Moscow

Interview with Giuseppe Davi, chef at the restaurant Semifreddo

more than a year ago
A native of Veneto, Italy, Giuseppe Davi arrived in Moscow at the age of 28 and from the very first day started making a culinary splash in the Russian capital. Giuseppe headed the kitchen at the legendary restaurant Semifreddo for almost 8 years before opening his own place Butler, where he serves up mouth-watering contemporary Sicilian classics with a focus on seafood. 

- What is the most fascinating/interesting/unique thing about Moscow in your opinion? 
- The most fascinating thing is, of course, the metro! You can find interesting museums and sights in many countries, but the beauty that Moscow has to offer you won't find anywhere else. What surprised me the most about the metro is that each station is decorated in its very own unique style. 

- Apart from the main sights that every tourist should see on their first trip to Moscow, which “hidden gems” would you recommend seeing?
- I like the fact that Moscow has many well-maintained parks where you can spend a nice day strolling with your family. One of my favorite parks is Aptekarsky Garden - it's very cozy. And of course, there's Gorky Park, with a never-ending array of activities!

- Winter's here! What do you like doing in Moscow during the colder months?
- Although I'm not a big fan of the cold, I do enjoy sledding down ice slides with my son. Also, it's really awesome that Moscow has so many skating rinks and, by the way, I've become quite a good ice-skater!

- If someone wants to do a little trip outside of Moscow, where would you recommend going in the winter time?
- Unfortunately, I don't usually have much time to get out to the countryside but if you're into skiing/snowboarding, going out to one of the ski resorts (Yakhroma, Sorochany, etc.) in the north of Moscow Region makes for a really fun day out in the wintery nature. You can also rent a cozy log cabin and breathe the fresh air all night along and be the first one out on the slopes in the morning. 

- The best Italian food in Moscow is, of course, in your restaurant. But where would you send our readers for good Russian food and what should they try there?
- I really liked Marivanna. It's got a beautiful interior and classical Russian food and atmosphere. My all time favorite there are the pirozhki (pies)! Also I'd recommend the beef Stroganoff with buckwheat and mushrooms, oladyi made of squash and pike cutlets. 

- Do you have any words of advice for tourists coming to Moscow for the first time?
- Dress warm in winter! No but seriously, I would strongly recommend visiting the Bolshoi Theatre - it's an unforgettable experience!

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