Restaurant review: Magu

14 03 2020

Restaurant Magu was established in November 2018 to Kallio neighborhood. Year after it moved to Kaartinkaupunki in Kasarmikatu. Magu serves plant-based vegan food but you do not see vegan mentioned on their web-pages. Ecological approach can be seen in the restaurant interiors. All furniture, plates, glasses, cutlery, textile and kitchen equipment has been bought second-hand.

You can order dishes as separate portions but decided to try 2+1+1 menu. Of course you have to decide which you want to eat, which might be difficult due to different attempting options. After first reading of menu it is difficult to make conclusion that all dishes are vegan, but that is the fact.

 

For firsts two dishes had Jerusalem Artichoke Soup, Fungi Panko & Kale x 2 and Arancini & Yuzu. 

Soup was very tasty and artichoke flavor was top notch. You can see the bread above plate? That was one of the best ever eaten in restaurant.

Big Mushrooms and crispy kale paired perfectly with each other. Panko, Japanese breadcrumbs, made the ensemble even more enjoyable.

Italian stuffed rice balls with citrus fruit taste, Yuzy, where also delicious. Typically Parmesan cheese is used to complement the taste as in risotto. But as this was vegan, you could not find difference in taste of “real” Parmesan and vegan cheese.

 

For “primi piatti” had Mac & “Cheese” and Risotto Nettle & Broccoli.

Spaghetti with vegan cheese was palatable. Pasta was still al dente as it should be making the dish bull’s eye.

Risotto was, if you can pick any, the “weakest link”. Structure was a little bit too pap, but it did not matter too much due to flavors.

 

Must say that when main courses arrived we were already quite full. 1+1+1 would be enough to make you sated. Had ordered Sweet Potato & Gnocchi and Celeriac & Wild Fungi.

Smoky flavor repeated from one of the previous dishes and dominated a little bit too much in Gnocchi dish. It included two different kind of potatoes prepared with two different ways. Taste was again scrumptious but if you order pasta for third course, recommend to order Celeriac or King Oyster for fourth dish.

Celeriac was extremely tasty, therefore see previous comment. Roots are always lighter that pasta or risotto and of course very healthy. And have not seen celeriac to be used by chef’s so often.

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For some reason Magu does not believe that wines and food belong together. Actually in many cases restaurants recommend light wines with plant-based dishes. There are already good vegan and organic wines available. And in Finland, if wine includes egg or other animal based products, it must be written on the label. That is not the case in many EU countries.
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Most full-bodied wine available was Nada Nature Peinture which is a medium bodied wine made from 100% LLedoner Pelut grapes. Not typical red wine and for us the taste of wine was too light. And price, 75€, did not reflect with the experience expected with that price range.
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Magu is welcomed newcomer to Helsinki restaurant scene. Vegan and vegetarian lifestyle is getting more and more popular and there is a need for tasty and well prepared restaurant food.

Dining area is kind of a circle, you might get the table by the street or close to yard. Casual and cozy atmosphere makes the dining experience enjoyable.

If you have vegan friends, take them to Magu. And for food lovers who do not eat only vegetarian or vegan food, it is also experience not to bypass.

 

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

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Restaurant review: Farouge

7 03 2020

Lebanese restaurant Farouge was originally established in 1995 in Helsinki. When building, it was located, was renovated, it closed its doors. Some time later it opened street food bar at Stockmann department store at 1st floor. New restaurant Farouge re-opened its doors in August 2018 in recently renovated Aurinkotalo.

150 seats and two dining areas make Farouge one of the biggest restaurants in Helsinki. First dining area after entrance is elegant and mainly for groups. Next to it is garden restaurant, which is more laid-back and actually has tree in the middle of the room.

You could eat only Meze’s if you want to taste different flavours of Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine. We decided to order those as starters and go with main courses after that.

Started the dinner with glasses of Champagne. Great way to relax, check the menu and orientate for the dinner.

 

Started with BABA & GHANOUSH Aubergine and tahini, MUSHROOM & GARLIC Pan-fried button mushrooms with coriander and garlic and SHRIMPS & CORIANDER Shrimp pot with coriander. And of course pita bread was served with appetizers.

First two mezes were vegan. Baba & Ghanoush, did not remember what kind of dish that was, therefore should have ordered Hummus & Pine. There was not enough eggplant as you can see in the picture and hummus flavor dominated.

Shrimps were tasty with herbs and spices. Maybe not typical meze, but Farouge serves also some hints of Mediterranean cuisine.

Big mushrooms were delicious. Using spoon was easier as serving bowl was quite small.

