By Jackie Yin
So what’s the most exciting part about living in New York City? As a seasoned traveler, I would say it’s the diversity of gourmet food it offers. Be it haute European cuisine or sophisticated Asian fusion, you will never be disappointed. And now the culinary scene is getting even more epic. With the arrival of Brasserie Pushkin, New Yorkers can finally have a taste of noble Russian cuisine.
After a great success in Moscow and Paris, Russian restaurant giant Maison Dellos Group proudly opened its New York establishment just south of Central Park. Besides recruiting two award-winning chefs, founder and owner Mr. Andrey Dellos passionately designed the interior for the three-level space, turning it into a true Russian fairyland. Inspired by Louis XIV’s splendid Hall of Hercules in Versailles, Mr. Dellos blends various textures to create a regal yet welcoming atmosphere.
The moment you walk inside, you will feel like a prince in his palace – spacious dining areas, luxuriously sculpted walls and ceilings, amorous paintings of the 18th century French Rococo style, a huge Murano chandelier, not to mention the subtle light that dances off silverware and glassware and glimmers on all surfaces. The whole space is an art piece.
But the atmosphere only sets the mood for an unforgettable night. The true masterpieces lie in their menu, which is playfully designed in a newspaper form called “Pushkin Telegraph.” You will find pieces of news, stories, notices and jokes in between menu items, such as “How Mr. Lincoln Signed the Proclamation,” which add some fun while you are hesitating between appealing dish names.
Start your night with a glass of homemade Cranberry Mors, a refreshing Russian drink, or try their signature Hot Chocolate “Cafe Pushkin” and let the warm and sweet magic run through your body! For an appetizer, an authentic choice would be “Olivier” Salad, a traditional Russian Salad with smoked chicken, quail eggs, potato, crawfish tails and Osetra caviar. Tuna Tartare, featuring yellowfin tuna and truffle oil, is also an inviting one.
If you are not on a budget, try their carefully selected caviars that come with millet blinis, sour cream, eggs and chives. You also get to sample Pelmeni, a dish similar to Italian ravioli, which comes in three sizes depending on your appetite. Snack it up with some Pirojki. You will love the rich taste of these small stuffed pies!
Their entrées are also worth every word to worship. Crafted by Executive Chef Mr. Andrey Makhov, a top chef in Russia whose work can also be found throughout Europe, the dishes are a feast to not only the stomach but also the eyes. Just to name a few here to keep you fantasizing – Beef Stroganoff with spring onion and mushroom sauce, Veal & Chicken Burger “Pojarsky” with housemade crouton crust, Colorado Rack of Lamb, Chilean Seabass with calamari and tomato bouillon, King Salmon with Persian lemon and hollandaise sauce, the list goes on and on.
Just one last hint – save some room for dessert by their award-winning Executive Pastry Chef Emmanuel Ryon. It’s phenomenal!
Cafe Pushkin
41 West 57th Street, New York,
NY 10019, United States
(212) 465 2400
www.brasseriepushkin.com
