Restaurant review: Yes Yes Yes

21 01 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 milk products in some dishes make restaurant vegetarian.

In the past there was McDonald’s in the same place. Transformation to totally different style and cuisine has been enormous. Most of the tables are by big open windows. Two bars are mostly meant for diners, to eat there 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. But as food is more like shareable tapas dishes regarding to our waiter, you shall get all dishes almost at the same time to the table.

Recommendation for two: Order 4-5 dishes and share at least 2 of them. Sizes of dishes are like racion, not tapas. We ordered 6 dishes, which is a little bit too much although two of them were dips with tandoori bread.

First we got Comfort Plate Rigatoni, kuri squash, ricotta, pistachio pesto and burnt tomato and Roots & Greens Charred kale, persimmon, parsnip chips and toasted sesame. Pasta was cooked as it should be, not too much. Combination of cheese, pesto and tomato matched well with rigatone. From vegan dishes kale was the most attempting. Again chef”s were able to create a tour de force from vegetables.

After 5 minutes we got Munchies which were Halloumi fries, pomegranate and coriander and Cauliflower tempura, sweet pepper sauce. Although these should be small dishes there were actually the biggest one. Hallomi fries were tasty with sauce and spices but even for two this dish quite filling. Cauliflower was excellent, not too hard either soft. Interesting observation was that if felt and almost tasted like fried calamari.

And almost right away crispy tandoori breads with two dips Kuri squash, pine nuts, sun-kissed apricot and ginger and Beetroot, aubergine, blood orange and olive oil. Dips were interesting, first one was almost sweet and we even thought that apricots were figs. Dark dip paired better with breads, at least in our mouths.

Wines have been chosen by Riikka Sukula who owns a wineyard in Italy with his husband, TV celebrity chef Jyrki. Ordered Spanish Alma de Casa (Soul of the House), which is produced from Monastrell (80%), Cabernet Savignon and Syrah grapes. Full-bodied red wine with hints of dark berries. As it has been stored for few months in oak barrels, it made the wine more round.

Yes Yes Yes will be the most popular vegetarian/vegan restaurant in Helsinki this year. Although it is January and for some people the month one tries to avoid alcohol which also leads to less visit to restaurants, 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. And for vegans very welcomed new spot.

Because all dishes came almost at the same time and our table was full of plates, might make sense to order first few and after eating those order more.

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

https://www.yesyesyes.fi/





Restaurant review: Säm – Asian Bar and Kitchen

13 01 2018


Säm – Asian Bar and Kitchen bistro was opened in Helsinki at the end of August 2017 by a former 2 Michelin star chef Hans Välimäki and Restamax Group. Restaurant Säm is part of Asian cuisine complex. It is located at the ground floor; at the 2nd floor there is Masu – Asian bistro. Masu tries to be more sophisticated but also relaxed. Visited Masu 3 weeks after it was opened, review can be found by using search.

Originally the idea was that Säm serves more like street food. However, many of the dishes and their prices are the same in both spots. That applies to wine list too.

Decided to try order “small dishes” for starter. Chose Nonohana Rabe Broccoli in soy-chili sauce, garlic, sesam and kewpie mayo and Sticky “Vietnamese style” chicken wings Crispy fried and glazed chicken wings 3 pcs.

Unfortunately small dishes came at the same time as main courses. So, do not order them as starters.

Broccoli dish was tasty, amount of mayo actually helped in that.

Wings were exactly as they were described on the menu, very delicious. Mayo dip matched well with them.

Unfortunately small dishes came at the same time as main courses. So, do not order them as starters.

For main courses had Hot Paa Naam Tok Mushrooms in sesame oil, soy, lemon grass, chili, mint, lime and roasted garlic and Ramen Roasted pork ribs, vegetables, kimchi, nudels and lots of goodies….

Vegan dish was huge and because that it became cold too soon. Dish is quite diversified when it comes to herbs and spices. Difficult to find main taste.

As nudels in Ramen were more like thick spaghetti, they were extremely difficult to eat with sticks. Second problem was to overwhelming broth which was easy to drop and splash on your clothes. Unfortunately taste was too mild for Asian dish and pork was quite greasy.

Wine list, when it comes to red’s, is quite short and prices are quite expensive for casual bistro. Tried one of the few full-bodied, Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône 2016 from France. This vegan wine produced from Syrah grapes paired well with all dishes although the tastes of dishes were quite modest. However, the price for this kind of food is too expensive.

Portions are well prepared and stylish looking. Main courses are quite large, which means that you do not necessarily need additional side dishes. Several vegan options was also positive.

Last time when we ate at Masu, there were only sticks on the table when you arrived. This time also spoons were given right away.