 

For main courses decided to try SEA BASS & SAFFRON Sea bass with Jerusalem artichoke and saffron sauce and CAULIFLOWER Stuffed globe artichoke, quinoa, cauliflower and pumpkin.

Lebanese cuisine is healthy including an abundance of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and seafood. Therefore expected a lot from Sea bass dish. Two slices of white fish meat were cooked perfectly and sauce paired well with Sea bass. Most of the main courses were meat dishes like chicken and lamb. Next time have to try one of them.

Quinoa was the best part of Cauliflower dish. Cauliflower itself is mild-tasting and requires strong herbs and spices to make it enjoyable.

 

Most of the major wineries in Lebanon have their vineyards in the southern Beqaa Valley. Chateau Ksara remains much the biggest, with 70% of all the country’s production.

For wine had two different Lebanese wines. Most full-bodied was Musar Jeune Red Château Musar, from Bekaa Valley produced from Cinsault, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Winery is perhaps the best known in the West.

 

Restaurant Farouge is interesting choice if you are looking for fancy dining experience. Two dining rooms with different decorations and athmosphere influence in the experience. If you want to dine more casual, choose winter garden. If you have foreign business guests or dress code is Lounge suit or more, choose main dining room.

What makes restaurant also attractive is the music. Arabic rhythms take you to origins of food and make the dining more authentic.

FOOD 4-/5 – SERVICE 4,5/5 – OVERALL GRADE 4+/5

https://www.farouge.fi/en/


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Restaurant review: Lucy in the Sky

22 02 2020

Restaurant Lucy in the Sky sits on top of Accountor Tower, the historical landmark building towering over the area of Keilaniemi in Espoo. Restaurant was opened in January 2020 by same owners as Pastor, which was closed few months earlier.

Lucy’s glass walls provide views to all directions showcasing the best of the Helsinki-Espoo region. Lucy serves lunch, dinner and brunch to both the tenants of the building and visitors alike. For visitors like us, easiest way to arrive to the restaurant is to take subway, as stop is only 100 meters from the tower.

Had first house Champagne Charpentier Blanc de Blancs at the bar, crisp and fresh, as 100% Chardonnay wines should be. Bar had been decorated respecting 70’s style when the tower was originally built.

For dinner ordered tasting menus: Taste of Honey (vegan version) and Slow Down I. Menus changed few days after visiting restaurant, so dish names are not the so exact. One suggestion is to share the menu on a paper before starting to serve it.

Taste of Honey started with miso soup and artichoke mousse. Both were very tasty, maybe the mousse was missing cracker or some bread for dipping.

Slow Down I menu started with “blini” and pork bun. Both were perfect way to start the dinner, right sized and tasty. Maybe the bun was a little bit too big compared to amount of fillings. Opening up it a bit more might have fixed it. Anyway, appetizing!

 

Then came Tempuras which could have been ordered also as main course platter. Vegan version included cauliflower and broccoli. Slow Down I consisted of king shrimp and cauliflower. With soy based dip sauces third course was enjoyable. Tempura is one of the favorites in general.

 

Taste of Honey had one extra dish, risotto. Although it did not include any parmesan cheese, not even vegan, taste was excellent. Also chanterelles, which are one of the best mushrooms in Finland, made risotto perfect.

 

Main courses were actually large portions of food thinking about 5 course dinner.

Tofu and noodles in Taste of Honey were scrumptious. Tofu is quite typical in vegan dishes especially when cuisine is partly Asian.

Tender slices of and pulled black angus beef were excellent. Perhaps the best of all dishes in Slow Down I. Accompanied with delicious side dishes and sauces, the skills in the kitchen were noticeable.

 

Desserts were chocolate mousse sorbet and matcha latte. Not too sweat, perfect way to finish the dinner.

 

For wine ordered Corsini Armujan Barbera d’Alba 2016, which was chosen by Sommelier Pekka Koiranen. Lucy has comprehensive wine list and wines from Nebbiolo and Piemonte are well presented. Full-bodied, tasty wine which paired well with all dishes.

 

In the middle of dining area is open kitchen. Several chef’s and cook’s are preparing food between two islands. Positive was, that food did not smell at the dining area at all.

Visited restaurant couple of days later and had two course lunch with few friends. Lunch I enjoyed was very light, prawn cocktail for starter and arctic char for main course. Maybe with dessert which we I did not had, the amount for food would have been enough.

 

Lucy in the Sky will be success although it is in the middle of office area which is under constraction. Dining room was full during the dinner and when the terraces are open, spot will be even more popular.

Views to all directions are spectacular. When sun will shine or sky will be clear, you can spend some time just walking around the restaurant and observe surroundings.

Worth to visit again!

