Merci Madlen

The lightness of the French Riviera in Pushkin. A restaurant and shop where mornings blend into days, where coffee gives way to champagne, and the food is served without pretension, but with heart.

The "Sklad 22" restaurant has come to an end. Bona People continues – this time, venturing to France. In early June, Merci Madlen will open its doors in Pushkin, a restaurant and shop where gastronomy embraces the lightness of French cinema from the 60s, the atmosphere of the Riviera, and a true French spirit.

The founders of Bona People, Lyubov and Denis Skoryakov, draw inspiration from their travels. Initially, they immersed themselves in Italy – its culture and rhythm of life. But over time, their travels led them further – to France. And France revealed itself in a different light: as a place of lightness, freedom, and the enjoyment of life, where mornings can linger, and a glass of champagne is opened simply because it's a beautiful day. They were particularly inspired by the Riviera – its warm, sunny, and slightly carefree rhythm of life by the sea. For years, they have admired its modern, eclectic style – a place for long breakfasts and savoring life itself.

Merci Madlen celebrates culture. Of course, there will be éclairs – both classic and авторские (author's) creations from pastry chef Maria Titova. And, of course, madeleines – cookies that are impossible to stop eating. The name of the restaurant was chosen for a reason. Try one, and you'll understand why, in Marcel Proust's novel, the protagonist, dipping a madeleine in tea, experienced a flood of memories, and at Merci Madlen, you'll simply want to eat them again and again.

The menu is created by concept chef Alexei Yermakov. This is French classics without pretension. You can simply come in for a meal. Pasta, steak, French onion soup. Without unnecessary fuss, but with soul. And if you want something more, there will be tartares and carpaccio, chicken liver pâté with walnut jam, pâté en croûte with pistachios, cheeses, and vegetable appetizers. And, of course, French specialties: escargots with a northern shrimp bisque and oyster julienne with Gruyère cheese. And brioche, which we bake ourselves. It could make it your best day – there's not much more to say.

Breakfasts here will be served until the end of the day (4:00 PM). You can choose something light or something more substantial – for those who aren't used to rushing. The presentation is carefully considered as part of the overall atmosphere. But we won't describe them – it's best to see them for yourself.

The wine list at Merci Madlen is a compact guide to the French wine regions. Head sommelier Regina Khalikova has curated it, focusing on France as a trendsetter. The emphasis is on champagne and cremant, which will have special prices. The list will feature French classics alongside wines from other countries, selected as stylistic variations on the theme of French regions. And the restaurant's bar is preparing its menu: wine-based cocktails, non-alcoholic aperitifs with herbs and fermented juices, and авторские (author's) coffee drinks – inspired by French traditions.

Upon entering, you'll find a shop. In addition to desserts and cheeses, there will be decorative items that "you'll want to take home with you."

The concept behind Merci Madlen is a place where you can slow down. Where you can have a long breakfast, meet with friends, and talk without rushing. Where the morning gently transitions into the day, and coffee is replaced by a glass of champagne. All of this is with the lightness and atmosphere of the French Riviera, but in the cozy setting of Pushkin.

The project will open in early June. Follow the news on social media. See you in Pushkin, at 22 Moskovskaya Street.