Initial Thoughts
When we first walked in, we were immediately struck by the small yet welcoming space and the warm greeting from the owner at the entrance. It’s hard to believe this cozy spot was once a Pizza Hut over fifteen years ago. It is one of the few (or possibly the only) Russian restaurants in Boise. The decor, a blend of rustic charm and cultural touches, invites you to settle in and stay awhile. The aroma of freshly prepared dishes hints at the culinary journey waiting to unfold.
The Order
- Cider and Beer
- Three Salad Sampler
- Beef Stroganoff
- Stuffed Sweet Pepper
- Potato and Mushroom Stuffed Dumplings
- Desert Platter
The Outcome
We started by selecting a cider and a beer from their drink menu. While the cider was too dry for my delicate taste buds, my co-creator Tyler found it delightful. I wasn’t sure what vegetarian options I’d find at a Russian restaurant, but I was pleasantly surprised. Most options were potato-based, which suited me just fine as an Idahoan.
For an appetizer, we opted for the salad sampler plate, featuring three options: cauliflower salad, marinated carrot salad, and a smoked gouda spread. Two don’t exactly fit the traditional “salad” definition, but they were delicious nonetheless. The cauliflower was heavy on the mayo, but the smoked gouda spread was divine on the accompanying pita bread. The marinated carrots, on the other hand, were refreshing and balanced.
Regarding the main dishes, we tried the beef stroganoff, stuffed sweet pepper, and vareniki—potato and mushroom-stuffed dumplings. I think a touch more salt could have elevated all the dishes, but the stuffed sweet pepper and beef stroganoff were clear winners.
One of the funniest moments of the evening came when we misheard the waiter, thinking he said he’d bring out “toasted sour cream.” Excited to try this supposed delicacy, we realized the misunderstanding when toasted sourdough arrived to accompany the stuffed sweet pepper instead. The sourdough bread was a welcoming accompaniment to soak up the sweet sauce!
As for the vareniki, they had a lovely texture but lacked flavor. However, they made for a satisfying snack the next day when reheated and topped with a generous helping of the restaurant’s (sadly untoasted) sour cream.
We ended the meal with the dessert platter featuring lemon mousse, royal poppy seed chocolate ganache cake, and honey cake. With its creamy texture and crushed nut topping, the lemon mousse was the undisputed favorite. The honey cake leaned more towards a cream cheese flavor. At the same time, the poppy seed chocolate ganache was more intriguing than outright delicious. Thankfully, the mousse was so good it overshadowed any complaints about the others.
Conclusion
If you’re someone who likes Russian food, I imagine you’ll like this food. We enjoyed our evening and our leftovers but are excited to move on to the next.
Total Review Score: 7.38
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