Winter Palace

tre presents Winter Palace, which aims at bringing to Chennai a colorful tableau of fine Russian cuisine. This restaurant, true to its name, resonates an authentic aristocratic ambience with a Menu that boasts rare specialties and well-loved staples of Russia. Winter Palace was the erstwhile royal home of the Russian emperors in St Petersburg. The restaurant borrows from this baroque style of architecture with its ice blue walls laced with elegant white patterned borders and faux white pillars. Delicate white lace-like bordering runs through the periphery of the walls that are a cool azure blue and add a touch of aristo-retro. The facade is sky blue with delicate patterned motifs and pristine white arched door and windows. Winter Palace features a circular indoor space tastefully done in blues and whites, with sofas upholstered in rich white and blue fabrics with elegant touches of dull gold. Similar panels on the walls break the monotony of the blue walls and lend to the overall elegance. An adjoining outdoor verandah enables diners to enjoy their meals in a cool, breezy space with flimsy white patterned curtains billowing on the sides and lightweight cane chairs lending it a look similar to Chekhov’s datcha or countryside holiday home. Winter Palace is a culinary celebration of flavors, aromas and design, offering diners of Chennai a host of royal cuisine choices and classic regal ambience, making it an indulgent experience. An introductory classic Russian menu will mark the opening of the Food Festival followed by month long showcases from regional Russia. The recipes have been crafted with classic Russian dishes infusing an authentic essence to the menu. The menu is a culinary blend that includes regal delights from Salmon a la Moscow, Plov - the well-loved rice casserole to the hearty Borsch or Russian soup that never fails to cheer. A special line of cold Russian soups will provide a refreshing reprieve through the Chennai summer. Various fresh breads are baked here every day to go along with the fine fishes on offer. Guests can also expect the most traditional drink, Kvass that is made of rye bread and is an excellent digestive and coolant as well. Drawing on the tradition of culture from the Russian Cultural Centre, Winter Palace proposes to hold ongoing Food Festivals from the different regions of Russia and other CIS countries bringing to Chennai, rich tableaus of heritage by way of their traditional cuisine. Food, after all is an integral element of a culture and Winter Palace aims to delight the taste buds of the city’s gourmet lovers to an enticing culinary revelry. These Russian Food Festivals will be true revivals of classic cuisines that the Russian aristocrats thrived on. Not just spartan everyday fare, but the real ambrosia of the intelligentsia. Tuck into the delightful food that graced the regal platters of Ekaterina II or Peter the Great. Sample the selection of delectable pickles, preserves, delicate cuts, marinades and sauces. One may delight in their choice from a la carte or the Set Menu carefully curated by the Chef. Served with artisan teas and coffees one is sure to delight in the uplifting meals, served with authentic Russian warmth. Speaking about the cultural importance of the Russian Food Festival and Winter Palace’s placement on the culinary map of Chennai, Mr. Mikhail Gorbatov, Director, Russian Centre of Science and Culture said, ‘it gives us a great pleasure to be associated with this cultural aspect of Russian Cuisine and bringing to Chennai the rich culinary tradition of the country. Gourmands will now have a chance to delight their tastebuds with so much more than just borsch or pilmeni. Food and culture go hand in hand and Winter Palace is slated to showcase this combination to its best.’
Behind the culinary strongholds of Winter Palace is Chef Sergey Nekrasov, who has had a deep exposure into the dining traditions of Moscow and has carefully curated the Menu with thoughtful deliberation and passion. Welcome into the elegant precincts of Winter Palace, and be swept away into the world of Russian fine-dining. Winter Palace is located inside Russian Centre of Science and Culture. Address - 74, Old 27, Kasturi Ranga Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018.