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Restaurant review: Rikhards Gastropub – Second visit 2014

1 11 2014

Rikhard’s Gastropub

Our second visit was 6 months after opening. This review focuses on Menu of the day, which two of us tasted. The price for menu is 49€, which might open up door for Michelin Bib Gourmand label.

If you want to read more about restaurant and last visit please click Rikhards | Search Results | Restaurant and wine epicure

A la carte menu included most of the portions, which were on it 6 months ago. From starter or snacks section Chicken wings and New potatoes with Haugesund herring had dissappeared. It is a pity, because can not remember better tasting wings anywhere.

Had to start the dinner again with POP CORN which last time was pleasant surprise. The consistent excellent quality of this delicious apetizer was still there. Seaweed and chicken skin served with sesame, soy and truffle sour cream is a perfect combination.

Menu of the day included for starter Mussels, for main course Beef tenderloin and for dessert sweet dish.

Moules in white wine sauce with thyme, garlic, cream, bacon and butter were scrumptious because of sauce and add-ons. Mussels are enjoyable anyway, but when they are cooked in a stock or more like a soup, they really make your mouth drooling. You can buy this portion also as main course, which is one option to enjoy shell fish.

Starter was served with ”friend fries”, garlic mayonnaise, spicy peanut butter sauce, and toasted rustic bread.

Main course Beef tenderloin was served with French fries, green beans seasoned with bacon, Béarnaise sauce and fresh green salad. Amount of meat was extravagant. I can not remember that would have ever got so huge amount of beef tenderloin or any other meat anywhere.

After eating that pile of meat with delicious bearnaise sauce and glass of red wine, dinner could have ended there. Therefore no pictures about dessert although had to, of course, eat it.

For wine we chose WIN WIN from German weingut von Winning. Elegant bouquet and balanced taste paired well with mussels and codfish.

Two of us had Torskrygg for main course. Picture on the left is from last visit and on the right from this visit. Excellent dish again, maybe the sauce included now some lactose, as it was left away.

Food at Rikhards Gastropub was again excellent. You get with only 49€ excellent gourmet dinner, if you choose Menu of the day.

Service was again professional and polite. Gentlemen serving us did great job and get special points for outfit.

Had to improve grade even though scores were high already last time.

It seems that Restamax is actual owner as restaurant webpage is now located on their pages.

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

Rikhards | Ravintola.fi

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Tags: Finland, Hans Välimäki, Helsinki, Michelin Bib Gourmand, restaurant review, Rikhards, Rikhards Gastropub
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: El Meson de Cervantes – Malaga; Spain

17 09 2014

El Meson de Cervantes is located at the backyards of old town at Calle Alamos. It was established by the same chef, who owns El Tapeo de Cervantes just 50 meters away from Meson. The main difference with the restaurants is the dining room with normal tables and chairs, which Meson has but Tapeo does not have.

Visited El Meson de Cervantes 2nd time this year. Previous review can be found by using search.

Main allurement are tapas which you can order in three different sizes; tapas, 1/2 raciones or full raciones. You could also choose from restaurant menu different type of starters, main courses and desserts but menu is quite short. If you want to eat tapas at the dining room, you need to ask them in a polite way, although waiter might say that they are meant to eat at the bar.

Started the dinner with glass of cavas and tasty, salty green olives.

This time we ordered all dishes from restaurant menu. Actually most of the dishes are the same. Our dinner started with Warm salad of tuna, roasted peppers and green leaves and Pan seared small squids with spinach.

Tuna was perfectly fried as you can see in the picture below, not too well-done; therefore not too dry. This portion is not so typical for tapas restaurant, it is an example of the high quality level of el Meson de Cervantes.

Squids were best part of the dinner, perfect cooking on the pan and olive oil complemented nicely the flavor of two different squids. Recommend to order this starter, if you visit the restaurant.

First main courses were fishes, 1/2 portions of Salmon with herb butter, black rice and a chick pea pyre and Sea bream wrapped in aubergine, carrot pyre and juniper sauce.

Well prepared portions both of them. Salmon was maybe a little bit over cooked but side dish delicious. Sea bream paired nicely with aubergine and carrot pyre was scrumptious. If I would have to choose, would take Sea bream as big main course only.

For 2nd main courses we had 1/2 portions of Argentinian entrecote with fried potatoes, salad and chimichurri and Wild boar stew with sweet Malaga wine sauce and crispy rosti.

Entrecote was well-done as requested.

But stew was not the same at all as last time. Found no wine in the sauce and taste was more like standard brown sauce. See the difference, picture on the left was from May and on the right taken few days ago. If we would have been served similar stew, grade for food would have been 0,25 points more.

Dinner ended with Apple tart and vanilla ice-cream which was bull’s eye again. Difficult to beat warm, sweet and soft apple pie with cold ice-cream….

Also Fig flan of sweet Malaga wine was tasty, but maybe a little bit too sweet.

For wine we asked waitress to recommend some rose wine. There were actually three rose wines on wine list from which to choose, but after looking us, she brought us a bottle which was not on the list.

And good that she brought, because it was more full-bodied and darker than rose wines usually are. Wine was Barbazul from Huerta de Albalá, which is a recently created winery located in the province of Cadiz. As it is produced from Syrah grapes, quite dark red color is easily to be explained.

El Meson de Cervantes serves premium tapas and Spanish food in a relaxed athmosphere. If you decide to dine at restaurant, you can watch chef’s preparing portions in the open kitchen. You can also eat in more restful environment and enjoy to be served by professional waiters.

Tapas bar provides opportunity for close social interaction and eating at higher bar tables.

Restaurant is the place to visit out of hundreds of tapas bars and restaurants in Malaga, if you travel there. Hope the menu will be changed, because it was exactly the same as 4 months ago, as far as I remember. There are not so many dishes to choose from the menu.

