tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37772775489029199662024-03-14T09:53:10.448+03:00MoscowMAXIMUM- Nightclub news and reviews of the best nightlife in the worldNightclub news and reviews of the best nightlife in the world: Moscow MaximumMaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-67503774492126833612009-09-06T18:10:00.008+04:002009-09-06T22:04:21.940+04:00Review: New Club Garage (Гараж)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP01_VoDHI/AAAAAAAAAwk/twjysfaK8ug/s1600-h/ab63e33e20e7e561.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP01_VoDHI/AAAAAAAAAwk/twjysfaK8ug/s200/ab63e33e20e7e561.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378411588382887026" /></a>Opening Hours: Restaurant/Cafe- 24/7, Nightclub- Wed/Thu/Sun (from midnight), Fri/Sat (afterparty)<br />Category: Mid-Range<br />Feis Kontrol Rating: Bar/Cafe: Low 1/5, Nightclub: Moderate- 3/5<br />Address: 8 Brodnikov Per.<br />M: Polyanka<br />Phone: +7 (495) 238-9745<br />Website: www.garageclub.ru<br /><br />Garage is Back! (kind of). The new Garage is set to open on September 9, and while retaining some elements from old Garage, it's certainly a far cry from the dank (but loveable) basement of the old Garage.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP1IJCv3rI/AAAAAAAAAws/W7eStTH9yZA/s1600-h/c7815b23bd140f79.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP1IJCv3rI/AAAAAAAAAws/W7eStTH9yZA/s200/c7815b23bd140f79.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378411900225707698" /></a>Garage aims to be a comfortable place where patrons can come for great food, drinks, and kalyans 24/7 at reasonable prices. On club nights patrons can decide whether to chill on the expansive terrace, or kick it up in the downstairs nightclub.<br /><br />Garage takes the symbiotic relationship of the old Garage+Cafe Pushka that occupied the space above the Garage until 3 years ago and combines it into a single venue.<br /><br />The club is located just over Kameniy Most, less than a kilometre from the Kremlin (even closer than the old location, although I'm not sure if that is a plus), near Metro Polyanka. Despite my "never south of the River" mentality (Sorry, First, Rai, Fabrique, etc), it's incredibly easy to get there, especially from the burgeoning club region near the White House (another bizarre juxtaposition).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP01CIypGI/AAAAAAAAAwU/lnuz-7YL-_U/s1600-h/2fd27ca67eb4d9ec.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP01CIypGI/AAAAAAAAAwU/lnuz-7YL-_U/s200/2fd27ca67eb4d9ec.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378411571954492514" /></a>Upon entering Garage, the first room you come to is a bright cafe-style room with several windows, perfect for a quick snack or coffee during the day, but a little awkward at night, when patrons opt for the more comfortable terrace or bar rooms, or head straight to the club.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP00UW20vI/AAAAAAAAAwE/XVMElGqLivg/s1600-h/1fecb77148bede3a.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP00UW20vI/AAAAAAAAAwE/XVMElGqLivg/s200/1fecb77148bede3a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378411559665455858" /></a>The second room is the main bar/restaurant room, also called the "graffiti room", in honour of the large grafitti mural of sports cars in a (you guessed it) garage. All seats are couches in the form of car seats, and the tables are carbon fibre. The old Garage radiator fans are backlit and spin in the wall, and the red brickwork of old is now whitewashed. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP1IrH0UFI/AAAAAAAAAw8/E5bFJW79mgA/s1600-h/e17c82b7b8658b7d.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP1IrH0UFI/AAAAAAAAAw8/E5bFJW79mgA/s200/e17c82b7b8658b7d.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378411909373775954" /></a>The metal lampshades now hang in a new, clear format, giving the room a strange sense of familiarity to those who knew the old Garage. A long bar with barstools caters to patrons who prefer to watch the bartenders in action making the new repertoire of delicious cocktails.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP00kKSHXI/AAAAAAAAAwM/R_AO9hy9nI8/s1600-h/2eeb7eb38d2dcb03.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP00kKSHXI/AAAAAAAAAwM/R_AO9hy9nI8/s200/2eeb7eb38d2dcb03.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378411563907685746" /></a>Passing through an almost-hidden corridor at the back of the bar will bring you to the terrace, which appears almost as another world. A light, airy combination of lounges, curtains, and a truly relaxed atmosphere make this my favourite place to chill with a kalyan in the new Garage.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP01ePxflI/AAAAAAAAAwc/XAEROJ4WX80/s1600-h/4a4f16c12753c40e.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP01ePxflI/AAAAAAAAAwc/XAEROJ4WX80/s200/4a4f16c12753c40e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378411579499970130" /></a>On club nights the entry staircase will cause old Garage flashbacks- Garage has carefully relocated the original metal staircase and railings from the old Garage, and the only difference is the colour scheme. The deja-vu is enhanced once you reach the dancefloor, the coloured squares on the dancefloor, bar height and lights are all reminiscent of the Garage of yesteryear. The colour scheme is largely metallic, with a solid steel bar and a shattered-glass effect underneath.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP1IWdAkvI/AAAAAAAAAw0/3F2pYvrEkDI/s1600-h/dd57e2fce3240915.