TALLINN - The first time I visited a wine bar named "Kolme naoga mees," the man with three faces, I was amazed. With it's simple staircase going down to a cellar, candles and relaxing music it seemed to be nearly unreal, a place just out of my dreams. I thought if I ever make a fairy tale, I would use the place as something.
Now three years later the place still feels magical. Out of all the similar places in Tallinn it's the one that really seems to welcome me. I don't think it's hard to make a place like that, but to give it a feeling of well-being is much harder. When I was there one Friday there was a man drinking wine and he helped the waitress to move tables and he also cleaned tables and gave menus as well. The floor was wet, because the snow melted and water came inside. One lady was lighting candles and explaining to everyone: "Hello, I'm sorry, but tonight we have a small Venice here." She was so smiling and helpful I thought she must believe in that place a lot.
The interior of "Kolme naoga mees" is classically romantic. It has simple stone-walls and stone floor, small tables and lots of pillows. Despite lots of stone "Kolme naoga mees" still seems to be comfy place thanks to the candles burning on each table, stair and even in the bathroom. In the corner is a lovely fireplace, altough I've never seen fire in it. They seem to prefer quiet, relaxing music as well.
On Friday night the place was still calming, although full of people. I could barely find a table, although I must admit it's partly because the place itself is quite small. Surprisingly I seemed to be the only Estonian. I guess Estonians do not notice the place so much, because it has only a humble sign outside the door while tourists are more aware of what they see.
The sign outside isn't the only modest thing. The food list contains only a couple of snacks and cakes. And these snacks make me feel like I've had nothing at all. Even a burger would fill me better than the quiche I had there last time. But the wine list is good, they even offer ice cream cocktails with wine instead of ordinary juice. Most of the wines are offered by the bottle, so I guess it's better for at least two.
I would reccomend "Kolme naoga mees" for a cozy, lazy evening with good company whether it's someone special, a good book or just you alone. It is a place where time stands still and unless you get hungry you don't even notice it passing by.
