II. Main Cultural products 4. Culinary Heritage Section 4.2: Food Service Enterprises and Events Using National Cuisine

4.2.2. Countryside Restaurants in Castles, Estates, Guest Houses

Restaurants in the countryside often use national cuisine as a unique selling point. Some examples are mentioned below.

Igate castle, Latvia

A countryside restaurant on the site of an old mill, by the Igate castle in Latvia offers traditional meals from grain products, like:

•  Barley porridge with bacon
• Fried barley pattes with onions and sour cream
• Fried grits sausage with red bilberry jam and fried apple slices
•  Barley porridge with jam.

It is advisable to let the visitors know if ingredients have been supplied from the local production farms, etc.

Traditional Latvian food is substantial, rich. Nevertheless, Latvians are not famous for being overweight. Because of comparatively cold climate (short summers, long and cold winters) and hard physical work (traditionally Latvians have been farmers), people used to eat „strong” food. People who are used to international cuisine will find Latvian dishes quite heavy, though tasting well. Fresh, chemical-free food is a strong tradition in Latvian contemporary cuisine. Home grown and home made products are popular.

Pädaste Manor in Muhu island, Estonia

The manor house restaurant “Alexander” is a good example of how modern culinary trends function in the countryside setting. The web site presentation says: “The team at Alexander is proud to serve innovative Nordic Islands’ Cuisine, respecting the seasons and making maximum use of fresh local ingredients by working with the island’s producers and farmers, while many of the greens and herbs are grown in Pädaste’s own gardens and green houses. Pädaste Manor offers an arresting culinary combination of urban sophistication and wholesome countryside traditions.” The manor house organises culinary events inviting best professionals.

Chez Dominique, Finland

Chez Dominique http://www.chezdominique.fi/ is one of the best restaurants in Helsinki, Finland. It has lead the culinary awakening in Finland ever since it first opened its doors in 1996. Chez Dominique has the following awards:

• The Restaurant of the Year 2000, Finnish Gastronomic Society
• One Michelin-star 2001-2002
• Two Michelin-stars from the year 2003
• The Best Restaurant in Finland 2004-2010, Viisitähteä -magazine
• 50 Best Restaurants in the World place 39 (2006), place 35 (2007), place 39 (2008) place 21 (2009) and place 23 (2010), Restaurant magazine UK

4.2.1. Restaurants and Cafes

4.2.3. Country Homes, Open Farms