Michelin start are out, and all the old Michelin restaurants in Helsinki still have their glittering stars: Chez Dominique has two, and Demo, Luomo, Olo and Postres have one. G.W. Sundmans is "rising star" (and it used to have one star, of course), and Bib Gourmands are Farang, Gaijin, Grotesk, Solna and Pure Bistro (the only new entry on the list). I'd like to recommend Solna, which is not in the center, but some 20 minutes by tram to Munkkiniemi. And if you prefer Hilton properties, it is an easy walk from Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa Hotel!

I'm with you, T. -- but it seems that someone 'knows better' and has changed the name of our Forum "for our own good" (i.e., now 'Nordic Countries').

cheers,

Henry

Thanks. I tried G.W.Sundmans last week and their pike-perch (in three variations) with scallops and cauliflower. The dish came with three appetizers, some crackers and bread with different breadspreads. The appetizers were excellent but the main course quite artificial IMO. Sundmans is probably trying too hard to get the star instead of providing hearty meals.

Have to try Solna soon if it is close to the Kalastajatorppa (I usually eat in their own excellent restaurant with great service and beautiful view).

Solna is about 1 km from Kalastajatorppa - a nice stroll through Munkkiniemi before and after the meal.

Cheers,
T.

Helsinki is lovely, I just spent 24 hours there (extended layover) and it wasn't nearly enough time... we were based at Hotel Kamp and walked everywhere

Ravintola Nokka - as a starter, don't miss the Nokka small farm delicacies - an assortment of different appetizers they had on the menu, including beef consommee, air-dried Finn cattle, herring, and salmon. We had the roasted duck as well as the pike which were both very nice.

Ravintola OLO - we had lunch here during the weekday and they had set menus depending on your time restraint. 39 Euros for 2 courses (~40 minutes), with a choice of raindeer or vendace for starter, and lamb and fish for entree it was an affordable and tasty meal.

Liberty or Death - pleasant cocktail bar, after a few days in Italy and being wine-d out, this was a welcome change, drinks were expertly mixed with ingredients like Aperol, Bitters, Crowberry, Chartreuse, Hendrick's, Elderflower, egg whites... you get the point. Kippis

Chez Dominique shutting down
 

EDIT: the news mentioned below is not correct. Helsingin Sanomat has retracted.

According to today's Helsingin Sanomat, the two-star Chez Dominique closes down on April 30.

The restaurant will revert to a bistro called Bye Bye Dominique for May and June. According to Hans Välimäki, the quality of the food will be the same but prices lower.

If you haven't eaten at CD, hurry up.

False alarm. Välimäki has corrected that they will turn the restaurant into a bistro for two months and continue as before in August. I assume it will be totally closed for July.

Source in Finnish: http://www.ruokala.net/uutiset/valim.../1288560175451

Thank goodness. But shame on HS for not doing any fact-checking.

Cheers,
T.

Apparently the way Välimäki announced the bistro did leave some room for misunderstanding. Name of the bistro is indeed Bye Bye, Chez Dominique and their motto is "F**k the stars, now we are having fun". He admitted the announcement was a marketing trick and I have to admit that in my case successful one.

Now CD is announcing they are shutting down again, apparently for real this time. They open for the last month on September 4 and close down after October 5th.

Cheers,
T.

Do you know if there is any truth to the rumour that the reason is his disappointment in failing to get the third Michelin star? That "F**k the stars, now we are having fun" was just ... sour grapes?

cheers,

Henry

I don't have any concrete information but yes, I have gathered from Hans Välimäki's statements that the failure to get the third star was at least part of the reason.

The third star would have meant a surge in business plus feather in his cap. With two stars CD was saddled with a high cost base but most likely a steady or slowly declining customer base.

Cheers,
T.

This was the impression I also got from yesterday's interview in Ilta=Sanomat.

I am sure the final month will be packed.

Alas, it is dinner only.

Cheers,
T.

Two new one-star restaurants for Helsinki in the new Michelin guide: Ask and Chef & Sommelier. No two star places now that CD has closed.

Cheers,
T.