Caviar is a product that is (or at least can be) very expensive, and as a result many people associate with (extreme) luxury. I have known for a long time that there are many types of caviar. Because of this, I have been looking for a possibility to do a caviar tasting. Where they are sometimes available, they confirm the first sentence by being ridiculously expensive.
On a trip to Helsinki, I was pointed to a shop that sells luxury products, like caviar, oysters and truffle. The good thing is that they also have a few tables inside the shop where you can eat. On the menu are things like truffled pasta, lobster soup and sandwiches, Of course caviar is not missing either. Having checked out the website, I decided quickly this is a ‘must-visit’ restaurant.
Located on the water not too far from the senate building, it is within walking distance of pretty much any place in the city center. The shop is small and the furniture is ‘simple’. Relatively comfortable, but simple. The tables are smaller than I was expecting and this might be an issue when you order a couple of dishes to share.
Before arriving, I already studied the menu, so it was only a matter of ordering and enjoying. The last I surely did. Starting with a caviar tasting, I was able to compare the ‘cheap’ stuff with the ‘good’ stuff. A tasting like this, with 6 types of caviar, is the best way to notice the subtle differences between the different types of caviar. One just that little more creamy than the other and one just a hint more salty that the previous/next one. Main course consisted of pasta with lobster. Wow, how good was that. The pasta has just the right amount of lobster in it. Because a meal isn’t over till dessert is eaten, I also had a chocolate mousse with fresh berries.
All together, the meal costed me around EUR 225 including drinks. I have to say it is well worth it and for a tasting of caviar not as much as one may expect to pay. The decor may be simple, but who cares. If you are looking for an ‘affordable’ caviar tasting followed by a tasty main course, this is the place to go!