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

http://www.elmesondecervantes.com/eng/index.html

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Tags: cava, El Meson de Cervantes, Malaga, restaurant review, rose wine, Spain, tapas, tapas restaurant, Wine
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel

Restaurant review: Faro – Channelside Bar & Restaurant

2 08 2014

Restaurant Faro was re-opened in the spring after renovation by new owners. The interior has been designed by the most known Finnish interior designer Vertti Kivi. Faro locates in Ruoholahti by channel which is buzzing with boats on warm summer days.

Terrace around restaurant building is large providing opportunity for quick drinks or dining. Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and in the afternoon short Bistro menu is available. On Sundays brunch is also served.

For starters we ordered from Bistro menu Cucumber soup with mint and Cold-smoked salmon and crab.

On hot summer day cold cucumber soup was bull’s eye. Frozen soup knobs and cold soup which was poured on top of other ingredients from carafe by the waitress was really delicious. Few pieces of cauliflower paired well with the soup. Maybe the best cold soup ever eaten!

Salmon and crab portion was also scrumptious. Nicely laid out on the edge of the dish.

Main courses were Whole grilled fish, pickling cucumber and carrot beurre blanc and Fish’n’chips and tartar sauce.

We got last striped bass, next diners would have been served pike-perch. Fish was really delicious and perfectly grilled, not over-cooked at all. For most of the main courses you have to choose and pay extra for side dishes, for striped bass we chose new potatoes with dill-butter. If something could be asked to change, would be be bigger plate which would ease eating. Now you have to eat vegetabels first in order to be able to eat fish.

You seldom get Fish & Chips at a restaurant, therefore had to try them. Breading was crisp as it should be and fish soft as it also should be. With sauce tasty finger food supplemented with country potatoes.

For wine we chose Dopff & Irion Riesling from Alsace, France. Wine was dry, fruity and included some green apple and citrus. Typical young riesling and tasty one.

Portions we chose were excellent. It is difficult to compare Fish&Chips to other main courses but so what, open kitchen has professional chef’s. Service was polite and we were congratulated for the choises we made.

In the summer time dining at the terrace is enjoyable experience, either in the sun or under the sunshade. You can come with boat, bicycle or even with subway, because the stop is near.

Have to try Sunday brunch someday because it seemed to be well organized. Noticed that when dropped by for glasses of wine a month earlier.

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

Faro Channelside Bar & Restaurant | Ravintola Ruoholahti

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Tags: Faro Channelside Bar & Restaurant, Finland, Helsinki, Irion Riesling, Restaurant Faro, restaurant review, Ruoholahti, Vertti Kivi, Wine
Categories : Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel

Restaurant review: HSF – Yacht Club restaurant in Hanko

31 07 2014

Since 1938, HSF has been the venue for many to spend a happy summer`s day in Hanko, enjoying dinners and refreshing drinks. Restaurant HSF combines modern gastronomy and restaurant culture with Nordic traditions and the history of Finnish sailing. The roof, pier and sun deck terraces of HSF are great places to enjoy food, cocktails, wines and of course champagnes.

If you dine at the pier (terrace downstairs) as we did, you can enjoy of table service. Otherwise you need to order drinks from the bar between sun deck and pier.

Menu is quite short, same at the terrace and at dining room inside consisting of 4 starters, 7 main courses and 4 desserts.

For starters we had HSF Tapas – 4 tastes of summer and Toast Skagen with archipelago bread.

Tapas included from right to the left prawn cake, mustard herring, potato salad and beef carpaccio. Excellent ensemble, on hot summer day herring tasted great and carpaccio was really tender. Toast Skagen was also delicious, the amount of roe was princely. Both portions included tasty avocado dressing.

For main courses ordered Salad with roasted chicken and avocado dressing and HSF burger Full steak, gouda cheese, tomato slice, onion and BBQ mayonnaise with French fries.

Salad included pineapple, melon and grapefruit which made it juicy. Chicken was a little bit over roasted but otherwise ok. Burger bread was not white which was welcomed option. Steak was enough thick and medium and therefore succulent.

And for desserts Ice-cream portion of course and Coconut brulee with pineapple compote.

For ice-cream chose licorice and mint ice-creams, both enjoyable. Licorice is Finnish speciality which you must try if it is available. Coconut brulee was also delicious but taste of coconut could have been stronger. Some berries made the portion more colorful.

Wine chosen was Villa Huesgen by the glass which is modern and fresh german riesling. Paired extremely well with starters and with chicken salad but had glass of red wine (real glass not bottle) with HSF burger. Interesting name for wine, “by the glass”!

You could also dine at round restaurant building but if weather allows, choose pier. We ate between lunch and dinner time and due to timiing there were some empty tables. During rush hours all tables are occupied and especially during weekends. Summer season starts from Mid Summer and ends about in mid August.

About 27C degrees at 6PM in Finland is marvelous and therefore each opportunity to eat outside raises overall grade. Food was great and service polite and customer-sensitive. If you decide to eat inside, ask for window tables opening to harbour.

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

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Tags: Finland, Hanko, HSF, Restaurant HSF, restaurant review, Villa Huesgen by the glass, Wine
Categories : Food, Food and Wine, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel

Restaurant review: Töölönranta – city terrace surrounded by nature

27 07 2014

Restaurant Töölönranta combines the distinctively natural Helsinki landscape with a restaurant atmosphere. The contemporary Finnish architecture and design, surrounded by the unique landscape of Töölönlahti bay and park, makes restaurant an oasis almost in the center of city. Especially dining at the terrace is relaxing experience. Bar area has been developed to lounge type of port of call with soft lounge music.

Got the table under the awning which is more convenient place that sitting under the trees. For aperitives ordered glasses of Freixenet Mia Rose wine, which should have been more chilled as the wine is medium dry. You also get some foccacia bread to the table after you place the order.

