My late Father was a diplomat and his first assignment was Moscow, so I spent the first 4 years of my life living in Moscow, Russia. I was little but I had such fond memories of my childhood growing up in such a varied and beautiful country. I learned to speak Russian fluently and adored the chocolates, candies and delicious chicken Kiev that I was introduced to at an early age.

I recently visited Moscow and was a little overwhelmed by the expansion of the restaurant scene, especially the dining venues specializing in Russian fare with a modern twist.

One of my favorites restaurants is Dr. Zhivago located close to the Kremlin and the Red Square in the heart of the historic district. Russian restaurateur Alexander Rappoport has opened this Russian dining venue, serving Russian fare in a beautiful dining room with Russian art that allows one to taste the local appetizers, entrees, teas and desserts prepared freshly on premises with local ingredients.

Growing up in Moscow, I have an affinity for Caviar and Dr. Zhivago has seven varieties of Russian caviar to choose from. So if you are looking for caviar with chilled vodka and tantalizing hearty entrees and scrumptious desserts, then you have arrived at the correct destination! I am obsessed with trying local cuisine to be able to better understand a culture.