Today on a rainy Sunday I am sharing some interior photos from a recent trip to a restaurant that has been in Helsinki since 1930´s for John’s Cellpic Sunday
The legendary restaurant Elite, located in Töölö, Helsinki, was established in April 1932. It will celebrate its 94th in year 2026. The restaurant began its operations on Museokatu and has been serving in its current premises on South Hesperiankatu since 1938. Elite is one of Helsinki’s most famous artist restaurants, I enjoyed their perhaps most of traditional classic dishes– Tauno Palo’s creamy onion steak. Art Deco Design: Entering Elite, you’re welcomed by a beautifully elegant interior crafted by Stockmann’s Jung & Jung architects, featuring handmade furniture by Werner West. Located near the Lallukka Artists’ Home, Elite has been a vibrant meeting place for cultural icons like authors Mika Waltari and Matti Kurjensaari, and composer Aarre Merikanto.
During World War II, food regulations and rationing were stringent. Elite managed to remain operational by offering un-rationed game dishes, casseroles, and fish. There are whispers that actual meat steaks were sold discreetly, but only to the most trusted regular patrons. Amidst the 1944 bombings of Helsinki, staff had to hurriedly secure the liquor cabinets and seek refuge in air-raid shelters, resulting in the destruction of nearly all of Elite’s beautifully custom-painted glass windows. Remarkably, this establishment became a second home for the renowned actor Tauno Palo, whose frequent visits are commemorated by a wall plaque at his favorite table. It is said that the famed sirloin steak with creamed onion (sipulipihvi) was invented to quell his late-night hunger after his theatrical performances.
The famous artist table is the first table on the right when entering through the main doors of Restaurant Elite’s, a special corner table shared by two of Finland’s greatest actors, Tauno Palo and Matti Pellonpää. The table has an official brass plaque.
I struggle to remember building names, which led me to do some Google research to accurately name the architectural buildings I took in December 2018. Debbie’s One Word Sunday inspired me to find names and little bit of information of the towering buildings, here is a link to her post: Tall.
As I captured this Hong Kong cityscape, I positioned myself near the windows edge, where a ferry boat gracefully sailed towards me. In the background, the towering Two International Finance Centre , the city’s second tallest building at 415 meters, commands the skyline with its sculptural elegance. Nestled in the Central district on Hong Kong Island, it stands proudly among other skyscrapers, framed by a mountainous backdrop. The moody overcast sky lent an atmospheric quality to the scene, while a window frame in my shot added depth and a unique framing element to this captivating composition.
I captured a breathtaking view of Hong Kong’s skyline from the iconic viewpoint at Victoria Peak, providing a stunning perspective that stretches from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon. The illuminated Bank of China Tower, standing in the center, and the International Finance Centre skyscraper on the right, glitter against the backdrop of the evening sky. Below, the sprawling cityscape with countless lights gleaming off the vast waters of Victoria Harbour. The foreground features a diverse array of high-rise buildings, including a standout structure topped with a radiant blue spire and a striking pink cross-shaped light. The midground is filled with a dense collection of skyscrapers, among them a sleek, slender tower adorned with bright, linear lights, while the background showcases misty mountains under a deep blue sky, enriching the vibrant, dynamic atmosphere that defines this remarkable city at night. The buildings that vary in height, from tall to taller to the tallest.
As I captured the scene, I couldn’t help but admire the most significant skyscrapers of Hong Kong. In the background, the city’s tallest building, the impressive 484-meter International Commerce Centre, rose majestically. Right in the foreground stood the iconic The Center, a striking 346-meter steel structure that beamed with a green light at its peak. The densely built cityscape dominated by towering skyscrapers and residential buildings, all set against a hazy sky. A prominent, modern high-rise with a reflective facade drew my eye, crowned by a green-lit antenna contrasting against the muted gray tones of the nearby structures and the distant mountains. The overall atmosphere felt subdued and slightly misty, evoking an early evening or a foggy day, as diffused light gently enveloped the entire scene.
Here a photos from May trip to Rethymno, I took a lot of street photos in the towns we visited. Most are still not posted. The post features a collection of street photographs taken during a May trip to Rethymno, capturing the essence of the town. Among the highlights is a charming old building with a weathered door, ornate gate, and inviting café atmosphere. Other images showcase cozy alleys filled with quaint tables, vibrant storefronts, and charming pastel buildings. Each photo reflects daily life in Rethymno, conveying warmth and nostalgia. The author expresses a fondness for these moments, highlighting the interplay between the town’s beauty and human connection.