For starters we had Seared king prawns with fennel and TASTES Sesame salmon with dill mayonnaise, King prawn with fennel and Cured beef with rocket lettuce and parmesan.

Prawns were really scrumptious and fennel paired with them perfectly. A little bit less salt and portion would have been bull’s eye.

You could pick three different tapas size of portions from six options if you choose TASTES as starter. When it says king prawn, there is really only one king prawn but prepared same way as first starter. Sesame salmon was also excellent as well as cured beef. Maybe the pieces of meat could have been thinner.

In Finnish restaurant you must choose fishes if you have not already done so. For main courses we chose Lightly smoked salmon warm potato salad and creamed morels and Chargrilled lavaret with spring vegetables and new potatoes, Beurre blanc sauce.

Salmon was tasty with potato salad. Found some sand in morels which is not so nice when you bite them. Luckily only one time.

Lavaret or whitefish is propably most common fish in the summer time at Finnish restaurants and it always tastes good. Simple portion with potatoes is like Finnish summer.

For desserts Fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream and Ice cream portion.

Finnish strawberries are delicious but these are the last days to get freshly picked ones. And when it is warm summer, what suits better than ice-cream? Chose tiger ice-cream which has hint of orange taste.

Wine list is fairly short and chose Printz von Hessen which has quite typical young riesling aromas and taste.

Portions are elegantly laid out and tasty. Several waitresses serve you, there does not seem to be named tables for them.

But best of Töölönranta is the terrace which has excellent location surrounded by nature but so close to the center of city. While walking to the restaurant you can admire cultural buildings like Helsinki Music Hall, Finlandia House and Opera House and at the same time observe birds enjoying of Töölönlahti bay.

Töölönranta - reijosfood.com

And at lounge bar you can enjoy aperitives, digestives or just cold drinks in order to relax and make your day perfect.

Good reasons to give high overall grade. Of course dining inside is also enjoyable because of large windows but prefer terrace in the summer.

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

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Tags: Finland, Helsinki, restaurant review, Restaurant Töölönranta
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review

Restaurant review: PureBistro – hidden terrace in Torikorttelit blocks

25 07 2014

PureBistro is a modern bistro with hidden terrace next to the Market Square in Torikorttelit blocks. Restaurant is owned by Michelin star restaurant Luomo (on the 2nd floor) chef”s Jouni Toivanen and Mika Mattila. That explains partly why PureBistro is one of the five Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in Helsinki.

Dining room at PureBistro is quite small and therefore in the summer time you might decide to dine outside, which we did as temperature was close to 30C degrees. The entrance to the terrace is either through restaurant or gateway which is in Katariinankatu. There are only about 30 seats at the terrace, therefore better arrive early because restaurant does not take reservations there.

If you dine inside, ask for window table and you can enjoy sea view and observe bustle at the Market Square.

Restaurant used to have 3 course dinner at the price of 45€. But not this time! Maybe PureBistro wants to utilize high tourist season and not offer any special prices if you eat starter, main course and dessert. Many fine dining bistros are closed at the moment, that might be another reason to cash in. On the other hand prices are reasonable compared to food quality.

Because of excellent weather had to start the dinner with Champagne, Pol Roger Extra Brut. To be honest, too dry for us.

After placing order you will get fresh bread paper bag on the table. I am sure that you will eat every piece of bread, they are so tasty.

For starters we ordered RAINBOWTROUT WITH TRADITIONAL FINNISH SALAD and BARBEQUE PORK “JAPANESE STYLE”

Trout confit was slightly cooked but so little that it made us wonder how it was prepared. One change was made; “scrambled eggs” replaced dill-potato salad because it included some milk. Pork was as it would have been prepared in qenuine Asian restaurant. It included miso, teriayaki sauce and mushrooms. PureBistro usualluy have one or two portions available with Asian flavors.

For main courses we had two times PAN FRIED PEARCH, CHANTERELLES AND CRAYFISH- POTATO TERRINE but two different versions of it.

First picture is portion without any changes. Perfectly fried small pearch pieces were delicious. No single fish bones although perch is one of the most difficult fishes to remove them. Sweet fennel supplemented the taste of chanterellers. Ingredients which included milk were replaced with turnips and oil dressing. Have not ever before tasted roasted turnips but will definately try them at home.

For desserts we ordered “STRAWBERRYMILK” and CHEESEs.

“Milk” in the first dessert was replaced with strawberry sorbet and sauce. Again excellent example of kitchen’s creativeness and competence to take account of food allergies. Cheeses were tasty as expected. Especially Comte paired well with jam.

For wine we had Tesch 1 Liter Riesling, only riesling on wine list. Wine paired well with all dishes we had; well, maybe not with desserts. Dry, about 6 g/l sugar, balanced acidity and minerality. If you prefer vintage wines you could also order from restaurant Luomo’s wine list.

With coffee and tea had to try “soft” Jacopo Poli Grappa di Sassicaia Elevata in Barili. Not basic grappa, more like real dessert “wine”.

Waiter left the bottle on our table so that we could study it more detailed. Label on the backside of the bottle told that Grappa had been matured in Sassicaia barrels and it was made mainly from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Savignon grapes.

PureBistro is genuine Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant and actually one of the first fine dining bistro type of restaurants in Helsinki. Chef’s at the kitchen create flexibly excellent portions and menu changes regularly.

If weather is suitable, you must try the terrace where you can dine in restful and relaxed athmosphere.

Previous PureBistro reviews can be found by using search.

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

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Tags: Champagne Pol Roger, Finland, Helsinki, Jacopo Poli Grappa, Michelin Bib Gourmand, PureBistro, restaurant review, riesling, Wine
Categories : Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel

Restaurant review: Valo (Savonlinna)

17 07 2014

Savonlinna is an active and vibrant summertime town in Finland. The town itself and its surroundings are one of the most popular holiday regions in Finland. Beside enjoying the opera, admire the breathtaking scenery in and around the town, have a giggle at some of the eccentric local events, and listen to the legends associated with the historical sites.

