John Mariani

"Similar dumplings, filled with a choice of potato, onion, mushroom or cherry, called vareniki are pan-fried with sour cream—the cherries are something special."

John Mariani

"I prefer the Russian meat dishes, including that hearty beef stroganoff in its rich, creamy mushroom sauce, accompanied by buttered noodles, mashed potatoes or kasha."

John Mariani

"For dessert here’s a good honey cake called medovik."

John Mariani

"For dessert, I liked that sour cream le smetannik cake."

Florian Pinel

"Russian Samovar serves the best kasha I’ve ever eaten. The rich buckwheat prepared with mushrooms and sour cream is a far cry from the overcooked, boiled mush served in many places. The red stuff on the side is a blend of beets and horseradish."

Florian Pinel

"The shashlyk Gruzia, a simple skewer of marinated lamb cubes with green pepper, tomato and onion, was tender, well seasoned and well cooked."