Every week we meet with different people and ask them about their favourite example of “gurmanization”: combination of a restaurant’s atmosphere and its cuisine quality.
European tendencies have come to our country very quickly: practically all establishments have started opening additional open air lounges where possible including because of relatively small extra rent.
Nowadays Russian restaurants and cafeterias have plenty of lounges. Apparently, there aren’t many good ones (as well as good cuisine). Our today guest, Alexander Voichenko, told us about his favourite summer lounge in Moscow and about how important is the atmosphere.
«I came to the cafe “Lebedinoe Ozero” (“Swan Lake”) three years ago after my friends told me about it. At that time there weren’t any additional grounds and the roof, only lower lounge, contact bar and a zone with small pool. We celebrated our friend’s birthday. Later I realized that this atmosphere is exactly what I and my friends needed to feel the taste of summer.
Alexander Voichenko, 25 years old, creative director in a communication agency
There is an open lounge, lots of green plants and it’s rather authentic. The place is very “atmospheric”. Earlier the only way to get to the restaurant was from the lake’s side passing through the trees along barely noticeable path. A few steps and you get separated from the city and find yourself in a kind of oasis with absolutely unique people. There are youngsters who chill out in “Krasny Oktiabr”, and medium- and high-level managers, directors, many foreigners.
It’s hardly possible to meet here “Spartak” football club fans. It’s more likely to see those who just want to have a rest from the city. Coming to “Lebedinoe Ozero” your inner “switch” is turned on to the “summer” mode, “promenade” mode. You are absolutely liberated from stereotypes.
If we speak about the menu, I’ve tried here almost everything. Today I’ve made an eclectic choice: French cider (Cidre Bouche Brut de Normandie) and Thai pattay (noodles with vegetables and shrimps cooked on wok). It’s like flamed falafel with something else. So cider, in my opinion, is practically an ideal summer drink. Obviously classical brut, naturally distilled. Very light drink. A kind of “adult duchesse” in a champagne-like bottle.
Pattay (noodles with vegetables and shrimps cooked on wok) and cider Bouche Brut de Normandie
There is wonderful Thai cuisine. Every year cooks from Thailand come and work here till the end of the season. There is also excellent European cuisine, and soon they promise to add Italian cuisine with the cooks from “Mi Piace” restaurant.
“Lebedinoe Ozero” is unique in the way that, if you choose some dish, you are never wrong with this choice. There are neither “fail” dishes nor classical ones in the way as we’re used to understanding classics, for instance, Caesar salad or olivie which can be found in other establishments without problems. There is mojito, but it’s not the most popular drink of those who constantly come to “Ozero”.
I’m a fan of the dish that appeared in Russia not so long ago – goat cheese with beetroots presented in different ways (appetizers, cold and warm salads). I’d also recommend veal loin with beans, and jasmine rice as a side dish. From Thai cuisine I’d advise spring rolls (with shrimps and pork in rice dough fried in tempura), pattay, tom-ha (Thai soup on coconut milk with chicken or shrimps).
Among drinks I advise you to pay attention to the original cocktails “Lao”, “Old Boy”, “Forest Gump”, “Final Cut”. Tea – oolong, dai-hoong, and, of course, amazing oils.
At weekends there are parties, and there is quite strict face-control at the entrance. You’d better book a table in advance, and after 18.00 on any day of the week it’s just necessary. Now the restaurant is actively expanding, in future, as the administration promises, there will be a winter lounge too.
When you have guests and want to show them the best things in your city, usually you think of bringing them to such an establishment which leaves a good impression in people. I know that many of my friends and partners choose this restaurant for their meetings. And I haven’t heard any negative feedbacks yet, only very positive impressions of the restaurant “Lebedinoe Ozero”.
Tatiana Bronnikova
Photos have been taken from the official web-site of the establishment
