Restaurant review: Farang – tasting menu

29 02 2016

Farang and Korona - reijosfood.com

Farang is a restaurant which serves modern Asian cuisine, located within the premises of the historical Kunsthalle. Restaurant’s simplified, modern and atmospheric decor combined with the warm service and strong expertise in Asian cuisine creates an excellent setting for a comprehensive dining experience.

One can also drink aperitif in the small bar inside one the the two dining rooms and observe other diners.

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

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

Farang starter - reijosfood.com

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

Farang sashimi - reijosfood.com

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

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

Farang crispy pork - reijosfood.com

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

Farang thai roti bread - reijosfood.com

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

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

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

Farang Hola Hola - reijosfood.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tasting menu has not changed much during the years, but can absolutely recommend it, becase one has a chance to get familiar with different asian flavours. By ordering from a la carte list only few savors can be enjoyed.

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

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

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

https://farang.fi/en/

 

 





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

24 02 2016

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

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


Restaurants with 1 Michelin star in Helsinki are:

Ask, Vironkatu 8, Helsinki – Restaurant Ask.

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

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

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

Demo bar - reijosfood.com

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





Michelin star restaurants in Helsinki 2015 – 5 restaurants awarded but 4 exists

26 02 2015

Lamb at Demo - reijosfood.com

Michelin Guide announced new list of Michelin starred restaurants in Finland today. Five restaurants got 1 Michelin star, all in Helsinki. Other cities are not yet included in Michelin reviews.

So five restaurant kept their stars, but as Luomo closed it’s doors in the beginning of this year, Helsinki actually has four Michelin star restaurants. Difficult business environment for fine dining restaurants. Postres changed name and concept, which meant that we have now 2 restaurant less carrying Michelin star.

 

Restaurants with 1 Michelin star in Helsinki are:

Ask, Vironkatu 8, Helsinki – Restaurant Ask.

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

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

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

Demo bar - reijosfood.com

Pictures are from restaurant Demo which has had Michelin star since 2007.





Guide Michelin: Bib Gourmand designated restaurants in Helsinki

14 03 2014

What is Bib Gourmand restaurant?

The Bib Gourmand designation denotes good cuisine at a reasonable price in a variety of comfort categories. Defined as “Inspectors’ Favorites for Good Value,” Bib Gourmand restaurants offer two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included), and are often of most value to a city’s residents, who regularly dine in neighborhood restaurants” (source: Guide Michelin)

Restaurants with Bib Gourmand designation 2014 in Helsinki are:

Boulevard Social http://boulevardsocial.fi/en/ (NEW!)

Not visited

Farang https://reijosfood.com/?s=Farang

Farang - reijosfood.comFarang - reijosfood.com

Gaijin https://reijosfood.com/?s=Gaijin

Gaijin Mussels - reijosfood.comChicken at Gaijin - reijosfood.com

Emo https://reijosfood.com/?s=Emo (NEW!)

Halibut at Emo - reijosfood.comVendaces at Emo - reijosfood.com

PureBistro https://reijosfood.com/?s=PureBistro

PureBistro - reijosfood.comPureBistro - reijosfood.com

You can find reviews of these restaurants at reijosfood.com via links.

Amazing that first three restaurants are owned by same chef’s, Tomi Björk and Matti Wiberg. They have just opened 4th restaurant Bronda, which will be reviewed by Restaurant and Wine epicure (reijosfood) in April. Maybe next year it will be designated as Bib Gourmand restaurant?

Emo and PureBistro are partly owned by Michelin star restaurant chef’s; Emo is little sister for Olo and PureBistro for Luomo.

Grotesk and Solna lost their Bib Gourmand designations.

Conclusion: 

Would say that at least 3 of the designated restaurants have earned to be on the list; Emo, Farang and PureBistro. Now that Michelin Guide have chosen 3 “ethnic” kitchens, Yume could replace Gaijin. But as it is owned by Kämp Group not by chef’s, it might be obstacle. There are also some other restaurants which could be designated like Copas y Tapas, Meche or Spis, see reviews at reijosfood.com.





Michelin star restaurants in Helsinki 2013

14 03 2013

Restaurant Demo

Michelin Guide has updated it’s list of rewarded restaurants. All 5 existing Michelin restaurants kept their stars, so no new Michelin restaurants in Finland or Helsinki. G.W. Sundmans might be rewarded soon as it has been highlighted with red letters meaning “rising star”.  Restaurant has had 1 Michelin star several years ago.

Restaurants with Michelin stars are:

Chez Dominique, Rikhardinkatu 4, Helsinki: 2 stars (owner Hans Välimäki) http://www.chezdominique.fi/home_cd2?

