Bufet

The theater cafe in the "Shchepkin" boutique hotel offers an elegant atmosphere, charm, and a modern take on classic Russian cuisine.

The "Shchepkin" hotel, located in the center of Belgorod, is named after Mikhail Shchepkin, the founder of the Russian theater school and a native of the Belgorod region. The name defines the concept, the stylistic design, and the "a la russe" menu of the "Buffet" cafe. The building housing the hotel is remarkable: a two-story mansion from the mid-19th century. The "Buffet" cafe is located on the ground floor. It is known that in the late 19th century, there were wine cellars in that location. After World War II, the cafe premises were buried, and during the reconstruction, they were literally restored by hand. The impressive decoration of the intimate restaurant space includes cast iron floor tiles from the Vladimir region (each weighing 44 kg), antique brick, crystal chandeliers, the reflections of which dance in the glasses of sparkling wine. Chef Dmitry Pogorelov ("Kotelnaya") is responsible for the kitchen at the Belgorod "Buffet." For the breakfast menu, which features a buffet-style selection plus a main hot dish served à la carte, he offers popular Moscow-inspired dishes: a sandwich with shredded beef, sweet onions, and stracciatella cheese; shakshuka with tomatoes and sweet peppers; crispy potato pancakes with sturgeon caviar; buckwheat porridge with almond milk, roasted pumpkin, and salted caramel. In the small evening menu, Dmitry presents a modern interpretation of classic Russian dishes. The menu is divided into "Acts." There is an "Intermission" and a "Diversion." Act I features appetizers: beef tartare in the classic French style; scallops with salted mango; toast with curry herring. Act II features salads: Chef's Olivier salad with duck, ham, and sturgeon caviar; a warm salad with lamb and confit tomatoes, and more. Next comes the "Intermission" – sandwiches, just like at the theater! For main courses, Dmitry offers beef Stroganoff with morel broth and mashed potatoes; a perfect catfish and amur fillet; roasted pork neck in a vegetable glaze; stuffed cabbage rolls with a wild mushroom sauce. The "Diversion" section is dedicated to desserts: lemon tart with soft meringue; chocolate cake with blueberries and coconut condensed milk; flambé pancakes with mandarins. And most importantly, the cafe at the "Shchepkin" hotel offers cabbage pie! The tradition of theatrical cabbage pie originated in the hospitable home of the Shchepkins, where improvised performances were held and guests were treated to cabbage pies, baked by Mikhail Semenovich's wife. For the "Buffet," Pogorelov created a recipe for a purple cabbage pie! It looks incredibly impressive. And the taste is like that of your grandmother's, but even better.

Several times a season, the "Buffet" hosts theatrical evenings and culinary events. The Belgorod State Academic Drama Theater named after Shchepkin is responsible for the theatrical performances, with professional dramatic actors performing on the smallest stage in the city.