Location is perfect, try to get window table and you see the Park Esplanade, Swedish Teater and restaurant Teatteri opposite to Säm.

As portions did not taste as Asian as they should, can not give more points for food. Expected more use of spices and herbs. Both Säm and Masu mention on they web-site that they are for Finnish taste, might be then difficult to compete in the future with more taste rich Asian restaurants.

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

http://www.ravintola.fi/ravintola/sam-helsinki/





Restaurant review: Hoku – re-visit

22 12 2017



HOKU was opened on the 3rd of December 2016, when new restaurant concept was launched in Kamppi shopping center at 5th floor. Area is called Kortteli (Block), which includes 11 restaurants with different cuisines, HOKU being one of them.

Restaurant HOKU is a Hawaiian restaurant started by Ryan Shibuya. It is located by the windows opening to Narinkkatori offering great view, if you get window table. So ask for it, but enough early. Some of the tables are on the other side closer to other restaurants like Beijng8.

Visited again HOKU one week before Christmas. We were the last ones to get table, without table reservation. After us restaurant was fully packed.

For starters ordered POKE SAMPLER Fresh siika and salmon, kaiso wakame, sweet onion, soy-wasabi and spicy mayo dressing and OKONOMIYAKI (v) Savory Japanese pancake, cabbage, onions, tiger prawns, served with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, crispy prosciutto.

Fish sampler consisted of two towers flavoured with different spices. Whitefish is Finnish lake fish and eaten as “raw” especially in the Christmas time. Salmon is also typical to be eaten as spiced during the holidays. Sampler was delicious and spiced enough strongly and this seemed to be new trend since last visit.

Okonomiyaki can be ordered as vegan version. Prawns and prosciutto are replaced with Silken tofu and asparagus. Very tasty and enough well spiced.

From several main courses ordered BI BIM BAP Thinly sliced beef teriyaki, lightly cook and pickled vegetables served on rice with a fried egg and spicy kocuchung sauce and TOFU TERIYAKI Pan seared with teriyaki sauce.  Served with rice, green or potato salad, pickles.

Bi Bim Bap has actually roots in Korea, so the Asian fusion cuisine has also arrived to HOKU. Dish was tasty, beef tender and sauce paired well with all ingredients. Could have left the egg out, but if one eats only main course it may be needed add-on.

Vegan version did not include potato salad, it was replaced different vegetables. Dish was well prepared and delicious. Only problem with the vegan dishes is, that one has to eat tofu two times, unless you order Emadame for starter.

 

Mm

Wines are really affordable when it comes to restaurant prices. If you get bottle of decent wine under 40€ in Finland, then you are on right track. That is one reason why I can recommend HOKU.

Ordered this time full-bodied Mouth Bomb, which is produced by Casa Vinicola Winepunk in Toscana, Italy. The variety of grapes, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Grenache and Sangiovese are the reason for name. Excellent wine for the dishes we ate!

Restaurant Hoku has been a success. Excellent location in the Kamppi shopping center and window tables at 5th floor with great view help it also.

But of course food is the most important part and it was tasty. Must say that using of spices made the enjoyment even better than last time. Then spices were more mild when it comes to both starters and main courses.

Service was professional being not too formal. Style suits well to casual athmosphere.

Saw many customers trying to walk in without table reservation without luck. Therefore make the table reservation enough early.

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

http://hoku.fi/index.html

http://kampinkortteli.fi/en





Restaurant review: Kungfu Kitchen

3 12 2017

Kungfu Kitchen is the first restaurant concept by Miro Kurvinen, 2014 Finnish Master Chef. Restaurant was opened in May 2017. Both the food and the ambiance of the restaurant itself are straight-forward and unpretentious. The restaurant’s food philosophy is based on a few important cornerstones: Flavor, freshness and presentation. Kungfu Kitchen offers up dishes made from fresh local ingredients. The cuisine ranges from modern classics to innovative cross-kitchen dishes and simple bar food with a relaxed Asian twist.

During lunch service, the restaurant offers up a quick self-service buffet. In the evenings one can stop by for a drink and a few bar snacks. Dinner is based on a la carte list or chef’s menus. The bar itself is small just front of the dining area.

For starters ordered BAHNBAO, Soft Steamed Vietnamese buns, Crispy pork belly and Teriyaki marinated pulled oat.

Pork was crispy as the name of the dish promised. Combination of spices, herbs and meat was delicious. Restaurant could offer this also as main course if there would be two buns in a basket.

Pulled oat (in Finnish Nyhtökaura) is Finnish vegan innovation which has become popular since introduction. Now some restaurants have started to use it and propably it increases their attractiveness. Pulled oat with teriayki was delicious and definately suitable for asian flavours.

