Mari Vanna- Anyone been

[offthebeatenpath1]

I am a huge fan of good Russian food- Anyone been to Mari Vanna yet? I can't find much info on it or a menu.

Thanks

[foodperestroika]

I've been there several times since it opened and I find that the food is just OK. They tend to be overpriced and favor quantity over quality. I generally prefer going to Russian Samovar.

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Russian Samovar
256 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

[phoenikia]

Thanks for your comments, foodperestroika- maybe I'll end up trying Russian Samovar if I find myself looking for a meal in Midtown ;-) Wouldn't mind trying their versions of borscht & pelmeni.

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Russian Samovar
256 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

[TatyanaG]

Went in October. It was good. Service was impeccable. Very loud.

The salo late was out of this world. Blimi with red caviar were delicious. Don't get the pickles. I had the "sosiski" (hot dogs w/ mash and peas). My husband enjoyed his pelmeni. I'd go again.

[phoenikia]

thanks, TatyanaG ;-) Nice to hear it was a good experience for you & your husband.

[Simon]

i went there quite a bit when they first opened...one the plus side: the vibe is fun (think of it as a downtown version of Russian Samovar), the staff nice, the infused vodas tasty, and decent wine by the glass...downsides: the food is just okay (some good dishes along w/ a lot of mediocre) and very overpriced for the quality...and, the last couple times i went, the bar had prostitutes camped out there: i'm not being judgemental about this (various upscale hotel bars have even more of this), but i find it midly annoying because i like to be able to eat at the bar without having to turn down solicitations...

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Russian Samovar
256 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

[phoenikia]

Which dishes do you like the most, Simon? I'm guessing there shouldn't be too many prostitutes working the bar over the lunch hour ;-) First time I've read about this problem on CH.

[Simon]

it's not a huge problem, just means that you have to smile a polite "no thanks" :)

Haven't eaten the food there in a while, but i remember enjoying a vegetable soup...and there was a very rich but very tasty chicken salad of some kind that was spreadable onto the brown bread they give you...of the infused vodkas, i think the apricot and the pomegranete are my favs...

[sugartoof]

"and, the last couple times i went, the bar had prostitutes camped out there:"

Not the first review I've read that made mention, or at least hinted to this. Solicitations at restaurant bars have actually become a new technique for "business" in the area. I can think of 2 other places nearby with the same off-menu non-food or drink offerings, where we'll assume the establishment just looks the other way.

[phoenikia]

Has anyone tried the Pelmeni at Mari Vanna?

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Mari Vanna
41 East 20th Street, New York, NY 10003

[RGR]

phoenikia, We've had dinner once at Mari Vanna in Aug. '09, shortly after it opened. The chicken Kiev was outstanding. At that time, pelmeni were not on the menu. I adore them, so I'm glad to hear they're now available. Checking the menu, I see that vareniki are now also being served -- another favorite. Definitely past time for a return visit. If you get there before I do and try the pelmeni or vareniki, please report back.

Mari Vanna photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157622135047462/

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

[phoenikia]

Thanks RGR!

Nice photos. Thanks for sharing the link.

It's good to hear the chicken Kiev was outstanding.

I won't be able to visit soon, but the pelmeni & borscht at Mari Vanna are high on my list for my next visit to NYC. It's nice to see they currently offer a $24 prix fixe lunch, with a soup or salad to start, and a choice of pelmeni, vareniki, crispy carrot cutlet, mushroom gratin, grilled salmon or chicken pita as a main.

Will report back once I get a chance to try them out.

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Mari Vanna
41 East 20th Street, New York, NY 10003

[Wilfrid]

Yes, the food is really outstanding of its type. Best traditional Russian in the city.

[phoenikia]

Happy to hear that it is the best traditional Russian in the city.

[financialdistrictresident]

We've only been for drinks.

[liztish]

How is it for drinks??

[notsochubbychubette]

these will probably give you an idea of what they have to offer
http://www.thedishsdish.com/blog/2009/06/mari-vanna/

http://www.alwayshungryny.com/reviews...

[offthebeatenpath1]

Thanks- I missed the Always Hungry NY review. I did see the Supper Club post on dishdish, but wasn't sure if that was a special menu for the Supper Club or the norm.

[notsochubbychubette]

im not really to sure, either. I would call and have them email/fax you a menu.

[liztish]

Just posted on Eater!
http://eater.com/archives/2009/08/eat...

[offthebeatenpath1]

impeccable timing- thank you for that link