GAL APPROVED Weekend: Russian Dining in NYC, Bartender Appreciation Day and Holiday Gift Ideas!

By DIVAGALS | December 7, 2012 | Entertainment, Gal Approved

DINE. The DivaGals love trying new cuisine, so we were psyched to check out Onegin. Located on New York City’s 6th Avenue, itΓÇÖs a little Russian oasis right in the middle of Greenwich Village! First thing you notice when you step inside is the restaurant’s opulent d├⌐cor of plush red chairs and upholstered banquette seating. Golden samovars (Russian tea kettles) surround the room, and the wall and tables are covered in writings from famed Russian author Alexander Pushkin.

I admit, IΓÇÖm not too up on my Russian dishes, so I called in a ringer: my friend Peter, who is originally from the country, and instructed him to point me in the direction of some classic Russian dishes. IΓÇÖm not sure what he said to our waiter in his native tongue, but moments later, we were sipping cherry-infused vodka out of tiny little goblets. PeterΓÇÖs a vegetarian, so he was eager to try the Pan Fried Potato with Wild Mushrooms and “Vinegret,” a roasted beet salad. IΓÇÖm more of a carnivore, so I was drooling as Blue Point Oysters on the Half Shell and Blini with Red Caviar and Sour Cream and Chives came to the table. I actually got creative, mixing my oyster into the blini with little bit of potatoes. The result: a positively delicious concoction.

┬á Vodka isnΓÇÖt the only cocktail of choice at Onegin ΓÇô I asked for something with rum and was given a WhatΓÇÖs Up Doc?, a spicy mix of rum and carrot juice, which was surprisingly good. It was then on to my main course: “Zharkoe,” a Russian beef stew. It was hearty and filling, though I could have used a few more chunks of beef (like I said, I dig my meat!).

We finished the night with “Medovik,” which is a homemade Honey Cake. PeterΓÇÖs eyes actually lit up as he declared heΓÇÖd be returning just for that. Personally, IΓÇÖll be returning for the $5 dollar Happy Hour and 20 percent off all the dishes Onegin offers Monday through Fridays — Priyantnogo apetita (enjoy your meal!)

Onegin, 391 Sixth Avenue, NYC. See more pics of Onegin at our DivaGals Facebook Page!

┬á CHEER. Celebrate the second annual Bartender Appreciation Day on Dec. 8 by asking your favorite mixologist to whip up a Sailor Jerry Backyard Tea!

2 parts Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
1 part iced tea
2 parts homemade lemonade

Add all ingredients to an ice-filled glass, garnish with a lemon wedge and enjoy!

SHOP. For our L.A.-based fashionistas: There are Rachel Pally and Big Star USA Warehouse sale going on this weekend:

Big Star
2700 Sequoia Dr.

Saturday 12/08/12 from 9 am to 1 pm

Rachel Pally
2301 East 7th St., Suite C100
www.rachelpally.com
Saturday 12/08/12 — 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday 12/09/12 — 11 am to 4 pm

WATCH! Our contributing DivaGal Valerie Greenberg was recently featured on the the infotainment series Better Connecticut discussing cool holiday gifts. Take notes at her website www.valeriegreenberg.com!

WFSB 3 Connecticut