Starbucks in Moscow
Yeah, I walked past a Starbucks in Moscow (near the hotel) and since it was raining and I felt a bit hungry, why not stop by for a coffee and something to eat.
This is how the Starbucks looked like from the outside.
The place was fairly crowded, but not full. I could get a small table to myself. I decided to get a cafe latte and croissant. Ordering was easy enough, the staff could speak english and i could pay by VISA.
These mugs were pretty neat, though I didn't buy any. Didn't know the price either.
See this video for more of my experience in Starbucks Moscow!
KRISPY KREME Donuts
On the morning of my departure, I had some time to walk around the immediate vicinity of the hotel for a short while and this time I noticed a Krispy Kreme. This place was pretty near the Red Square. At first, I walked past it and didn't feel like having a donut.
Then, I decided, let's have something to eat. A donut wouldn't hurt. With the novelty of having a Krispy Kreme donut in Moscow at the back of my mind, I entered the store, which was almost empty that time in the morning. The selection of donuts was pretty good.
The donut cost 85 roubles (1.30 USD) and the latte cost 200 Roubles (3 USD). Donut tasted fresh, though I didn't see them produce any at the donut machine. Quite a number of people were buying entire boxes. Looks like Russians have acquired a taste for Krispy Kreme donuts. Again, VISA was accepted, which was great because I did not have any Roubles.
Here is a short video of my experience having a Krispy Kreme donut in Moscow! I guess this is one of the 'been there, done that' moment.... LOL.
Soviet Style Canteen in GUM
I read so much about this place before going to Moscow that when I first went there, it seemed quite surreal. This is Stolovaya 57 at the GUM shopping complex which is right at the Red Square. Touted as a Soviet-style canteen, it turns out to be more like a decent cafe where there was good food at decent prices, cafe-style. The place was very easy to find. Once you get into GUM, just head to the 4th floor, which I believe is the top floor.
Before I show you the cafe, some pictures of GUM itself. The shopping center is quite large and there are many entrances. Christmas decor has been put up.
GUM - 1893. I assume this building came from the 19th Century! Pretty big and grand.
A rather large Christmas tree.
So, I took a mixture of escalators and stairs and found myself on the 4th floor, outside the canteen.
And this was my lunch. Total cost was 470 Roubles, or about 7USD. A lot to eat. I had a Chicken Kiev, some type of roasted vegetable wrap, boiled pasta, Russian cabbage soup (which was very hearty and full of meat) and two drinks!
You can email the cafe if you have any feedback!
And here is a video of my experience in Stolovaya 57. I queue up for food, make payment, eat and clear my tray. This place is well patronized, I think mostly by locals. I had a good meal! Recommended, if you are in the vicinity.
In this video, I am walking around GUM. I also show you how to find your way to the 4th level, where the Stolovaya 57 is located. There are similar eateries next to Stolovaya, selling Asian inspired food (like noodles), Western style burgers and even one store selling crepes. I saw some sushi place, but I didn't go there.