TALLINN - There's more to Tallinn than just the Old Town and the center 's there is also Pirita.
This wealthy suburb of Tallinn has trees, a yacht harbor, private houses and, most importantly, the sea. When you drive 's or walk if you have time 's to Pirita, you can see the sea all of the time, boats leaving and arriving and some monuments along the way.
One place in Pirita worth checking out is Parl, Pearl in English.
It's a bit difficult to find even though it's located in a big new building, with a bowling alley and apartments in the same building and it's all right on the beach.
The first thing I noticed about Parl is how quiet it was. There were only a few people, the music was relaxing and smooth and while sitting beside the window, I could watch seagulls flying, boats floating, waves coming softly to the sand and Tallinn's profile over the sea 's the city that according to legend will drown when they finish building it.
The sky was cloudy and the sea was moody then and it felt great from where I sat 's like nothing could ever bother you.
I imagined this place in the summertime, the quietness replaced with sunshine, sandy toes and people wanting to have ice cream instead of green tea. I thought there'd be nothing left of what I saw and felt on that day, but it isn't necessarily a bad thing. Is it?
I wanted to look outside not only because the view was magnificent, but also because the interior wasn't that great compared to the view. There were light blue lively tones and abstract paintings of bubbles on the walls. All meant to be modern and stylish I suppose, but I found it a bit impersonal. It's nice to look outside, at least, which is easy because two walls are made of glass.
When I looked at the menu there was quite a lot of choice 's it seemed like they had something for everyone. I tried Parl's caesar salad and beef with garlic potatoes and truffle-wine sauce.
My companion tried the four meat dish which is the house specialty. Someone once said that food is the only thing of beauty that nourishes and this food was certainly well presented. The potatoes placed underneath the meat dish's duck, chicken, beef and pork looked more like some exotic vegetable.
The meat was as well cooked as it was beautiful to look at, more to the point it was filling. Sometimes the trouble with high class restaurants is the food is good but there isn't enough of it. I guess that's why starters and desserts were invented.
The drink list was excellent. While looking at it I thought anyone can get something to fit the mood or something that they've always wanted to try. It doesn't really matter if you're into coffee, wine or beer (or just want to try something new). The service was nice, fast and friendly.
Since summer is coming, I think the place will soon be quite crowded and full of joyful energy, but for those who are looking for quiet enjoyment and want to talk with their inner self, this place is perfect at anytime.