Laduree a-la Russe

The world-renowned brand Ladurée, established in 1862 and known for its iconic French macarons and its restaurant-brasserie chain with 81 locations worldwide, has taken an unprecedented step.

The company has decided to create an exclusive Ladurée restaurant in Russia, designed in a Russian style: Ladurée à-la Russe. This is a first of its kind.

The "Rappoport Restaurants" group will manage all Ladurée projects in Russia. They have conceived of combining the best aspects of 300 years of Russian-French friendship to create a unique atmosphere for Ladurée à-la Russe. Their inspiration comes from Sergei Diaghilev's "Russian Seasons" theatrical productions, and in particular, the sketches by artist Lев Bakst, which revolutionized perceptions of fashion, theater, and art in the early 20th century. These intricate works of art, a century later, have inspired the creation of a vibrant, fairytale-like, and slightly folk-inspired interior that is sure to be a hit on Instagram.

The pastry section is strictly overseen by the French team, featuring the famous macarons with classic and seasonal flavors, as well as tarts, éclairs, brioche, mille-feuille, financiers, "Saint-Honoré" and "Lisboa" desserts. However, the menu concept was developed in Russia, reflecting the idea of mutual influence and interaction between Russia and France in various fields, from art and literature to language and cuisine. The result is a Russian restaurant with a distinct French flair.

Chef Roman Palkin ("Moroshka dlya Pushkina," Beef Zavod, Big Wine Freaks) has created an exquisite Russian menu with a French twist. All the dishes pay homage to tradition, but are also reinterpreted in a modern, authorial style. For example, Kiev cutlets are made with quail (580 rubles), a vol-au-vent appetizer is transformed into a hot dish (840 rubles), brioche takes on the flavor and aroma of Borodino bread (240 rubles), foie gras (1200 rubles) is served with pickles (from 120 rubles) and pastries (50 rubles), and fish soup (880 rubles) and meat solyanka (920 rubles) are served alongside French onion soup (380 rubles). Olivier salad, known as "Salade Russe" outside of Russia, is enhanced with black truffles, pickled tongue, and fermented egg yolks (860 rubles), while the famous Burgundy snails are served in a "à-la Stroganoff" style (900 rubles). Caramelized pumpkin, parsnip, and other root vegetables evoke Russian traditions of fasting and the French love of garden vegetables.

Ladurée à-la Russe is located in the heart of Moscow, just a few steps from Red Square, on Nikolskaya Street. The restaurant is expected to become a favorite spot for both Muscovites and visitors to the city, attracting both those who deeply admire the Ladurée brand and those who have never heard of it. Both groups are sure to be delighted by the interiors, desserts, and food.