Khokhloma

My daughter got poisoned in it.

The food was fresh. Some would argue that draniki (fried potato cakes) is better without an egg or flower and with the addition of some garlic, chef did what he could and it was ok. The fish (судак) was covered in cheese too much but fish was fresh. Staff was courteous but not professional. They spend a lot of time playing with each other on the background. Possibly they've had a reason as one of them was delivered flowers to, while another waiter was taking pictures of flowers delivered. After that they were hugging with each other and lounging on the sofas. In the meantime we were waiting for mains to be served for ages! And when they arrived, the meals were not served at the same time. We had to wait for other meals (4 of us) while the first meal was getting cold. Marinated stuff - cabbage and mushrooms were tasteless. The best thing was kvass and smalec (pigs fat for spreading on bread). Very good home made kvass - worth trying. Chefs cooking is good but needs some refinement. Staff are good but need some training. Generally good place with lots of potential.

3 1/2 stars. The food was worth 4 stars at least, the cake we took from their store was worth 5 stars, but the 'every Sunday kids party' with electric PA to make the noise even louder brought the total score down. Great for parents with young kids, everyone else on Sunday lunch,,,, stay away. The cafe is plenty big enough to put the little noise makers in their own room, you blew it on this one 'poisum mgmt. '! Without the noise during the week it's likely a 4 1/2-5 star cafe like the rest of the Podium franchise.

A lot of different dishes. Friendly staff.

Nishtak