Dined at restaurant Valo (in English Light) the fourth year in a row, is it becoming a habit? No it will not, read futher…..Other 2 reviews can be found by using search and writing Valo.

Because one has to dine outside in order to be able observe opera guests walking to Savonlinna castle 200 meters from Valo restaurant by Saimaa lake, it would be important to have a good weather. In Valo one can also just have a drink at the forefront bar and do the same.

Restaurant serves local Finnish food, evidence for that used to be the names of local producers on the a la carte list. This year the names of local producers had almost vanished. Reason? Many local residents and summer vacationers had pizza which seems to be quite nice looking. We decided to keep up traditions and order form a la carte list. But in the future….

For starters we ordered Salmon & dill Sugar and salt-cured salmon, fennel salad, dill maynonnaise and potato crisps and Snails.

Nice looking small fish portion was a little bit too salty. It included two potato chips. I would not mention those in explanation of portion. Snails were soft with lot’s of smelted butter.

Main courses were this time Trout Pan fried trout fillet,warm new potato salad with crab sauce and Fish of the day from Saimaa with trimmings of the day.

Kitchen made some changes to trout portion as we requested them, which was proofpoint of customer service. But amazing was that waiter said that fish of the day should be pike-perch but we got Arctic char! That kind of mistake we have not seen for a long time.

Unfortunately both fishes were over fried and therefore dry.

For desserts we had after long discussion with waitress Chocolate cake and Berries.

Berries were not on the list but as there were no lactose-free desserts, berries were only ones kitchen could serve. Delicious chocolate cake included same berries as well as vanilla ice-cream.

For wine we had rose because only riesling on the wine list was too light and without any riesling character.

Next time when or if we dine at Valo we try pizza. Small and therefore over priced portions (but it is opera month) do not earn more than 3. Location and terrace increase overall grade.

The problem with Savonlinna restaurant scene has, is the lack of small privately own Finnish restaurants. Most in the center of town are owned nowadays by S-Group co-operative company. But it is difficult to keep up restaurant business, if there are customers only during summer months.

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

http://www.savonmafia.fi/products/product/82/

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Tags: Arctic char, Finland, restaurant review, Restaurant Valo, rose wine, Saimaa, Savonlinna, Trout
Categories : Food, Food and Wine, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel

Restaurant review: La Bottega (Tallinn, Estonia)

16 07 2014

Trattoria La Bottega offers a cross-section of the Italian cuisine, with a special emphasis on Italian food and wines consistency. Sardinian origin chef Nicolo Tanda favorites, fish and seafood are represented in restaurants menu.

La Bottega is part of Sparkling Group which owns several fine dining restaurants in Tallinn.

In Italian restaurant you must start the dinner with aperitivo. As Aperol Spritz was not available, we enjoyed Campari Soda’s.

For starters we ordered Antipasti and Prawn tails in spicy fresh tomato sauce and grilled focaccia.

Antipasti plate was generous including salami, Parma ham, eggplant, bruschetta,…..one of the biggest antipasti portions seen for a while. Tomato sauce with prawn tails was really scrumptious. It could have been used as pasta sauce, on top of a pizza or even to be eaten as such. Best flavor kitchen servedduring our visit.

Primi Piatti, or actually pasta, Spaghetti with garlic oil and chilli and Tomato salad with mozzarella buffalo cheese.

Had to order pasta in order to try how kitchen manages. And it managed well; spaghetti was al dente and garlic and chilli tasted nicely. As restaurant does not serve gluten-free pasta ordered caprese salad (tomato and mozzarella) for another Primi Piatti. Genuine Italian mozzarella di bufala beats cheeses made of cow milk.

Main courses this time were Herb marinated quail with oven baked eggplant and Braised rabbit in white wine and olive sauce, potato-spinach puree.

As La Bottega had quite challenging and rare meats on it’s a la carte list, had to try couple of them.

Two small quial legs made us mention to waitress that portion should be starter. The answer was separate side dishes are because of that. You have to choose them with certain portions. We had ordered two side dishes; Baked aubergine with garlic and parsley and Rucola and tomato salad. Unfortunately quail legs were also a little bit dry and should have been starters, with or without side dish.

Rabbit included side dish but rucola salad paired nicely with it. Meat was overdone, otherwise it tasted like rabbit should be.

Wine list consists only of Italian wines. We chose Gavi di Gavi Fossili which paired well with all dishes. The dinner was finalized with Italian digestives, Grappa and Limoncello, of course. Taste of lemon was quite thin in Limencello and the color was not so deep yellow as it should be.

Dining rooms are cozy and first one behind entrance is really high in old historic building. We arrived so early that dinner time had not yet started.

If weather allows you can also have lunch at the terrace; why not even dinner if evening is warm. Terrace is also perfect place to observe by-passers and other terraces close to La Bottega‘s one.

La Bottega is good Italian restaurant with ambitious menu. No pizza’s which of course prune customer base. But you get a chance to eat in more peaceful athmosphere than in many pizzeria/trattoria type of restaurants in Old Town. When it comes to food, would classify La Bottega as ristorante but based on decor more trattoria type.

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

http://labottega.ee/

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Tags: antipasti, Italian food, italian restaurant, La Bottega, Restaurant La Bottega, restaurant review, Tallinn
Categories : Food, Food and Wine, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel

Restaurant review: Chedi (Tallinn, Estonia)

13 07 2014

Restaurant Chedi is a contemporary treatment of Asian food culture. Contrasts, combination of tastes and mixture different raw materials are where the contemporary Asian cuisine is heading at. Chedi location is in Old Town, which is one of food culture areas in Tallinn.

