Dupont Circle Gets Fairytale Ending; Mari Vanna Brings Fabled Russian Cuisine To D.C.

DUPONT CIRCLE -- According to Russian lore, Mari Vanna was a fairytale grandmother who graciously opened her home to hungry travelers. Fortunately for Washingtonians, however, this is one fairytale that came true, with the internationally heralded restaurant chain making its D.C. debut this month just 5 blocks from the White House.

And yesterday evening, a lucky crowd of the eatery's friends and family were treated to a private party at the Dupont Circle-adjacent venue to celebrate the occassion.

As some of the first patrons to sample from Mari Vanna's authentically Russian menu (the restaurant opens for happy hour and dinner service tonight at 4:00 p.m.), guests eagerly dove into an endless buffet of black caviar, pirozhok (savory pastries stuffed with meat, cabbage or eggs), blinis, and dumplings.

Complimenting such a display of gourmet gastronomy was a sea of signature cocktails, such as a Klubnichka or Pomidorchik, and a variety of house-infused vodka sips.

While the Mari Vanna name might be new to the District, it's already very well known in New York, London, Los Angeles, and, of course, Russia, with many celebrities and politicians counted as regulars.

The three-story, 6,500-squarefoot D.C. location, which has already played host to Washington Capitals Left Wing Alex Ovechkin, boasts the brand's signature dacha-inspired interior decor (designed to be reminiscent of an old world babushka parlor), complete with dangling chandeliers, stuffed armchairs, and antique rugs.

However, while your parents might wax nostalgic at Mari Vanna over a bowl of borsch, this is definitely not your father's restaurant. No doubt fueled by healthy pours of vodka, patrons are quick to turn the venue into a lively dance club as the night grows long.

Truly a fairytale with a happy ending.