BIRUKKA

"BIRUKKA": A rooftop restaurant featuring local produce.

Located in the heart of Yaroslavl, on the central city square named after Volkov, and right on the rooftop, is the gastronomic project "Birukka." This offers panoramic windows, a large open-air terrace, and a view of the first theater in Russia, the Volkov Drama Theater. The creators of the project have combined the concept of aesthetics with the cultural code of the city. "Birukka" – which is the Sanskrit word for "bear" – is one of the symbols of Yaroslavl, along with the Volga River and the fish it is rich in. "Birukka" is a restaurant about creating a mood, about feeling special during important moments in life, about creating an atmosphere of celebration," says Irina Dreiling, the founder, investor, and creative inspiration behind the restaurant. "I was born in Moscow, but I fell in love with Yaroslavl, probably from the first visit. It's a very close and familiar city to me. And I am very happy that my first restaurant project is located here." The menu features unsweetened éclairs with crab and various types of caviar, tender marbled beef with a sauce made from Atlantic tuna, crab "à la julienne" with mashed potatoes, pike perch with wheat, vegetables, and a light cloud of goat cheese – the gastronomic offerings include dozens of European dishes with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Everything is prepared in an open kitchen, so every guest can watch the process. The bar menu was developed by a team from Moscow, led by Ilya Doronin and Artem Larionov-Obraztsov. A must-try at "Birukka" are the trendy, conceptual cocktails created by the experienced bartender and innovator, Kirill Simonov: "Bee Flight," "Raspberry Forest," "Fallen Leaf," "Golden Ring" – each mix has a cultural and historical context. Special attention should be paid to the collection of teas for rooftop ceremonies, enogastronomic sets of "sparkling wine with caviar" before or after the theater, and aperitifs for brunches, which can be enjoyed by the whole family – the restaurant has a cozy children's room. For private and intimate gatherings, the restaurant has a separate lounge for 6-8 people. It is completely separated from the main dining room: a large table with a white tablecloth, a vintage chest of drawers, and art and a bear relief on the walls. Among the top choices on the wine list are excellent Russian Riesling from "Imenie Sikory" and Rioja from Marques de Riscal Reserva. "Birukka" is an important restaurant for Yaroslavl. The atmosphere of the project is characterized by aesthetics and elegance, and the interior features symbolic references to the city: bears, the Volga River, and river stones. The abundance of natural materials in the space – natural wood, live flowers, dried flowers, and twigs – transforms the restaurant into a living space. "Birukka" is a true place of power that offers a sense of peace. And it's also a celebration, because the project's event program includes atmospheric jazz evenings, gastronomic dinners, wine tastings, and sunsets with DJ sets and sparkling wine.