Next to Chedi is another Sparkling Group restaurant Bocca (review 02.02.2013, use search at reijosfood)

For several years Chedi has been chosen in TOP 5 of best restaurants of Estonia. The reason we decided to visit there and of course our penchant for Asian cuisine.

Started the dinner with Small eat’s Dim sum platter with mushrooms and vegetable, Fried soft shell crab with red chilli and curry leaves and Jasmine tea smoked pork ribs.

Dim sums were great, especially the red ones. Soft shell crabs were also delicious but maybe the taste of crabs disappeared under frying. Pork ribs were one of the best ever eaten. But this is maybe because never before have tasted Jasmine tee smoked ribs.

For main courses we chose Grilled salmon in Chef ’s special sauce and Spicy prawns with water chestnut, chilli and almonds. For side dish restaurant served rice in wooden bowl. Would have ordered Thai style pike-perch but restaurant had not got any pike-perch fish.

Waitress asked if the salmon shoud be medium or well-done. This was a proof that kitchen knew what to do with salmon. Ordered medium, got it and enjoyed.

Spicy prawns were not enough spicy although there was lot’s of curry. Luckily we had asked extra spices which we used with every portion. However, prawns were excellent.

For desserts we just had green tea and coffee due to the fact that our stomachs were almost filled with three hors d’oeuvres.

Chedi is a restaurant worth to visit in Tallinn, if you like Asian food. Decor is stylistic with buddhist features. You have to be ready to eat with sticks and spoon which are used instead of fork and knife. Of even with fingers, if it is easier. You do not have to worry about smearing your fingers because you can wash them afterwards and dry them thoroughly with hand cloth.

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

http://chedi.ee/en/

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Tags: asian food, Chedi, Estonia, Restaurant Chedi, restaurant review, Tallinn
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Restaurant review: Kappeli – Finnish food in historic building

11 07 2014

Restaurant Kappeli was opened to the public 1867 as summer restaurant but since 1970′s it has been open all year round. Latest renowation was in autumn 2011 still keeping same traditions in building structure and decor.

In the summer you can also dine at the outside terrace which is behind main terrace. This summer first time it has separate grill menu which is not the same as inside. If you want to sit in the middle of the main terrace but inside, ask for oriel window table. It is small but you can even watch bands and singers on the Espa stage opposite the restaurant. We dined in that small glass walled space like we always do.

For starters we had Open sandwich with herring Haugesund herring on dark bread with sour cream, salad, potato, marinated red onion and organic egg and Kappeli’s fish assortment Smoked salmon mousse, cold smoked Baltic herring skagen, smoked whitebait, cold smoked salmon and organic scrambled eggs.

Cold fish starter plates are always excellent at Kappeli. Of course they are easier to prepare partly beforehand than warm starters or main courses. Main thing is what fish plate incudes and how pieces on the plate complement each other. Would say that the appearance of portions is not the main thing but it should be more because of the price level.

Main courses were Smoked salmon and creamy false morel stew with potatoes seasoned with butter, dill and onion, courgette and oven-baked tomato and Grain chicken breast fillet with goat’s cheese and Pistou vegetables.

Simple salmon portion with delicious side-dishes. But what about the price? 34€ is robbery but as main target group is tourists it does not matter. Chicken was dry but goat cheese delicious and enough warm.

Had to try desserts which were Crème brulée and orange sorbet and Blueberry pie with blueberries and blueberry ice cream.

Would say that desserts were best part of the dinner. Creme brulee with orange sorbet was delicious combination. Blueberry pie, one of my favorites, included lot’s of blueberry jam although there was already plenty of it on top of pie. And when you add ice-cream, dessert is bull’s eye.

The picture below is taken from the oriel window table we dined. It really feels you are dining in the middle of the terrace but without hearing gabble outside. And of course the temparature remains the same although evening turns later.

For wine we had champagne Nicolas Fauillette which is cheaper for loyalty card owners than most of the wines. Not the most tasty champagne we know but champagne anyway.

Restaurant Kappeli is a must place for tourists to visit and maybe even to dine, if you do not care about the high prices. Because of the price level can not give more than 3+ for food. Dry chicken cost 27€, which is again incomprehensible price, compared to what you get.

Service is polite and professional. But because Kappeli is Kappeli, overall grade is over 4. The building itself, Espa park around it, relaxed athmosphere and at least trying starters from the a la carte list are worth to experience.

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

http://www.kappeli.fi/index.php?id=23

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Tags: Finnish food, Restaurant Kappeli, restaurant review
Categories : Champagne, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel

Restaurant review: NJK – time stands still, dining continues

4 07 2014

NJK, the villa-type unique summer restaurant, located on the small island of Valkosaari, was built in 1900. It is one of the most popular locations for festivities and one of the most popular crayfish restaurant in Helsinki. Suprisingly there was no wedding party on that specific Saturday when we had dinner. Usually it is really difficult to get table during summer weekends.

Before dinner, if weather allows, you must enjoy aperitives at the second floor small terrace. From there you can also see restaurant Saaristo which is located on island Klippan. It is one of the several island restaurants in the foreground of Kaivopuisto. (review posted 22.6.2013)

There was few days left to try special 5 dishes Archipelago herbs menu, which 2 of us decided to order. Each portion included some Finnish herb from the restaurant’s own greenhouse. Portions were also named by the herb used to prepare dish. You could also choose recommended wines which we also did. Especially red wine deserved special attention.

Also chose 2 menus from a la carte list; those portions are marked with +. And with these dishes the wine choice was a bottle of Villa Huesgen Schiefer Riesling from Mosel. Dry and balanced German riesling.