Main courses were Daily wish with lemongrass bisque and  All the good stu in bowl: Fragrant jasmine rise, vegetables, fried egg with Shiitake mushrooms and tofu.

Fish of the day was pike perch, delicous white meated Finnish lake fish. After bringing the fish plate to the table, waitress poured the sauce, lemongrass bisque, on top of the portion. Fish itself was perfectly grilled and with vegetables enjoyable ensemble.

One can choose to bowl three different options and one is with mushrooms and tofu. Dish was spicy and tasty, pleasant suprise especially when it comes to strongness of spices.

 

For wine had Antonio Rubini Appassimento, Italian red wine from Apulia. Wine paired perfectly with starters and main courses and the spices used. Full-bodied with medium tannins, wine was luscious and enough spicy. And when it comes to price, affordable bottle for the quality it provided.

Service is professional, only hick-up was in word fries. Tried to order them as side dish but two waitresses heard rice. So better use the whole name of the dish, Kungfu fries.

And then the price of water, paid 6 euros for still water. One can explain the price with Thoreau Water which is a Swedish Design Concept for serving water that is produced locally. But as far I understand it is still tap water?

Kungfu Kitchen is excellent restaurant for Asian cuisine lovers. Food is fresh and tasty, definately a place to re-visit. It has many vegan choises which is becoming more and more popular trend.

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

https://www.kungfukitchen.fi/





Restaurant review: Roster Helsinki – re-visit

19 11 2017
Roster is a Bar & Restaurant near Market Square opposite to statue of Havis Amanda.  TV Chef Kari Aihinen and Paul Hickman and part of restaurant Savoy team established the restaurant and opened second Roster in Turku. One can drink aperitives in the bar before heading to tables upstairs or downstairs for dinner.

What made Roster Helsinki attractive restaurant after opening, if not also otherwise, was the pricing of wines. Wines were priced with fixed margin, which made quality wines more affordable. Enjoyed during first visit Ned & Henry’s Shiraz 2013 from Hewitson. Usually this wine costs 60-80€ in most restaurants, but “only” 46,40€ in Roster. But after success, restaurant had increased the price to 67,50€. And similar price increase was made for all wines.

Started the dinner with aperitives, French Coolers, which were fresh and good start for delicious dinner.
For starters ordered SCAM(pi) Marinated scampi, pickled raddish and mustard crème and Chermoula Grilled squash “Chermoula”, saffron pickled Brussels sprouts and Baba Ganoush.
Scampis were tasty and fresh. I am not sure if dark bread was needed, usually it is served with spiced fishes.            
Chermoula was also well prepared. Vegan versions had improved from last visits.

Main courses were Porky Pork Glazed pork cheek, parsley purée and all spice – red wine sauce and Open Sesame! Deep fried Jerusalem artichoke, oyster mushrooms and sesame mayonnaise

Tender pork was delicious and nicely placed on the plate.

Name of the vegan main course was interesting, sesame was not so dominant taste as one could think. Anyway as mentioned before huge improvement in vegans versions compared to first visit August 2016.

However, without side dishes, Roasted Potatoes and Roster Coleslaw, portions would have been too small.


Roster Helsinki is combination of fine dining in casual athmosphere. Dishes are ambitious and their names entertaining.

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

Although gave food better points than did when visiting first time, new way to price wines decreases overall grade.

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

https://rosterhelsinki.com/





Restaurant review: Masu – Asian bistro

3 09 2017


Masu Asian bistro was opened in Helsinki at the end of August by former 2 Michelin star chef Hans Välimäki and Restamax Group. Masu has been operating in Tampere several years and now it arrived to capital city.

Restaurant Masu is part of Asian cuisine complex. It is located at the second floor; at the first floor there is Säm – Asian bar & kitchen. Masu tries to be more sophisticated but also relaxed. Säm serves street food, you actually walk trough it when entering to Masu. However, many of the dishes are same in both spots.

In the past at the same location was Italian restaurant Vespa, but it seems that concept was not any more successul.

You can choose 4 or 7 course dinner but ordered first starters Pork Buns Miso grated roasted pork loin with pineapple salsa and warm Nanohana rabe and Nakame seaweed salad Broccoli, tomatoes, marinated seaweed with garlic-sesam dressing.

Buns were delicious, pork crispy and tasty. Salsa matched well to this dish. And must say that 2 pieces is a lot for starter but this can be ordered also as main course.

The warm salad was tasty, and because of the soy and seaweed, a bit too salty.  The portion is big for a starter.

For main courses had Ca Kho To Fried crispy pike perch, broccoli, tamarind, soy-chili caramel and black radish and Hot Paa Naam Tok Mushrooms woked in sesam oil, nudels, soy, leon grass, chili, mint, roasted onion and peanuts.

