It is very interesting to follow the discussion of folks who have opinions about the various restaurants in Moscow. I am not a writer for any magazine but I do eat out two or three times per week. And I have been known to host dinner parties at some fine places.
All this discussion really depends on what you like. The first week in was here in this country many years ago I was taken to Cafe Pushkin. And it is still one of the best places for quality food and service. By my latest count, and I do keep track, I have visited over 200 restaurants in the city. Many only once because of the relative low quality of food or poor service. There have also been many enjoyable experiences. My wife is Russian. I don't speak great Russian. I do, however, treat the entire staff with high respect. (I was once a waiter in an early life and I do understand their work.) Treating the staff with respect is the first important issue. If you don't like their service, you don't have to go back again to put yourself through the same experience. In my opinion, leaving a reasonable tip is also important. Several years ago some Russian folks at one of my dinner parties suggested I was a bit crazy when leaving 10% of the bill as a tip. Some of them have joined me at the same restaurant a second or third time and are amazed at the high quality of service I receive from the staff. I think it is simply because they know I appreciate them and they know they can expect about 10% when I leave. I do have a habit of leaving a good tip the first time I go to a new place. IF the food is above average, and IF the service is above average, then I might leave 15%. And you know what, the next time I go, they remember! And the service is excellent. (And, as a result, one of the waitresses at one of the restaurants we frequent, actually brought us a bottle of wine from her native area in the Crimea when she returned recently from her vacation.) Amazing how simple this all really is!! By the way, Filimonova & Yankel Fish Houses, Goodman's Steakhouses, El Gaucho, Tandoori, 1 Red Square, Pancho Villa's, and La Cantina are some of our regular places. Mi Piace is usually above average (and they deliver if you like). I personally think the Fish Bazaar is the biggest ripoff in the city. When you order a Chilian Sea Bass that weighs in at 900 grams and you get 250 to 350 grams on your plate, you still get to pay for the 900. LIke that, then go enjoy it. I don't and will not go back. So perhaps some of the folks (both expats and locals) might consider these issues. Find the ones you like and go back. By treating the staff with respect, you will probably be serviced as you expect. And your tip for the service might actually pay off the next time you go! Phil Smith Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:11:14 +0300 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Expat List Re: Moscow restaurants (from Alina & Robert's posts) I'll have to agree with Robert (his post is quoted in past issues) on all his points -- Moscow restaurants are a drag. Way too often. And Alina mentioned that "Restaurant owners should be reading this." Absolutely, Alina, people in the Moscow restaurant industry do read these posts. :) But yeah, mostly expats, and not the people who need a good kick in the butt. :( Going to a restaurant should be a pleasure. It should be an experience where for a couple of hours you can relax, and enjoy the process of paying money to people who make you feel like a guest in their establishment. So, personally, I generally favor "local" joints. Not quite "holes-in-the-wall," but more earthy, normal places, where one can build a relationship with the waiters, and be treated extremely nicely. As in, getting a beer within a minute. (For Moscow, that's like record time.) I generally do avoid "Name" restaurants, because they do tend to suck. Way badly. I don't mind spending hard-earned money -- I love it! -- but I hate getting ripped off. A couple of mentioned places, such as Darbar and Pushkin are yes, worth it -- IMHO -- but they are exceptions. But -- erk -- one thing is, I now speak exclusively Russian with the wait staff, wherever I go. I used to speak English to them. So that's a factor to consider, if you're speaking English to a waitron. Ten years ago, you'd automatically get the best seat in the house, and a free glass of champagne. But hey, bummer, things have changed. The reality is, Eastern culture, sociologically, tends to avoid actively-taxing situations, so being an English-speaking customer NOW lowers you on their "priority list," because the staff wants to avoid the challenge of dealing with you. It's sad, but true. (Speaking as a bearer of both cultures.) My advice, for people who like a good restaurant experience: 1) Be careful with "Name" places. Don't fall for glossy ads in magazines, for the "feel." Just because a restaurant can hire talented graphic designers and content-writers doesn't mean its chefs are any good. 2) Avoid middle-class chains these days, unless someone tells you verbally otherwise. Yes, "Kofe Hauz" bites the big one. Many middle-class chains are obviously cutting corners, and reducing themselves to the "rip-off" level. 3) You can tell a lot about a place, if they've raised their prices "because of the crisis." If more than 20%, they're putting you on. Well, maybe not "putting you on," but certainly not showing care for your continued patronage. 4) Learn "Restaurant Russian." It involves a few dozen words, and it works wonders with the staff. I am a qualified witness. 5) Mainly... Follow the advice of your friends. Ask actively. Heeding advice posted on the expat list is OK too, since, if you have a crappy time at a recommended place, you can always flame the sender. :) Diplomatically, of course :) :) All the best, -Alexander
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