A rustic street scene with bicycles parked in front of a colorful building with a handwritten menu board and a decorative archway. Does not seem to be open anymore, closed for good?
This photo captures the charming entrance of an old building, showcasing a weathered wooden door nestled within vibrant yellow stone walls and archways. I couldn’t resist the allure of the ornate metal gate, framed by delicate dry vines, which adds an enchanting touch. Two bicycles leaning against the gate feel like they belong to friends who’ve just popped in for a quick bite. Speaking of which, the blackboard to the left tempted me with its handwritten menu items like Greek salad, tzatziki, and a classic hot dog—perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The cozy wooden bench and cobblestone pavement create an inviting atmosphere, making this spot all the more special to capture.
Rethymno- same place but as a landscape and different croppingRethymno alley with a cozy restaurant
This delightful image was snapped to capture a moment that feels like stepping into a charming little world. You can just picture yourself wandering down this narrow alleyway, flanked by those lovely beige and yellow buildings. The small outdoor tables with their quaint white chairs beckon you to sit a while and enjoy a coffee, perhaps a pastry, surrounded by little vases g with flowers that add a touch of warmth. And that trellis overhead? It’s like a cozy hug, with its bare branches weaving together to create a rustic canopy. In the background, you can see a few friendly faces enjoying the vibe, which just makes the whole place feel so inviting and relaxed. It’s the kind of spot that wraps you in its charm and makes you want to linger a little longer.
Rethymno would you prefer this place
This photo captures a delightful little street in a charming Rethymno town in Crete, where time seems to slow down just for a moment. You can almost feel the inviting atmosphere of the outdoor café on the left, where locals and visitors alike enjoy their coffee under soft cream-colored awnings, the warm glow of lights adding a touch of magic to the scene. Just beyond, the vibrant display at “LINEN & COTTON in ARET” showcases an array of colorful t-shirts that dance in the breeze. I couldn’t help but notice the café staff member, who seems to draw the attention to the whole scene to life as she balances her tray and keeps an eye with the area around her. The cobblestone street, lined with charming buildings adorned with shutters and wrought-iron balconies, sets the perfect backdrop for this slice of everyday life, blending the charm of the picturesque with the warmth of human connection. It’s a moment I wanted to capture, to reminisce about those slow, beautiful afternoons spent soaking in the sights and sounds of street life.
Side street in Rethymno
This photo was taken during a late afternoon stroll down a charming urban street that blends the old with the new. I was drawn to the pastel hues of the buildings—beige, peach, and soft pink—that seem to whisper stories of the past. The central building with its shuttered windows and quaint wrought-iron balcony had me imagining the lives of those who once called it home. I couldn’t help but notice a line of scooters parked along the street, hinting at the vibrant life that fills this area. Just then, a woman in a dark coat caught my eye as she walked toward the camera, embodying the everyday hustle of city life. In the background, two men relaxed on a rooftop near the ASIKIKO restaurant sign, perfectly capturing that casual, laid-back vibe that makes urban exploration so enjoyable.
I liked how the group of people was at the top of the building, as I zoomed in it was a moment there was three instead of two friends found themselves on a terrace, just taking a break from work or chatting. It’s one of those light-filled days when the soft natural afternoon sunlight paints everything in a warm glow, making the weathered walls and stone surfaces feel alive with stories.
I took this photo because I was hunting for interesting doors for Dans Thursday Doors and I was captivated by the old, weathered double wooden door. It was painted in a pale, muted color, but the significant peeling and chipping really revealed the underlying wood’s character. Each door panel had this interesting latticed section at the top, which added a textured pattern, while the bottom panels were solid and showed extensive paint deterioration. What struck me was how the doors were secured with a metal chain wrapped around two green handles, making it seem like they were locked or out of use. The yellowish wall surrounding the doors had its own story with patches of peeling paint and dark spots, giving off an overall vibe of age and neglect. Plus, the small white plaque above the doors with the number 18 and the letter of notice set under the door piqued my curiosity about what lay behind them.
Few more 😀🫢If using a computer to read my post, for a better view click the gallery to enlarge the photos
As an afterthought, I am adding these photos; it was not really my intention to do so. We also walked to the Rethymnon lighthouse, located on the island of Crete in Greece. This historical landmark, built of stone in the Venetian harbor, was constructed during the Ottoman period and continues to be one of the area’s most famous attractions.
The city of Réthymnon and its Venetian harbor, from which there is a view towards the snow-capped Psilorítis mountain (Ida mountain).