SWEET CICELY

White fish ceviche and +NJK’s fish assortment

First herb dish was white fish ceviche. White fish (lavaret) is one of the best Finnish fishes and when it is served spiced and raw, it is always worth to try. Cicely paired well with white fish but saltiness ruled over a little bit. Excellent starter for dinner anyway.

Fish assortment included herrings, white fish roe with creme fraiche and onion, small smoked vendaces, shrimp skagen and salmon with mustard-dill dressing. But this was not all although most famous and best Finnish fishes were already on the plate. In addition to an assortment of fish, NJK served new potatoes and creamy morel mushroom sauce.

Campo Viejo Cava Brut Rosé, Spain 10 cl

Campo Viejo rose cava paired well with tart and salty ceviche. However, it did not beat Lanson Rose which we sipped for aperitives at the small 2nd floor terrace while enjoying sunny day and maritime landscape.

CHIVES

Mussel risotto with grilled scampi

After tasty ceviche we were served delicous risotto. Cooking time for rice was perfect and scampi complemented taste of mussels nicely. Not sure if flavor of chives was enough strong but excellent primi piatti anyway.

Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Riesling, Australia 12 cl

We were first served inadvertently red wine which should have been the third wine. It suited well with risotto, maybe even better than this riesling we got before finishing risotto. Rieslings are our favourite white wines but maybe this one required more acidity with risotto.

ITALIAN PARSLEY

Herb roasted fillet of lamb with dark parsley sauce and +Pike-perch with lemon beurre blanc

Third dish from herbs menu was fillet of lamb which you could have been changed to pike-perch if you would have preferred fish. Parsley suited well with the meat which had perfect rose inside.

Pike-perch had as a side dish cauliflower pyre which we asked to change for one of the portions. Fish was well prepared and tasty. Pike-perch is not so common fish to be served in restaurants in Finland. If it is on the a la carte menu, order it.

Jacob’s Creek Reserve Shiraz, Australia 16 cl

Jacob’s Creek reserve shiraz rose to our favourite from all four wines. Deep and balanced bouquet as well as flavor. Wine which you should have in your wine cabinet. Perfect pairing with lamb but also with risotto as mentioned earlier.

CURRANT LEAF

Thyme flavoured melon with currant leaf sorbet

Sorbet came in handy after lamb. Perfect food melter before dessert.

MINT

Strawberries with mint and lime mousse and +Chocolate and fudge ganache with blackberry sorbet

Mousse looked like ice-cream and first thought why serve ice-cream after sorbet. Fresh and sweet strawberries are always perfect way to end the dinner.

Chocolate dessert was master piece. Really sweet fudge but sorbet suitably slimmed it down not to bee too heavy.

Mumm Demi-Sec 10 cl

Dessert champagne was second best of the pre-selected wines. Port or sweet wine would have been too twee for strawberries but even for chocolate dessert. Excellent choice by sommelier.

NJK maintains traditions of letting customers to choose avec for coffee from drinks trolley instead of ordering it from list. Might be costly if you do not know what you have chosen. We did.

Restaurant NJK is a one of the few classic restaurants in Helsinki, like Savoy. You should invite your foreign quests there in order to get them familiar with Finnish archipelago and food. And both only from 2 minutes boat trip distance and a stone’s throw away from Market Square (Kauppatori).

Regarding the headline, time stands still at restaurant NJK. And it really does when you step into the buiding and sit at a table. If all the boats in NJK yacht club harbour were old sailing boats, then you really would wonder if time has gone back.

Food at NJK is excellent but unfortunately this time there was some instability in service which should not be there, not at NJK. Waitresses should be guided to details when it comes to menu and drinks, although she would be temporary worker. However, arrangement of aperitives at the 2nd floor terrace earned 5 points which increased service grade. And overall grade is high due to unique milieu, solemn but relaxed athmosphere and dinner entourage.

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

http://www.ravintolanjk.fi/en

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Tags: Helsinki, NJK, Restaurant NJK, restaurant review, Wine
Categories : Champagne, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel

Restaurant review: Blue Peter – 2014 2nd review

26 06 2014

I believe we dine at Blue Peter over 10 times per year and mainly in summer time. Therefore it makes sense to post a review regularly in order to confirm the level of quality. Compared to last year free salad buffet for diners is not anymore available. You need to order starter, if you want to eat such, which we anyway often did earlier despite of the buffet.

This time for starters we had Warm smoked white fish, salad and mustard-dressing and Green asparagus, Parma ham and hollandaise sauce.

You can order also this delicious salad for main course, but it suits well for starter. You seldom get white fish (lavaret) on top of salad; therefore order it, if you have a chance. Green asparagus was cooked like it should be, not too soft. Parma ham paired well as well as hollandaise but the amount of sauce was overwhelming.

For main courses we ordered Grilled salmon, teriyaki-sauce with pumkin pyree and Cheddarburger, minced beef steak and french fries.

Salmon is always delicious and with pumkin pyre even better. Burger is one of the best in Helsinki, but has the beef steak shrinked? Must try again soon.

Most important, of course, are desserts. And of course Crepe, strawberry jam and vanilla ice-cream and this time also Ice-cream and berries.

As mentioned in earlier review, crepe is really scrumptious. But now Blue Peter had added lactose free vanilla ice-cream on it’s menu which was warmly welcomed by us. So far only standard ice-cream but our wish had been fulfilled.

Behind the window there were also some other diners enjoying of stand-up meal.

