Located around the corner from Red Square on Tverskaya 3, The Ritz-Carlton features an imperial Russian façade and classic interior with a chic modern touch.

My editor, Anthony Chicheportiche, and I arrived eager to discover for ourselves the $350 million,334-room hotel. Mosproject, one of the largest architectural firms in Moscow, developed this venture with the famed German interior designer Peter Silling, who implemented his vision for this royal hotel.

Upon entering the grand lobby, we surveyed the Bar & Lobby Lounge,which offered a cozy environment for afternoon tea, cigars and an exotic array of appetizers. We were warmly welcomed at the nearby Caviarterra Restaurant, which featured Russian and Georgian cuisine. The hand carved wooden wall panels were inspired by Russian altar fretwork and enhanced by live entertainment.
We set our savory sights on the hotel’s fine dining spot - Jeroboam, presided over by three-star Michelin Chef Heinz Winkler. The elegant restaurant’s sophisticated design reflects the glory of the Russian Empire, circa 1780-1840, with custom furniture, antique vases, Italian marble and its crowning chandelier centerpiece.

As wine professionals, we were awed by Petrus, a private dining room seating 10 people and separated from the main restaurant by glass walls containing a vast collection of Château Petrus Pomerol vintages. We settled on a five-course dinner, each dish accompanied by a matching wine.
An intimate settingaccommodating 40 guests, it was haute cuisine in the truest sense of the word : sumptuous servings with distinctive flavors. Chef Winkler featured his famed “Cuisine Vitale,” a concept focusing on nutritional well-being for the mind and body.


The impressive menu consisted of :

•Langoustine, Lobster Mousse, Lemon-Orange Salad with Soave La Frosca, Gini 2004

•Pan Fried Scallops, Capers-Raisin Sauce with Gavi, Villa Sparina 2005

•Fillet of Turbot, Oysters, Caviar Foam with Grüner Veltliner Ried Lamm, Bründlmeyer 2003

• Pan Fried Veal loin, Madeira Sauce, Artichokes,Black Truffle with Le Défi de Fontenil, Michel Rolland

• Tartlet of Apple, Champagne Soup, Apple Sorbet.

The extensive wine list was truly amazing, featuring recognized names, as well as obscure but highly sought ones that true wine connoisseurs seek out.Our evening included a chat with the restaurant’s knowledgeable Sommelier and Chef de Cuisine,native Austrian, Leonard Cernko, who prepared asplendid dinner.

The meal’s lofty standards could rival the cuisine of any major city in the world. Patrons were not only hotel guests but also local Muscovites committed to world class food and wine.The next stop on our list was O2 Lounge on the 12th floor of the hotel.
Since the frigid weather wasn’t welcoming, we set aside the ride for the evening, to enjoy the city lights. And what a pleasure O2 proved to be. The terrace presents an incredible panoramic view of Moscow.

One can only imagine what it’s like during the summer time; sitting outside, enjoying a cocktail. For those wishing to be pampered before dinner, the Ritz-Carlton’s newly created luxurious spa by ESPA offers a full-service facility, including ultra-luxurious massage, therapies, body treatments, facials and salon services.

Without question, Moscow and The Ritz-Carlton are formidable partners, each complimenting the other’s history and aura. They are certain to enjoy a long and rewarding relationship.

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