Stolovaya 57 "Soviet-era Canteen" — Russia 2010 - Day 17

This evening I took a quick trip down to Red Square with one of my former students, Sergey, for dinner at "Stolavaya 57" (Canteen 57), a Soviet-era cafe.

The prices are very reasonable and it is set up much like the old canteens from previous times. The neatest part is the little "carbonated water" vending machine that Olga (wife) has told me about for years. She remembers well the days when she would put in a few Kopeks (now 5 Rubles, approx. .15 cents) and there would be a communal glass that everyone would use (her Mom carried a special one in her purse for the kids). According to how much money you put in, you could then add syrup to the carbonated water. Once you finish with the glass, there is a little place to push the glass upside down and water would rinse it out.

This restaurant is inside the fancy GUM Department Store (mall) and there are some really nice views... which i share in the pictures.

On the way, we passed by the Lenin Library, which is the largest in Russia... and I also took some shots of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and some other Red Square scenes.

Sergey Demonstrates Soviet-era Soda Fountain

Entering Red Square