The numerous mills in the rapids of the lakes on the northern side of the Salpausselkä in Nastola have been significant since the 16th century, and the current building stock forms cohesive and temporally as well as functionally layered entities in picturesque locations. The mills in the rapids represent early industrial buildings, to which the residences of the millers have also been connected.
The Kumian mills are located by the shore of Lake Salajärvi at a place where a river divides the narrow isthmus between Lake Salajärvi and Isokukkanen. The older wooden mill building dates back to the 1890s, while the tall flour mill building is from the 1930s.
The Kumian flour mill was designed in 1933 at the East Häme agricultural society. Later, similar tall flour mills were built, either as electric or steam mills. The mill became the most popular in Nastola and the nearby municipalities, significantly contributing to the spread of wheat cultivation in the area. A groats mill and a shaving planing machine operated in connection with the mill. Milling activities ceased in 1964.
A red mill surrounded by snow-covered trees and a flowing stream.
So far so good, and today we have a surprisingly beautiful morning; the sky is blue, a lovely hue with few clouds, now three days in a row, However, despite the vibrant appearance of the day, unfortunately, the air is cold due to the wind factor, which feels like -2C / 28F, making it a bit too nippy for my taste. As I step outside, the crispness bites at my skin, urging me to bundle up more tightly in layers of clothing, savoring the clear skies while grappling with the chill that nips at my fingers and cheeks.
Today my post is going to include, obviously,How to Survive the Novembertheme Round, which is crucial as we navigate the often dreary days of this month. In addition to that, I will be sharing to Becky’s NovemberShadows, where we can explore the interplay between light and darkness through photography. Furthermore, I will touch upon John’s Cellpic Sunday, an opportunity to showcase our mobile photography, which is one my challenges weekly. To conclude, I will delve into Debbie’s OneWordSunday, focusing on the theme Monochrome, where we can capture the beauty and depth that black and white images bring to our stories.
A beautifully presented bowl of rice garnished with seaweed, set against the backdrop of a dining table, showcasing round and the monochrome theme.
Now that is multitasking 😀 I have more than one posted food shot from Johns Cellpic, as we often dine out on Saturday. I am not going to change that delightful routine. The plates are round, elegantly showcasing the delicious dishes, the interior has shadows that play beautifully. With the variety of colors and textures, I can always convert shots to Monochrome, which adds a timeless quality to the images, enhancing the details and making the food pop even more against the understated background.
A monochrome close-up of elegantly shaped bowls filled with various side dishes, showcasing a captivating interplay between textures and shapes including round.
A cozy restaurant scene showcasing a woman serving food at a table, highlighting the interplay of shadows and light.
A delicious spread featuring grilled meat and various side dishes, perfect for showcasing culinary delights.
A beautifully arranged plate featuring a variety of sushi, sashimi, and side dishes, perfect for showcasing the theme of ’round’ in a culinary setting.
A delightful dessert featuring whipped cream topped with mango, mint, and a hint of coffee in a round serving bowl.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
This is the prime time for dandelions in my neck of the woods. The glorious yellow fields of this pest of a flower look lovely, stretching out like a bright carpet across the landscape, creating a vivid contrast against the greens of the grass and the browns of the earth. This weed is lovely in its brightness, with its unapologetic splendor. I took these yesterday, reveling in the beauty of the fields and the soft, fluffy clouds drifting lazily above, where the sun peeked through to illuminate the landscape. However, towards the end of the day, the clouds turned dark, gathering together ominously and giving us a pour of rain that was both refreshing and needed. The scent of the air after the rain was so fresh and lovely, invigorating my senses.
The seeds, delicate and fluffy, are a great macro photography subject, exploding into the air with just a gentle breath, scattering like tiny parachutes on the wind.
My old neighbor, by old I mean she used to be my neighbor and well she was on the older side; I was in my late forties and she in her late eighties, told me she used to make wine out of dandelions, a unique blend that captivated and surprised many. She said she would give me the recipe, but I never did actually get it, although it came up many times during our conversations, often reminiscing about the joy ipicking the dandelions. She was a lovely lady, always positive, her laughter , and her stories rich with wisdom about foraging, gardening, and the simple pleasures found in nature.
Dandelions can be made into wine, offering a refreshing and unique beverage. This traditional recipe is perfect for beginners looking to try something new for spring or summer meals. While many see dandelions as weeds, wine enthusiasts view them as ingredients. Dandelion wine is gaining popularity among DIY winemakers, featuring a light and citrusy flavor.
