This post is an informative journalistic coverage of a PR event with editorial & reportage elements that do not aim to promote any business, organisation, product or service.
Today - on the day of publication- I'm a member of Ruokatoimittajat ry (Finnish Food Writers' Association) and attended this PR event as a food writer (not as an influencer).
10 May 2024 - tallinn, estonia
Even though watched a certain song contest's semifinal until late, I had a good reason to woke up with the early birds to be at Helsinki's West Harbor Terminal. I got there at 6:45 am, just in time to catch the Megastar and sail to Tallinn, Estonia for a day trip to taste Tallink Silja Line's new buffet menu. I have to admit: until now I've only dreamed about a picnic at sea - and if you feel the same way, make sure to continue reading this gastro adventure!
Onboard I had my seat at the business lounge, where the freshly prepared breakfast buffet invited me for the first meal of the day and offered comfortable seats in addition to the amazing view to the sea through the large windows. This was my first trip to Tallinn, so I was quite surprised that it only took 2 hours to reach the Estonian capital.
After moving on board the Baltic Queen within the harbour and entered the Grande Buffet restaurant I found myself in the middle of a feast as I saw the view of long buffet tables packed fully with various dishes.
The new buffet menu was created via the collaboration of the company's in-house professionals and invites you for a grand feast with its 124 dishes. The culinary teams of Silja Serenade, Silja Symphony & MyStar were carefully considered the feedback on what dishes the passengers would enjoy the most during their cruise. The most popular votes, such as an extended seafood selection and warm plant-based dishes are now part of the brand new buffet menu selection in addition to traditional buffet classics as well as new and exciting international flavours. Discover your new favourites during your upcoming cruises by 15 April 2025.
What definitely will impress all conscious foodies, is that about 30% of the menu is also suitable for vegans (still greatly enjoyable for non-vegans like me), in addition to the carefully selected ingredients from the Baltic Sea region, such as local cheese specialties and MSC-certified herring are also featured in the selection.
As more sunshine and everyone's favourite BBQ season vibes are filling the air after the long Nordic winter, the first table theme of the renewed menu is selected to be the "Summer Picnic" that allows everyone to assemble and enjoy their ideal plate at this special picnic on board until 6 August 2024.
These dishes were served in Tallin's harbour onboard of the Baltic Queen's Grande Buffet restaurant, and the closest to my heart from the new buffet menu:
- Mussels with parsley, garlic and lemon from the Fish Market section
- BBQ meatballs & corn on cob from the Summer Picnic section
- Salmon with lemon sauce and mushroom rice from the Warm Dishes section
- Estonian smoked cheese, crackers and fig jam from the Cheese Assortment section
- Vanilla panna cotta, candied hazelnuts and blueberry compote from tge Dessert Market section
I also had the chance to test the conference menu, from which I loved these dishes:
- Crostini with roast beef and horseradish sauce
- Bufallo cauliflower bites with hummus
- Brushchetta with vegan cheese and homenade marmelade
- Saffron and vanilla crēme brûlée
After satisfying my cravings I also had the opportunity to watch an entertaining live performance called 'Cruise Through Pop' as part of the summer show packed with all-time-favourite singalongs.
On the way back to Helsinki I had the chance to enjoy the comfort and great hospitality of the business lounge onboard of My Star, and fix myself a drink at cocktail bar while munching on the delicious bites of the afternoon buffet.
I had the pleasure to attend this PR event and explore not only the entire selection of Tallink Silja Line's new buffet and conference menu but also additional services and entertainment that can truly elevate one's experience. Make sure to check my previous post about the new Tallink Silja Line Ship's Wines & Beers selection.
You can read Tallink Silja's related press release here + see more insights and photos on my Instagram.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
DISCLOSURE
The organiser has not set any special criteria and has not initiated any financial/alternative compensation that would require the creation of any written or visual content related to this PR event nor the promotion of any products/services in exchange for attendance - but I decided to share my experience anyway as I think you'd enjoy exclusive insights from my recent gastro adventure. Any PR products/services/raffle prizes handed out by the organisers, other participants or exhibitors (if applicable) were not a form of compensation, nor part of an exchange agreement.