Friday evening when we dined at Blue Peter was one of the busiest for them. Big private party and yachtsmen enjoying dinner before weekend sailing. However, head waiter was as calm as usually and arrange us window table although had first some troubles to sit at another table. And despite the pressure in kitchen portions earned a little bit better points than in previous review, as well as overall grade.

https://reijosfood.com/2014/02/02/restaurant-review-blue-peter-all-year-round-open-yacht-club/

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

http://www.bluepeter.fi/

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Tags: Blue Peter, Helsinki, Restaurant Blue Peter, restaurant review
Categories : Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review

Restaurant review: Havis – Midsummer’s Eve dinner

21 06 2014

Restaurant Havis used to specialize only in seasonal Finnish and Scandinavian seafood. Restaurant consists of three different dining room styles. Dining room Havis looks as historic as building restaurant is located. Reserved window table from this room. One can see new Finnar SkyWheel at Katajanokka and old Market Hall through the windows. Vanha Kauppahalli was re-opened on the 9th June 2014 after being renovated almost 2 years.

Dining room Kitchen includes open-plan kitchen and dining room Terrace is more relaxed sheltered patio which might be cold depending on weather.

You can not call Havis fish restaurant any more, because it serves also hamburgers and caesar salads. Wider menu might be due to hotel Haven, which is a member of Small Luxury Hotel of the World. Hotel Haven is part of the same Royal Ravintolat Group as three restaurants in the same building including Havis.

Midsummer is quiet period in Helsinki and most restaurants are closed. Partly because of this, restaurant was full of mainly tourists.

Havis had special Midsummer menu with only 2 starters, 2 main courses and 2 desserts. Almost cancelled reservation when noticed that but luckily decided to keep the reservation. We got the table we had requested, first table on the right by the window next to the entrance. Also all portions were lactose free which is still really rare. We tried all portions.

STARTERS

Asparagus soup with vendace roe

Asparagus tasted enough and structure of the soup was perfect. Green asparagus was properly cooked, not too much.

Fishplate with local fish and season potatoes

Cold fishplate included herring, baltic herring, smoked fish mousse, salmon tartar and white fish roe. Excellent assortment of Finnish fishes accompanied with new potatoes with butter and dill.

MAIN COURSES

Char-grilled arctic char with summer vegetables and false morel stew

Arctic char is rare fish at the restaurants which made this portion special. Summer vegetables were baby carrot, peas, green asparagus, early cabbage, potatoes, radish and cauliflower. For tourists good chance to taste fresh Finnish vegetables on one plate.

Roasted beef marble fillet with bean cassoulet and Bearnaise sauce

Roasting time had been consummate but unfortunately meat included parts which were chewy. Cassoulet and sauce paired well with meat as well as glass of Capitel San Rocco Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso. Wine had suitable amount of tannins but was also round at the same time.

DESSERTS

Cheese selection with Havis crisp bread and compote

First of all thanks to our waiter who wrote down the names of cheeses because have to try to find Klosterkäse from Austria from supermarkets because it was really tasty. Other cheeses were Fourme Dambert from France, Capratraminer from Italy and Brie de Meaux from France which is always unbeatable white cheese. Wonder why Havis does not serve Finnish cheeses?

White chocolate pannacotta with marinated strawberries

Dessert without lactose but includes milk, well done Havis!

We had for white wine Prinz von Hessen Classic Riesling which paired well with starters and arctic char. Dry and enough minerals and acidity, not too dominant but complementary.

The old ship on the back end wall was heading to …..?

Roasted beef lowered a little bit the food points but otherwise dinner was delicious. Especially using lactose free milk products is big plus. Overall grade is high because it is great that Havis is open on Midsummer’s Eve and we got exactly the table we had been requested when making on-line reservation.

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

Typical Finnish summer weather forecast: “If it does not rain, it is cloudy or sunny. Sometimes or usually all three at the same time”.

http://www.ravintolahavis.fi/en

https://fi-fi.facebook.com/SkywheelHelsinki

https://www.facebook.com/Vanhakauppahalli

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Tags: Finnair SkyWheel, Havis, Helsinki, Juhannus, Midsummer, restaurant, Restaurant Havis, restaurant review, Vanha Kauppahalli
Categories : Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel

Restaurant review: PureBistro – with Bib Gourmand status

1 06 2014

PureBistro is a modern bistro and bar with two terraces next to the Market Square in Torikorttelit buildings. Restaurant is owned by Michelin star restaurant Luomo (on the 2nd floor) chef”s Jouni Toivanen and Mika Mattila. That explains partly why PureBistro is one of the five Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in Helsinki and earns to keep that status.

Dining room at PureBistro is quite small and therefore in the summer time you might decide to dine outside, if temperature allows that, which it did not on the last day of May. If you dine inside, ask for window table and you can enjoy sea view and observe bustle at the Market Square. That is exactly whatwe did.

Menu is short – 3 starters, 3 main courses and 2 desserts. If you choose 3 course dinner, the price is 45€. One option is to have drink at the bar and taste some small bites, in Finnish Snadit. As English and Finnish versions of the names of the portions are not exactly the same, I included both language versions.

After placing order customers will get fresh bread paper bag on the table.

Starters we ordered had fancy names; Hamashi Sashimi with Avocado & Seaweed Piikkimakrillisashimia, avokadokreemiä, soijaa ja levää and Carpaccio, Bloody Mary Sorbet & Tallowvinegar Kotimaista rotukarjaa, bloody mary sorbet ja emmentalia.

Sashimi was fresh and side dishes accompanied fish in oriental portion well. Lack of salt was only minus. Beef carpaccio was so soft that it could have eaten with spoon. I am not sure if kitchen tried to create picture of hedgehog on the plate, but portion looked like it.

For main courses we had two times Fried Trout, Cauliflower & Cassis Ahvenanmaan taimenta, kukkakaalia ja herukkaa but requested some changes to one of them. Restaurant created excellent version of this portion by replacing cauliflower with ratatouille.

Trout itself was perfectly fried, you could also eat fish skin as it was enough crispy. And what is most important, fish was not over-fried which happens too often also in so called good restaurants.

For desserts ordered Tosca, VanillaIceCream & MilkXoco Toscakakkua, vaniljajäätelöä ja maitosuklaata and “Macedonia De Frutas” Liqourice “Hedelmäsalaattia” ja lakritsisorbettia.

