Hi Everyone,
I agree with most of Phil's comments. Tipping the staff according to the food
and service received is usually a guarantee of good service in future visits.
But on the other hand, when the service is awful, I believe it should be
reflected in the tip as well (or in the lack of tip, if you prefer).
Regarding the restaurant's recommendation, Filimonova & Yankel Fish Houses,
Goodman's Steakhouses, 1 Red Square are great in my opinion, while El Gaucho is
overpriced and La Cantina and Pancho Villa deliver fake Mexican stuff, far away
from real Mexican cuisine. I would also mention Jean Jack among my favourites.
Jorge
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Expat List Re: Moscow restaurants (from Alina & Robert's posts)
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:21:29 +0000
It is very interesting to follow the discussion of folks who have opinions
about the various restaurants in Moscow. I am not a writer for any magazine
but I do eat out two or three times per week. And I have been known to host
dinner parties at some fine places.
All this discussion really depends on what you like. The first week in was
here in this country many years ago I was taken to Cafe Pushkin. And it is
still one of the best places for quality food and service.
By my latest count, and I do keep track, I have visited over 200 restaurants in
the city. Many only once because of the relative low quality of food or poor
service. There have also been many enjoyable experiences.
My wife is Russian. I don't speak great Russian. I do, however, treat the
entire staff with high respect. (I was once a waiter in an early life and I do
understand their work.)
Treating the staff with respect is the first important issue. If you don't
like their service, you don't have to go back again to put yourself through
the same experience.
In my opinion, leaving a reasonable tip is also important. Several years ago
some Russian folks at one of my dinner parties suggested I was a bit crazy when
leaving 10% of the bill as a tip. Some of them have joined me at the same
restaurant a second or third time and are amazed at the high quality of service
I receive from the staff. I think it is simply because they know I appreciate
them and they know they can expect about 10% when I leave.
I do have a habit of leaving a good tip the first time I go to a new place. IF
the food is above average, and IF the service is above average, then I might
leave 15%. And you know what, the next time I go, they remember! And the
service is excellent. (And, as a result, one of the waitresses at one of the
restaurants we frequent, actually brought us a bottle of wine from her native
area in the Crimea when she returned recently from her vacation.) Amazing how
simple this all really is!!
By the way, Filimonova & Yankel Fish Houses, Goodman's Steakhouses, El Gaucho,
Tandoori, 1 Red Square, Pancho Villa's, and La Cantina are some of our regular
places. Mi Piace is usually above average (and they deliver if you like).
I personally think the Fish Bazaar is the biggest ripoff in the city. When you
order a Chilian Sea Bass that weighs in at 900 grams and you get 250 to 350
grams on your plate, you still get to pay for the 900. LIke that, then go
enjoy it. I don't and will not go back.
So perhaps some of the folks (both expats and locals) might consider these
issues. Find the ones you like and go back. By treating the staff with
respect, you will probably be serviced as you expect. And your tip for the
service might actually pay off the next time you go!
Phil Smith
Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:11:14 +0300
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Expat List Re: Moscow restaurants (from Alina & Robert's posts)
I'll have to agree with Robert (his post is quoted in past issues) on all his
points -- Moscow restaurants are a drag. Way too often.
And Alina mentioned that "Restaurant owners should be reading this."
Absolutely, Alina, people in the Moscow restaurant industry do read these
posts. :) But yeah, mostly expats, and not the people who need a good kick in
the butt. :(
Going to a restaurant should be a pleasure. It should be an experience where
for a couple of hours you can relax, and enjoy the process of paying money to
people who make you feel like a guest in their establishment.
So, personally, I generally favor "local" joints. Not quite
"holes-in-the-wall," but more earthy, normal places, where one can build a
relationship with the waiters, and be treated extremely nicely. As in, getting
a beer within a minute. (For Moscow, that's like record time.)
I generally do avoid "Name" restaurants, because they do tend to suck. Way
badly. I don't mind spending hard-earned money -- I love it! -- but I hate
getting ripped off. A couple of mentioned places, such as Darbar and Pushkin
are yes, worth it -- IMHO -- but they are exceptions.
But -- erk -- one thing is, I now speak exclusively Russian with the wait
staff, wherever I go. I used to speak English to them. So that's a factor to
consider, if you're speaking English to a waitron. Ten years ago, you'd
automatically get the best seat in the house, and a free glass of champagne.
But hey, bummer, things have changed. The reality is, Eastern culture,
sociologically, tends to avoid actively-taxing situations, so being an
English-speaking customer NOW lowers you on their "priority list," because the
staff wants to avoid the challenge of dealing with you. It's sad, but true.
(Speaking as a bearer of both cultures.)
My advice, for people who like a good restaurant experience:
1) Be careful with "Name" places. Don't fall for glossy ads in magazines, for
the "feel." Just because a restaurant can hire talented graphic designers and
content-writers doesn't mean its chefs are any good.
2) Avoid middle-class chains these days, unless someone tells you verbally
otherwise. Yes, "Kofe Hauz" bites the big one. Many middle-class chains are
obviously cutting corners, and reducing themselves to the "rip-off" level.
3) You can tell a lot about a place, if they've raised their prices "because
of the crisis." If more than 20%, they're putting you on. Well, maybe not
"putting you on," but certainly not showing care for your continued patronage.
4) Learn "Restaurant Russian." It involves a few dozen words, and it works
wonders with the staff. I am a qualified witness.
5) Mainly... Follow the advice of your friends. Ask actively. Heeding advice
posted on the expat list is OK too, since, if you have a crappy time at a
recommended place, you can always flame the sender. :) Diplomatically, of
course :) :)
All the best,
-Alexander
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