A cult Russian restaurant: where to eat 'our way' in downtown New York

In the heart of New York, there is a Russian restaurant that is popular with visitors. Celebrities are often here, and the prices in the establishment are predictably high. He went bankrupt twice, but opened his doors again, and soon will celebrate his 100th birthday. About this writes the author of the channel "50 shades of New York" on the channel Yandex Zen.

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As you know, in New York there are a lot of people from the former USSR. Often they open their own restaurants. There is one such thing in Manhattan, though it differs from other restaurants of Russian cuisine of the Big Apple - this "Russian Tea" (English Russian Tea Room).

“The city residents associate this restaurant with Russian imperial chic, genuine luxury, great culture and art, as well as with the“ branded ”broad-mindedness and black caviar with icy sparkling wine,” the author writes.

The restaurant was opened in 1927 by members of the Russian Imperial Ballet. Since its foundation, it has been a center of attraction for the intellectual elite and creative intelligentsia. Initially, the cream of Russian emigration gathered here, but soon the institution became a cult for local actors, writers, politicians.

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“The proximity of Carnegie Hall played an important role in this - the nearby concert hall has always provided an influx of bohemian visitors,” the author writes. “Very often the respectable audience in evening dresses continued their evening at the Russian Tea Room, watching the celebrity musicians and conductors taste delicious Russian dishes at the next table.”

It should be noted that this is an expensive establishment. Guests at the entrance are greeted by a doorman, inside the visitors are served by well-trained staff, and the restaurant's halls are furnished in the Russian Art Nouveau style. “The menu also includes a Kiev cutlet ($ 42 per serving) and khinkali ($ 28). A 3-course business lunch costs New York gourmets $ 55, and a modest portion of Beluga caviar with pancakes costs an immodest $ 325! " - shared the author.

Despite the high prices, the restaurant is extremely popular. Today it has become something of a New York landmark worth visiting. Indeed, during its existence, he was repeatedly exposed to the cinema and hosted a myriad of stars in his walls.

“Woody Allen used to sit here quite often, catching inspiration for the next picture, and Dustin Hoffman's date in the movie Tootsie took place right there. Madonna once worked in the wardrobe of the restaurant, and Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones celebrated the wedding in the main hall, the author writes. “It’s not surprising that Russian Tea House was included in all possible guidebooks to New York, and every visiting celebrity was always brought here.”

Despite its popularity, the legendary institution survived bankruptcy twice - in 1996 and 2006, which is why the restaurant was closed.

Fortunately, today the Russian Tea House is hosting guests again, preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary soon.

“It’s nice that in the center of New York there is such an original institution that glorifies Russian culture and preserves its unique spirit!” - summed up the author.