The doors opened in Vilnius this week restaurant, which has become perhaps the most expected and most intriguing market news. An unexpected location, huge space, impressive interior and special attention to every detail - these are just a few restaurant Features of HeJi in the capital.
"It was worth the wait", "Impressive", "Vilnius needed such a place" - these are the comments that poured in after a couple in a restaurant closed dinners that took place and after the photos spread on social networks. The attention to this news is so great that tables are already reserved for several future evenings, not to mention the coming Valentine's Day next week.
The restaurant "HeJi" is located in the center of the capital, in a rather unexpected place - right next to the former Lukiškii prison. The premises of the restaurant once housed another catering establishment, which some Vilnius residents still remember. However, Ukrainian designer Katerina Mardanova, who took on the task of creating HeJi's interior, had to radically change everything. So it is not surprising that even 5 years passed from the first works to the opening of the restaurant. Now guests are greeted by a space spread over several floors, which accommodates a champagne bar, a restaurant and a cocktail bar, the total area of the premises exceeds 1200 square meters. m.
The HeJi concept is a combination of Western and Far Eastern traditions, and this applies to the restaurant's dishes, drinks, and interior. The lamps, wall paintings, impressive wooden facade framing the restaurant's open kitchen are reminiscent of the Far East. By the way, the wood came to him from Ukraine. In this open kitchen area, guests can see a grill of a rare type in Lithuania, a live fire emitting heat, and the most curious can watch how oriental dumplings dim sum or gyoza are carefully prepared by hand.
Heavy stone bars were also brought from Ukraine, which "landed" in the tea making area and the champagne bar. Many decor details attract the guests' eyes, and special attention has already been paid to the luxurious VIP room and the "cages" hanging above the restaurant, from which you can see almost the entire space. It is true that the latter premises can only be reserved in advance.
"We are well aware that people who have been waiting for us to open our doors may have wondered why it took us so long. However, those who have already had time to visit us can testify that we paid attention to every detail - starting with food, drinks, dishes, fragrances or bamboo chopsticks. We took our time, aiming to open the doors only when the final image was complete. We are glad that it was successful, because from the first days we received special interest from our guests, which we appreciate very much. We are a space where the visitor can move to a slightly different world and receive special care", says Danielus Vorontsovas, head of reservations and events at HeJi restaurant.
In the first weeks, only the tasting menu is valid at the HeJi restaurant, but from February 27, you will be able to choose from a la carte The menu. All dishes, from appetizers to desserts, present a fusion of Western and Far Eastern traditions. For example, it can be a dish with a main ingredient more typical of European cuisine, but with complementary ingredients from the Far East. Or, say, a plate might arrive with cinnamon, a classic French delicacy, but accompanied by a Japanese miso paste. The dishes use the highest quality, often quite rare ingredients, such as truffles, caviar, the highest quality wagyu beef, etc.
Aleksandras Fedorovičius, a chef with extensive experience in Scandinavian countries, became the creative engine of the HeJi restaurant's kitchen. In Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, he was the head chef of a successful Asian restaurant for five years. It was here that he met one of the owners of "HeJi" and received an offer to return to his native Lithuania and continue to realize his talent in a new project. Even before Fedorovič joined HeJi, chef Genevieve Carter Lenette, who worked with Michelin-rated restaurants, was instrumental in creating the restaurant - both the overall concept and the dishes.
The impressive "HeJi" champagne bar collection, which will eventually include around 1000 names, was formed by one of the most experienced and titled sommeliers in Lithuania, Martynas Pravilionis. This beverage expert took 2019th place at the 4th World Sommelier Championship in Belgium in XNUMX. An equally experienced team works at the HeJi cocktail bar or creates the sweet part of the menu.
As the culture of not only coffee, but also tea is getting stronger in Lithuania, "HeJi" decided to pay special attention to the latter drink. Especially since it is part of the thousand-year-old tradition of the Far East. Therefore, guests here can taste teas from Japan, Nepal and several other countries selected by the best tea experts.
