It's been way too long since I last posted. Between this whirlwind trip, a vow renewal, and keeping up with a toddler--well, things got kind of crazy. 

I'll start with Tallinn, Estonia. I had no expectations going in, because I really knew almost nothing about the region. I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty and history...and the food. We had dinner our first night at Rataskaeuvu 16, in the charming old city. The combination of traditional Estonian dishes and modern ingredients and techniques was delicious. I was in love from the moment they brought out brown bread with pumpkin seeds. I started with lightly fried baltic herring with a local cottage cheese sauce, pearl onions, greens, and flaky pastry on top. Yummy! The beef tenderloin with avocado was solid, and I actually enjoyed the elk. It was prepared in a a brown sauce with potatoes and beets...very tender and meaty. 

The cheesecake, though...we were really jet-lagged, and thought about skipping dessert. I'm so glad we didn't. The frozen blue cheesecake was one of the best desserts I've ever had. Seriously, it was borderline life-altering. I'm actually glad I live so far from Rataskaeuvu, because I'd be in trouble. 

We stayed at the Hotel Telegraaf, which is steeped in history and gorgeous (although, I would have preferred it if the rooms had been a little more renovated). Their Tchaikovsky restaurant was beyond all my expectations. We had a tasting menu that included scallops, beef tartare, tomato soup, halibut, steak, caviar, and a strawberry rhubarb dessert. It was ridiculously good. 

Unfortunately, I deleted all of my food pics by accident. Everything is still on Instagram (eatdrinktravelgirl).

I wouldn't hesitate to visit Tallinn again. Next time, I'll have my reservations made before I arrive.