Blondie

The Instagrammable Restaurant: A Guide by Two Blondes – Food Bloggers Instafoodpassion (and Restaurateur Anton Pinsky)

Lyubov Lazareva and Polina Nadtochy, the authors of the food blog Instafoodpassion, have been sharing their culinary experiences for over 8 years, visiting all the best restaurants in Moscow. The duo participated in several successful collaborations with Pinskiy & Co and dreamed of opening their own restaurant, but didn't know where to start. During one of their tasting events, they met Anton Pinsky, a renowned Moscow restaurateur and the founder of Pinskiy & Co. This meeting sparked the idea for a joint project: Blondie, a stylish restaurant for any occasion, where every dish is worthy of being photographed and shared on social media.

Anton Pinsky, a restaurateur with extensive experience, laid the foundation for Blondie and brought the idea to life. Lyubov and Polina were involved in every stage of the restaurant's development, from menu and cocktail design to the signage, interior, and even the uniforms of the staff. It was crucial for the girls to create a restaurant with the right creative flair, beautiful presentation, and delicious food. A key element of the Blondie logo is the signature "O" shaped like lips, which is also featured in the design of the Instafoodpassion blog. And Blondie is not just about hair color; it's about a state of mind.

Two chefs are responsible for the kitchen: Igor Gubanov (Avocado Queen, №13, Pinskiy, AVA) and Maxim Pak (Simach, REDBOX, club Flava). They created dishes inspired by their favorite restaurants from around the world, offering a menu that is both compact and diverse, and, of course, highly photogenic. For example, the raw bar features sweet Argentinian shrimp with red caviar, served with a sauce made from pineapple, chili, and mango, or delicate crudo of Sakhalin scallops with marinated fennel. Appetizers include a gratin with meat and Savoy cabbage or with eel and teriyaki sauce, while salads include the famous "Moscow Caesar" with crispy chicken or a large green salad with four types of cabbage and a dressing made from shiso and kiwi.

Main courses include duck breast with hoisin sauce, served with pickled cucumbers, romaine lettuce, and pistachio crumble, or beef stroganoff – grilled striploin and oyster mushrooms served in a sauce made from caramelized onions, mushroom duxelles, cream, and orzo pasta. Fans of Italian cuisine will enjoy gnocchi shaped like small pumpkins, served with creamy stracciatella, a halva and sage emulsion, as well as spaghetti pesto with burrata, sun-dried tomatoes, and pistachios. One of the restaurant's signature dishes is a burger, which is served with fries. Ordering it is sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia. Another must-try dish is "Lyubov's Borscht." Guests are presented with an apron, a pot of borscht, toasted bread, lard, and sour cream, allowing them to assemble the dish to their liking. There's also a "fire" section with dishes cooked over an open flame, such as octopus, horse mackerel, edamame, or a juicy striploin.

The Japanese cuisine, created by Maxim Pak, deserves special mention. The set of five sushi rolls (with squid, shrimp, scallops, tuna, and salmon) is elegantly decorated with flowers and black caviar. The mango roll with crab is made with rice prepared using a special technique, and the dish features a vibrant combination of yellow and red hues. The roll with red rice on koji bread is drizzled with edible gold flakes, while the nori for the open-style hand roll with salmon and tuna is pan-fried in sesame oil, giving it a unique flavor.

And, of course, no visit to Blondie is complete without dessert. Among the interesting options are a Basque cheesecake with pink and dark chocolate, "Aperol," a glass of pink chocolate sprinkled with gold, and a tart with lemon curd, shortbread crust, and a soft meringue.

The cocktail menu is unconventional, gastronomic, and, of course, photogenic. It features 7 cocktails, including both innovative creations and well-known classics with a unique twist. You should definitely try the "Illusion" cocktail. Its incredibly vibrant purple color comes from matcha anchuan, while the combination of lemongrass-infused rum and blackcurrant creates an illusory aroma of bright barberry. "Blondie" is the signature cocktail that embodies everything: popular ingredients, presentation, and gastronomy. The base of the drink is a pina colada made using the "milk punch" method, but the secret to its unique flavor lies in the soft cheese foam with almonds, coconut, and salt, which adds even more depth and complexity. "Moscow Breakfast" is a familiar Aperol with a seasonal twist: it includes sea buckthorn. As befits a breakfast, it is served in a beautiful teapot with two charming cups. The cocktail is so delicious that it's the perfect way to start the day!

The project occupies two floors: the main dining room, with 55 seats, is located on the first floor. The speakeasy bar, which will open soon, is located on the -1 floor. Parties with music from Lyubov and Polina's playlists are planned to take place here in the near future. The interior, with its warm color palette, is designed to be perfect for taking photos and transforms throughout the day. The inspiration for the designers came from the play of light in the deep recesses of the historic building. This is reflected in the mirrored elements embedded in the walls, as well as in the niches that reflect sunlight, creating shimmering highlights. The main source of ambient lighting is a string of pearl-like beads that runs along the entire room. Guests are greeted by wooden tables and cozy sofas. The tables are adorned with handmade tableware with witty inscriptions by Lyubov and Polina. On the wall, you can see a painting titled "Earth" from ASKERI GALLERY, a Moscow gallery of contemporary art, founded by Polina Askeri.