 

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

https://en.lucyinthesky.fi/

 


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Restaurant review: SPIS – hidden gem in Kasarmikatu

20 10 2019

Restaurant SPIS is small 18-seat Nordic restaurant in Kasarminkatu, Helsinki. SPIS serves pure Nordic food, therefore it is excellent place to dine, if want to get familiar with local dishes. Visited first time SPIS already in 2015 when it was selected as restaurant of the year. Since then it has been able to keep high standards when it comes to cuisine and service.

Enjoyed Short Tasting Menu because dinner started already at 17.30. Prices vary from 50-57€ depending on ingredients. Vegan menu is also available, which is not yet so typical for fine dining bistros. But this is quite natural for SPIS, as main ingredients used are vegetables.

 

First surprises were “crackers” in two forms, which started the dinner. Had already ordered glass of champagne, which had tiny bubbles and was refreshing.

First dishes were soup and sortiment of local veggies. Tasty and well prepared.

Then restaurant served scallop with cucumber, which paired perfectly with each other. Then it was time to melt food with sorbet.

Main dish was enough big to make you full and now the wine was red.

Two desserts finalized the dinner.

Restaurant is located in Kasarmikatu and when it is closed, it easy to bypass it without noticing.

Pairing wines can be also ordered with the price of 34€. For digestive ordered Helsinki Applejack  which is a spirit produced from the best Finnish apples. Today in Finland there are several distilleries producing famous gins, whiskies and other excellent spirits and The Helsinki Distilling Company is one of them.

SPIS is one of the best Nordic food restaurants in Helsinki. Food served is well prepared, creative and tasty. And I really appreciate that restaurant is willing to prepare all snacks between the dishes.

Service has always been one of the strengths of restaurant. Chef”s bring some of the dishes to tables, which makes the dining more intimate.

Can warmly recommend SPIS!

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

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Restaurant review: The Souk

12 10 2019

Restaurant The Souk was opened in October 2019 in Kortteli at 5th floor in Kamppi Shopping Center. Before The Souk restaurant Jord was at the same location, but it moved to Kruunuhaka. Restaurant still had empty tables on Friday afternoon although almost all other restaurants in Kortteli were already very busy. The Souk does not yet have web pages either it is listed on Kamppi pages when writing this blog. One reason for not yet being that busy as the other restaurants.

Menu as well as wine list are short. The name of the restaurant reflects the cuisine, hints from Middle East and Mediterranean. First you get small tasty bruchetta’s with tapenade.

For starters ordered Cauliflower wings and Warm goat cheese & beetroot carpaccio. Cauliflower portion was huge for starter, could have been shared. Goat cheese on top of beetroots was as it should be. Difficult to fail when warming up cheese on grill.

Main courses were Spinach Arancini and Roasted Chicken Supreme. With main courses one has to choose one side dish, in our case they were Potatoes and Souk salad.

On the menu it is written risotto as one of the main courses, so it was a little surprise to get filled rice balls. Forgot to ask, if this was vegan version of risotto. Arancinis were big enough to fill up really hungry stomachs. But after wings a little bit too much.

Chicken was nicely cut into two pieces. Sauce was tasty and paired well with roasted meat. Side dish was modest consisting of some canned veggies on top of basic green salad.

For wine had Italian Conti Serristori from Sangiovese grapes. Light but paired nicely with low-spicy dishes.

The Souk will be busy in the coming evenings and lunch hours due to location. Kortteli restaurant area is popular especially in the cold and rainy season which has started already in Finland. Restaurant will definately develop during the first months after opening.

 

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


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Restaurant review – Penelope

7 09 2019

PLATO PEQUEÑO, GRAN SABOR

Restaurant Penelope was opened late 2018 by celebrity chef’s Hans Välimäki and Arto Rastas. Modern fine dining tapas kind of bistro serves well desingned and tasteful dishes. Restaurant has 60 seats but you can also dine by the bar desk as we did at the first time or in the summer time at the terrace.

Had 8 course dinner when eating first time. This time let you enjoy pictures because Penelope is one of the best restaurants in Helsinki, when it comes to international food.

Ordered for wine Enemigo Mío Garnacha from Casa Rojo. Cherry red wine with purple trim. The nose is fruity and floral, with notes of rose petals. Delicate, elegant, with a rich complexity in which the aromas of red fruits and balsamic. Nice with all dishes enjoyed.

 

Restaurant is cozy and laid-back. You can see chef’s working in the open kitchen.

Food is excellent and dishes well prepared. Service was professional but as we dined by the bar desk, there were some limitations.

