Ready Set Russia!
Last night, I along with some fellow Washingtonians had the opportunity to attend a private soiree for one of DC’s newest and most beautiful hotspots, Mari Vanna.
Pictured left: Lauren DeSantis-Then, Corey Then, Vanessa Camozzi, and Matias Camozzi
Washingtonians can expect to enjoy a classic Russian menu, featuring items such as; Pirozhok (small Russian pies stuff with meat, cabbage or eggs), Homemade Blinis (Russian style crepes with red caviar and sour cream). Yum the Blinis were so damn good!
George Washington University Hospital’s Lara Mounir and Judy Joud. Photo credit: John Robinson.
NBC 4 sports anchor Dan Hellie, KStreetMagazine founder Kate Michael and NBC 4 chief meteorologist Doug Kammerer. Photo credit: John Robinson.
This 6,500 square-foot eatery, located on Connecticut Avenue is Mari Vanna’s largest location in the world. Russian hospitality powerhouse Ginza Project did not dissapoint with the opening of Mari Vanna’s second US location, conveniently located in the heart of the city on 1141 Connecticut Avenue. (Other Mari Vanna locations include New York, London and Moscow).
Mari Vanna DC’s First Floor. Photo credit: Travis Vaughn.
Mari Vanna DC’s Mezzanine Level. Photo credit: Travis Vaughn.
Dining and Decor to Die For
The three-level restaurant offers home-style Russian cuisine in a tea party-meets-grandma’s house ambiance. Unlike any other location, the venue features an open-air kitchen, bedecked in red and white tiles and old Russian tchotchkes. I was honored to be among the first to sample authentic Russian tastings such as black caviar, Russian dumplings, blinis and pirozhok.
Mari Vanna DC Blinis: Homemade Russian style crepes served with salmon caviar or sour cream. Photo credit: Travis Vaughn
Not to mention the signature cocktails such as Klubnichkas and Pomidorchiks as well as a variety of house-infused vodka sips. AHHHHMAZE!
The Antonovka Cocktail at Mari Vanna DC: A Russian standard apple liqueur, pear puree and lemon juice, garnished with a slice of granny smith apple. Photo credit: Travis Vaughn.
Who is Mari Vanna?
According to Slavic legend, Mari Vanna was a fairytale grandmother known to welcome hungry travelers into her house. She would feed her guests a home-cooked meal before sending them back out on their voyage. Happy hour will start today at 4pm, with dinner service starting promptly at 5pm. Washingtonians can expect to enjoy a classic Russian menu, featuring items such as; Pirozhok (small Russian pies stuff with meat, cabbage or eggs), Homemade Blinis (Russian style crepes with red caviar and sour cream), the Vinegret salad (refreshing red beets, diced roasted potato, diced roasted carrots, sunflower oil and more), the Salo plate (a traditional assortment of salt cured pork fatback with rye toast, onion and homemade Russian mustard), and the Beef Stroganoff (fillet mignon strips in creamy sauce, served with buckwheat kasha and roasted onions), among others delectable dishes.
The Vinegret Salad at Mari Vanna DC: Diced roasted red beets, diced roasted potato, diced roasted carrots, full sour pickles, red onions, sunflower oil and chopped scallion. Photo credit: Travis Vaughn
Back to Russia
Ahh this brought me right back to my recent trip to Moscow and St. Peterburg. Now I of course will probably never master the language or ever get use to the frigid temperatures in Mother Russia (seriously it’s F%#$&*@ cold there!)
Pictured: Vanessa in Moscow, Russia
St. Petersburg Russia
BUT you can bet your Russian ruble that I will always be back for the amazing food and hospitality at Mari Vanna’s. Seriously go check it out. I was not paid any rubles or dollars to promote their place in a positive light, it’s really my honest opinion. Also I love the server’s uniforms, uber cute!
Pictured: One of Mari Vanna’s fashionable employee’s
Pictured: Another of Mari Vanna’s fashionable employees
Article by: Vanessa Camozzi, Blogger and Founder in Chief