Pike pirch was extremely well prepared, crispy but not dry. Combination of spices and ingredients paired perfectly. But as there was already noodles in the bowl, there was no need to add Gohan as side dish. Would not have ordered rice if waitress would not have asked.

The portion is big; plenty of vegetables and noodles. The dish mentions the mushrooms as the main ingredient, but there were not many to be found. The taste of the starter was too similar to this main dish.

Ordered also Kimchi as side dish but as portions were that big just tasted it.

Dessert was Banana King Kong. Had to order that because of the name! Deep fried banana, salt toffee and vanilla ice-cream was delicious. Can recommend it!

Wine list, when it comes to red’s, is quite short and prices are quite expensive for casual bistro. Had so familiar The Velvet Devil, which is one of the favourite Merlot wines.

 

Portions are well prepared and stylish looking. Main courses are large, which means that you do not necessarily need additional side dishes. Several vegan options was also positive.

As there are only sticks on the table when you arrive, would have appriciated spoons with main courses and fork with dessert, got then only small spoon. As ordered main courses were partly like soups, it would have been nice to have few sips of the broth. Also needed finger with dessert to help with. One could also ask for those but practiced service should notice those beforehand.

Location is price, remember to ask window table and you see the Park Esplanade, Swedish Teater and restaurant Teatteri opposite to Masu.

With some fine-tuning Masu will be one of the top Asian cuisine restaurants in Helsinki.

 

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

http://www.ravintola.fi/ravintola/masu-asian-bistro-helsinki/

 





Restaurant review: Oh Lala! – Playa del Carmen, Mexico

13 08 2017

Usually write about restaurants in Helsinki, Finland, but if find nice restaraurant worth to try outside of territory, you shall find the story here.

Travelled to Playa del Carmen during summer holidays and found a unique restaurant which differs from all others. Oh Lala! was opened in January, 2011, by co-owners George and Mikaela With a total of 9 tables divided between the indoor and outdoors seating, and an open kitchen, Chef George, Mikaela and professional staff, make sure that every visit to Oh Lala! is to be remembered.


Mikaela spends her time with customers in dining room. She told that originally restaurant was opened around the corner, which was not the perfect place due to by-passing carbage trucks. But existing location, although it is not by busy 5th Avenue, which is actually good, seems perfect.

Menu is actually quite versatile and international, but also local dishes like grouper fish is available.

Dinner starts with appetizers, restaurant served Foccacia with parma ham and mozzarella and as vegan version 3 different kinds of cherry tomatoes, olives served with the house vinagrette.

For starters ordered Shrimp and Scallop skewer and Mushroom salad.

Skewer was very well spiced, shrimps were kind of wrapped around scallops. Cherry tomatoes are not so easy to eat, which I noticed in Kappeli on Mid-Summer, therefore took extra attention when trying to pick them up.

The dressing made the salad.  Mushrooms, lettuce and cherry tomatoes made for a simple, but very tasty dish.

For main course had Octopus with potatoes and green salad and Red Curry.

Octopus “tower” was impressive piece of art. Again well spiced and salted and what was most important, it was not soft and chewy as it unfortunately many time is. Crisp and firm structure and delicious side dish, although “only” potatoes, guaranteed enjoyment.

When ordering curry, waiter asked how hot curry can be. Ordered strongest one and indeed it was spicy and hot. For country of salsas, like habanero, curry was prepared to meet the requirements of spice enthustiac.

Mexico is growing wine producer country, which means that many of the wines are still quite young.

Casa Madero’s Casa Grande Gran Reserva Seleccion de Barricas 2012 is produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot grapes and it meets even the most demanding needs. Bouquet was nice and taste enough full-bodied. One could even see from the glass that is has been stored some time. And this also meant that price was at least at the same level as European wines in Europe.



Dessert drinks are also international. Difficult to imagine how many restaurants serve grappa in country of tequila.


Oh Lala! is restaurant worth to visit in Playa del Carmen. It is one of the most expensive but if you compare it to restaurant prices in Finland, more affordable.

Food was excellent, service professional and dining room cozy. Some food scent from the open kitchen, but it made one more hungry. And part of uniqueness was, that co-owner Mikaela spent time in dining room discussing with customers and creating relaxed athmosphere in fine dining restaurant.

 

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

http://www.ohlalabygeorge.com/





Restaurant review: Kappeli

9 07 2017

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.

In the summer you can also dine at the outside terrace, which is at the end of the building behind main terrace. If you want to sit in the middle of the main terrace but inside, ask for oriel window table for two. It is small but charming and one can even watch bands and singers at the stage opposite to the restaurant. We dined in that small glass walled space on Mid-Summer Eve.

