As fans of caviar, vodka, and old-world opulence, we’ve been tracking the arrival of Moscow-by-way-of-New York import Mari Vanna. Now word comes from a representative that the three-story Russian spot is set to debut mid-January.
Not too much has changed since we shared details on the project last year. The pre-war “babushka parlor”-themed interior is under construction (if you’ve never seen an old Russian grandmother’s living room, check out sample photos of the restaurant). Once the spot is completed, expect to settle into an overstuffed armchair next to a wall purposely adorned with peeling paper—the exposed brick of Mother Russia—and choose from more than 70 varieties of house-infused vodka or specialty cocktails like the “sunny” seaberry martini. Those looking to really channel the feeling of old Moscow can grab a seat in the restaurant for caviar-topped blinis and beef stroganoff accompanied by melodies from an accordionist. Keep your eyes peeled for VIPs in the dim chandelier light; the Manhattan branch claims a celebrity guest roster including Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger, Lucy Liu, and Alexander Ovechkin.
Check back in with us for opening details.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
