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Chez Maison Russe, cocktails, caviar and an open fire in a private mansion
Nestled in a sublime listed mansion in the 16th arrondissement, Maison Russe is the new place for Slavic gastronomy. On the menu: caviar, smoked salmon and refined cocktails in a picturesque setting.
Pushing open the doors of Maison Russe, you’re immediately transported to a bygone world of glitz and glamour. It’s a surprising experience, reminiscent of Owen Wilson’s character when he travels to the Années Folles in Midnight in Paris (Woody Allen 2011). This three-storey listed mansion on avenue Raymond Poincaré takes us back to the Russia of Fabergé and Pushkin in the early 20th century, with its grand, flamboyant decor by Laleh Amir Assefi, featuring huge mirrors, silver chandeliers, velvet and jacquard armchairs and richly embroidered carpets. The colors are warm, the atmosphere intimate and the mystery palpable.
After sipping a cocktail at the bar on the first floor – the Matryoshka or Bolshoi are a must – head for the second floor and its fireplace room. The tables are large, the tableware personalized and the menu deliciously decadent. If it’s hard to choose from the selection of starters to share, the Norwegian smoked salmon, mayonnaise king crab claws and caviar scrambled eggs are the perfect appetizers. As for the main courses, our heart sways between the lemon poutargue linguine or the caviar linguine, or the blue lobster to share. Finally, to end this divine dinner on a sweet note, a soft and light pavlova is a must. Accompanied by a delicate champagne or a new cocktail. To prolong the experience at home, we’ll stop by the delicatessen and take home a tin of caviar, a few slices of smoked salmon, a small bottle of vodka, paprika peanuts and even a pair of delicate silk pyjamas.
Russian House
RESTAURANT ET SALONS: Monday-Saturday. Lunch 12-3pm and dinner 7-2pm. BAR LES POUPÉES RUSSES: Monday-Saturday. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. BOUTIQUE Monday to Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
