Review: Luncheon at Cafe Pushkin
Cafe Pushkin Practical Information:
Location: 26-A Tverskoy Boulevard, a short walk from Tverskaya Station
Price: 620 rubles for 2 courses, 930 rubles for 3 courses, includes wine and tea/coffee
Website: http://cafe-pushkin.ru/en/
A fellow student, Martina, suggested a visit to Cafe Pushkin, a restaurant which is considered by many to be one of Moscow’s top dining spots. As our little quartet comprised entirely of students, we opted for the “business lunch”: a 2- or 3-course lunch special which was much more in line with our budgets.
For those unfamiliar with the concept of a business lunch, this is essentially a prix fixe menu offered by many restaurants in Moscow, and allows patrons to enjoy a 3-course meal at a much lower rate than they might have paid otherwise. This is a great way to try restaurants or cafés that you might not be able to afford for dinner!
The Cafe Pushkin took over the Baroque-style Mansion at 26-A Tverskoy Boulevard in 1999, and opened to the public on June 4th of that year. However, considering the restaurant will be celebrating only its 17th anniversary in a couple of weeks, the tone and atmosphere of the establishment transport you to the 19th century the moment you step through the door.
Every aspect of the house had been preserved or restored to mimic the style of a cultured and well-to-do aristocrat. The restaurant itself is divided into several dining halls: the Pharmacy on the main floor, the Fireplace Hall, the Library and Mezzanine, and the Summer Terrace. We dined on the main floor, which was lit mainly by lamplight, and enjoyed classical music as a multitude of traditionally-dressed waitstaff saw to our every need. They even provided us with little footstools on which to rest our purses so as not to crowd the table!
As for the food itself: the dishes on offer illustrate the French influence on Russian cuisine. From the Consommé de Kalach to a Duck Leg Confit, the blend of traditional Russian ingredients with a French flare was present in every plate.
Salad of beetroot: a mix of pickled beets, cabbage, cranberries, carrots, and mushrooms
Beef tongue with potato salad and toast
Consommé with “Kalach”: beef broth with veal au gratin in a bun
Duck leg confit: served with buckwheat, fried onion, and mushrooms
“P” for Pushkin
Suffice it to say, we were all incredibly satisfied, and the service and attention to detail in Cafe Pushkin made us feel like royalty for a short afternoon. I’ll definitely be back to get a taste of their endless dessert selection!
Maria Kogan, currently studying Russian at Liden & Denz Moscow