Kappeli - reijosfood.com

Menu today looks tempting and first time it included vegan dish. But as it was Mid-Summer, it was nice to start the dinner with Vodka Martini. Unfortunately, as drink order was taken at the same time as food orders, starter came earlier than aperitif.

For starters ordered Kappeli’s Green salad and Prawn salad and smoky chilli dressing Citrus and tarragon marinated prawns, fried potatoes, samphire, cherry tomatoes seasoned with sorrel and egg.

Prawns were fresh and tasty. Potatoes were extremely delicious, they were cooked somehow differently than ever seen before. I do no recommend to try to spoon the tomatoes with fork, they might surprise you…

As green salad was so basic, no picture or story.

As main courses had Chargrilled whitefish, fried scallops and a fish roe and crème fraîche sauce Almond potato purée seasoned with dill, grilled spring cucumber and carrots and Broad bean and tomato ragù Deep-fried kale, fried mushrooms, macerated mini plum tomatoes and vegan cheese.

Long names for portions and all ingredients well listed.

Whitefish is favorite Finnish fish, light and not greasy at all like salmon. Side dishes were delicious and paired well with the main dish.

Ragu was made of Finnish invention called “Härkis“. It is made from broad beans and also available in the supermarkets. Vegan dishes are not basically meant to look or taste like meat, but this one was made so well that could have thought it was minced meat like ragu usually consists of. With spaghetti would be perfect, made like that.

 

For wine had organic Savia Viva from Pares Balta. Paired well with all dishes enjoyed. Take a look at the label! You can see some historic pictures from Finland, including Kappeli.

Kappeli is a perfect place to try Finnish kitchen in the center of events. Most of the diners are tourists especially now when it was Mid-Summer Eve.

Food was the best one so far compared to previous visits. Especially ragu surprised.

Service was polite and professional, but as mentioned earlier, aperitif was brought too late.

 

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

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

 

 





Restaurant review: Taverna Vaelsa

18 06 2017


Ristorante e Taverna Vaelsa opened spring 2015 at the Market Square, at Pohjoisesplanadi 9 in the historic Govinius building. At the 2nd floor there is restaurant serving with wider menu and downstairs is taverna, which serves pizzas and some salads. Vaelsan’s kitchen combines local food and classic Italian cuisine with a modern touch.

Visited taverna at late lunch time on Saturday and tried pizzas. Ordered them from the menu under Pizze Speciali headline.

Chose Bresaola Mozzarella, Rucola, Bresaola, Parmigiano, Lemon Vinaigrette and Vegana Zucchini, Paprika, Eggplant, Parsley, Vegan Cheese.

Pizza Bresaola was delicious, but quite dry as there was not tomato sauce. Pizza base was quite thick and had to cut quite hard pieces. There was enough fresh rucola, which is not always the case when pizza includes rocket salad.


Pizza Vegana was also tasty and it was pleaseant surprise to see that taverna served also vegan version including cheese. That definately increases points.


Wines were a little bit problematic, only 3 red wines available and 2 out of them had run out and replaced with other brands. Of course pizzas do not necessarily require full-bodied wines but for instance the one we enoyed was quite light.

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

Service was a little bit limping, maybe due to busy lunch hour, which was ending. If you want to visit ristorante, better make table reservation, to taverna you can just walk in and check if there are free tables.

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

http://vaelsa.fi/taverna/





Restaurant review: Salutorget

1 04 2017

 

Set in a former bank building, Salutorget comprises a dining room known for its pared-down elegance, a stylish bar and a cosy outdoor terrace with views of Helsinki’s seafront market. Dining areas, main and old bar/lounge space look, look really impressive, if you like classic decoration. There are also private dining rooms located on the second floor.

Have not dined in Salutorget for couple of years, so it was time to try it again.

For starters ordered Smoked beetroot, crutons, buckwheat and tofu sauce and Escargots á la Peltola´s Blue, country style baguette

Beetroot was fresh, and the tofu sauce a very nice addition to the dish.

Escargots were really tasty. Blue cheese added nice flavor on soft snails; garlic is used too oftern. Structure of snails was also perfect, not chewy at all.

 

Main courses were Globe artichoke and “falafel” with nuts and lentil and Grilled trout, smoked potato and hollandaise with white fish roe

Fresh, and home made tasty falafels.  Nicely presented and garnished with fresh cherry tomatoes, and greens.  The mashed potatoe sauce was nice and creamy, and the artichoke was a nice addition to this dish.

Trout was perfectly grilled, but could have eaten two pieces. Side dishes were well planned as they were delicious and paired extremely well with the fish.


