An Infomercial for a B & B

Consider this an infomercial for a bed and breakfast in Moscow. I'm passing on this information with some secrecy, because those of us in the know don't like to share our discovery.  Accordingly you will not get an address or telephone number here. We make recommendations directly to friends and to friends of friends, but not to the general public. The reason is that we are protective of our hostess.

Marina, as we shall call her, is two decades past retirement age in Russia. As she observes, a pensioner in Russia without additional income cannot afford something as simple as fresh fruit other than from her own garden in summer. Marina likes fresh fruit. She also likes to travel internationally. She can afford both indulgences by providing B and B services to select clients.

Marina has a regular client from Italy who comes on monthly business trips. She also gets referrals from some embassies because of her prime location, modern accommodations, and gracious hostessing.   A Spanish travel writer who stayed with Marina said that he would not publish a review of her place because she wouldn't want all the bother that would come with the publicity.  The business she has is enough for her.

I must admit than even better than being a client of Marina is to be her friend. Together we've gone to  several art exhibitions, traveled around central Moscow, and attended a wonderful concert at the New Opera Theatre.  Marina has fed me not only breakfast but also dinner and supper.

Here is a description of the first meal of the day:  an offering of homemade muesli, several types of yogurt, a basket of breads with a selection of toppings including smoked salmon, a pate, two kinds of cheese, and fresh red caviar. (I'm Russian enough to appreciate caviar any time of day.). After that comes Marina's unique interpretation of the Russian classic cirniki, cheese pancakes.  (I'm going home with the recipe.). Marina also had on the table an apple tarte she had prepared the day before, and a selection of vareniye, homemade jams.  In addition to Russian standard tea she also offered coffee -- Turkish style, or French, with chicory.

For lavish attention it's hard to beat what you get at this B and B.