Archive for the ‘Drink’ Category

Les Crayères – Classic Quality

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

This traditional and ambient Les Crayères restaurant in Reims recently changed Chef de Cuisine from Didier Elena to Philippe Mille. I am yet to explore the cuisine of the new chef, but that should change in the next week or two.  There are two options, the fine dining experience of Le Parc and the Brasserie Le Jardin. The cellar book is a champagne lover’s bible.

The hotel is the finest in the region if not in the whole of France. It used to belong to the Pommery champagne family. The traditional and luxurious environment is peaceful and cosy. Rest assured the staff will cater for all your needs, as there are 80 people working for the 20 room hotel!

www.lescrayeres.com

A21: Cocktails behind Closed Doors

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

The newly opened bar specialises in cocktails and especially the Finnish specialties are worth experimenting. Walking past it, it appears like a private club with its locked door. But ring the door bell, and you’ll get in to this busy cocktail heaven.

www.a21.fi

Wine and View: The FINE Wine Bar at the Airport

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Finally, there is a great way of killing time at Helsinki Airport! In fact, it is reason to get to the airport half an hour before usual. The newly launched FINE Wine Bar is a unique concept, made in cooperation with the FINE-magazines. It is the place to taste the 1000 finest wines ever made, selected and published as a book by the Editorial Team of FINE.

In addition to tasting the normal wine bar selection, made by Juha Lihtonen of FINE, you can taste everyday a selection of fine and mature wines by the glass. The rare wines are sourced from the best cellars in the world by Pekka Nuikki. You can experience for example Petrus 1975, Chambertin 1961 and Vintage Port from 1864.

The FINE Wine Bar is open every day 06:00-20:00 at Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport.

Sokos Hotel Albert – In the Heart of Punavuori

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Punavuori is the bohemian part of Helsinki that is getting increasingly trendy. This Sokos hotels’ first design hotel is modern and comfortable. Do visit the downstairs’ Italian wine bar Trenta!

www.sokoshotels.fi

Klaus K – First Design Hotel in Town

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

The centrally located Klaus K was the first design hotel in town. The rooms are small yet individual. The best parts of the hotel are however the restaurants and bars attached to it. The Toscanini is a busy casual Italian place whereas the popular Ahjo night club has a good selection of interesting wines.

www.klauskhotel.com

Hotel GLO – Spacious Lifestyle Hotel

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

This modern urban lifestyle hotel is appreciated for its exceptionally large rooms. Central location in down town Helsinki makes it a buzzing meeting point. The hotel has a direct entrance to the fine shopping centre Kämp Galleria as well as a nice Day Spa. GLO offers a lively lobby bar.

Hotel de la Paix: Urban with a Cool Champagne Bar

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

The newly renovated Hotel de la Paix is a great value location in the heart of Reims. The modernized rooms are spacious and stylish. But the best part of the hotel is the downstairs champagne bar. Populated everyday by both Champenois and foreigners, it is a lively spot to enjoy the aperitif bubbles. In the summer, the inside courtyard terrace has the best atmosphere for enjoying the champagnes.

www.bestwestern-lapaix-reims.com

Grotesk: Not so Grotesk

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

The restaurant and bar in the old Helsingin Sanomat newspaper headquarter has gotten its name from the font ‘grotesk’ they used. Ambitious venture by Tommi and Teemu of Demo to offer Demo quality in larger volumes and more accessible pricing. The quality is not quite up to Demo’s one star kitchen but great value in any case. Modern with an ambient busy atmosphere. The lively courtyard terrace is a great place for a drink. When it gets chilly, you should move inside to enjoy some of the best cocktails in town. Bellini from fresh peaches and Pol Roger is fantastic!

www.grotesk.fi

Willi’s Wine Bar

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

This is an ambient bistrot restaurant for wine lovers, and especially Rhône wine lovers. White Burgundy is very well represented as well. The simple but very tasty food is highly affordable (3 course menu 34 €). Also, here the mark-ups for wines will not hinder you from making great explorations.

www.williswinebar.com

DO&CO Bar: The Place with a View

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

The most amazing location with a spectacular view to the Stephansdom at any time of day. Nice wines and bubblies by the glass. Apparently the GT is good, too… Wonderful surroundings if you wish to party among the high life of Vienna.

www.doco.com