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP1IWdAkvI/AAAAAAAAAw0/3F2pYvrEkDI/s200/dd57e2fce3240915.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378411903825515250" /></a>Off the dancefloor, a large private room with cosy exposed brick can hold up to 6 table reservations, and another corridor leads to another two rooms with private bar and toilets, perfect for parties. Both are equipped for karaoke. Completing the below-ground offering are additional unisex bathrooms.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP1JN5MfjI/AAAAAAAAAxE/U9vOfPYryKg/s1600-h/f4f588abdba6af01.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP1JN5MfjI/AAAAAAAAAxE/U9vOfPYryKg/s200/f4f588abdba6af01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378411918707686962" /></a>The menu is a mix of hits from the old Garage, and some popular offerings from the restaurant in the location that new Garage displaced. Typical Moscow-style Russian/European offerings are plentiful, but notable are some delicious foreign touches, the spicy thai salad, fajitas, empanadas, tom yum soup, burritos, chicken wings and more make for some tasty diversions! Surprisingly, Garage's sushi and other Japanese offerings have received rave reviews from customers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP3yMVJRVI/AAAAAAAAAxU/so7JLzV_GwA/s1600-h/28bd3ad4c0bda836.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SqP3yMVJRVI/AAAAAAAAAxU/so7JLzV_GwA/s200/28bd3ad4c0bda836.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378414821685937490" /></a>The biggest difference in the offerings of the new Garage is the focus on new and interesting cocktails, and quality kalyans. The bar manager Sasha is freshly imported from one of Bulgaria's top cocktail bars, and has written a creative mix of specialty cocktails for the club, and injected imagination and fun into the cocktail process- ask for him to come up with something unique for you! Another noteable addition are the cocktail shakers- 1000 rubles for 500ml of a special mix available in five colours, served in your own shaker with shot glasses- try the legendary Garage red shaker!<br /><br />Pre-opening, it's tough to evaluate how Garage will succeed in attracting both old and new clientele- necessary since the new location is over 3x larger than the old. The club has been open in a test regime for 3 weeks, and initial impressions have been positive. Perhaps the biggest thing in Garage's favour is the wholesale migration of virtually the entire team from the old Garage, so the new venue already seems familiar, and it certainly a comfortable place to pass the time. As a restaurant and 24/7 cafe and place to chill out, Garage certainly seems to have a bright future, and as a nightclub- Stay tuned!<br /><br />At best, the new Garage strives to be the old Garage, but updated and made more comfortable. At worst, it's an eclectic mix of styles and environments with an overriding techno/automotive theme that don't quite click together. Time will tell which will prevail!<br /><br />For the review and pictures of the old Garage, please click here.<br /><br />Disclaimer: MoscowMAXIMUM is involved with Garage, so while I've tried to make this review as objective as possible, some bias may remain. So there! :)Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-8139596160410248452009-07-02T15:27:00.005+04:002009-07-02T15:56:56.684+04:00Lonely Planet, Russian Poets, and MoscowMAXIMUM!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SkyenM4aG1I/AAAAAAAAAv8/BeIns1q1NHc/s1600-h/russia-guide-5-3D_LG_v1_m56577569830529023.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 123px; height: 182px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SkyenM4aG1I/AAAAAAAAAv8/BeIns1q1NHc/s200/russia-guide-5-3D_LG_v1_m56577569830529023.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353828453346581330" /></a>I am delighted to report that MoscowMAXIMUM has received yet another literary accolade! A Pulitzer, you ask? Even better- I have been quoted on the first page of the new Lonely Planet Russia guide!<br /><br /><p>Not only has Moscow's Nightlife been listed as the 2nd Greatest Highlight of Russia, the first and third spots quote Pushkin and Chekov, respectively! For anyone who may have accused this site of lacking literary depth, take note!<br /><br />I would, however, like to disclaim responsibility for the selection of venues suggested for "Nightclubs". These are targeted at Lonely Planet readers, who typically represent a slightly different target market than readers of this publication, but all venues listed should offer a fun night out, depending on your tastes!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SkyehzbrF9I/AAAAAAAAAv0/Djf9cLOvkt0/s1600-h/Lonely+Planet+Russia+Quote.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 205px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SkyehzbrF9I/AAAAAAAAAv0/Djf9cLOvkt0/s320/Lonely+Planet+Russia+Quote.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353828360615827410" /></a>Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-67528493377454481012009-06-13T14:44:00.006+04:002009-06-13T16:00:08.930+04:00Review: Forbes Club (Форбс Клуб)Note: At the time of publishing, Forbes has been "temporarily" closed and management is rumoured to be being replaced by Deluxe Promo (Opera, Soho, etc). Stay tuned.<br /><br />===================<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SjOKFFTdlpI/AAAAAAAAAvc/tA-V8eKep3g/s1600-h/Forbes_Inauguration_0028.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SjOKFFTdlpI/AAAAAAAAAvc/tA-V8eKep3g/s200/Forbes_Inauguration_0028.