First-rate "RUSSIA"

Nearly the whole of XIX century taverns and cafeterias held the complete control over Ekaterinburg public catering system. However, this situation changed in the early XX century: dainties and vintage wines were in demand and this launched the restaurant era. Several restaurants, "Bear", "Apollo", "Caucasus", "Russia", "Palais-Royal", etc. were open momentarily but many of them vanished as swift as they appeared. 

The happiest of them was the first-rate restaurant "Russia" owned by a Kazan bourgeois Vassily Semenov who was known for Urals inhabitants as the lessee of Kharitonov garden, Noble Assembly cafeterias and town theatre.

Having rented the premises in house #3 on Pushkin Street he offered visitors not only exquisite food and drinks but also various entertainments. A concert-hall of the restaurant was frequented by different artists, singers of satirical songs, romancers and dancers. Foreign artists performed in "Russia" often, too.

Vassily Semenov was very inventive in attracting new clients. In 1912-1914 he was introducing New Year Parties which lasted several days. Those who visited the restaurant on December, 29 were taking part in a masquerade and best costumes contest winners were awarded: women received golden watches and men received silver jugs. Nice surprises were also waiting for Ekaterinburg townsmen, who came to the restaurant on December, 31.  Each visitor was treated on the house with a glass of champagne and buttonholes were presented to ladies. New Year's Eve parties in "Russia" became a remarkable event in town's life. In January of 1914 one of newspapers said: "Restaurant "Russia" was crowded and noisy. "Tableaux vivants" were followed by cabaret on the stage and in the hall. However, they couldn't go without little scandal".

Up to the start of the World War I "Russia" remained to be the best Ekaterinburg's restaurant. When the war broke out and "dry prohibition" was promulgated the most of restaurants closed. "Russia" existed a few more years and then it was closed too.