Budem Znakomy

"Budem Znakomy" Bar Opens with Late-Night Brunch and Cocktail Menu

On September 14th, the "Budem Znakomy" bar officially opened its doors on the Petrograd side. While it operated in a test mode during the summer, it already managed to win the "Favorite Hangover Brunch" award at the Spb Cocktail Week. You may already be familiar with the name: there are two atmospheric specialty coffee shops called "Budem Znakomy" in the city, located at Riga Prospect, 2, and Maly Prospect P.S., 60/17. Chef Valentin Orlov and head bartender Miroslav Byaloskurka, known for his cocktails at Buddha-Bar, have prepared an expanded menu for both familiar guests and new friends, including late-night brunch options and a diverse cocktail menu with a focus on cocktails by number.

Despite being positioned as a bar, the establishment offers a full menu with various categories of dishes: main courses, appetizers, and brunch. The brunch options are a unique feature, as they are available at any time. Craving shakshuka with ramirez pepper at midnight? No problem. Feeling like an omelet with stracciatella at 2 a.m.? Perfect. Need to replenish your energy in the morning after a lively cocktail night? A quinoa and avocado bowl is just the ticket! Among the appetizers are liver pate with onion marmalade, tartare with salmon or beef, fresh berries with stracciatella and spinach, and beef tacos. A special highlight is the broccoli in a nutty sauce with chili peppers. Guests who have already tried this dish describe it as the perfect combination of crunchy vegetables and a flavorful sauce. The main courses include orzo with shrimp and stracciatella, spaghetti with stracciatella and truffle cream, and salmon with avocado and a spicy sauce. The meal can be concluded with a signature coffee dessert, prepared to order. "We've been in the business of feeding people for five years – a peaceful and enjoyable profession," says Denis Godovanets, co-owner of the "Budem Znakomy" establishments. "We decided to continue this path, but to go beyond coffee and desserts. At our new location, we're excited to offer our vision of delicious food, good wine, fun cocktails, and gastronomic combinations. We look forward to welcoming new guests and new friends!"

The cocktail menu features drinks named with numbers from 1 to 12. Miroslav Byaloskurka and the bartenders who helped develop the menu invite guests to play a game. Tell the bartender your favorite number, and then try to guess the ingredients in your cocktail. Possible combinations include gin, peach, and basil; raspberry, citrus, and lavender; pineapple, coconut, and rum; pear, cheese, and aloe. In addition to the cocktail menu, the bar offers a wine list with both familiar options of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, available by the glass and bottle, as well as a rare offering: Prosecco on tap, and a variety of spirits, including bitters, liqueurs, vermouth, tequila, and distillates.

"Italian architects once created the image of old St. Petersburg: staircases decorated with Metlakh tiles on the floors, walls with ornamental panels, and stucco work," notes Anastasia Kutimskaya, the bar's interior designer, whose portfolio includes projects in New York. "We grew up surrounded by this beauty, and it's ingrained in us. We've tried to preserve this cultural code as much as possible, adding a touch of freshness and subtle references to the work of Wassily Kandinsky, whom I deeply admire."

In the future, the establishment plans to host guest events, the first of which took place on September 21st with the bar Arka.