restaurant and wine reviews ranking, again right place.

Chez Dominique with 2 Michelin stars also earns to be on top. All other positions you can judge by yourself.

1. Olo, Helsinki

2. Muru, Helsinki

3. Farang, Helsinki (X)

4. Chez Dominique, Helsinki

5. Savoy, Helsinki

6. Gaijin, Helsinki

7. Mami, Turku

8. Chef & Sommelier, Helsinki

9. Bertha, Tampere

10. Sergio’s, Turku

11. Sinne, Porvoo

12. Ateljé Finne, Helsinki

13. Luomo, Helsinki

14. Demo, Helsinki (X)

15. Nokka, Helsinki

16. G.W. Sundmans, Helsinki

17. Smör, Turku

18. Bistro O mat, Kirkkonummi

19. Spis, Helsinki (X)

20. Boulevard Social, Helsinki

21. Tintå, Turku

22. Hella ja Huone, Tampere

23. Kuurna, Helsinki

24. C, Tampere

25. Postres, Helsinki

26. Kosmos, Helsinki

27. Juuri, Helsinki

28. Sea Horse, Helsinki

29. Os, Kuopio

30. Salutorget, Helsinki (X)

31. Näsinneula, Tampere

32. Aito, Helsinki

33. Strindberg, Helsinki (X)

34. Carelia, Helsinki

35. Kolme Kruunua, Helsinki

36. Tertin kartano, Mikkeli

37. Pinella, Turku

38. Musta Lammas, Kuopio

39. Rivoletto, Helsinki

40. Sunn, Helsinki

41. Lupolo, Helsinki

42. Patrona, Helsinki

43. Gastone, Helsinki (X)

44. Teatterin Grilli, Helsinki (X)

45. Pure Bistro, Helsinki (X)

46. Pöllöwaari, Jyväskylä

47. Grotesk, Helsinki

48. Nautical, Maarianhamina

49. Gastropub tuulensuu

50. 1881 Uleåborg

Lots of restaurants to visit…. reviewed restaurants marked with (X)

Ranking by Restaurant and wine reviews (reijosfood.com) can be found https://reijosfood.com/about/


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Restaurant review: Harald – Viking restaurant

17 11 2012

Restaurant Harald’s Viking milieu takes you and your friends on a voyage back to the age of the Vikings, where food and drink highlight the festivities. Restaurant chain operates in seven cities and Helsinki was opened in spring 2012. It is situated next to Hard Rock Cafe and Pizza Hut on the 2nd floor at City-käytävä.

Restaurant was full on Saturday partly because of “Little” Christmas parties, for Finns time to relax and be sometimes racy. Medieval decor and waitresses with suitable clothing take you back in time. Stuffed moose heads and menu rack create feeling of original athmosphere. Big elk head on the wall above the table made dining safe.

First kitchen served crispbread with melted butter. Harald style mulled wine (glögi) included cowberry juice, star anise and cinnamon to mint feeling of Christmas.

Decied to order exciting starters:

MEAT STONE OF TAPIO, GOD OF THE FOREST  Bear salami, smoked reindeer liver, dry-cured wild boar, pork filet cured in apple smoke and game mousse served with garden greens, marinated tomatoes, root vegetable chips, tarred lingonberries and flat bread toasted by the campfire

FISH STONE OF AEGIR, GOD OF THE SEA Cold smoked salmon glazed with a blackcurrant sauce, smoked roach, tarred Baltic herring, wild mushroom mousse and crayfish marinated in fresh herbs served with garden greens, marinated tomatoes, root vegetable chips, blueberry-onion marmalade and sweet rye bread.

Detailed explenation what was included in the portions. Basically both portions were delicious. On meat stone bear salami, reindeer liver and tarred lingonberries were the best part of dish. Prepared meats like wild boar and pork filet were too close to what you can buy at the groceries. On fish stone smoked roach was really scrumptious as well as sweet rye bread with mousse.

Main courses were also interesting, especially had to try one of the swords available:

BEEF AND PORK ON GUDBRAND’S SWORD Steak and pork filet (300 g) glazed with Viking spice sauce served on a sword with black salt butter, Viking shield potatoes, rhubarb jam, Viking Power Beer sauce and Emperor’s Romaine salad with marinated tomatoes and goats’ milk cheddar from Kolattu farm

VIDAR GOATHERDER’S CHICKEN Roasted chicken breast and Kolattu farm’s goats’ cheese glazed with herb sauce served with Viking shield potatoes, honey-roasted root vegetables, tomato-raspberry salsa and Wine of Wisdom sauce

Sword was impressive and portion was huge, 300g’s is quite a lot of meat. Pork was well prepared but beef was a little bit chewy although it was medium as requested. Potatoes were delicious as well as sauces. Did not eat butter pat, which was on top of meats. Chicken was OK, but no specialities in that portion.

A little bit discomfiture with serving main courses. We got them when still enjoying starters. Accidentally kitchen had prepared dishes for us prior to for table next to us although they should have got them earlier.

