Russian Restaurant to Open on East 5th Downtown
A hearty Nazdorovye for all fans of Russian cuisine. The Russian House which is about to open on E. 5th has an extensive menu ranging from the familiar Borsch and Beef Stroganoff to more esoteric fare such as the Tsar’s Ukha (a soup made of rooster, small fishes, sturgeon, crawfish and perch and of course infused with a shot of vodka). There will be many caviars and a variety of Sashliks (kebabs). Also dumplings and blinis and a variety of dishes built around cabbage. It appears to be an ambitious and unusually diverse menu.
The owners, Varda and Vladamir (also the chef) have a diverse background. Varda played basketball at Georgetown and then professionally in Russia while Vladamir has helmed Russian restaurants in the Ukraine and Moscow. They were originally going to open their restaurant in New York but upon the advice of a friend paid a visit to Austin. As is usually the case when that happens, it was love at first sight. And so, the River City will soon have its first real Russian restaurant. The opening is expected to be within two weeks. And yes, they will be serving Russian vodkas in shot glasses made from ice and offering language lessons as well as screening Russian films (Potemkin perhaps). It’s going to be hard to say nyet to this place.