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346769002546697874" /></a>Opening Hours: Fri/Sat 11pm-last customer<br />Category: Ultra-Exclusive, Nightclub<br />Feis Kontrol Rating: High - 4/5 (tempered by size of club)<br />Address: Maroseyka, 2 (entrance from alley next to Lubyanskiy Proezd, 15)<br />M: Lubyanka, Kitay Gorod<br />Phone: +7 (495) 234-3322<p>Website: http://www.forbesclub.ru/<br /><br />In a city packed with Megaclubs, Forbes is an attempt to create an Uberclub. A cavernous underground labyrinth, Forbes is crammed with superlatives, whether it's the 28 VIP tables, 11 bars, 4 levels of VIP, 10sqm bathroom cubicles replete with their own plasma, couch & facing double toilets, for that couple who just can't be apart for even a few minutes.<br /><br />What Forbes often isn't crammed with, however, is people, and when it is, they all seem to be standing around waiting for something to happen. Because unfortuntely, in these crisis-ridden times, the club designers seemed to have overlooked the need for patrons to have fun and enjoy themselves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SjOKFdQqfdI/AAAAAAAAAvk/BVQJeEL1I-Y/s1600-h/Forbes_Inauguration_0035.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SjOKFdQqfdI/AAAAAAAAAvk/BVQJeEL1I-Y/s200/Forbes_Inauguration_0035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346769008977411538" /></a>Kind of like its sense of fun, Forbes can be hard to find. An original entrance off Maroseyka was boarded up, and now patrons gain access via a narrow lane off Lubyanskiy Proezd, 15. Other than the obligatory carpark of Cayennes and a cluster of stilletto-clad sparkles, nothing indicates you've arrived at Moscows answer to Hades. A glance inside the vaulted tent, however, shows Feis Kontrol specially imported from Soho, letting would-be patrons know they've bitten off more than a weekly jaunt to Propaganda. <br /><br />The Feis's legendary strict door policies are hampered by Forbes sheer size, meaning pretty much all comers are considered, and given Moscow's current financial state, even foreigners are not considered the scum they once were at Moscow's top doors.<br /><br />Once through the entrance, you find yourself in a black-panelled antechamber, with everyone wondering which of several small corridors head where. The answer is that one heads to bathrooms, one to another coat-check, and the club complex itself lies down the staircase to the left.<br /><br />I say club complex, because if you get bored (easily), once of the lost rewarding things to do in Forbes is explore the various subterranean tunnels branching off the main room, and seeing how many hidden bars you can find, and how many various levels of VIP security you can elude.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SjOKF97AcmI/AAAAAAAAAvs/zhjXjPNK3IU/s1600-h/Forbes_Inauguration_0036.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SjOKF97AcmI/AAAAAAAAAvs/zhjXjPNK3IU/s200/Forbes_Inauguration_0036.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346769017744945762" /></a>The club itself though, as you enter down the staircase, is visually impactful. A sizeable dancefloor/stage area is ringed by several layers of VIP tables, each more VIP than the next. The decor is best described as "shiny black", as the overall black & silver interior and abundance of steel & chrome reflect all that glitters (which is plenty). It's as if the designers of Famous had a tonne of interior fittings left over, and decided to use them on a place 5x the size.<br /><br />The sound system is impressive, and it pumps out a steady mix of Russkiy pop house, or whatever one-hit-wonder happens to have been lured to the club that evening.<br /><br />Drink prices are high, but not excessive given the nature of the club, and overall, on a good night with the right attitude, Forbes can indeed be fun. <br /><br />As Moscow's newest "it" place, Forbes is still busy with Moscows "in" crowd, but a lot of them have already reverted to Pacha or Soho.<br /><br />If you're intent to head to a huge club and pay that much for drinks, I'd rather be at Rai, since the visuals are so much richer and they don't take themselves as seriously. Unfortunately, I don't think many of Moscow's glitterati would agree with me.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-24745660432300356612009-05-22T17:35:00.005+04:002009-05-22T18:00:24.118+04:00Garage to Rise Again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ShaukwjG7YI/AAAAAAAAAvM/yZnKtt-EBv0/s1600-h/Kz0004_®ß¨•≠®‚Ï+‡†ß¨•‡.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 108px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ShaukwjG7YI/AAAAAAAAAvM/yZnKtt-EBv0/s200/Kz0004_®ß¨•≠®‚Ï+‡†ß¨•‡.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338646354824981890" /></a><p>For those of you who (like me) have been mourning the passing of Garage, there's great news for you- Garage will be re-opening in a new (undisclosed) location in June!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/Shaukju2ANI/AAAAAAAAAu0/NRGEzI-NHsA/s1600-h/dvor+fB0001_®ß¨•≠®‚Ï+‡†ß¨•‡.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 114px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/Shaukju2ANI/AAAAAAAAAu0/NRGEzI-NHsA/s200/dvor+fB0001_®ß¨•≠®‚Ï+‡†ß¨•‡.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338646351384543442" /></a>The new multi-level Garage will be, like its predecessor, aimed at a fun crowd who want a fun, comfortable location with great food and cocktails 24 hours a day. There will be a spacious and comfortable summer terrace in a courtyard shaded by trees and remote from the road, a large DJ Cafe/Restaurant with lounges, a long bar, and an updated design, while still staying faithful to some elements of the old Garage. Garage has imported specialty cocktail bartenders to serve all your favourite cocktails, and many more, and will have a Kalyan attendant 24 hours a day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/Shaukm77_kI/AAAAAAAAAu8/WauNwEjolH8/s1600-h/c+fb0001_®ß¨•≠®‚Ï+‡†ß¨•‡.