MOOD OF FOOD

from russia with love

TASTES OF RUSSIAN OPULENCE GO FROM THE SIBERIA OF NEW YORKS RESTAURANT SCENE TO SOUGHT-AFTER EATERIES SERVING MODERN FARE. BY MATTHEW WEXLER

f there is a conclusion to be drawn from the barrage of Russian eateries taking Manhattan by storm, it is that opulence takes many forms. The exquisite carvings and Franois Boucher painting Vulcan Presenting Venus with Arms for Aeneas at Brasserie Pushkins aristocratic htel particulier, The Russian Tea Rooms infamous red and gold dining room, or the museum-worthy collection of costumes from the original 1910 Ballets Russes at Firebirdthese and other establishments are setting the stage for immerse culinary experiences that pay homage to centuries past while keeping a keen eye on current dining trends. Jacob Ryvkin, general manager of Onegin (named after the central character in Alexander Pushkins famous 1833 novel, Eugene Onegin), says the new openings are sustainable, in part, due to second- and third-generation Russian Americans moving out of the old Brighton Beach neighborhood and into Manhattan. Stereotypes have changed about our culture, says Ryvkin, whose upscale eatery features Alexander Pushkins scribbles and sketches adorning the walls. Were peaking in fashion and food and even taking over soccer teams. (Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev recently purchased a controlling stake of Monacos soccer club for a reported $130 million.) Peaking perhaps, but the history of haute Russian cuisine in New York City dates back to the opening of The Russian Tea Room in 1927 by members of the Russian Imperial Ballet. Since then it has been a gathering place for artists and politicians as well as throngs of New

York visitors who flock to the second-floor Czarist wonderland complete with a 15-foot revolving bear-shaped aquarium and a towering gold tree decked with glass eggs. The quality, scope, art, and history of The Russian Tea Room is unsurpassed, says vice president Ken Biberaj. Quite simply, the room glows. But the restaurant has evolved with the times: While you can still splurge on an ounce of Golden Caspian Osetra caviar for $295, there are prix-fixe options at both lunch and dinner as well as a petite steak menu. Weve always striven to be a second home for our guests, reflects Biberaj, a symbol of Russian democracy from the 1920s to today. For Ellen Kaye, daughter of former Russian Tea Room owners Faith Stewart-Gordon and Sidney Kaye, growing up in The Russian Team Room meant spending time with the likes of Zero Mostel, Uta Hagen, and Sammy Cahn (who insisted pickles be placed on the table immediately upon arrival) while also gaining a broader understanding of the continued on page 90

Hazelnut meringue dome from Brasserie Pushkin.

88 GOTHAM-MAGAZINE.COM

PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANCESCO TONELLI

MOOD OF FOOD

RUSSIAN REVOLUTION
Calculated liberties are being taken to revamp Old World dishes with modern twists.
Brasserie Pushkins opulent dining room. Alexander Pushkins scribbles adorn the ceiling at Onegin. Costumes from the 1910 Ballet Russes on display at Firebird.

Andrey Makhov, chef, Brasserie Pushkin

The national fish of Russia swims south for this version of Sturgeon Galantine, plated with a Mediterranean olive tapenade.

Marc Taxiera, chef, The Russian Tea Room

Boeuf la Stroganoff gets a makeover with a deconstructed version that features house-made thick-cut pasta, braised short rib, black truffles, and a dollop of tangy mustard cream.

continued from page tk

Orson Salicetti, mixologist, Jelsomino

While vodka may reign supreme, consider the cucumber coconut rum made with coconut water, fresh lime, and Thai basil.

INSIGHT
Brasserie Pushkin, 41 W. 57th St., 212-465-2400; brasserie pushkin.com

The private Hearth Room upstairs at The Russian Tea Room.

continued from page 88 regions culinary roots. Moscow 57, the catering company she Firebird, 365 W. recently launched in partner46th St., 212-586ship with Ethan Fein and chef 0244; firebird Seth Goldman, takes inspiration restaurant.com from the Russian dishes she Jelsomino, 204 W. 55th St., 212-333grew up with and the cuisine of 7799; jelsomino.us Central Asia. Russians used to Onegin, 391 Sixth refer to this region as the near Ave., 212-924-8001; abroad, explains Kaye. Were oneginnyc.com keeping the food sexy and excitThe Russian Tea ing but incorporating this larger Room, 150 W. 57th worldview with more vegetables St., 212-581-7100; and brighter flavors. While russiantea roomnyc.com Moscow 57 continues scouting for a permanent home, it has established pop-ups throughout the city and will soon include a caf as part of Holiday House, a design showcase benefiting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, open from October 25 through November 18. Other newly opened outposts also hope to capitalize on the growing interest in Russian cuisine and culture. Onegins Greenwich Village location is creating buzz for its zastolie, a banquet-style feast featuring an array of classic dishes including cured herring, wild duck, and blini with caviar and

Paul Joseph, chef, Firebird

Muscovy duck breast dusted with fennel pollen keeps paprika on the shelf and features an accompaniment of honey vodka fondue.

homemade smetannik (an addictive layered sour cream cake). Further uptown, the Carnegie Hall crowd and Fifth Avenue shoppers are flocking to Brasserie Pushkin, where the menu features meticulously sourced ingredients such as heirloom millet, imported sunflower oil, and Kamchatka king crabbut the real star is executive pastry chef Emmanuel Ryons front-of-house ptisserie. Ryons presence, as well as his bounty of awards including first prize at the 1999 World Championship of Patisserie, is a sweet reminder that Russian aristocrats went to great lengths to staff their kitchens with the best classically trained French chefs. Beyond the kitchen, Manhattans nightlife scene is also getting an influx of Russian Standard. Jelsomino, which recently opened in the subterranean level of the Dream Hotel, combines inventive cocktails with state-of-the-art karaoke. The groovy cell-block vibe showcases leather directors chairs in lieu of bar stoolseach emblazoned with a karaoke icon such as Mercury, Joplin, or Cass. Here, one percenters can enjoy bottle service (vodka, of course, but why not go for a jeroboam of Dom Prignon?) and purchase a choreographed show that involves the entire staff from waiters to bartendersturning Jelsomino into the ultimate Russian flash mob. G

Seth Goldman, chef, Moscow 57

Honey yogurt with toasted marigold petals becomes a signature dish thanks to its lightly sweet and tangy taste and colorful pop of rose petals.
Moscow 57s honey yogurt with toasted marigold petals.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANCESCO TONELLI (BRASSERIE PUSHKIN); JEFFREY MOSIER PHOTOGRAPHY (RUSSIAN TEA ROOM); DAN ROOT/ THE ROOT GROUP (HONEY YOGURT); HARRIS/PROTECHNYC.COM (FIREBIRD)

90

GOTHAM-MAGAZINE.COM