Viking restaurant Harald Helsinki is suitable for diners looking for relaxed athmosphere (rento meininki) at least during Christmas parties. It is allowed to laugh hysterically and speak in a loud voice. Just dive in!

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

http://www.ravintolaharald.fi/service.cntum?pageId=145308

Viking restaurant Harald has opened in Helsinki


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Stefan’s Steakhouse has opened in Helsinki

14 11 2012

Stefan Richter is a partly Finnish, partly American chef residing in California. He was a runner-up in the 5th season of U.S.A version of Top Chef, cooking competition show. Richter has also appeared as a guest judge in the Finnish version of Top Chef.

First Stefan’s Steakhouse in Finland was opened in March 2011 in Tampere and second one in April 2012 in Turku.

Stefan’s Steakhouse Helsinki has opened on 16th November.
It situates at the same premises Grill Glöd used to be. Review will follow soon….

You can find restaurant info from websites:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stefans-Steakhouse-Helsinki/364647083622951
http://www.ravintola.fi/en


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Restaurant review: Nuevo

10 11 2012

Restaurant Nuevo is situated in a old pedestrian precinct (Sofiankatu) between the Market Square and Senate Square. Nuevo’s decor and profile is modern.  The kitchen is inspired by the gastronomic regions of Spain, with regularly changing themed menus providing variety throughout the year. This time of the year Barcelona menu was served. Dinner can also started with Tapas.

Decided to start the dinner with Tapas Calamar Marinated octopus accompanied with chilli alioli and Tostada de rabo de toro Oxtail toast and with starter Ensalada de remolacha y queso Valdeón Salad with roasted beetroot and Valdeon cheese. Octopus was great, soft and tender.  Oxtail might have been more delicious without toast but it was nice combination. Basic beetroot salad was tasty as it should be. Promising start for the dinner.

For Platos principales (main course) chose Perca Fried perch accompanied with citrus potatoes and Piquillo sauce and Truhcha ártica Fried arctic char accompanied with oxtail risotto and caponata. Perch was well prepared and not too dry; shape was nice surprise, it was like roll. Archtic char was over cooked and if it would have been grilled without fish skin it might have been bulls eye. Now fish itself needed some salt, but risotto and sauce were really good.

For dessert coffee and tee but also original Spanish brandy…..this time Lepanto.

At 8PM restaurant was full; two big groups propably already celebrating little Christmas.

Nuevo is Spanish restaurant with Italian flavour as risotto and rocket salad were used. It is not usual to see rucola in spanish food. But so delicious….Maybe restaurant is a little bit old fashioned, but if you like Spanish gourmet food Nuevo is close it and also recommend  to visit Copas y Tapas which is quite near.

REVIEW: FOOD 3,5/5 – SERVICE 4-/5 – Overall grade 4-/5

http://www.ravintolanuevo.fi/en

Restaurant review: Copas y Tapas


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Restaurant review: Hard Rock Cafe Helsinki

3 11 2012

Visited Hard Rock Cafe Helsinki 3 weeks after opening. At 3PM not so crowded but after 7PM you had to wait in the bar. Decided to analyze quite deeply HRC Helsinki which meant that 6 hours was worth of it. First dining and then at the bar.

Had to taste colourful drinks because they tell a lot. Compare picture on the drink menu and real life, Cosmpolitan and Margarita. Well done!

For starter had huge portion of Hard Rock Nachos Fresh corn tortilla chips piled high with Jack and Cheddar cheeses and seasoned pinto beans. Served with sour cream, chopped green onions, pico de gallo, jalapeños and a side of fresh Hard Rock Grilled Salsa. Big enough to share which was true. Cheese sauce was excellent and nachos still crisp.

For main courses had of course Hamburger; The Big Cheese Topped with three thick slices of your choice of cheeses. Choose from American, Monterey Jack, Cheddar or Swiss. Chose Cheddar and asked steak to be prepared medium. In Finland you can easily order steak as medium because of the high qualitys standards. Burger was great, one of the best have eaten at Hard Rock Cafe’s.  Also ordered Honey-Citrus Grilled Chicken Salad Fresh cut greens tossed with sweet red onions, grilled Cajun chicken and tossed with our Honey-Citrus dressing. Topped with fresh orange segments, spiced pecans, red pepper strips, sweetened dried cranberries and blue cheese crumbles. Salad was the weakest link because chicken was almost missing. Also lay out differed from salads at other Hard Rock Cafe’s.

Would have liked to taste Hot Fudge Brownie Vanilla ice cream and hot fudge on a fresh brownie, topped with chopped walnuts, chocolate sprinkles, fresh whipped cream and a cherry but was already so full. Had to do it someother time and update this blog.

Service was excellent, also at the bar area. Be careful if you pay with credit card and want to tip, pushing numbers on the machine increase amout of tip easily. Recommend to give tip in cash. Salad dropped food grade, otherwise it would have been 4. However, one of the best experiences at Hard Rock Cafe’s. If you have sometime been disappointed to some HRC, try this one.