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 108px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/Shaukm77_kI/AAAAAAAAAu8/WauNwEjolH8/s200/c+fb0001_®ß¨•≠®‚Ï+‡†ß¨•‡.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338646352244768322" /></a>For those longing for the cosy underground haven that was the old Garage, you can venture downstairs Wednesday through Sunday to the nightclub, where once again, the owners have sought to update the design, while staying faithful to the original Garage. Here another bar will ring the dancefloor, and there are several rooms for private (or not-so-private) parties.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/Shauk9jTuKI/AAAAAAAAAvE/8pNgAyuLEiw/s1600-h/c+fb0002_®ß¨•≠®‚Ï+‡†ß¨•‡.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 108px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/Shauk9jTuKI/AAAAAAAAAvE/8pNgAyuLEiw/s200/c+fb0002_®ß¨•≠®‚Ï+‡†ß¨•‡.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338646358315481250" /></a>MoscowMAXIMUM will post more closer to the opening, but if you'd like to be kept informed of the pre-parties, official opening, and other events, please send an email with your full name, phone number, and email address to garage@moscowmaximum.com.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ShaulDUMyWI/AAAAAAAAAvU/hioi93RQyJM/s1600-h/SR+P0007_®ß¨•≠®‚Ï+‡†ß¨•‡.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 146px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ShaulDUMyWI/AAAAAAAAAvU/hioi93RQyJM/s200/SR+P0007_®ß¨•≠®‚Ï+‡†ß¨•‡.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338646359862724962" /></a>(Yes, I know I've been hopelessly behind on posting updates for other club openings/closings, but MoscowMAXIMUM has been busy, I promise some comprehensive updates soon).Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-24971797830977254482009-04-03T01:15:00.005+04:002009-04-03T02:00:50.330+04:00Spring 2009: A New Dawn, or Worse To Come?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SdU0MuUeAtI/AAAAAAAAAus/Fq7Y7c1IXeM/s1600-h/Angel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SdU0MuUeAtI/AAAAAAAAAus/Fq7Y7c1IXeM/s200/Angel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320215928005067474" border="0" /></a>From the slew of new club openings in the last couple of months (and more to come), you'd think that Moscow is oblivious to the financial crisis ravaging the globe. Yet even sunken into the depths of the softest plush sofa, high as a kite, nestled between the breasts of some of your favourite Tyolki, you can't help but notice that the crowds are thinner, people are drinking less, the aggression levels are higher, and girls are preening closer and closer to get noticed and bought a drink. As a (male) friend recently commented, "It's amazing how much better-looking I've become since the crisis hit".<br /><br />Other than far more girls willing to talk to you without the promise of a new Bentley, there are other benefits to the crisis for those still looking (and who can afford) to hit the Moscow scene:<br /><ul><li>Far more high-end venues and fewer patrons mean that Feis Kontrol is at an all-time low</li><li>For those saving in dollars or Euros, everything is 40% cheaper<br /></li><li>Cheaper and available club tables<br /></li><li>Fewer traffic jams in front of the hot spots</li><li>Promoters have even become polite</li></ul>Recent club openings include the megaclub Pacha, the even bigger Forbes, bar/clubs such as Bar 8, Dukhless, and Gusatnikoff (a Novikov club!?), bars such as Bonnie & Clyde, and re-openings like Grafit. The trend of ever more specialised locations such as LaMur (after-hours club opening at 6am) continues, and there's never been a more diverse selection of music styles and venues. The only issue is, there just aren't enough dollars or people to make use of all these new venues, leaving weekends somewhat hit & miss, as people sometimes stumble(but more often not) into the venue that happens to be the hotspot of the night.<br /><br />In an environment such as this, things can get nasty. Soho Rooms was hit by three drug raids and a power outage in three weeks, rumoured to be the work of somebody determined to put them out of business.<br /><br />There have also been a handful of closings. Aside from Garage (rumoured to be reopening in a new location by June- watch this space!), Arma 17 suffered an blaze eerily close to the anniversary of Dyagilev, and Simachev lost its summer terrace (in February).<br /><br />In this rapidly changing environment, where are the hot spots?<br /><br />On the off-nights, Technika Molodezh has been the recipient of Garage's legendary R'n'B nights, kicking a good scene from about 2am on Wednesdays and Sundays. Karma Bar still pulls a good crowd on Sunday evenings for their R'n'B event. Thursday nights are still packed at Opera, although the format has shifted from their traditional R'n'B party to a more creative house mix by some of the top Moscow & imported DJ's, and Ninja is still rocking it for those cool enough to have cards.