Cozy Katia’s features a Californified version of traditional Soviet fare
Cozy Katia’s features a lovingly-crafted lighter, Californified version of traditional Soviet fare. Large windows flank the spartan dining room, lending the tiny room an expansive feel. Live music adds either a romantic (classical guitar) or upbeat (accordion) ambience, inspiring motherly owner Katia Troosh to waltz between tables. A basket of light, chewy rye bread (from Bakers of Paris in the Sunset) greets diners. Start with an assortment of zakuski ("little bites") – the beet-red vinaigrette ($4) "salad" lacks greens, but nicely blends diced potatoes, carrots, celery, pickles and beets in a light bath of olive oil. Piroshki ($2.50), fluffy pastries stuffed with beef, cabbage or mushrooms, compliment the pickled dishes and the house special, blini ($16 for 2), four golden buttered crepés accompanied by a plate of Norwegian smoked salmon, salty salmon caviar and pickled herring. The seasonal house-made jams ($2.50) and multi-layered chocolate walnut meringue torte ($4.50) are highlights.    [18 May 2000 19:43:47]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: any zakuski, piroshki, blini

     ­andrew dean (laughtears), laughtears.net   adean at ekno dot com