Waiting for third visit…

 

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

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Restaurant review: Taqueria El Rey Annankatu

21 04 2019

Taqueria El Rey opened it’s big brother (or sister) in Annankatu in March 2019. First El Rey is small taqueria which earned title “Best tacos in Helsinki” few years ago. New spot is in the same place where one of the first genuine Mexican restaurants Patrona located. With new owners Patrona was later ruined and it closed it doors 2018. So, what would be the better location to continue real Mexican tradition than the corner by Annankatu.

Menu at El Rey Annankatu is more varied and ambitious than in small taqueria, but same tacos are of course available. Also wine selection is more comprehensive and what makes wine menu remarkable is that there is one excellent wine from Baja California, Mexico!

Started the dinner with aperitifs, glass of La Chouette Champagne and Paloma, fresh and tasty Mexican drink made from tequila and grapefruit soda.

 

For starters ordered Guacamole Made daily with fresh avocados, tomato, onion, coriander, chile & lime. Served with traditional totopos, Sopesitos 3 small hand made corn sopesitos, topped with smashed beans & chorizo, crème fraiche, lettuce & queso fresco and Yaca Pibil Panuchos From Yucatán 3 small corn panuchos, topped with smashed beans, jack fruit pibil, pickled habanero & onios

Guacamole and totopos are always perfect combination. And as also “nachos” are home made, which make them lighter and less salty, it is easy to empty the bucket.

Sopesitos were excellent and one can “adjust” the taste by adding spicy sauces which were brought to the table.

In that sense Panuchos were great as they were served with jackfruit. That gave unique taste for the starter as we have not seen this tropical fruit used before.

We also got chance to try Ceviche de Coco Baby coconut, cooked in lime & yellow habanero juice, mixed with seaweed, avocado, onion, coriander & zuccini. Tart and strong flavor made this starter interesting, could even find savor of fish although this dish is vegan. For our taste it was a little bit too sour.

 

Main courses were one of the Chef’s specialities, Pulpo Grilled octopus with garlic, roasted potatoes with habanero & casbel chili oil and baby gem topped with pickle Xnipec and avocado mousse and Tacos Dorados de Camote 3 crispy tacos filled with sweet potato topped with hot chipotle salsa, fresh lettuce, avocado, coriander, onion & vegan creme fraiche and cheese.

Pulpo was crispy and soft at the same time, which it should be, if prepared in the right way. Portion does not necessarily need potatoes but for Finns they are many times very important side dish.

Tacos with sweet potato were delicious. When eating the third one, sweetness started to dominate but with spicy sauces taste could be balanced.

 

Had to order Mexican wine from Valle de Guadalupe although it was the most expensive on the wine list. L.A. Cetto Nebbiolo 2013 color is intensively dark red, it is full-bodied and taste is rich. Only the price might slow down the sales, otherwise it could be the best-seller in the restaurant.

 

Taqueria El Rey Annankatu is propably the flagship of Mexican cuisine in Helsinki. Brilliantly designed menu and well prepared food guarantee the success. Table reservation is good to make beforehand especially for weekend evenings.

Service is professional and polite but suitably easy-going as the idea is not to be too rigid. If that would be the case remember to try tequila from wide selection.

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

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Restaurant review: Cevicheria

31 03 2019

Cevicheria is small Peruvian restaurant and Pisco bar in newly opened dining area in so called Autotalo. Office building does not invite customers to step in to that area, but when you are there you can see sushi restaurant, Nepalese restaurant and couple of other different style dining spots.

Cevicheria claims to be first cevicheria in Finland. Maybe, but Pastor has served Peruvian fusion food including ceviches for many years. Menu consist of starters, ceviches & tiraditos, main courses and 2 desserts. Side dish selection is versatile. Vegan versions are also available.

Ordered for starters Ensalada Quinoa Salad of quinoa with avocado and Ceviche Carretillero Pike-pirch, octopus, greenshell mussel, lime juice, Aji amarillo, choclo corn and sweet potato.

Both dishes were tasty when we got them to table after quite long waiting time.

Quinoa was cooked differently as usual which made it quite special.

Ceviche is actually enough big to be main course. Fish was nicely “cooked” in citrus sauce and shellfishes were fresh although we are in Finland. Dish does not need sweet potato as a starter, but as main course it is justified.

 

For main courses had Carapulcra Sunroot, artichoke heart, chickpea, smoked chilipepper and vanilla and Aji de Gallina Chicken in creamy cocos chili sauce served with rice.

Sauce complemented nicely chickpeas which were enough moist. Typically they are quite dry.

Pulled chicken was delicious in it’s topping. Menu says that side dish is rice but it was served with potatoes. In this case fried sweet potatoes were not needed. But must say they were the best ever eaten in Finland.

 

For wine had Portuguese COROA D’OURO 2016. Pleasant bouquet and smooth, full-bodied and aromatic taste. Produced from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca grapes.

