KONG

Pan-Asian Glen Ballis-style restaurant in a residential complex on Leningradsky Prospekt

Glen Ballis and Felix Berman have opened their second joint project, the pan-Asian restaurant "KONG," near their successful restaurant Claudia, in the premium residential complex "Prime Park" on Leningradsky Prospekt. The project's head chef is Sergey Ligay, the brand chef of Moscow's Dragon, KICHI, and Seiji restaurants. Vasily Zhelyov (Lea Bistro & Bar, "Pole" restaurant, Savras) is in charge of the bar, and Sofia Trishina (brand pastry chef of Sangre Fresca, Claudia, and former pastry chef at Sempre) is responsible for the desserts.

The cuisine combines the traditions of Japan, Korea, China, and Thailand with new flavors, emphasizing seafood paired with fruits and vibrant sauces, such as black cod in a miso glaze or a salmon and mango roll. When ordering a whole fish, guests can choose their preferred cooking method: tartare or ceviche as an appetizer, and grilled in a Josper oven for the main course. For desserts, Sofia Trishina plans to use premium tea varieties and authentic techniques. The main themes are delicate sweetness, bright citrus acidity, and a sense of lightness and freshness. For example, the jasmine tea dessert will feature a mousse made from steeped jasmine tea, filled with white chocolate and matcha, and served with a roasted apple infused with yuzu.

Vasily Zhelyov's cocktail menu features 15 original creations that combine Japanese traditions with modern flavors. For example, the Umeshu & Yuzu cocktail includes rum infused with red shiso leaves, sake, and a liqueur made from Japanese plums (umes). The sake selection is particularly noteworthy, with approximately 20 varieties representing 8 of Japan's most renowned prefectures. This includes not only premium varieties but also unusual blended sakes.

The Asian aesthetic continues in the interior design: green hues, textured finishes, vines on the ceiling, and ropes in a Thai-Balinese style. Furniture made from natural materials – wood, leather, and stone – emphasizes the connection with nature. In the center of the room is an open kitchen and bar, which flows into a future chef's table. There is also a separate private room for 6 people on the second floor.

Seating capacity: 70 seats Seating capacity in the private room: 6 seats