ILIOS

A restaurant-tavern with the aesthetics of ancient Greece and authentic dancing in the style of a "big Greek wedding."

In January, the La Punto Group opened a project inspired by the history and culture of ancient Greece. The restaurant-tavern is symbolically located in the cluster of Krednaya Polyana, where Greeks previously lived. ILIOS, which means "sun," is a truly authentic tavern, filled with the gastronomic delights and beloved traditions of ancient Greece – lively festive feasts, the syrtaki dance, and the breaking of plates. The menu's philosophy is in the hands of the young and enthusiastic chef Nikita Prikhodko (La Punto, Nabokov, the "Art" bar), who, under the guidance of a specially invited Greek chef, preserves the traditional recipes of Greek home cooking. The focus is on specialties directly from Greece: yogurt, oregano, capers from the Peloponnese peninsula, cold-pressed olive oil, green olives from the Halkidiki region, and black olives from the Kalamata region. At ILIOS, such attention is paid to the ingredients that many of them belong to the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) category, which allows to preserve and convey the true taste of authentic dishes. The gastronomic journey begins with the traditional Greek salad – "horiatiki," meaning "village." Generously chopped fresh vegetables, a large slab of feta cheese, salt, pepper, oregano, and finally, the most delicious part – a slice of warm bread that is dipped in olive oil, infused with the juice of the vegetables. Also on the menu are traditional dishes such as moussaka, a juicy casserole of meat, eggplant, and béchamel sauce, which can be served hot or cold. Meat lovers will surely appreciate "klefiko" – "stolen meat." In difficult times, Greeks stole meat from the Ottomans and hid it in deep pits with hot coals and stones. The pit was covered, a fire was lit above it, and they waited for the stolen piece to transform into the most tender and very juicy dish. Today, of course, no one steals or buries meat, but preserving that very flavor is quite a realistic goal. Long conversations and emotional exchanges are an integral part of Greek culture, accompanied by the hot appetizer "byourdi." This is, in a sense, "slow food" at its finest: melted feta cheese with tomatoes and peppers, an unforgettable combination of spices, and, of course, fresh bread that soaks up all this deliciousness. The bar menu at ILIOS is also filled with special meaning – the head bartender, Andrey Lagodich, was inspired by the style of traditional Greek drinks and the culture of the country. The bar's foundation is made up of plant-based ingredients from Greece and seasonal, locally sourced fruits and berries, using modern cocktail-making techniques. For example, there's ouzo, an anise-flavored vodka that uses dozens of ingredients in addition to anise. It is believed that ouzo gave the gods immortality. Whether that's true or not, the fact is that ouzo is an excellent pairing with almost all dishes of the local cuisine. Another interesting example is mastiha liqueur, which is made from the resin of the mastic tree. The notes of cedar and fruity smokiness make mastiha cocktails exceptional. And then there's raki, metaxa, and tsipouro. Each drink has a unique and unforgettable aroma and flavor. The stylish and authentic interior of ILIOS immerses you in the atmosphere of this Mediterranean country from the first moment. High arches, impressive columns, beams with a recognizable geometric pattern, amphorae and pithoi, a characteristic mosaic, traditional large tables, and in the center – an open fireplace with a blazing fire, a gift from Prometheus, for which he still pays on the Eagle Cliffs. The warm and bright hall is complemented by stunning views of the mountain peaks – and suddenly it seems that this is not the Caucasus Mountains, but the ancient Mount Olympus, and from afar, you can hear the gentle sounds of the lyre and the kithara. Music and traditions are an important part of the concept, because the atmosphere here is created not only by the interior, but also by a rich program of events. ILIOS plans to make the most of the country's rich potential of interesting customs and beautiful legends, so noisy parties, shared meals, breaking of plates, and endless syrtaki are just the minimum that awaits everyone who crosses the threshold of the tavern. In the spring, a veranda with 30 seats will open in front of the restaurant, which promises to be the most cozy place in Krednaya Polyana, where you can slowly enjoy cocktails and admire the views of the sun-drenched mountain peaks.