 

Ceviche is welcomed new cuisine in Helsinki restaurant scene. Just recently opened dining spot practices serving but most important thing are tasty and fresh dishes.

Location might be slight challenge because restaurant is in the office building without windows opening to the streets. But that should not be problem if food served keeps the level it had during our visit.

 

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

https://www.cevicheria.fi/


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Restaurant review: Vinkkeli

17 03 2019

Restaurant Vinkkeli is located in the heart of the Kaartinkaupunki neighborhood, at the intersection of Korkeavuorenkatu and Pieni Roobertinkinkatu. Vinkkeli can be described as a food and wine restaurant, presenting a friendly, honest, and uncomplicated take on classic cuisine, where the wine and drink selection is given the same devotion as the selection of ingredients in the kitchen. 2019 Vinkkeli was selected as 7th in the “50 Best Restaurants” in Finland list. Excellent achievement as we have 6 Michelin star restaurants.

From Monday to Saturday Vinkkeli offers a four course dinner menu which is designed by their chef’s in the kitchen and wine pairings selected by the sommelier. A la carte list consist of three starters and main courses, but we chose the dinner menu as vegan version was also available. One just have to order it beforehand when making reservation.

To add more hunger enjoyed as aperitifs A. Viot & Fils Champagne Millesime 2008. Fresh and cheery sparkling from small producer with lot’s of bubbles.

 

First courses served were delicious masterpieces.

Carrots and sweet potato were main ingredients in vegan dish. Smoked salmon with accompaniments was tasty, leaving the feeling that one wanted to eat more.

 

Next came the soups, onion and pumpkin.

Both were served so that soups were poured on the plates at the table. Some side dishes were already placed on the plate before pouring.

 

After short brake main courses were served.

In vegan dish broccoli and eggplant paste had main role. Veal was fleshy and cabbage, sauce and paste were delicious.

 

For dessert Vinkkeli served home-made ice-creams.

Oat milk ice-cream with blueberries and blueberry ice-cream with crispy cake melted in the mouths. Perfect finish for excellent dinner.

 

Sommelier suggested for wine Portuguese winery Pinalta. This wine was not on the wine list where there are mostly wines from France. Also Spain and Italy are quite well presented.

Pinalta 2010 is produced from the same grapes as port wines are. Smooth aroma and full-bodied taste made the food-wine combination perfect.

 

Dining room furniture and decoration is classic and elegant.  Restaurant itself is in old building which supplements dignified experience.

 

No doubt Vinkkeli earns accolade it has been given. All pieces are in order for earning Michelin star. Food is excellent and portions are impressive. Service is professional and insconspicuous. Dining area supports well classic dining experience which definitely is not too rigid.

 

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

http://www.ravintolavinkkeli.fi/en/

 

 


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Restaurant review: Yes Yes Yes – re-visit

23 09 2018

Yes Yes Yes is bar & restaurant where food just happens to be vegetarian or vegan. Spot was opened in November 2017 by the same chef’s who run popular restaurants The Cock and Holiday. One can not find meat or even fish on the menu but dairy products are used in some dishes, which makes the restaurant vegetarian.

Visited 2nd time restaurant in September, ten months after opening. Menu was now renewed. First visit in January only two months after opening was successful. You can find previous review by using search.

Most of the tables are by big open windows. Two bars are mostly meant for diners. In order to eat there it does not require table reservation, which is otherwise necessarily to make.

Menu includes so called Munchies, small snacks, Dips and Tandoori breads, Roots & Greens, Comfort Plates, Extras and Sweetie Pies. Pricing is simple; 10€, 12€ or 14€ per dish. Food is shareable which is todays way to serve and enjoy the dinner.

Recommendation for two: Order 4-5 dishes and share at least 2 of them. Sizes of dishes are like racion, not tapas.

First we got vegan flatbread and dip which included avocado, pistachio and thai basil. Parmesan was left out in vegan version but is was not actually needed. Combination was delicious. Ordered later on “normal” flatbread to accompany so called main course and it was really tasty.

Next we were served Charred kale, pickled grapes, burnt corn and toasted sesame. Crispy kale was perfect and paired perfectly with other ingredients.

As “main courses” we had Black bean noodles, tofu, gems, peanut and sweet chili and Risotto, cherry, lemon, tellicherry pepper, parmesan and flowers.
Noodle dish was tasty, slightly salty but it did not bother. Risotto was the one which raised eye brows. Color and aroma were interesting which luckily did not had an influence in taste.


Last time had for wine Spanish Alma de Casa (Soul of the House), but that was finished. Instead ordered Italian Gianni Tessari’s Pian Alto Colli Berici DOC. Very intensive wine from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Merlot.