Demo, Uudenmaankatu 9-11, Helsinki: 1 star (owners Tommi Tuominen and Teemu Aura) http://www.restaurantdemo.fi/demo

Luomo, Vironkatu 8, Helsinki: 1 star (owners Jouni Toivanen and Mika Mattila) http://www.luomo.fi/en/restaurant/

Olo, Kasarmikatu 44, Helsinki: 1 star (owners Pekka Terävä and Petri Lukkarinen) http://www.olo-restaurant.com/home.html

Postres, Eteläesplanadi 8, Helsinki: 1 star (owners Samuli Wirgentius and Jari Liimatta) http://www.postres.fi/

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Bib Gourmand restaurants 2013 are:

Farang, Ainonkatu 3, Helsinki

Gaijin, Bulevardi 6, Helsinki

Grotesk, Ludviginkatu 8-10, Helsinki

Pure Bistro, Pohjoisesplanadi 9, Helsinki (new)

Solna, Solnantie 26, Helsinki

Interesting is that Farang and Gaijin still both have Bid Gourmand (excellent price/quality ratio) logos; both owned by chefs Tomi Björk and Matti Wiberg.  Farang has opened restuarant in Stockholm, must find out the rating. Also interesting is that Grotesk, owned by same chefs as Demo, kept Bid Gourmand logo although it changed it’s style. Update: did not remember to write that PureBistro is owned by Luomu owners! One Michelin star restaurant and one Bib Gourmand restaurant. However, when we vistited PureBistro, we were not so happy about the food.

Restaurant Spis raised also to Michelin Guide, review available https://reijosfood.com/2012/08/10/restaurant-review-spis/





Restaurant review: Farang

30 06 2012

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

Dediced to enjoy Farang Tasting menu which was real fireworks:

CHA PLU LEAF WITH SMOKED TROUT
roasted peanuts, trout roe

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

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

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

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

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

THAI JASMINE RICE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





Taste of Helsinki – Part II reviews

17 06 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REVIEW: FOOD 4,5/5 (starters)

REVIEW: FOOD 5-/5 (main courses)

REVIEW: FOOD 4+/5 (desserts)





Restaurant review: Girol (Spain)

27 05 2012

Restaurante Girol: Una cocina que fusiona auténticos sabores mediterráneos con toques de imaginación y creatividad de la gastronomía española e internacional – A cuisine that blends authentic Mediterranean flavors with a touch of imagination and creativity of Spanish and international cuisine.

Restaurant is a family establishment which opened its doors in 2006. Girol is mentioned in 2011 and 2012 Michelin Guides with two forks and knives. So the expectations were little bit high when entering in. One can see how restaurant looks like by watching video below.

Decided to order Menu degustacion corto – Sampling menu consisting of 1 starter, 1 fish, 1 meat and 1 dessert. All sampling dishes should have been also available as separate portions. Dinner started with delicious kitchen greetings. First warm “cups” and then quail egg.

Starter was Ajo blanco Malagueno – caracoles cuisados y tomate; “Ajo blanco” from Malaga (traditional dish with crumbs, water, garlic and almonds) stewed snails and tomate. Cold Ajo blanco was poured onto other ingredients, extremely yammy. Light garlic and almond taste supplemented well crumbs and all other flavors.

For fish we were served Lubina de acuicultura con estofado de patatas al laurel; Sea bass from fish farm and potatoes chew with bay leaf. Fish was perfectly prepared and cooking time was absolutely right.

Meat was Magret de cato asado con setas, cardo de cultivato acompafiado com salsa de mostaza; Roasted duck with mushrooms, cultivated histle served with mustard sauce. Unfortunately duck was a little bit chewy but histle (like risotto) saved a lot.

Dessert was Tarta de quesos fresco y curado con caramelo de citricos; Pie of fresh and mature cheeses with citrus candy. Creative dessert; maybe pie is wrong term but combination was enjoyable. Picture tells a lot more

Our “private” dinner was succesful; Girol earns to be mentioned in Michelin Guide. Location might be challenging because it is a little bit aside, but worth to find.

To be honest, best restaurant in Fuengirola town which is quite worn nowadays.

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

http://www.restaurantegirol.com/

http://demo.viamichelin.com/web/Restaurant/Fuengirola-29640-Girol-227201-41102

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Restaurant review: Grill Glöd (closed)

1 04 2012

UPDATE ON 1ST OF NOV. RESTAURANT GLÖD HAS BEEN CLOSED. STEFAN’S STEAHOUSE WILL OPEN AT THE SAME LOCATION IN DECEMBER.