<br /><br />Fri/Sat is harder to call. At the top-end, Soho Rooms has lost some of its crowd, but still hosts a fun party and will be the space to watch as summer approaches and its roof deck opens. It also has the hottest afterparty in town following Garage's demise, and the party kicks on till well after 10am. Krysha is still packed, but the crowd has long ago lost its edge. However, it should recover with increasing daylight on its legendary roof. Opera is still the most fun place to party on Saturdays, Rai has lost its buzz, Barkhat is packed with the under-20 crowd, and Famous continues to languish if you're not on a VIP table. Most is pretty much dead in the water despite a change of Feis.<br /><br />Of the new venues, against all odds Pacha seems to have hit its stride and fills its considerable capacity Fri/Sat. Forbes' cavernous space and 28 VIP tables have a glass-half-empy feel, but it will be worth seeing how it evolves. Bar 8 ably fills the big shoes Bar 7 left, but it's remote location means its considerable pre-party appeal is muted.<br /><br />On the pre-party circuit, for the dinner crowd Kalina Bar is always packed, as is Shatush and Blackberry. For bars, Bar 8, Kitchkok, Simachev and Chapurin all have a great vibe, although the close proximity of the last three mean that none are as packed as before.<br /><br />Overall, Moscow's nightlife scene offers more variety than ever before, but unfortunately a lot of new options hit the market at an unfortunate moment. Venues will need to innovate to stay alive, and with more new clubs set to open, things are going to get interesting.<br /><br />Other interesting innovations will be the introduction of a high-quality, reasonably-priced NY-style brunch at Kitchkok in coming weeks.<br /><br />Stay tuned for more news and reviews to hit your screens soon!<br /><br />MaxMaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-35071934554286661262009-01-20T19:05:00.005+03:002009-01-20T19:41:43.845+03:00Garage Closes: The End of an Era<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SXX9se3y5FI/AAAAAAAAAt8/kFetilckVMw/s1600-h/garage_olden078.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SXX9se3y5FI/AAAAAAAAAt8/kFetilckVMw/s200/garage_olden078.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293415877687043154" border="0" /></a>After 10 years of 24/7 existence, Club Garage finally closed it's doors last Sunday following a debaucherous party that was more akin to the final days of Rome than anything regularly staged in a Moscow club.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SXX915LN0RI/AAAAAAAAAuM/-KkoPYGGQV0/s1600-h/3119290.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SXX915LN0RI/AAAAAAAAAuM/-KkoPYGGQV0/s200/3119290.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293416039366643986" border="0" /></a>Love it or hate it, Garage has been a staple of Moscow club life for almost as long as there have been clubs in Moscow. It's legendary R'n'B nights on Wed and Sun drew a cross-section of Moscow's denizens: from billionaires to students, prostitutes to tourists, the regulars sometimes united only in one thing- their universal "Garage Love".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SXX9sBhMIkI/AAAAAAAAAt0/agOD-ReTv4M/s1600-h/228163905A50113F.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SXX9sBhMIkI/AAAAAAAAAt0/agOD-ReTv4M/s200/228163905A50113F.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293415869807600194" border="0" /></a>This small packed basement had been under constant threat of closure for the prior three years, since the building above it had been vacated and slated for redevelopment. The fact that this has finally come to pass in the midst of our "Krizis" and when all other development in Moscow has been halted almost comes as a cruel joke. Reportedly, the site will house a new 5-star hotel, which as much as MoscowMAXIMUM loves Garage, in all honesty is probably a better use for this prime Pushkinskaya location.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SXX9sneTB_I/AAAAAAAAAuE/iTcacWeK0ds/s1600-h/3778814.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SXX9sneTB_I/AAAAAAAAAuE/iTcacWeK0ds/s200/3778814.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293415879996016626" border="0" /></a>And what now for beloved Garage? Stay tuned, as rumours abound of a move to Polyanka, Kuznetsky Most, or yet another location, and a hopeful reopening in the months to come.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SXX9r4_xOuI/AAAAAAAAAtk/rtK-LTJL_Sc/s1600-h/a0e448d49a6ec864.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SXX9r4_xOuI/AAAAAAAAAtk/rtK-LTJL_Sc/s200/a0e448d49a6ec864.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293415867519941346" border="0" /></a>Until then, the battle-cry of "Garage Love Forever" will live only on in those infernal red shaker shots, available wherever the Garage tusovka congregate throughout Moscow.<br /><br />For the original Garage posting and review, please see <a href="http://moscowmaximum.blogspot.com/2007/12/review-garage.html">here</a>.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-5678574432133999092009-01-07T18:01:00.006+03:002009-01-07T18:46:01.094+03:00Aquapark Kva-Kva: And Now For Something Completely Different<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWTNg0JlSsI/AAAAAAAAAtU/p0XNgts24Dc/s1600-h/5756779.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWTNg0JlSsI/AAAAAAAAAtU/p0XNgts24Dc/s200/5756779.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288577826078149314" border="0" /></a>It's Christmas Eve, after midnight, snowing, and approximately -15C. How do we find some fun? Did someone say "waterslide"?<br /><br />The logical answer, of course, is to head several km outside of Moscow to an (indoor) waterslide park, where there is a wild party with DJ's, dancing girls, and of course hundreds of people enjoying the waterslides, tubes, jacuzzis, wave pool, waterfalls, and of course- the music and alcohol.