I must first of all apologize for not being very present on the blog, but I’ve been pretty busy lately – work, holiday, laziness, procrastination, etc..
I have nevertheless taken some time to take care of the appearance of the blog to make it a little bit more “Attractive” shall we say. I hope that my numerous readers will not be offended and will see the soul that lies beneath this ephemeral graphic outlook.
Back from vacation, I decided with a friend – on his recommendation – to eat near a place I already knew, Von Krahl. Aed Restaurant is actually part of Von Krahl, located in the old town in Rataskaevu 8 (see google map below). With this kind of weather, warmer than we should have to live with, there was no way I would eat on the outside, but if possible in a cold enough place not to have to leave the restaurant with five kilos less water in the body.
The entrance is very similar to a Tea café/Restaurant, and the small shelf with cakes and drinks next to the bar does not suggest that this is indeed a restaurant. However, listening to my courage, or rather more thanks to my friend – whom as a journalist only has good advices – we passed the door of what would prove to be one of my best restaurant’s experience since I arrived in Estonia.
With a bit of scenery “Old Fashioned” chairs and tables with colors from the 30′s or older, stone walls but no wallpaper and very simple lamps, Aed Restaurant will not impress those who are fans of kitsch or ultra posh furniture. No, what stands out and you can notice is the simplicity of the place. Three rooms plus a small courtyard, a few tables comparing the size of the premises, there is finally a restaurant where you can eat in peace, with a background music which does not disturb or make the silence too strange.
The waitresses, always two at a time are more than polite, always smiling and very charming. When I came back on two other occasions, I was pleased to discover at least five different waitresses, all equally enjoyable. This leaves me, seriously wondering about how restaurants in Tallinn can find so many pretty waitresses. Would there be a revolving fund or some sort of secret tank? But anyway, the investigation will be for another day.
Having tried each time a new dish, I can properly tell you about the food: absolutely no disappointment whatsoever for starters, main meals or desserts. From the Salmon Carpaccio with big salt, through the duck and pasta, to finish with a delicious crème brulée which delighted my gastronomic expectations, Aed restaurant got the top mark on my score sheet. The dishes are simple but always served with adapted sauce and vegetables, the cooking times are good, and I even ate the different soya seeds and similar healthy bio whatever with the salad – which I would have never expected as a real carnivore.
And what about the holy moment when I slipped a spoon full of this delicious “Icy Cold Cheese Cake” in the palm of my mouth – not without a slight feeling of eroticism in the act – to discover an explosion of happiness. A dessert both smooth and fresh, with taste, yes I said taste! Me, myself and I, defenders of the menus with only a starter and a main meal. I would add that just for those enjoying the cold and crunchy side of ice just taken out from the freezer, I suggest asking to the waitress to serve the dessert very cold, because it has a tendency to quickly warm up because of the temperatures we had since the last days.
For information, cost for desserts are between 35 and 50eek (the crème brulée is indicated 45eek on internet but I paid 5eek more).
I can already hear you, advised and smart visitors thinking that this must be expensive and far from the goal of this blog “Paevapraed”. Ei ole! They also have Paevapraed, which today was really tasty vegetables’ Kotlets for 60eek. Only the duck, rabbit and beef tenderloin are a bit more expensive – between 140 and 160eek.
I will go back with no doubt, and with the greatest of pleasures.
http://vonkrahl.ee/toit/restoranaed/menuu/paevapakkumine.