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

Like especially Elton John’s outfit….

 

http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/menu.aspx?LocationID=627&MIBEnumID=3


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Restaurant review: Blue Peter (Game menu)

19 10 2012

Restaurant Blue Peter serves each year separate Game menu, this year on 16-28.10.2012. Menu includes venison (moose), reindeer and wild duck. Especially venison is hunted at this time. Visited Blue Peter a la carte dining room second time this year, previous review can be found from January reviews https://reijosfood.com/2012/01/27/restaurant-blue-peter/

Reserved table next to the fireplace because window tables begins to be cool at this time of year. This time fireplace was reserved for candles.

For starters ordered Roast reindeer, terrine of cauliflower and chanterelle, cranberry and onion compote and Venison soup. Reindeer was tender and tasty as it should be almost carpaccio but lightly roasted. Compote added needed sweetness for portion. Soup which included tiny vegetables was a little bit letdown but luckily rolls corrected first impression a lot. Venison could have tasted more.

For main courses had Duck stew in red wine sauce Lappish potato duchesse and Pan fried Arctic char, roe hollandaise, Lappish potatoes. Stew was delicious, on top of duchesse were a little bit bitter cowberries which supplemented almost sweet sauce well. Arctic char is quite nature fish with game as usually restaurant serves salmon. Both portions included Lappish potatoes which are floury puikula potatoes (no exact translation). Roe hollandaise sauce was tasty and complemented fish perfectly.

For dessert enjoyed Warm apple, vanilla sauce and Crepe with old time vanilla ice cream and jam. Apple dessert was bull’s eye, really sweet and enjoyable. Crepe, the best in the city, was again delicious.

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

Blue Peter focuses always on athmosphere and service which are important part of total experience. Wine recommendations were well designed and were important part of dinner. Especially can recommend red wine Nugan Estate from Durif grapes. Durif was unknown grape  for me before but had to buy one bottle to home in order to ensure it was so good as it was with starters.

Click to access gamemenu.pdf

http://www.bluepeter.fi/articles/731/


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Restaurant review: Il Siciliano

13 10 2012

Ristorante Il Sicialiano is located at Aleksanteri street near Kluuvi and Kämp shopping centers. Sister restaurant is located in Flamingo shopping center, Vantaa. Restaurant takes only table reservations for larger groups, at least that was told on the phone.

At 3PM restaurant was full but after 5 minutes waiting we got table. A la carte list in the restauranat differs a little bit from web site, but that is not a problem. Music of course is Italian but also international soft music was played. Guests were local Helsinki shoppers with children, but most of lunch guests came from Russia, Spain and Italy. A little bit annoying were small flies around the table.

For aperitives and starters ordered FOCACCIA DELLA CASA (For 2 people) Garlic-pesto-tomato-rucola bread. Quite misleading as we got slices of pizza or pizzetta which were actually really delicious. But as I ordered pizza for main course thought that would get real foccacia. Also ordered PASTA ALL’ARRABBIATA (PICCOLA) tomato sauce, garlic, chili, parmesan, fresh basil and PROSCIUTTO E MELONE 2 pieces of melon, parmaham and honey. Pasta was cooked with professional way, however would have prefered more strong chili taste than which was served. Traditional prosciutto crudo with melon is always tasty, but we are used to Cantaloupe melon, not Honey melon which was on the plate.

For main courses ordered POLLO ALLA SICILIANA Sicilian Style Chickenbreast Filet, eggplant, Pecorino cheese Rucola, oil and PIZZA IL PADRINO Italian salame, chilli, radicchio, Rocket and sundried tomatoes. Ordered rice as side dish for Pollo but got potatoes; restaurant fixed mistake quickly after we pointed it out.  Chicken was not dry which was good. Pizza was also tasty because Italian salami piccante is always juicy and spicy. But as said earlier would have prefered something else for main course if would have known foccacia is pizza in this place.

Il Siciliano is genuine Italian pizzeria (maybe not ristorante) because you can order Averna and Grappa which are proofs of real Italian flavours. Seems to be busy all time which is proof of good food and casual athmosphere. Nice figure next to the door.

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

http://www.ilsiciliano.fi/1/


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Hard Rock Cafe Helsinki – now open

10 10 2012

Hard Rock Cafe Helsinki opened on the 15th October! …..Restaurant and bar with 240 seats in the 1st floor and shop in the ground floor.

http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/cafe.aspx?LocationID=627&MIBEnumID=3

However, official opening ceremony will be on Summer 2013.

Behind the link below you shall find interview of David Holly, one of the three HRC interior designers. Holly visited Finland on the 9th October. Interview is in English and you can also see few scenes of the interior design. Sorry for the Finnish ad before interview.

http://www.iltasanomat.fi/viihde/art-1288506479334.html

Hard Rock Cafe Helsinki FB wall is full of pictures of new cafe. Also link to interview can be found there.

http://www.facebook.com/HardRock.Helsinki

Review will follow in the near future….

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Hard Rock Cafe Helsinki


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