 

Wine ordered this time was a real bargain. At the price of 45€ (restaurant price in Finland) you seldom find that tasty Shiraz. Most of the wines are reasonably priced, which is not the case in most restaurants in Helsinki.

Tempus Two was founded in 1997 by one of Australia’s most iconic and revered wine families, the McGuigans. Wine enjoyed was Tempus Two Shiraz 2014. Although it is still quite young, would agree on winemakers notes, “Big, Bold and Beautiful”!

 

Salutorget is the restarant to visit, if you want to try tasty Finnish food with international twist.

Food was excellent, also vegan. Restaurant has vegan main course on web -pages, but not on on printed menu. Also vegan dessert was available, but not listed on menu

Service was professional as you can expect in restaurant like Salutorget.

Overall grade is 4,5 because of reasonable wine prices and decoration, which is unique. Also the summer time terrace is worth to visit as it is opposite to Market Square and statue of Havis Amanda.

 

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

http://www.salutorget.fi/en/front-page/





Restaurant review: Hoku

12 03 2017



HOKU was opened on the 3rd of December 2016, when new restaurant concept was launched in Kamppi shopping center 5th floor. Area is called Kortteli (Block), which includes 11 restaurants with different cuisines, HOKU being one of them.

Restaurant HOKU is a Hawaiian restaurant started by Ryan Shibuya. It is located by the windows opening to Narinkkatori offering great view if you get window table. So ask for it, but enough early. Some of the tables are on the other side behind glass walls after Beijing8 restaurant.

For starters ordered EDAMAME Lightly boiled and seasoned soybeans with a sesame-soy chili dressing and SOFT SHELL CRAB Deep fried and served on mixed salad with a creamy sriracha vinaigrette

Edamame, which is common in Hawaii,  was a very simple dish, and a bit lacking imagination.  As tasty as the sauce is, at the end they are just soy beans. Suitable for snack to be shared but maybe not for starter.

Crab was delicious and actuallu quite big for starter. Crispy shells with tasty salad made this crab starter maybe the best of all dishes eaten.

 



From several main courses ordered STEAMED SEABASS WITH BLACKBEANS Seabass steamed in cabbage leaf, salty black beans, shimeji mushrooms, ginger pesto and TOFU TERIYAKI Pan seared with teriyaki sauce.  Served with rice, green or potato salad, pickles.

Seabass was wrapped in cabbage leaves, 3 pieces, which make portion generous. Sauce or soup was quite salty but rice lightened it. Fish itself was perfectly cooked, soft and tasty.

The tofu was silken, and pair well with teriyaki sauce. In menu dish is with salmon but can be replaced with tofu.  In the plate there are 3 different flavors, sweet with the red cabbage, sour with the pickles  and chilli with cabbage.  The green salad is simple, usually served with a mayo dressing, but as it was served as vegan, the dressing was a vinagrette.



Wines are affordable when it comes to restaurant prices. If you get bottle of decent wine under 40€ in Finland, then you are on right track. Had South-African The Innocent Syrah 2015 from wineyard Lammershoek. The palate was soft and round upfront mouth feel. Quite light for Syrah but paired well with Hawaiian style food.

Restaurant has it’s own beer as you can see from the picture below. One of the Hawaiian islands, Kona, can be seen on the sign behind bar desk.

Restaurant Hoku will be success for sure. Excellent location in Kamppi shopping center by the windows with great view help it also.

But of course food is most important part and it was tasty. Especially not too strong Hawaiian flavors should melt Finnish mouths.

Service was professional being not too formal.

Saw many customers trying to step in without table reservation. On Saturday evening restaurant was fully booked.

 

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

http://hoku.fi/index.html

http://kampinkortteli.fi/en

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





Restaurant review: Kaarna – bar and kitchen

12 02 2017

Restaurant Kaarna is a laid-back Finnish restaurant with a Scandinavian twist. The restaurant offers simple food and as speciality beers from microbreweries. Most of the dishes also have beer suggestions. To start with, restaurant recommends to try snapas, a sortiment of tapas made from Finnish ingredients. 

Kaarna is located in Forum shopping center in two floors. Street level, there is a small bar, and at the second level there are the dining area and lounge type of bar. There is even small inside terrace by the entrance in the shopping mall.

Ask for window table by Mannerheim street, if you want to follow by-passers and shoppers.

 

For starters had Green salad and Blini with pike roe.

It looked beautiful, but unfortunately the taste was not.  No dressing was added to the salad, or oil offered.  This salad is not listed on the menu, but there were not vegan options for starters.  Nice of them to improvised, but not a success this time.

As it is blini season, had to try it for starter. Only roe available was pike, usually salmon or white fish roes are served. Blinis were ok, but the amount of roe was ridiculous. Never have I seen that tiny pile of roe. And seldom, if ever, syrup is served with blini. Missing black pepper was the third thing, which went wrong.