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWTNYyC2yuI/AAAAAAAAAtM/c4MGlCs3E64/s1600-h/5756794.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWTNYyC2yuI/AAAAAAAAAtM/c4MGlCs3E64/s200/5756794.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288577688074111714" border="0" /></a>Those looking for a example of the delightful randomness of Moscow could do worse than to lie back in the wave pool letting a fountain wash over you and observe the undulations of the dancers clad in club lingerie surrounded by shrieking young quasi-Muscovites hurtling down the python-like multicoloured tubes and consider how this all came to pass. Parties at waterslide parks are not exactly a new concept, but to do so beyond the city limits from 1am on Xmas morning, having transported the essence of a Moscow club to this godforsaken location, in the middle of a Russian winter? That's true Moscow innovation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWTNYGnVIEI/AAAAAAAAAtE/Dy-efbztmJg/s1600-h/5756814.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWTNYGnVIEI/AAAAAAAAAtE/Dy-efbztmJg/s200/5756814.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288577676415934530" border="0" /></a>Aquapark Kva-Kva is located 2km past the MKAD on Yaroslavskoe Shosse, inside the XL shopping centre. It's a multi-story indoor waterpark housing no end of entertainment, with multiple caves, tubing pools, fountains, jacuzzis, and of course the requisite multi-story waterslides. My personal favourite was the wave pool surrounded by various fountains and jacuzzi's, which was the perfect location to dance, (attempt to) surf, or just observe or socialise with the hordes of enraptured water-clubgoers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWTNYAwkjJI/AAAAAAAAAs8/POhIcuHeiJw/s1600-h/5756763.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWTNYAwkjJI/AAAAAAAAAs8/POhIcuHeiJw/s200/5756763.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288577674844081298" border="0" /></a>From this vantage point, the whole scene looked something like a Full Moon Party in Thailand that had somehow been kidnapped by giant orange and green snakes, and dumped in a snowy wasteland, the tropical location, cheap drinks, and lack of full moon at least somewhat offset by the abundance of scantily-clad devushki, the likes of which would inspire riots on Ko Phi Phi Beach.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWTNX0yyj_I/AAAAAAAAAs0/PC3NAGPfSNE/s1600-h/5756828.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWTNX0yyj_I/AAAAAAAAAs0/PC3NAGPfSNE/s200/5756828.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288577671632162802" border="0" /></a>The parties here are held fairly regularly, look for upcoming events on a site such as <a href="http://msk.nightparty.ru/section/upcoming/">nightparty</a>. The logistics of finding the place, getting tickets, entry, and sorting out lockers, deposits, etc, mean that I would strongly recommend having a competent Russian-speaker with you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWTNX-uUIgI/AAAAAAAAAss/1TzKctE89AE/s1600-h/5756854.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWTNX-uUIgI/AAAAAAAAAss/1TzKctE89AE/s200/5756854.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288577674297745922" border="0" /></a>The crowd tends to be very young, and doesn't quite match the aesthetics of central Moscow, and the line at the bar means getting drinks is an absolute pain. However, it's a delightfully random night out, and if you're bored of the regular scene and are looking for something to remind you why you live in this wonderfully crazy country, I highly recommend it.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-86695043305807795652009-01-06T18:06:00.005+03:002009-01-06T18:57:50.776+03:00Review: Kitchkoсk (КичКок)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWN8yENa_SI/AAAAAAAAAsU/pJ1uKnp1we8/s1600-h/5818814.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWN8yENa_SI/AAAAAAAAAsU/pJ1uKnp1we8/s200/5818814.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288207587028434210" border="0" /></a><strong>Opening Hours: </strong>7 Days, 11am-12am (Sun-Wed), 12pm-last customer (Thu-Sat)<br /><strong>Category:</strong> Bar, Lounge, Restaurant, Nightclub<br /><strong>Feis Kontrol Rating: </strong>Moderate - 3/5<br /><strong>Address:</strong> Petrovka Ulitsa, 21.<br /><strong>M:</strong> Tverskaya, Teatralnaya, Trubnaya<br /><strong>Phone: </strong>+7 (495) 642-0358<br /><strong>Website: </strong>http://www.kitchkock.com/<br /><br />This difficult-to-spell location is one of the best openings of late 2008 and has already proved itself a massive success in its opening couple of months, especially as a weekend pre-party, with a creative DJ spinning original and creative variants to a packed house of a moneyed, older crew, who seem at home in the Petrovka triumphirate of Kitchkock, Simachev, and Chapurin (or even the hapless Most). Despite some name similarity to the famous filmmaker Hitchcock, the only similarity that I can see they share is a British (in Kitchkock's case: punk) theme that weaves its way throughout the bar.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWN86JJzf0I/AAAAAAAAAsk/QQgjbz0qdTk/s1600-h/5818872.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWN86JJzf0I/AAAAAAAAAsk/QQgjbz0qdTk/s200/5818872.