Yes Yes Yes is propably the most popular vegetarian/vegan restaurant in Helsinki at the moment. Restaurant was packed full most of the time. Even the bar chairs were occupaid by diners.

Food is excellent, requires extra innovation to prepare dishes with not so known ingredients.

Last time all dishes came almost at the same time and table was full of plates but this was improved. Dishes came to table one by one and we really had time to enjoy our dishes.

Most of the customers are women, especially groups. As no meat either fish dishes are available that might have something to do with it.

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

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Restaurant review: Hampton Bay

26 08 2018

Hampton Bay was opened for May Day 2018. It is located by the waterfront, at the end of Bulevardi Street. Restaurant chef is Harri Syrjänen, celebrity chef known from his own TV series. Concept includes 2 outdoor terraces under the sky, one roof top and one sea side and porch where one can also dine and indoor main dining room. For that one needs to make a table reservation. Room is quite small and after terraces will be closed, athmosphere will change a lot.

The menu gets its inspiration from the sea and social eating – sharing your meals. Restaurant has charcoal grill on which chefs prepare steak and ribs as well as giant prawns. As there was crayfish season also Hampton Bay Signal Crayfish menus were available.

Started the dinner with Salmon ceviche with yoghurt and rye chips and half portion of Pomegranate-quinoa salad, pomegranate seeds, roasted sweet potato, almonds & apple cubes.

Salmon ceviche looked more like tar-tar but was tasty. Typically this starter is more acid and spicy but as Hampton Bay honors more Scandinavian style, taste suited well to restaurant’s cuisine.

As there were no vegan options for starter, asked for half portion of one of the salad options. Portion was big although price really was half the price. Pomegranate was the highlight of this dish. Salad also tasted fresh and it was versatile. Original honey based dressing was changed, which change the dish from vegetarian to vegan.

For main courses had Bowl of blue mussels ”Asian Style”, French fries and Pasta linguini, green asparagus, broccolino, tomato, spinach.

Asian style broth was the best ever tasted with mussels. Enough spicy and with white bread a bulls eye. Unfortunately mussels were very small, so for main course dish needs French fries.

Linguini pasta was replaced with vegan penne. Dish was palatable, all in all combination of well matching ingredients forming interesting pasta portion.

Wine list is quite short but one does not spend a lot of money to bottle. That is definately plus as too many times most of the restaurants try to make most of the money with wines.

Italian waiter recommended, of course, only Italian wine on the wine menu. Cesari Jema Corvina 2013. Corvina is at the heart of the great red Valpolicella wines, and in its integrity we can apreciate its different colours, fragrance and body. The grapes were carefully harvested and placed in drying cases for 20 days. Ageing in small French wooden barrels lasted 18 months, after which it was blended and aged a further 6 months.

Excellent wine and paired well with all dishes eaten.

Decor is marine themed and athmosphere casual. People prefer to eat and drink at the terraces as long as it is possible. If dining inside, try to ask for window table.

Food, especially vegan dishes, were delicious.

Service was professional and polite, in accordance to cuisine.

Location, by the sea and amount of terraces earn extra +. Interesting to see how restaurant changes for the winter season when only indoor dining area can be used.

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


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Restaurant review: Shelter

4 08 2018

Restaurant Shelter locates in an old warehouse at Katajanokka, next to restaurant Holiday. The owners and designers of restaurant are Teemu Laurell, Antti Asujamaa and Lennu Sukapää. Teemu Laurell was the winner of Finnish Top Chef competition in season 2012. There is also terrace front of the building where you can enjoy aperitives in the summer time. As it is on two sides of the building you can have different views depending on your preference.

Shelter serves 3, 4 or 5 course surprise Chef’s menu, but a la carte is also available. Food is combination of Finnish and international flavours, which makes it extremely facinating.

Decided to order 4 course Chef’s menu. All menus are also available as vegan.

Of course, started the dinner with aperitives. This time House Champagne, which was refreshing and tasty

First course from the starters list Roasted flatberad with carrot hummus, marinated radishes & goat cheese.

Delicious combination of almost sweet and sour flavors accompanied with just baked warm bread. In vegan version cheese was left out.

Second course was Grilled pulpo with almond romesco, kale & yuzu yoghurt.

Octopus was prepared well, crispy and and at the same time soft from inside. Again brilliant mixture of savors which made the dish appetizing.

Vegan version looked similar but it based on broccoli.

Third course was Grilled sirloin of beef with smoked bone marrow, truffle & vegetables from Långötorp farm.

So called main course was again tasty. Only thing which could be different is the type pf meat. A little bit too greasy for my taste.

