Mari Vanna

I spent an enjoyable Sunday afternoon with my friend Tamara at this new Russian place called Mari Vanna. I was immediately welcomed by one of the waitresses who offered me from a crystal bowl some Sushki which is traditional tea bread and asked if I would be having the Russian Fairy Tale Brunch. Once Tamara arrived we decided to go for the fairy tale brunch.

Now I don't know much about Russian food but I thought the food was very good and fresh. I tried the blinis, the borsch, a vinegreat (beet salad), pickles and other many other delightful Russian foods. We sat in the front by a charming little garden full of vibrant flowers sipping our unlimited mimosas!

The story goes something like this…a mythical woman named Mari Vanna would invite strangers into her home and cook for them traditional Russian food on her finest china and linens. Well, right here in New York on 41 East 20th Street you can dine at this homey little place filled with an assortment of special trinkets from authentic Russia. Perhaps if you dine alone at the bar you can grab a Tolstoy book from their bookshelves and order an infused vodka drink.