Mexican Restaurant Patrona

After several weeks (or more like months) of talking about it I finally got to test the new authentic Mexican restaurant Patrona in Annankatu. Same owner's Cafe de Nopal already set my expectations high and I must say that they were fulfilled.

Patrona, Annankatu 20

Remembering the popularity of Cafe de Nopal it was a smart idea to book the table well in advance. Luckily the place is bigger than Cafe de Nopal and you are able to do bookings. Easy-going and relaxed athmosphere, yet a little bit noisy. And extremely friendly and helpful service.

Starter was an easy choise as I am huge fan of avocado. Home-made guacamole was absolutely amazing, so tasty and creamy texture. It was served with delicious totopos, which are soft and delicious crisps.

Guacamole and Totopos

Overall the menu was attractive and there were many options to choose from. And the portions were huge! As a curiousity there was a chicken tortilla with mole sauce in the list. I have tasted this exciting chocolate sauce once in Barcelona and was not brave enought to take it again. Therefore I sticked to the safe Chicken Enchiladas with Salsa Verde.

Flan

It was way too much to eat starter, main course and dessert, but I could not resist the sweet and sticky Flan Casero. And now I got really interested in the lemon pie after seeing it. Maybe it would be a good idea to skip the main course and just take starters and desserts....  

The only thing I could wish for are Strawberry Margaritas on the list.

Patrona - see you soon again!

Spring Weekend In Copenhagen

Long weekend in wonderful Copenhagen was exactly what I needed in order to load the batteries during the April rush. My trip included lots of walking around, eating well, museums, Rufus Wainwright concert and just taking it easy.

All the spring elements were in place: trees were blossoming, birds singing, flowers blooming, the sun shining and the people smiling. 

Somewhat moderate temperatures, but you can say that spring was strongly in the air!

Nyhavn with its canals is always a great place to hang out when it is sunny weather. Either sit on the terraces of the expensive restaurants or bring your own bottle and sit by the sidewalk. Good place for people watching and just enjoying life. 

Nyhavn

There are lots of interesting areas in Copenhagen one of the being multi-ethnic Nørrebro with its vibrant street life and bars. If you like beer and good food then Nørrebro Bryghus is the place to visit!

Urban Camping 48 hour festival in Nørrebro

And you cannot talk about Copenhagen without mentioning Freetown Christiania, which is self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood. Very green, artistic and interesting place to visit.

My new favourite area is Vesterbro, which I just discovered. Located by the main railway station it is extremely convenient when arriving by train from Kastrup airport. Previously this area was known as red light district and for drugs, which still shows, especially in Istedgade. Well, my hotel was located in the same street and I felt completely safe. It is worth exploring this urban area as there are lots of nice houses and restaurants.
 











In a rainy moment it is a good idea to visit a museum or a few. My regular museum is Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, where I go to see the Etruscan and Egyptian sections. There is something really fascinating in those gods, burial chambers and mummies.

















And another great thing about visiting Glyptotek is the Wintergarden and Café.

Other side of the street there is Danish Design Center, which usually also has exhibitions worth visiting. And if you have few hours you should take 35 minutes train trip to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk, which is pleasant neighbourhood by the sea. Museum often has several exhibitions at the same time, good museum shop, nice garden and cafe. 

Louisiana, Gl Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk

After walking and visiting museums it is time to grab something to eat and Copenhagen is full of interesting restaurants. I was recommended to go and have brunch in Mother in Kødbyen, but as mornings were limited I went there in the evening instead and got propably the best pizza I have ever eaten.

Mother, Høkerboderne 9

Yet another great and inexpensive discovery was Vietnamese LêLê a family-runned chain.

Lê Lê's menu assortment

Lê Lê, H.C. Andersens Boulevard 8

On holidays I prefer having a brunch instead of lunch and Copenhagen has good selection of brunch places to choose from. When shopping by the Strøget I usually visit Cafe Norden or Cafe Europa. Both are quite expensive ones, but located perfectly in the way to Magasing du Nord department store.

Cafe Europa, Amagertorv 1

This weekend I also tested Barbar Bar in Vesterbro Torv and Cafe Zirup in Stranden.

Barbar Bar, Vesterbrogade 51

Cafe Zirup, Læderstræde 32

My fave bar is located in Vesterbro: Bang og Jensen, which is cozy yet trendy pub full of people. I ended up here every evening and also once for brunch as the location was so convenient and I really liked the athmosphere. 

Bang og Jensen, Istedgade 130

After a bar night the only thing to do is get a hotdog from a Pölsevagn and get a good night sleep after all the activities.

