Helsinki, Finland
Google translates the name of this restaurant “Creativity thrives in chaos”. While chaotic would not be the best word to describe the interior design of the place, it might be something to that direction. But this is said all on a positive tone. I won’t go in detail describing it, you’ll have to see it yourself. As a teaser, there is rubber duck themed light and a stuffed badger among other things.
The restaurant consist of two small rooms, maybe enough for around 20 customers. I wanted to visit the place already some time ago, but I was unable to get a table. Now we had booked well in advance. There are few places by the bar for walk-ins, but I would not count on that if you want visit this place.
For start we had a glass of really nice champagne (16€) while getting familiar with menu. Their menu consists of 8+1 dishes with 3 different desserts. 8 dishes are 13€ per piece and that their signature dish (that +1) is 17€. If you go with a “menu” of 4 dishes (52€), you get a bread included. Otherwise the bread costs you 5€. Having that one special dish costs you two euros extra when included in the menu.
For first dish I had dry aged hiramasa with ponzu. The fish was dry aged for few days and had really nice texture along with the taste, great start. The next dish with potatoes and egg yolk foam, edamame and mussels was my favorite. The chef called it their “makkaraperunat kaikilla mausteilla” and it was really full of flavors. And in a way that you could really taste every single ingredient and they all complimented each other beautifully. Next one was dry aged sirloin steak and endives with mustard-vinaigrette. Perfectly cooked good quality meat.
One dish calls for extra mentioning. Sardines with lemon. That is can of La Quiberonnaise sardines with a lemon wedge. The can is opened for you, that’s it. Takes some balls to have this on a menu. But why not, they are some really good sardines.
Last one was the special dish, sort of DIY sushi. You’ll six small nori, bowl of rice, salmon, hiramasa, tobiko (flying fish roe), cucumber and home made tofu strips. And a bowl of soy sauce, of course. And there you go, wrap you own sushi, freestyle. Fun and really good.
For dessert there were three options, cheese plate, citrus pie and “Ville Vallaton” sorbet. We skipped the cheese, but tried the two other ones, both excellent. I did not really grasp the essence of the legendary cocktail from the sorbet, but nevertheless refreshing ending for the meal. The service is very laid back, yet extremely professional, somehow a perfect match for the whole vibe of the place creating is really nice atmosphere. I’d say this was one of the best restaurant experiences for a long time and would definitely recommend it for all cool people like myself 🙂
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