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288207725794393922" border="0" /></a>Kitchkok's discreet entrance on Petrovka, next door to karaoke bar Dzhelsamino belies the expansive interior that awaits at the top of the stairs, itself promising much through a combination of exposed brick, chain handrail, and sparkling floor. The interior of the main level of this lounge/cafe/club is an attractive blend of comfortable couches in a faux-antique style, intriguing artwork (think large stuffed red vinyl bears), and the modern black-and-metal touches that seem to be required of all Moscow locations (think "Escobar" done right). The main room is bisected by a staircase that leads to an all-white VIP table & couches upstairs, and another small golden VIP room for private "events" and narcotics usage.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWN8x-eti4I/AAAAAAAAAsE/KjFYBvMXmwM/s1600-h/5751657.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWN8x-eti4I/AAAAAAAAAsE/KjFYBvMXmwM/s200/5751657.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288207585490340738" border="0" /></a>The room opens out after the staircase, avoiding the low-ceiling claustrophobic feel that afflicts many new venues in Moscow. The two-storey space is hemmed by a bar on one side (and another under the staircase), the DJ booth on another, and another staircase leading to another VIP table balcony. Adjacent to the staircase are the bathrooms, the small size of which is offset by the tasteful (and occasionally hardcore) lesbian porn on show above the men's stalls- making your aim into the stall a little difficult if you linger here too long.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWN80Z34dYI/AAAAAAAAAsc/eAZDQauVXqA/s1600-h/5818851.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWN80Z34dYI/AAAAAAAAAsc/eAZDQauVXqA/s200/5818851.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288207627203409282" border="0" /></a>It's not entirely clear yet what Kitchkock wants to be when it grows up. The restaurant is certainly tasty and reasonably well-priced, but this isn't a place that comes to mind simply for dining. It's the weekend evenings that really take off, with a crowd that comes after 10 to dine, dance, and drink to creative remixes (of anything from classical music, to 80's (U2?), to funk and modern house), and then move on to other locations after the clubs open, meaning Kitchkock is the perfect option to fill those times once you've finished dinner and before the clubs really start kicking in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWN8yGVQmII/AAAAAAAAAsM/wcv0u0DfGtI/s1600-h/5818811.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWN8yGVQmII/AAAAAAAAAsM/wcv0u0DfGtI/s200/5818811.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288207587598178434" border="0" /></a>Kitchkok is managed and promoted by Zeppelin, meaning several of the managers (and Feis Kontrol) will be familiar from Most. The (kilt-clad) staff is friendly, the service (especially on off-nights) is efficient, and the prices are reasonable. My main criticism of the place is the tiny entryway at the top of the stairs and inefficient coat-check, making it a pain to get in or out of Kitchkock with any sort of efficiency.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWN8xeC4G9I/AAAAAAAAAr8/xm16ypNtY2U/s1600-h/5751641.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SWN8xeC4G9I/AAAAAAAAAr8/xm16ypNtY2U/s200/5751641.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288207576783657938" border="0" /></a>Overall, Kitchkock is an excellent new addition to Moscow's nightlife, filling a needed niche with great design, ambiance, service and pricing, proving that even in these "Krizis" times, a great new place will find a welcome in Moscow.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-3078291646586228442008-12-25T15:14:00.013+03:002008-12-25T17:10:40.924+03:00Moscow Girls & The Financial CrisisIt's official, the global financial crisis has hit Russia. Never mind the markets tanked six months ago, these days even nightclub dancers are asking me about "nash finansoviy krisis" (our financial crisis)- As far as I'm concerned, if even these illuminated bastions of global commerce have now figured out that something's going on, we're all fucked.<br /><br />But never mind that commodity prices are in the toilet, and the oil price that keeps Russia afloat on it's ocean of rubles (30 to the USD anyone? Do I hear 40?) is plumbing new depths not seen since 2005, the most important question is yet to be addressed: How is this impacting the richest of Russia's resources- the <span style="font-style: italic;">Devushki</span>? (Russian girls).<br /><br />As part of MoscowMAXIMUM's mandate to provide hard-hitting journalistic coverage of what matters most to Muscovites, I took it upon myself to see how the patrons of Moscow's hottest venue Soho Rooms is handling the crisis via a sample of photos taken from just a single night (20 December, if you're interested).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODtMczRvI/AAAAAAAAArU/E5a8VbrySPY/s1600-h/17633.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODtMczRvI/AAAAAAAAArU/E5a8VbrySPY/s320/17633.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283711600295102194" border="0" /></a>"I used to be a broker at Renaissance Capital, but now they call me DJ Krisis."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODs2aMonI/AAAAAAAAArM/RY3tQ5zojVg/s1600-h/17626.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 269px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODs2aMonI/AAAAAAAAArM/RY3tQ5zojVg/s320/17626.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283711594378601074" border="0" /></a>"Crisis? What Crisis? I'll always have Botox."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODshp3u0I/AAAAAAAAArE/9KLz5MC3M98/s1600-h/17616.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 153px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODshp3u0I/AAAAAAAAArE/9KLz5MC3M98/s320/17616.