Rufus Rufus Rufus

Rufus Wainwright is definately one of the most original and talented artists today. I adore his lazy singing and versatile style. And he totally nails Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah - not that many artists that can do it.

 

The new Out Of The Game tournee started from Denmark on 23rd April and I treated myself with a ticket.I had only heard the title song from the new album and really liked it. What a perfect excuse to visit wonderful Copenhagen at the same time.

The one and only time I had seen Rufus live was after the album All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu was released and that was a great concert. So the whole weekend I was getting into the mood and reading Rufus articles with my not-so-fluent Danish.
















And finally Monday came!

Falconer Salen with auditorium seating was cozy place for this kind of concert. Officially the tournee started here, but Rufus and the band had been doing few researchal gigs in London the week before. 

There were many songs I heard the first time and need to listen them a little bit more. New songs that caught my mind were The Song About You, which was dedicated to his partner Jörn, Bitter Tears and Sometimes You Need. And I was so happy the hear the old hits such as Going To Town.

As I have not totally gotten into the new album I must admit I liked more the Helsinki Culture House gig in 2010.Now there were the whole band ie. 8 people in the stage besides Rufus and they got quite much stage time. Helsinki solo concert was much more intimate and there was more time for Rufus. But he is such an adorable character and I just love his jokes and humourous talking between the songs.   

Rufus Wainwright 2012

Although Rufus is sovereign, Martha still remains my no. 1 favourite of the Wainwright family. Hope that she goes on tour soon!

Dinner at Gaijin

One of my favourite restaurants in Helsinki is Gaijin at Bulevardi. Gaijin is serving tasty Asian dishes, just like in sister restaurant Farang in Töölö. I have visited both the restaurants twice and prefer Gaijin just a little bit more. Just cannot wait until the same owners' third restaurant Boulevard Social will open its doors.

Gaijin, Bulevardi 6

Few things you need to take into the consideration when dining at Gaijin. Table reservations are booked in 2,5 hours slots and if you choose a menu then everybody needs to take the same one (if you are more than 8 people pre-booked menu is a must).

I have tried the Gaijin menu, which was mind-blowing tasty and huge, really had difficulties to eat it all. So this time a skipped the menu and chose starters, main dish and dessert. Started with Pork Bun, which is my fave snack and dim sums. Easy thing in Gaijin is that no matter you take everything is absolutely delicious!

Dim Sum

We took several main dishes so you could taste lots of different flavours: beautiful soft veil cheeks, scallops, butterfish and prawns.

Tiger Prawns

Californian Style Scallops

Avocado ice-cream dessert did not impress me that much, but wine drinkers were pleased with Kung Fu Girl Riesling.

It is easy to understand why Gaijin got its Michelin recommendation. Great accomplishment for a restaurant that has not been open even for a year at that point.

Yobot Frozen Yogurt Bar

Nearby the Opera House in Runeberginkatu you can find the latest addition to Töölö's delicacy delight: Yobot Frozen Yogurt.

Yobot, Runeberginkatu 54a

Cool fresh interiors and neat turquesa blue walls give the small yogurt bar it's brisk character. Nice wide windowsill where you can sit and observe the passerbys on the street.  

Bar operates as self service so you can choose how much yogurt and toppings you want to have and it's priced by the weight of the portion. I must say this is nice concept as you can choose everything yourself and have as many toppings as you like.

Occasionally you might get fresh berries, which are really popular and therefore finish fast. But there are plenty of chocolate and other candy toppings to choose from. Mint and chocolate candies are my current favourites. Anyway a little bit healthier than ice cream - that is what I at least try to convince myself.

So pleased that place like this has arrived to Töölö and cannot wait the summer season!

Easter Sunday Stroll in Helsinki

Bright and sunny Easter Sunday, but still very cold weather, especially the wind feels chilly. Only little ice has melted from Töölönlahti and still some remains of snow. Luckily footpaths are already bare so it is possible to have a brisk walk and enjoy the awakening of nature.

Still icy Töölönlahti

Töölönlahti is my favourite places to have a walk. Lively with people, yet peaceful plus water, green areas, wild birds and nice cafeterias.

Mallards

Canada Gooses and seagulls

I also popped into The Winter Garden, which was crowded with people, especially families with children. I did not magage to see any Easter chicks, but Easter theme was present in decoration.

Lovely tropical climate and lots of beautiful flowers.

Orchids and daffodils.

Lilies and daffodils

Orchids

Now eagerly waiting for the spring flowers also to appear outside.