Ingredients: • 3 liters of dandelion petals (only the yellow parts) • 4 liters of water • 1.5–2 kg of sugar (adjust to taste) • 2 organic lemons (juice + zest) • 1 orange (optional – for rounder flavor) • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional) • 1 packet wine yeast • Optional: 1 tsp yeast nutrient
Instructions:
Pick & prepare: Pick dandelions on a sunny day when they are fully open. Use only the yellow petals – the green parts can make the wine bitter.
Pre-fermentation: Boil the water and pour it over the petals in a large pot or fermentation bucket. Cover and let sit for 2 days, stirring occasionally.
Strain & flavor: Strain out the petals. Gently heat the liquid with the sugar, lemon juice + zest, optional orange and ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Let cool to room temperature.
Fermentation: Add the wine yeast (and optional yeast nutrient) to the cooled liquid. Pour into a fermentation vessel with an airlock. Let ferment in a cool, dark place for 2–4 weeks.
Bottling & aging: When fermentation is complete, transfer to clean bottles. Age for at least 3–6 months. The wine only improves over time!
My aunt gave me this beautiful angel when I was a teenager about 45 years ago, and I still cherish it dearly. The piece itself may not be worth much , but its sentimental value is immeasurable. It now safely guards my bedroom, serving as a gentle reminder of the love my aunt bestowed upon me. Currently, it finds its home on top of a mirror, which leans gracefully against a silk painting that has also accompanied me for over thirty years.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
This week Ann-Christine inspires us with,On Display. In her post, she has fine examples, check her post out and be inspired. This one is really making display of himself – the pink dude.
So many things are on display, such a wide topic really. Here are few…
A view on display with a table set for three – after the fact of having lunch.
Art displays, whether in parks, museums windows, or buildings, offer glimpses into the vibrant world of creativity. They serve as portals to different eras, cultures, and perspectives, stimulating our imagination and invoking a range of emotions. From timeless masterpieces to contemporary installations, art displays invite us to explore, contemplate, and appreciate the beauty and power of human expression. So, step into the world of art and let your senses be awakened by the captivating displays before you.
A fashion window display is a captivating visual representation of clothing, accessories, or other fashionable items that are showcased in the display windows of retail stores. These displays are strategically designed to grab the attention of passersby and entice them to enter the store. Fashion windows often feature stylish mannequins showcasing the latest trends, innovative design elements, eye-catching props, and creative lighting to create a visually stunning and immersive experience for potential customers.
Marketplace displays are an essential component of any vibrant shopping experience. These displays creatively showcase a wide range of products, enticing shoppers with their visual appeal and strategic placement. From colorful fruits and vegetables arranged in eye-catching patterns to neatly stacked shelves displaying various merchandise, marketplace displays are strategically designed to capture attention and encourage purchases. With their vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and captivating arrangements, these displays create a sensory experience that engages shoppers and enhances their overall shopping journey. Whether it’s a meticulously decorated bakery section or a beautifully arranged floral display, marketplace displays are an art form that not only adds to the ambiance but also helps customers discover new products and make informed choices.
When it comes to displaying liquor in a bar, there are several key selling points to consider:
Visibility: A well-designed liquor display should ensure the visibility of the bottles, .
Brand Showcase: Use the display to showcase your bar’s featured or premium brands. Highlighting high-end or exclusive spirits can pique customers’ interest and encourage them to explore new options or indulge in something special.
Lighting and Ambiance. LED lighting can create an eye-catching display that adds to the overall ambiance of the bar.
Information. Provide customers with useful information about each liquor bottle displayed.
It should captivate customers, inspire exploration, and ultimately contribute to the overall success of your bar.
Soon is Halloween and people have lots of decorations on display
Guest host Egidio of Through Brazilian Eyessays he turns to nature to rejuvenate and asked us how we recharge our body’s’ batteries. I would have to agree to that, nature does that.
Music, art and good food and dessert and wine accompanied by friends.. got to love that.
This weekend is a good sample of recharging for me, if you have read any of my posts you know that I am a often at my summer house, like many other Finns are, away from the city, hassle and buzzle of everyday life. Outdoors, barbecue, sauna and glass of wine, maybe two. Nature surrounding us is it the forest, lakes, sea or fields , as in my case.
Driving this road already set the mood for the moments ahead. Below water as an element is recharging. I love the sea.
Animal’s well you got to love them. Veikka and Tinka are my most recent pets. Cuddle them and you relax as you hear them purr.
Forest, trees, well the lungs of the earth, they are so important at the prospect of recharging no matter what the season.
