The Estonian House
Established in East Mid-Town Manhattan on Dec 7th, 1929, they have been the center for Estonian cultural awareness and celebration in New York ever since. They host regular arts & cultural events, educational workshops, language classes, culinary instruction, and all manner of festivities and celebrations. On top of that, they have what has quickly become one of my favorite bars in New York (ambience & friendliness go a long way) and you can find lovely Estonian main courses for around $8 (We each had the stewed beef w/carrots, potatoes, & black rye bread - a simple, good, soul-warming dish).
The bartender was a seemingly terse and lovely woman in her 40's who'd been living in the US for 30 years. Wearing a heavy dark shawl, she carried herself confidently, almost regally, but once engaged she spoke fluidly with friendliness and hospitality. At the other end of the bar an old man was sitting, yelling at the young men playing pool in the next room and delightfully kissing the cheeks of all the older ladies passing by.
After we ordered our Turi vodkas, and having mentioned that I was planning on visiting Mooste, curious glances began to be tossed our way. The younger generations present (mostly playing pool) were less inclined to engage or even show notice, while older generations were delighted to. As we sat there, various-aged Estonian couples and small groups would come and go; all seemed familiar with one another. Meanwhile, beneath the tabletops scurried a strange dog, appearing more like a cloud with feet and nervously snarfing like a tiny pig on amphetamines.
After our meal, we spoke to the chefs, a middle-aged couple, who received and served food orders from behind a separate counter across from the bar. They were both musicians. They told us all about the musical activities of the House and kindly wished us to come back. I believe 3 main course dishes are typically served, though only 1 was available the night we arrived (hence we all shared the same beef stew dish). There was another side dish (?) and, for desert, cheesecake ($4 or so).
Before my friends & I left, the bartender took me by the arm and positioned me to stand over an emblem bearing the image of the Barnswallow (the Estonian national bird). She then asked me to spread my arms and stand on one leg, just as the bird in the image. Once she was pleased with my pose (having carefully repositioned me at least 3 times), she cupped and raised her hands, slowly lowering the Estonian House insignia (a magnet from their giftshop) into my palms, and said "You are welcome here".
I'll definitely be returning to The Estonian House...
Upcoming events include a $10 course on how to make blood sausage; a christmas celebration with food, crafts, & music; and much else. Check out their website:
http://www.estonianhousenewyork.com/eng_index.php
The Bar is open every Wed., Thurs., Fri. from 5 - 11 PM
Bar and restaurant is closed Nov. 27 and Nov. 28
HAPPY HOUR at the BAR 5 -7 PM
The Kitchen is open
Wed. open 7 - 10 PM
Thus. open 7 - 10 PM
Fri. open 6 - 10 PM
phone: (212) 684-0336
Fax: 212 684 6588
email: info@estonianhousenewyork.com
address:
The New York Estonian Educational Society
243 East 34th Street
New York, NY 10016.
metro: #6 (33rd st/park ave stop)
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