Tosca cake was scrumptious. Amount of toffee sauce was maybe too much, but had to eat all of it anyway. Take a look at how fruits and sorbet was placed on the plate! PureBistro really has an artist in the kitchen, remember the hedgehog.

Had to order bottle of Tesch 1 Liter Riesling for two reasons; riesling weeks with special menus had just ended but Tesch riesling was still available and the unsual size of the bottle (1 liter) is rare apparition.

Wine paired well with all dishes we had; well, maybe not with desserts. Dry, about 6 g/l sugar if I remember right what waitress told, and balanced acidity and minerality.

As we got window table, overall grade is 4,5. Propably next time we shall dine at the terrace; waiting for warmer summer days….Service is in balance with kitchen’s creativeness and skills.

PureBistro is genuine Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant and actually one of the first fine dining bistro type of restaurants in Helsinki. Nowadays there are several sophisticated bistro restaurants close to each other, like Gastrobar Emo, Gastropub Rikhard’s, Spis and Copa’s y Tapas. Reviews of there restaurants can be found by using search. Also previous PureBistro reviews can be found the same way.

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

http://www.purebistro.fi/

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Tags: food, Helsinki, Michelin Bib Gourmand, PureBistro, restaurant, restaurant review, riesling, Tesch, Wine
Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review

Restaurant review: Rikhards Gastropub – Chef Hans Välimäki is back!

13 05 2014

2 Michelin star chef Hans Välimäki is back in business with new restaurant concept. Restaurants were opened early May in the same building where Chez Domique located.

Välimäki is fine dining restaurant with only 8 seats and Rikhards Gastropub more casual place, but with a touch of gourmet. As we received early warning that bookings can be made, we managed to get table less than two weeks from opening of Rikhards.

Decoration of Rikhards Gastropub is like name indicates; pub-styled, masculine and a little bit gloomy. Customers had not yet totally found restaurant, as there were empty tables in the late evening.

Restaurant Välimäki was behind closed doors, but it seemed to be booked-up. 1st Tasting menu with wines costs there a little bit over 300€ per person.

For starters decided to try 4 different portions: ”BAGNA GAUDA” Tarragon & watercress dip w/ season’s vegetables à la Master Ducasse…, ”POP CORN” Seaweed & chicken skin served with sesame, soy & truffle sour cream, SPICY CHICKEN WINGS (HV´S CHICKEN BASKET) Served glazed with kimchi mayonnaise. “Sticky fingers…” and NEW POTATOES WITH HAUGESUND HERRING New potatoes, dill butter & herring caviar.

Waiter suggested to start with “Pop Corn” which was brilliant idea. The dish, you can not get in any other restaurant, was extremely interesting; tasted like pop corn but fortunately impossible to find out taste of chicken skin. Eaten with fingers this starter with dips was excellent. “Pop Corn”, would say is more or less appetizer, because you do not seem to eat anything, threfore it requires another starter to accompany.

Then we tasted herring caviar with potatoes. Caviar was hidden under the potatoes and “oh boy” it was delicious. Must have been smash hit on May Day lunch! As starter has three potatoes, you would not necessarily need to order any other starters.

Then chicken wings, suitably spicy and not too sweet; with mayonnaise really scrumptious combination. Ended starters with fresh vegetables; again the dip was excellent.

For main courses we had ”BANGERS & MASH” Salsiccia sausages with potato mash, cucumber & gravy of course… and TORSKRYGG A Swedish classic: codfish seared in brown butter, egg, shrimps, horseradish & velouté sauce w/ dill & mussel.

Three big, luscious and suitably flavored Italian sausages where on the top of mashed potatoes. Must say that if you want to eat all three, take light starter. One mistake was that cucumbers were forgotten, which made the portion look really simple.

Codfish was also delicious. However, the amount of sauce could have been smaller. It seems that main courses are quite sturdy, which suits to the concept.

After Salsiccia sausages (could not eat all three) and codfish still had to try desserts and ordered KAKKUPALA Piece of cake with the sauce you wish and ICE CREAM & SORBETS.

Lemon tart (Kakkupala) was perfect, especially meringue made in the restaurant kitchen, was great. Ordered first toffee ice-cream, but as it was too salty for dessert and got vanilla ice-cream instead.

Food in Rikhards Gastropub is excellent. Hans Välimäki fills the bill which might be quite high due to his previous success. Without those two small slip up’s (forgotten cucumber and toffee ice-cream), food grade would have been close to 5.

Service was professional and polite. I have seen too often hypocritical, over-lively service leaving sometimes feeling you are treated like a child. Here it was better.

Overall grade would be higher, if pub interior would be more soft. And when confirming reservation, restaurant mentioned that table is reserved for 2 hours, which is quite short time for aperitifs, 3 course meal and coffees. 2 1/2 hours would be worth of 4,5 out of 5.

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

http://www.rikhards.fi/

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Tags: Hans Välimäki, restaurant review, Rikhards Gastropub
Categories : Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review

Reijosfood

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Restaurant review: HSF – Yacht Club restaurant in Hanko

Restaurant review: Töölönranta – city terrace surrounded by nature

Restaurant review: PureBistro – hidden terrace in Torikorttelit blocks

Restaurant review: Valo (Savonlinna)

Restaurant review: La Bottega (Tallinn, Estonia)

Restaurant review: Chedi (Tallinn, Estonia)

Restaurant review: Kappeli – Finnish food in historic building

Restaurant review: NJK – time stands still, dining continues

Restaurant review: Blue Peter – 2014 2nd review

Restaurant review: Havis – Midsummer’s Eve dinner

Restaurant review: PureBistro – with Bib Gourmand status

Restaurant review: Rikhards Gastropub – Chef Hans Välimäki is back!

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