Vegan version was Grilled Långötorp´s vegetables & forest mushrooms. On the top of dish was vegan cheese.

Desserts were Strawberries with elderflower, champage parfait & sorrel and White chocolate with lemon verbena, lemon sherbet & milk merinque

Perfect ending for the dinner!

Visited Shelter two times during the same week. Both times restaurant was able to provide similar experience. Service was polite and professional and food excellent.

Because of that and old building where restaurant is located, Shelter earns extra points. There are not so many window tables but we were lucky to get one. At least try to ask for it.

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

http://www.shelter.fi/menu


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Categories : Bar, Champagne, Finland, Food, Food and Wine, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Wine

Restaurant review: Roster Helsinki – Wappu Eve dinner

20 05 2018
Roster is a Bar & Restaurant near Market Square opposite to statue of Havis Amanda. Always full in the evenings as far as when it comes to those visits been there.
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Visited Roster this time on the 30th of April 2018, which is Eve for Wappu (Vappu), the day before May Day. Had not make table reservation because the plan was only to have drinks at the bar. But luckily asked for table and got the best table possible to watch capping of statue of Havis Amanda. There are two tables facing to the statue by the window. One has to sit side by side because the table is like a window ledge. One can not reserve these tables, but on the other hand, sitting there is not so convenient as in “normal” table.
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In the short video clip one can see waving of secondary school graduate caps before the statue gets it’s own huge cap. Video was filmed through the window while having dinner.
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As mentioned earlier had the drinks in the bar. Champagne Taittinger tasted refreshing, it was the champagne of the day.

 

Starters were Carrotofu Charred carrot, yuzu and crispy tofu and Straight Outta Sea Cured salmon, crispy rye and roe emulsion

Tofu and carrot were excellent, the way dish was prepared was master piece. As menu changes quite often it provides new experiences also for vegans.

Salmon was fresh, almost like straight from the Baltic sea. Always nice to taste new ways to to serve traditional Finnish food which is more typical in the Christmas time.

 

For main coursed had vegan dish Jerusalem Art Artichoke terrine, marinated chard and savory mayonnaise and Mighty Sole Pan fried whole torbay Sole, grilled cos lettuce and Green Goddess sauce.

Artichoke was tasty and matched well with side dishes. Roster has always had excellent vegan choises.

Fish was perfectly fried, not over cooked, which would make it chewy. One of the best thing about Sole is that fish bones do not bother at all. Still you get all the taste which they can provide. Grilled salad was delicious, have also tried that at home, and it is easy. But what makes it tasty, is the sauce and that is more difficult part.

And always tasty side dishes, Roasted Potatoes and Cauliflower with Satay sauce, made the portions fill the stomachs.

 

Most of the times have visited Roster, the wine has been Ned & Henry’s from Hewitson. This wine suits to all dishes even with the fish, which was proven with starter and main course.

For second aperitif tasted house Sima, which is made only for Wappu from water, brown sugar, lemons and yeast. If you wait enough long yeast and sugar start to produce alcohol and then you have close to cider kind of drink

Roster Helsinki is combination of fine dining in casual athmosphere. Dishes are ambitious and their names entertaining. The menu which was served was vol. 10. Quite soon early May there is new menu available.

If you reserve table enough early, ask for window table. Havis Amanda Square opens up just front of the restaurant.

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

https://rosterhelsinki.com/


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Restaurant review: Ristorante Vaelsa

13 05 2018


Ristorante e Taverna Vaelsa is located by Market Square, at Pohjoisesplanadi 9 in the historic Govinius building. At the 2nd floor there is restaurant (Ristorante) serving more sophisticated menu and downstairs is taverna, which serves pizzas and some salads. Vaelsa‘s kitchen combines local food and classic Italian cuisine with a modern twist.

Had dinner at Ristorante when it was full of diners. Also Taverna was packed, reflects the popularity of this concept. Sign of popularity!

As an appetizer Vaelsa serves foccaccia with pesto made from green olives. Nice snack, especially when pesto was so tasty.

For starters ordered Polpo arrosto and Insalata di verza.

Fried octopus with bean mousse and winter salad was delicious. Crispy pieces of octopus with mousse paired well. Only what was missing were double amount of polpo, so fresh and well prepared it tasted.

Savoy cabbage salad with cumin, apple and salad was also very tasty. Vegan version included also vegan mayonnaise, which is not so common yet.

For main courses had Pappardelle al cacao and Ravioli.

Cocoa pappardelle pasta in a juniper spiced wild boar sauce was on of the best pasta dishes ever eaten. Vaelsa makes their own pasta, so it is fresh and cooked as one want’s it to be. Sauce with pieces of wild boar was bull’s eye, juniper flavour was pleasant surprise. One can also order pasta as Primi Piatti, then the portion is smaller and costs less.