Bar and Grill Glöd was opended in Autumn 2011 by Jan Åkerström who owns also restaurant Solna. Earlier restaurant Mecca was operating at the same place, so do not try to find it anymore. Some of the Mecca decor was still found at sanitary facilities.

Glöd fine grill concept is based on coal grill and open kitchen for preparing game food, fresh fish, seafood and vegetables. Glöd has also honoured with two cutlery pairs by Michelin Guide in 2012; excellent achievement in just a short time. In addition to restaurant there is also bar and Klub Casablanca (with K, not C) lounge with oriental athmosphere.

From 17 courses diners can select menus consisting of either 3 (35€) or 4 (39€) courses. Courses are devided in cold, warm and sweet dishes. We recommend to order one cold and two warm dishes if you decide to enjoy three courses, because they are quite small. By ordering four dishes you can take dessert also.

Restaurant was quite noisy due to background music  and tables which were close to each other. Seemed that cramped space made serving more difficult at least where we were seated.

Started with Cheviche Hibiscus Fish marinated in citrusdressing with rose flavoured blood orange and fennel (fishes were salmon and white fish, some salt would have improved taste, but none was at the tables) and Tuna “Tokyo Grill” Char goal grilled tuna, warm sushi rice and avocado ice cream (excellent combination but also missed some salt).

Warm dishes were Beets and Barley Oven roasted beets marinated in mustard dressing, barley risotto and whipped cream cheese (beets comes from beetroot and this dish was one of the best of all a la carte dishes eaten this time, barley replaced rice perfectly), Black Salmon Teriyaki roasted salmon, tomato-anise couscous and sake sauce (couscous did not match so well), Risotto Nero Black risotto, grilled tiger prawn tails and Tom Kha Khai foam (another bull’s eye, can recommend) and Ribs BBQ Grilled pork ribs, frisee lettuce and Texas Ranch dressing (did not classify in top three ribs, lettuce had some Caesar dressing)

For dessert Almond, Praline and Soup Almond cake, praline ice cream and warm chocolate and rum soup (asked sorbet instead of ice cream but got ice cream) and Chocolate Mousse “Cafe Vietnam” Chocolate mousse with blackcurrant, caramel and coffee foam and fudge ice cream (delicious; can recommend)

Although price for 4 dishes is affordable, bottle of wine increases total amount of bill. Avarage price for wine bottle is over 50€. Most of the dishes seek asian flavours and are well prepared. However, would have appreciated more deep savours to complement the experience. Full tables meant that customers have found Glöd.

REVIEW: Food 4-/5 – Service 4/5 – Overall grade 4-/5

http://www.glod.fi/

http://www.viamichelin.com/web/Restaurants#description@poi=345812_41102





Michelin star restaurants in Finland 2012

14 03 2012

Michelin Guide has updated it’s list of rewarded restaurants. All 5 existing Michelin restaurants kept their stars Chez Dominique in lead with 2 stars. We hoped that Chez Dominique would earn third star, but unfortunately not. Work or even food art of Hans Välimäki would have been worth of it.

Restaurants with Michelin stars are:

Chez Dominique, Rikhardinkatu 4, Helsinki: 2 stars (owner Hans Välimäki) http://www.chezdominique.fi/home_cd2?

Demo, Uudenmaankatu 9-11, Helsinki: 1 star (owners Tommi Tuominen and Teemu Aura) http://www.restaurantdemo.fi/demo

Luomo, Vironkatu 8, Helsinki: 1 star (owners Jouni Toivanen and Mika Mattila) http://www.luomo.fi/en/restaurant/

Olo, Kasarmikatu 44, Helsinki: 1 star (owners Pekka Terävä and Petri Lukkarinen) http://www.olo-restaurant.com/home.html

Postres, Eteläesplanadi 8, Helsinki: 1 star (owners Samuli Wirgentius and Jari Liimatta) http://www.postres.fi/

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Bib Gourmand restaurants are:

Farang, Ainonkatu 3, Helsinki

Gaijin, Bulevardi 6, Helsinki – (new)

Grotesk, Ludviginkatu 8-10, Helsinki

La Table, Lönnrotinkatu 27, Helsinki (new location)

Solna, Solnantie 26, Helsinki

Interesting is that Farang and Gaijin have now both Bid Gourmand (excellent price/quality ratio) logos; both owned by chefs Tomi Björk and Matti Wiberg.  Also interesting is that Grotesk, owned by same chefs as Demo, got Bid Gourmand logo. First time same owners have two restaurants in Michelin Guide.

http://www.viamichelin.com/web/Restaurants#resultSearch@address=&merge=Helsinki&sK=1792&sejour=&michelin=false&arrivaldate=&nights=&people=








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