Restaurant review: Lasipalatsi

Lasipalatsi – the Glass Palace – is 75 years old building at Mannerheimintie. Although the building had originally been intended to serve as a temporary structure, the building became central monument next to the old bus station. Essential part of the building was the large restaurant Lasipalatsi on the upper floor.

In the end of 1996 the building had undergone years of gradual decline, was given protected status and a restoration project began. Two young architects – Pia Ilonen and Minna Lukander – assisted by interior designer Martti Lukander restored the original Functionalist style; pure white walls, large windows, interiors with warm colours and delightful little details. New restaurant Lasipalatsi was opened in the autumn 1998. There is also small bar in front of the dining room. Restaurant plays soft traditional Finnish “lager” music which leads 50 years back.

Lasipalatsi kitchen combines the cherished traditional Finnish culinary culture with international influences. Restaurant is also well-known for its “theme weeks”, such as Blini, Asparagus, Fish and Reindeer.

When you enter restaurant, it is like you go back in time. But it is refreshing! We were able to get window table, should ask for that. Winter had just arrvied day earlier.

For starters enjoyed Lamb vorschmack with baked potato acccompanied by pickled gherkin, beetroot and soured cream and Raw-pickled salmon, smoked salmon and salmon roe. Vorschmack http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vorschmack was excellent and best part of the meat dinner. I am not so familiar with this food but trusted kitchen. Fish starter was great as expected, simple Finnish tastes

For main courses ordered Fried pearch fillets and scallops with ruby red orange and Rack and neck of lamb from Åland potato purée flavoured with garlic. Pearch was well preapared but one of the two scallops was maybe a little bit raw. Lamb again was delicious but would have expected more flavoures, especially rack of lamb was tender and with potato pure great.

And for desserts Pieces or assortment of Finnish cheese, one piece for both with port wine. One was Peltola Bule and one Mouhijärvi Metsuri. Both genuine and relly tasty Finnish cheeses. Not so Finnish was that you were able to get grappa.

Because of Little Christmas Party date restaurant was full, otherwise you might get table easier.