Helsinki Harbor Market – Chef Franco Lania

Okay travel bloggers this one is for you!  As far as blogging residences go the #HelsinkiSecret residence is one of the best, I’ve experienced thus far.  It is located in the heart of the city and steps away from the Central Railway Station, Bus Terminals, Subways (Metro), Harbor Markets and Taxi Stands.  

One afternoon as I was meandering around the harbor area I came across a great Italian-inspired place called Taverna Vaelsa. What a pleasant surprise! It is a quaint place that offers artisan pizzas, homemade pastas, an outdoor café and a second floor restaurant (with nice harbor views). There is also a boutique food shop where you can purchase a variety of imported Italian food products, and most importantly Taverna Vaelsa’s homemade pastas.  I couldn’t resist the freshly-made pastas so I purchased their ricotta and spinach ravioli.  

As an Italian-American guy that lives long stretches of time in Helsinki, I am very glad to have found this place.  I’m planing to head back for their homemade “creste de gallo” (cocks comb shaped pasta) and try one of their delicious looking pizzas.  

Places like Taverna Vaelsa offers travel bloggers a great opportunity to showcase the fabulous “foodie” venues that are sprouting up across Helsinki.  Most tourists will not know about a gem like this, and they should.  As bloggers, we can help get the word out!  I suggest seeking out places like Taverna Vaelsa, buy some local fare, and cook up a fabulous meal. Yes, it’s possible to cook at the Helsinki Secret residence!  Watch the video below and I’ll show you how. 

Now let’s get to cooking our ravioli!