If you would like to participate weekly in Lens-Artists Challenge, click here for more info.
Look around and we’ll see something we take for granted – color. Our wonderful world is filled with it, so this week we’re asking you to Choose A Color. Make that color the theme and inspiration behind your image. Colors evoke moods and feelings – how you choose to compose and use them is what will guide the viewer through the image.
Choosing to focus on a single color in particular is both creative and good use of light, contrast and saturation is what can make or break an image. Pick a color and make it the dominant and outstanding and leave no doubt about which color you wanted to make the main point of your shot.
I am having huge problems with my computer, so much that I need to buy a new one, so these are old shots that I have here already used in my previous posts over the years. I am not able to access my computer files, or additional hard drives to add photos or load new ones from the camera disk. I am able to access the internet for now, so I am using these here this week.
Think landscapes of rolling green hills, or food shots of red chilli peppers or the all encompassing golden color at sunset – there’s a noticeable dominant color there and that’s what we’re looking for.
orange
Green
Composition: Compose your shot so there’s no doubt as to which color you’re trying to use. Think about any emotions or moods your photo can evoke and bring that to the forefront. You could use a lot of negative space to direct interest to your subject or go in full-tilt and fill the frame
Lighting: Lighting and shadows add depth to an image and can change an image dramatically. An underlit and underexposed image brings to mind a different mood than a bright, well-lit one.
White Balance: . Using and adjusting white balance while taking your photos will be valuable
Contrast: If there are multiple colors and shades in your image, ensure that there’s one that’s visibly up front and recognizable – it contrasts and stands out from the other shades and tone of the image.
Post-processing: Feel free to go nuts with post-processing and editing to render some cool color effects. But remember, less is more.
Yesterday I enjoyed a delicious meal and as I took photos of them because they were so beautifully prepared and presented. Yammy… nettle soup with poached egg, perched pike with potatoes and finally a brûlée with rhubarb and raspberry sorbet.
I asked my husband to get something tasty to go with coffee. This is what I got, laskiaispulla. A bun with whipped cream and strawberry jam. Aah , so tasty 😋
Today: Sunrise at 9:23- Sunset 15:14- Length of day 5:51 hours – time of dusk 0:58 minutes . A minute less of daylight than yesterday. Only 5 more days until winter solstice.
Old Friends they shine like diamonds Old Friends you can always call Old Friends Lord you can’t buy ’em You know it’s Old Friends after all
We met over dinner with old friends, we usually have had a tradition, that my girl friend for 40 years has hosted a pre Christmas party to a certain group of friends – four couples in December at her house. This year that tradition has broken due to this odd year. This year is we decided to have celebrate friendship and Christmas with a dinner with them in a nice restaurant just the four of us. No hugging, greeting smiles from distance and sitting across the dinner table. All good and safe. Delicious meal. For a starter I had flambeed snails (anise liqueur), Duck leg Confit for entree and for dessert Chocolate cake and beetroot sorbet.
Chocolate cake and beetroot sorbet
Winter scene from few years back.
I will be posting new and old photos somehow related to winter, Christmas and eventually anticipation of new year. My aim is to take one new photo a day, but not going to stress over it, if I don’t come up with anything.
Would you like to join us? Join in with this title and link it to my page.
Happy is said to be the family which can eat onions together. They are, for the time being, separate, from the world, and have a harmony of aspiration.
In onion is strength; and a garden without it lacks flavour. The onion, in its satin wrappings, is among the most beautiful of vegetables; and it is the only one that represents the essence of things. It can almost be said to have a soul.
Charles Dudley Warner
Onion is such a great topic. I think I have to go ang by more vegetables and try to take food photos.
We at a restaurant called China Lane Restaurant- style Asian fusion. Absolutely delicious. My cousin knew the place and did the ordering for us, so I do not remember what we ate but it was one of the best meals we had in a long time. Recommendation to the place , absolutely
So tasty, so good. Visited a great restaurant in Helsinki called Toca with work colleagues. Five course meal and wines to go with it. As I said, so delicious. Here are shot iPhone shots from some of the tastings. Herring, cauliflower, celery, all these not so mind blowing ingredients and they were so good…this was a good evening in November, no complaints here
Colors! I walked through the fruit section in our grocery store. Color therapy, bright, vibrant colors.. I think we all can agree that colors are good for the soul and fruits to our body.
Thursday. The restaurant we daily use has Pea soup as one of the main dishes and crepes with ice cream, strawberry jam and whipped cream for desert every Thursday. That helps the survival weekly. Tasty!!
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 