For vegan food Pulled oats flatbread Pulled oats flavoured with tar and fennel, onion purée and flatbread from Lapland and Roasted country chicken Chanterelle sauce, fried vegetables and roasted potatoes.

Pulled Oat is oat and bean based protein food developed by Gold & Green, new Finnish vegan food producer.

Finnish flat bread is tasteless and dry as it is, so the toppings should be the opposite.  In this case, once again, it looked delicious, but there is just one word to describe this dish:  Bland.

Taste of chicken was nice, but is was quite dry. Portion included sauce, which tasted mushrooms. Maybe, if there had been some bites of chanterelles, it might have tasted, what it should have been.



Wine, which was so called Loyalty Customer wine, was best part of the dinner. Banrock Station Shiraz 2016 from Australia paired well with slightly spiced food. Quite sweet taste still because wine is really young.

Restaurant Kaarna has perfect location in one of the busiest shoppping centers and by the Mannerheim street. If you want window table, it is recommend to make table reservation in advance because restaurant is busy on weekend evenings.

Because of fully booked tables, had to wait 40 minutes for starters.

Unfortunaly food experience was not at the level we expected but location and window table increased overall grade.

REVIEW: Food 2/5 – Service 3+/5Overall grade 3+/5

https://www.raflaamo.fi/en/helsinki/kaarna-baari-keittio





Restaurant review: Loiste at 10th floor

21 01 2017

Restaurant Loiste is located in the heart of Helsinki at the 10th Floor of Hotel Vaakuna and Sokos department store. There is a nice view from terraces and part of the restaurant windows. If you are seated on the right side of the restaurant, when you come in, you can not enjoy of the view, unfortunately. Therefore ask for window table and you can take a look at Kamppi and Forum shopping centres. Loiste is casual type of restaurant, but tries to put effort on the menu and food.


If you just want to enjoy aperitif or you are not hungry enough, you can visit the bar, which is located at the same premises, at 10th floor.

 

This time no starters as had decided to eat dessert too. However, as portions were not that big, could have eaten Blini, the season dish, for starter.

For main courses ordered Fish of the day and Chickpea steak, baked shiitake and kale, bell pepper tzatziki, which was the vegan dish.

Fish of the day was Arctic char, which is cold-water fish in the family of salmonidaes. Quite common in Finland. Side dishes were beetroot, potatoes and mushroom sauce. Simple, tasty but fish pieces could have been bigger.

For vegan porton, not your typical Chickpea steak.  A combination of chickpeas, shredded carrots, and zucchini put together in tasty steak shape. Served with a delicious red pepper tzatziki sauce and a side dish of seasoned wild mushrooms. Overall a delicious dish worth a second try.

For desserts ordered English cranberry-chocolate pudding  and Basil-Coconat sorbet.

Pudding was more like a cake, but delicious. Again few bites bigger and experience would have been perfect.

The vegan dessert was a creamy, structure like ice-cream.  Basil and coconat are not a common combination, but it totally works!



 

This time had for red wine Trapiche Astica Merlot-Malbec from Argentina. This basic wine had intense red color with ruby hues. Fruits and vanilla aromas, great complexity of the red and black fruits in the palate with sweet tannins. Malbec softened Merlot taste nicely.

 

Bigger portions for the price paid is a wish, when it comes to non vegan dishes.

Service was polite but we were wondering why we did not get window table although requested. Few tables were empty all the time by the window. Otherwise restaurant was quite busy.

 

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

https://www.raflaamo.fi/en/helsinki/restaurant-loiste

 





Restaurant review: Oficina – Latin Grill and Bar

8 01 2017

Oficina – Restaurante and Club Social – locates at Kaivopiha plaza in Helsinki, offering Latin food. Inside the restaurant, which is one floor down from street level, you’ll find the dining area, open kitchen and bar. Oficina is owned and operated by S-Group/Raflaamo, which has several restaurant chains in Helsinki area.

Oficina menu comes from Latin America, but not from some particular country. The Argentinean asado culture and their charcoal grills are used to prepare steaks, fish and vegetables. From Peru,  restaurant has selected the sharp pisco sour, salsa verde from Costa Rica and from Brazil, grilled chicken marinated in coconut. If salsa verde would be from Mexico, the taste of chilli jalopenos would have been stronger.

For starters (entradas) chose Ceviche Salmon ceviche, avocado mole salsa and corn chips and Nachos con salsa Oficina’s own corn chips and fresh salsas.

Ceviche was fresh and included many pieces of salmon. Typically dominant ingredients are vegetables and herbs but this time there was enough fish. However, lack of lemon or lime and acidity disturbed a little bit, but otherwise salmon paired well with chips.

