KRASA

"KRASA" is a Russian cuisine restaurant and lounge, located in a historic mansion in the center of Nizhny Novgorod.

The "KRASA" project began with a journey and a deeper exploration of the gastronomic culture of a completely different country. When developing the menu for the TT bistro, which is based on the principle of combining "French" with "Nizhny Novgorod" cuisine, the co-author and head chef of the establishment, Dmitry Stepanov, thought about traditional recipes of Russian cuisine. Therefore, together with his wife and co-owner of the restaurant, Marina Ladygina, they deliberately chose a trip along the Volga River for their honeymoon. Ples, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rybinsk... each of these cities is beautiful in its own way and has the right to be proud of its past, without respect for which it is impossible to build a future.

The word "krasa" has always been considered sacred for the Russian person. The root "kras" in the language of ancient Slavs was used in words that meant everything that was attractive to the eye, everything that was very good: "krasnaya devitsa" (a beautiful girl), "krasny ugol" (a red corner)... From here come words like "krasavitsa" (beauty), "ukrashenie" (decoration), "krasota" (beauty). The crimson color was apparently so pleasing to our ancestors that they replaced its Old Slavic name with a new one – "krasny" – thereby highlighting it as the best compared to others. Therefore, this name is the most fitting for the restaurant and lounge, and, most importantly, fully reflects the creators' vision and their unique perspective on Russian aesthetics.

The building where "KRASA" is located belonged to the merchant Kosyrev in 1886. It underwent two reconstructions, and before the revolution, the ground floor was used as a shop, while the guest rooms were located on the second floor. Interestingly, it was in these rooms that dignitaries close to the emperor stayed during Tsar Nicholas II's visit to Nizhny Novgorod for the opening of the State Bank in 1913.

At the same time, the building where "KRASA" is now located was a place for discussing confidential matters and making actual decisions. In modern society, restaurants are often considered a venue for such negotiations, so the building retains its purpose to this day.