Then it should be shining here, It should be running from the heights of Valdai!
V. Krutetskiy
Valdai restaurant, an actual result of magic synthesis of culinary and esthetic extravagance, is located in the very heart of Odessa. It was not an accident that such famous name in the Russian history has been selected for this luxurious establishment.
… Far away from the sunlit streets of Odessa, deep in the centuries long past, there are the roots of Valdai lake and the settlement bearing the same name located on its picturesque shores. In former times Finno-Ugric tribes lived there; Valdai means “water of life, water creating life” in one of their dialects. Thus, miraculous, almost mystic comparison with water which is clearer than tears, appears not to be just poetic method of the author but a real reflection of truth.
By favor of Catherine the Second, the Great Empress of the Whole Russia, Valdai turned from a modest settlement into a town. The road palace of the empress was built there as well as her palace church named after Saint Catherine, the Great Martyr. The location of Valdai on Moscow-Novgorod route opened the city for frequent visits by Catherine the Great.
It was obviously written in the stars that the routes of Valdai and Catherine the Second intercrossed once again many years after. Although in a rather allegorical way, in a somewhat symbolical meaning, contemporary Valdai located on Ekaterininskaya Square appears to us to be the road palace of Her Majesty. Rich interior of the restaurant, with its luxuriant stucco moldings, heavily flowing down drapes with gilt tassels, French sparkling crystal ware; attentive personnel, wearing dandy uniform in the style of the costumes of the XVIII century, dainty dishes, which are a match to the royal ones, perfect wine card, will play host to the empress as a VIP guest and the rightful owner.
… Here comes Catherine the Great, descending in a stately manner from her granite pedestal, here she enters helpfully opened doors of luxurious Valdai… The table is laid in a truly royal manner and majestic appearance of Her Majesty is reflected in flickering crystal, glittered by fluttering gleams of thousand candles…
Valdai was in 1993; this is the first private restaurant in Odessa.
Pakhmutova, Putin, Dolina, Chernomyrdin, Kuchma used to dine here; the voices of the most renowned Ukrainian and Russian pop-stars sounded from the stage of the restaurant… However, Valdai visitors are gourmets and connoisseurs of luxury in the first turn, while politics, pop-singers and composers go afterwards. Famous people leave their autographs in the Valdai’s Book of Honor.
At the customer’s wish, orders for concert programs are accepted and catering services are provided. Loyal customers as well as those booking tables in advance are provided with a guaranteed discount.
Great and Small Halls of the restaurant are at the visitors’ service, as well as Dorado Cafe-Bar on the ground floor and the landscaped open-air terrace during the warm months of the year. Live Classic music. Perfect cuisine, attentive personnel, luxurious interior of the restaurant combining royal luxury and quiet coziness create an unforgettable ensemble, which one would want to enjoy again and again.
