That's All He Ate: Fish

Showing posts with label Fish. Show all posts

10.1.19

10.1.2019

SpaceTime: Herkkunuotta, Kauppahalli, 12:30 lunch
Atmosphere: Busy, street-ish, plain
Food: Breaded flounder with potato pure, roe sauce, pickled red onion, steamed vegetables
Price: 13.90€

Thoughts: I was able to find a relatively peaceful corner spot at the counter of Herkkunuotta, offering over-the-counter fish products as well as sparkly street food, much like Deli Verde (S Wallin) close by. It's almost as if these two fish vendors are in competition!

The dish was gorgeous! The roe sauce, the fish and the potato puree created a colorful display to whet my appetite. The flounder was cooked nice and crispy, the potato pure was nice but not exactly warm, the sauces and pickled onions were yummy and the steamed veggies were finely cooked and tasted as you'd expect.

The price was a bit steep, and I can't decide if it was worth it or not. The flounder had a very mild taste to it, and in junction with the breading and grilling, tasted mostly salty and oily. I'm not a big fan of strong oceanic tastes, and in that regard the dish was definitely not overwhelming. However, I kept pondering if the somewhat simpler salmon dish I ate yesterday had worked better, or if I just prefer salmon to flounder. It could be that some of the culinary artistry is simply lost on this unsophisticated brute. All in all, the dish was yummy and I wouldn't mind eating here another time.

I also ate my portion before paying, but this time didn't attempt to leave before paying. Progress!

9.1.19

9.1.2019

SpaceTime: Deli Verde (S Wallin Oy), Kauppahalli, Turku, 12:30 lunch
Atmosphere: Packed, busy, street-ish
Food: Freshly grilled salmon with deep-fried potatoes, small salad, dill aioli, pickled veggies
Price: 12,90€

Thoughts: Kauppahalli is quite busy during lunchtime. There are many small kitchens that offer a few customer spots at a counter with bar stools and people walking by behind your back. Deli Verde is part of a fresh fish vendor's booth, serving fish in various forms, with around 10 customer seats.

While I prefer a more relaxed dining experience, I am kind of starting to like the fresh honest street kitchen food this food court has to offer. The fish is straight from the grill to a plate near you. You pay, you eat, you get out.

I enjoyed this meal. The salmon was grilled perfectly, the flavors of the dish were simple yet distinct. The portion was not huge, and the price is not the cheapest, but the quality of the food was spot-on. The only real downside is the busy atmosphere which might make you walk past the place if all the seats are taken. Still, recommended.

7.1.19

7.1.2019

SpaceTime: Bowler, bowling alley, downtown Turku, 11am lunch
Atmosphere: Busy to the max, lively, dim lights
Food: Buffet table with salad, salmon pasta, pork, sweet potato fries with white sauce, bread, "dessert"
Price: 10.40€
Thoughts: The year 2019 is off to a rocky start with this unlikely buffet. The dimly lit dining room overlooking bowling alley lines is teeming with diners. The kitchen is having trouble keeping up with the demand.

The food itself is a mixed bag. The salad table does not have the most varied selection. The oven eggplant thing is overly salty. The fries have been murdered with salt, in addition to being constantly out-of-stock. The pork is plain but alright. The salmon pasta is greasy and messy, but edible. The "dessert" is what I can only describe as stale or curdled whipped cream in a cup with sour thawed berries, not very appetizing.

I dig the lighting. Other than that, there are several other buffets in close proximity (such as Julinia or Fontana Cafe) with tastier and more high quality foods. Based on this experience, I would rather go with any of them.