LOOMI

Loomi: A restaurant exploring the culinary world of the "loomi" spice.

This new establishment offers Eastern cuisine and a unique atmosphere, bringing a touch of sunshine to Moscow. The culinary concept revolves around the "loomi" spice, also known as limu amani, Persian lime, or dried black lime. At Loomi, you can discover various forms of this ingredient and even compare the aroma of the original black lime, dried in the sun for an extended period, with loomi made from fresh limes in the restaurant using modern techniques. Spoiler alert: Loomi is confident that their homemade version is more fragrant. Anyone can compare: loomi garnishes every table in the restaurant; all you need to do is be curious. Moreover, loomi is used in a significant number of dishes. The young chef with Arab roots, Mohamed Alama, is responsible for the authenticity of the dishes. He has a background in culinary arts from Cairo, studied in London, and has experience working in Egyptian and Qatari hotels. The Loomi menu features culinary hits from Egypt and Syria, Lebanon and Morocco, with a touch of the Caucasus and Central Asia. The "mezze" section (featuring classic baba ghanoush, labneh, matbucha, Muhammara, and mutabal), Loomi's signature hummus, tabbouleh with basturma, mini-chebureks with lamb or shrimp, and tagine with chicken, saffron, loomi, and a bouquet of spices are all popular choices. In the open kitchen, seamlessly integrated with the main dining area, you'll find a charcoal grill and a real wood-fired oven, a surprising sight in an old building in the heart of Moscow. Here, chefs grill halal meat over charcoal, prepare kebabs, and bake the freshest fish. Loomi is the brainchild of Mikhail Petukhov (formerly of Vogue café), known for his meticulous attention to detail and pursuit of perfection. This means that dishes don't appear on the menu until they've been perfected. For example, the noodles for the lagman are hand-pulled and kneaded on-site by a chef from Uzbekistan with extensive experience. He also prepares authentic plov and meticulously shapes manti for each order. The desserts are crafted by a Turkish master with 25 years of experience, and the baklava is perfect – juicy, honeyed, but not overly sweet. The fragrant blend of Eastern cuisines has inspired the design of the space, created by the renowned Moscow interior design studio Krivtsova & Redina. The stylish and elegant main dining area features an open kitchen, a counter displaying gleaming honey-sweetened Eastern pastries, and an entire wall lined with handmade copper teapots. The lime theme continues throughout. The centerpiece of the space is three luxurious emerald-green glass chandeliers, reminiscent of fresh fruits that have absorbed the energy of the sun, which is often lacking in Moscow. During warm weather, the large windows of the main dining area open wide, and the restaurant will soon have its own small terrace. Downstairs, a darker, more intimate room features Persian carpets, an 19th-century carved chest of drawers, soft sofas, and authentic hookahs. This is the domain of bar manager Sergei Chesnokov, who has his own "secret ingredients." His focus is on the incredible richness of Eastern spice aromas and the amplified power (or even a completely new essence) of fermented products. An example is the spiced, sweet, and refreshing jallab lemonade served with Turkish delight in the glass, and Loomi's signature "lime tea," which is somewhat reminiscent of "lime tea." Alcoholic cocktails in the Arabic and Persian style are next on the list. Sergei actively experiments with Eastern aromas, which are not often paired with alcohol in Russian culture, such as rose, saffron, Turkish delight, and fig. The bar also features loomi, used in the preparation of daiquiris with sage and a signature margarita. The elegant Saffron Lady and the truly strong Mastic Martini are definitely worth trying. Sergei avoids using refined sugar in his drinks, cleverly adding sweetness with natural ingredients like grapes, fructose, and dates. Here, in the bar, they've also created a loomi jam – thick, glossy, and incredibly flavorful. It's served with the teas from the unique tea menu in a small dish, making it the perfect ending to a meal. And for the summer season, they plan to add sorbet and ice cream made with loomi, so there are many more exciting discoveries to come!