Firebird Russian Restaurant

Named after the ballet performed by the Ballet Russe, Firebird Russian Restaurant was the dream of Baroness Irina von der Launitz, and her husband J. William Holt. The restaurant captures the essence of pre-Revolutionary Russia and is modeled on the lines of a Russian gentleman’s home. Each and every detail in this restaurant brings to mind the opulence of a St. Petersburg Mansion.

The entrance into the dining room of the Firebird Russian Restaurant is about two storeys high. Make sure you don’t get a crick in the name gaping at this awe-inspiring entrance. Besides, this is only the beginning. With each step that you take into the restaurant, you are going to find something to admire and appreciate. Gaze at the family collectibles and exquisite crystals and china that are displayed in the dining room.

The library houses Russian books that are rare to find. You aren’t going to be doing any reading, but they are beautiful to look at nonetheless. In the middle of the library is the golden apple tree that forms a part of the legend of the Firebird, a folklore that is famous in Russia.

Go up the grand staircase and enter the parlor that is complete with empire sofas and antique chairs. And, finally, you can’t get away without a look at the Grand Ballroom with its typical domed ceiling and skylight. Period antiques, dramatic paintings, gold plated ceilings, samovars, marble topped tables, and photographs of nobles dressed in full regalia complete the picture at the Firebird Russian Restaurant.

Well, it is time we turned to the menu, isn’t it? After all, you are here to eat, even if you do forget about that momentarily as you stand captivated by all the grandeur around you. One specialty you can’t afford to miss is the Firebird’s honey-infused vodka. And of course, what Russian meal can be complete without some caviar.

You can start with the national dish of Russia, blinis. Blinis are warm buckwheat pancakes, which are filled with sour cream and caviar and drizzled with melted butter. Another option for an appetizer is the herring that is cured on the premise itself, served with sour cream. For the main course try the Chicken Kiev, a preparation that is fit for a Tsar. The chicken is fried to a perfect golden and when you bite into it, you get a delicious blast of herbaceous, molten butter.

Other dishes worth a try are Sturgeon (boneless fish, poached and served in champagne sauce), borscht, (a soup with pork and dill), rabbit salad, grilled mahi-mahi, and rose water sorbet. You may come out with a considerably lighter wallet but your experience at the Firebird Russian Restaurant will be well worth it.

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