Nachos included 3 salsas and part of them were spiced with red chilli powder. That gave extra taste to so common Latin American starter or snack. The guacamole and pico degallo added were nice, but as mentioned ealier green salsa could have been hotter, not lemony taste dominated.

For vegan main course ordered from Latin Grill list Tofu Asado Tofu on a skewer, pineapple salsa, beans and ginger daikon radish and Ribs de Cerdo Pork ribs glazed with chipotle chilli and served with fennel and apple.

Tofu was grilled to a firm crispy consistency. On the plate there was also edam and black beans seasoned with chilli/mango sauce, which really complemented the tofu

Ribs had delicous sauce but I think that fennel had been replaced with Pimientos de Padron. At least I could not find it, and apple was also difficult to find.

When you order main course from Latin Grill you need also to choose side dishes for them. Ordered Ensalada de quinoa Quinoa, red rice, lemon almonds and apple and Patatas fritas House made chips ja tomato aioli.

You might think that patatas fritas are like french fries, but english version tells already something else. First thought that they really were chips, but actually they were little bit thicker and softer. Excellent match with ribs, and would be also good option for starter.

Wine list is short but includes enough choises for Latin American food. Decided to enjoy bottle of Marques de Casa Concha 2013, made from Merlot grapes. Enough full-bodied and spicy to pair with herbs, salsas and slightly spiced food.

Restaurant has used material for decoration from different South American countries as well as Caribbean Island cultures. One example is Pinata hanging in the roof presenting Mexican plays.

Music comes also from the same direction as food and decoration. Welcomed genre, because you mostly hear same rythms from USA and UK in other restaurants and bars.

Food at Oficina is scrumptious and suits for many tastes. A little bit more spicies (read chilli) and herbs, then resataurant would be perfect small Latin America kitchen in Helsinki.

Service was polite and professional.

Overall grade is 4+ because this restaurant concept has been well designed. Everything around food complements it nicely.

Must come back some day later in the evening to check if Club Social continues with same music and athmosphere.

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

https://www.raflaamo.fi/en/helsinki/oficina





Restaurant review: SPIS

10 12 2016

Restaurant SPIS is small 18-seat Nordic restaurant in Kasarminkatu, Helsinki. It is open only in the evenings. Because restaurant is tiny and very popular, during weekens you have to choose to dine at 0530/06.00PM or 0830PM. From Tuesday to Thursday dining starts between 0600-0800PM without time limit. And then and at “night shift” you can order Long Tasting Menu with six courses. However, with snacks and greetings from kitchen, you get over 10 plates front of you.

Enjoyed Short Tasting Menu with 4 courses. Price varies 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 surprise were crackers, which started the dinner. Had already ordered glass of champagne, bubbly and fresh.

Second snack were vegetable greetings from the kitchen, yellow root and spiced cucumber, so simple but always delicious.

And third snack was even more interesting and scrumptious, “spaghetti” with cloudberries. Creative way to combine ingredients, which you may not use together in your own kitchen.



After 3 apetizers kitchen brought first dish, starter, which name I do not unfortunately remember any more. First picture below tells more. As menu do not describe what it includes, post should be written quite soon after dining. Now it has gone three weeks.

Second dish was pike perch with two ways with onions. Pleasantly soft and tasty fish and sweet onions paired well with each other.

And third dish, second main course, was braised pork with fennel. Excellent mixture of salty meat and slightly sweet vegetable!



Before desserts we were served cup of cloudberry soup. This led perfectly to sweeter world of SPIS dishes.

First dessert was greetings from the kitchen, kind of apple crumble.

And fourth dish and actual dessert was cake, which melted in the mouth.

You can combine food with recommened wines with price of 36€, which we did. Because SPIS uses lot’s of vegetables and way of using spices is Nordic, also the wines are light.

With starter we were served sauvignon blanc, which unfortunately not, is my favourite wine.

For vegan version next two wines would have been orange wine, totally new experience, but after first glass changed it to stronger red wine from Italy, which was served with pork. Orange wine is produced from different white wine grapes, which have spent some maceration time in contact with the grape skins, giving the wine an orange color.

Must say that as a friend of full bodied red wines, would next time order a bottle of ripasso or something similar.

 

After asking for check, restaurant always serves final culinary pieces, some sweets on huge Lego brick

SPIS is one of the best Nordic food restaurants in Helsinki. Food served is well prepared, creative and tasty. And I really appreciate that restaurants goes through the trouble of preparing 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. However, this time it was sort of difficult to hear what waitresses explained to us.

Some changes in wines and overall grade would have been 5-.

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

 

http://spis.fi/








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