Pumpkin filled ravioli was prepared as vegan, cream sauce was replaced with suitable ingredients. Again well done by the kitchen.

Tested also vegan dessert Torta Riso, Rice-chocolate cake. Sweet and luscious!

Location is excellent, just opposite to Market Square. And if you get window table like our group, it is nice to watch the crowds outside.

Service was professional, only problems was, that as on the other side of table was wall, waiter had to give few plates from other side of the table. If you want to visit Ristorante, better make table reservation, to Taverna you can just walk in and check if there are free tables. There is also tiny bar for drinks just after the entrance.

Visited Vaelsa in March, yesterday when there was suprisingly warm day, had beer’s at the terrace. Worth to visit also!

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

http://vaelsa.fi/ristorante/


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Categories : Bar, Food, Food and Wine, Helsinki, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine

Restaurant review: Samsara (Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain)

3 03 2018

Usually write about restaurants in Helsinki, Finland, but if find noteworthy spot somewhere else, review ends up here. Gran Canaria is one of the most holiday destinations, especially the south part. Most of the restaurants do not differ so much from each other and you can similar food from each restaurant. Some try to be a little fancier, maybe the the fanciest are at the hotels.

Restaurant Samsara in Costa Meloneras is hidden gem or not because it is so popular. It’s location is interesting, one could not guess from outside that in that worn building there is a fusion cuisine spacious restaurant with it’s own style. Decoration comes from Asia, buddha style dominating.

The idea is to share portions, dishes are not classified to starters and main courses. If you decide to eat one dish by yourself, there is not room for so called starter.

To start the dinner with, Samsara served Samosas for apetizers both times. Delicious snack is a nice bridge for courses you are waiting for. There will also be a small white roll, which is not needed and actually it does not fit in to the ensamble.

First visit dishes were “fish lasagne” POUPIETE DE LENGUADO Y SALMON AHUMADO CON CREMA DE LANGOSTA ORIENTAL and FILETES DE TOFU ENROLLADOS CON HOJA DE ESPINACA EN SALSA DE SETA SHITAKE.

“Lasagne” was tasty but as waiter said it was not so exotic and spicy as many other dishes. Wanted to try how two fishes, salmon and cod, paired with cheese. Interesting experience!

Tofu replaced turkey in vegan version of this dish. Dish was tasty and tofu cooked crispy.

For wine ordered Mas de Quince from bodegas Piedemonte. Winery is located in the town of Olite in Navarra, Spain of course. It was founded in 1992. The red varieties grown are: garnacha, tempranillo, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Wine was created from grapes sourced from more than 15 year old vineyards, with an average yield of 4000 kg/ha. Color was dark ruby and taste balanced with smooth tannins.

When visiting second time ordered SOLOMILLO CON CURRY PANANG and VERDURAS SALTEADAS CON CURRY DE MATSUMAN Y LECHE DE COCO ACOMPAÑADO DE ARROZ JAZMIN.

Tenderloin in curry sauce with vegetables and cashew nuts was bulls eye. Spicy and sweet sauce as well as soft, crispy pieces of meat made this dish excellent.

Vegan version of curry was not so spicy as expected but propably for many it was enough strong. Delicious dish and of course big portion.

Principe de Viana Edition Limitade was the wine we enjoyed during second visit. Grapes come from different wineyards and they are Tempranillo 25% Plot “El Carrascal”, Merlot 50% Plot “El Crucero” and Cabernet Sauvignon 25% Plot “La Muga”. It has been aged in 225-litre oak barrels for 14 months. Wine has deep ruby red colour. Taste is round and well-structured, dark berries and fruits with hints of vanilla.

When you enter to restaurant by climbing the stairs, you first see giant statue. Outside there is chilling area for enjoying drinks. There is also few tables for dining but winter time sometimes might be to cold to eat outside.

Indoor you can find different spaces. Dining rooms are decorated with sculptures, pictures, small items and all are more or less looking like there were brought from Asia or India.

 

Samsara serves some spicy dishes, but all of them are kind of pieces of art. Serving plates, bowls or trays are huge due to size of portions. One speciality is desserts, one can beforehand order cake for birthday party or for other celebration.

Service is propably the best in Costa Meloneras, many waiters and waitresses are ready to to serve.

Restaurant is open only in evenings and it is fully booked almost all the time. Therefore if you want to visit it, make your reservation enough early. They might ask to re-confirm it, but it is worth of it.

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

http://www.samsara-gc.com/indexe.html


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Categories : Art, Bar, Food, Restaurant, Restaurant review, Travel, Wine, Wine review

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