Russian nights in Bondi
Restaurant directors Jack Grigorian and Eric Petrosyan have set the Bondi community alight with their innovative brand of Russian restaurant. Located on 140 Bondi Rd, ‘Russian Nights’ provides a distinct cultural flavour through a blend of traditional food, live music and cultural dance performances that have set it apart from other restaurants within the Bondi area.
Local resident, George Sikharulidze, said Russian Nights is significant to the local community because it provides a unique, cultural experience. “We had an amazing and memorable night,” he said. “Everyone was thrilled because there isn’t anything else like it in Bondi. This fusion of songs, dances and flavours – it was an incredible cultural feast.”
“We always wanted a restaurant that would offer an exceptional, authentic Russian experience, together with traditional Russian food and music,” Mr Grigorian said. “Our aim was to be able to deliver that to the community.”
With events like ‘Bondiesta Latin American Festival’ and other cultural festivities, Bondi and its surrounding suburbs are a celebration of cultural diversity, with residents from a variety of European and South American countries.
Furthermore, Bondi is known for its thriving Russian community, however for Mr Grigorian, the challenge has been to reach out and engage audiences who have not experienced Russian cuisine before.
Russian Nights aims to be different by providing a modernised, multi-purpose function hall. Accommodating between 100 and 150 diners on a typical night, the venue is able to seat up to 250 people every Friday and Saturday night.
Seeking to broaden its appeal, Russian Nights has also functioned as a night-club, entertaining younger audiences with DJs and contemporary music intermingled with traditional Russian favourites.
The venue is becoming increasingly popular amongst Sydney’s entertainment industry, attracting such celebrities as world-champion Salsa dancer Luda Kroitor, famous chef Manu Feildel and the stars from My Kitchen Rules.
Mr Grigorian intended the restaurant to appeal to the wider community, enlisting well-renowned Russian singer Slava Okrugin and a band of 4 other musicians to produce a repertoire that was both “fresh and fulfilling” for an Australian audience.
“We wanted to make sure that the locals wouldn’t feel left out when looking for a restaurant experience of the highest quality”, Mr Grigorian said. “We wanted to do something that was never done before.”
The restaurant will have its one-year anniversary party at 7pm on April 28, featuring a collaboration of local Russian musicians in a special ensemble.
By Daniel Paperny