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283711588807195458" border="0" /></a>These days some girls will even accept an Audi instead of the mandatory Porsche Cayenne from prospective sponsors. Market forces at work!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODKbl8jgI/AAAAAAAAAqs/vqh11KQbOu0/s1600-h/17612.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODKbl8jgI/AAAAAAAAAqs/vqh11KQbOu0/s320/17612.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283711003064569346" border="0" /></a>Or better still, take Nastya and Katya for a 2-for-1 deal, they're apparently happy to share an apartment, wardrobe, and hair stylist.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOCndd9GAI/AAAAAAAAApc/976wX_dk1o0/s1600-h/17532.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOCndd9GAI/AAAAAAAAApc/976wX_dk1o0/s320/17532.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283710402272499714" border="0" /></a>"Got coke? My dealer is now a Zhiguli taxi driver."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOCnWja8-I/AAAAAAAAApU/kCkwDUwnQT0/s1600-h/17527.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOCnWja8-I/AAAAAAAAApU/kCkwDUwnQT0/s320/17527.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283710400416379874" border="0" /></a>"I know, I know, but he's younger than the last one, and I hear he has US Dollars!"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODKFa5VYI/AAAAAAAAAqk/Slm-MnwbB1s/s1600-h/17598.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODKFa5VYI/AAAAAAAAAqk/Slm-MnwbB1s/s320/17598.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283710997112640898" border="0" /></a>Thankfully the dancers are still doing their stuff, distracting poor patrons from the harsh realities of everyday Moscow life... Wait a second- this IS everyday Moscow life!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODKDdgyrI/AAAAAAAAAqc/L1k3nT8xIOs/s1600-h/17592.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODKDdgyrI/AAAAAAAAAqc/L1k3nT8xIOs/s320/17592.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283710996586744498" border="0" /></a>The guy on the left used to be a property oligarch, the guy on the right was his banker.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODJ1sTP9I/AAAAAAAAAqU/mbXt7-XvOnM/s1600-h/17591.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODJ1sTP9I/AAAAAAAAAqU/mbXt7-XvOnM/s320/17591.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283710992890675154" border="0" /></a>Feis Kontrol is getting so lax, they're even letting this dude into the club.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOC3bWrmlI/AAAAAAAAAqM/nrngmjE--Oo/s1600-h/17576.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOC3bWrmlI/AAAAAAAAAqM/nrngmjE--Oo/s320/17576.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283710676583029330" border="0" /></a>"My husband converted all his holdings into gold six months ago, and all I got was this lousy dress with a fake bow!"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOC3BA7feI/AAAAAAAAAqE/kT2FA6WX3K4/s1600-h/17570.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOC3BA7feI/AAAAAAAAAqE/kT2FA6WX3K4/s320/17570.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283710669512474082" border="0" /></a>The alluring "Sponsor Dance", caught on film.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOC3BQpkuI/AAAAAAAAAp8/-bYZ7p-h-hg/s1600-h/17569.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOC3BQpkuI/AAAAAAAAAp8/-bYZ7p-h-hg/s320/17569.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283710669578408674" border="0" /></a>"Don't mind me, I'm just a tourist, and can pay Euros!"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOC2hm8sII/AAAAAAAAAp0/xN7xbQmTMxo/s1600-h/17555.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOC2hm8sII/AAAAAAAAAp0/xN7xbQmTMxo/s320/17555.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283710661082001538" border="0" /></a>Apparently Soho converted the cigar bar into a "Passion Room" (since there wasn't enough of that already in the bathrooms).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOC2vIM_mI/AAAAAAAAAps/sgNWEeSmmps/s1600-h/17554.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOC2vIM_mI/AAAAAAAAAps/sgNWEeSmmps/s320/17554.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283710664711143010" border="0" /></a>Thankfully more dancers than ever before, on the mantlepiece, in the windows, under the chairs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOCnY57KWI/AAAAAAAAApM/luzhhUBOTLw/s1600-h/17522.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOCnY57KWI/AAAAAAAAApM/luzhhUBOTLw/s320/17522.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283710401047636322" border="0" /></a>"Please leave me and my accountant in peace, this is our last night before fleeing the country."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOCnMp3xbI/AAAAAAAAApE/CTnSZkLv5-4/s1600-h/17518.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOCnMp3xbI/AAAAAAAAApE/CTnSZkLv5-4/s320/17518.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283710397759079858" border="0" /></a>He looks more worried than she does about where their next drink is coming from.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOCn1Cq6-I/AAAAAAAAApk/IxhwNnwEJb8/s1600-h/17545.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOCn1Cq6-I/AAAAAAAAApk/IxhwNnwEJb8/s320/17545.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283710408600513506" border="0" /></a>Yup, just had to make sure- still plenty of hot girls making funny faces.<br /><br /></div>And since I know that most of you are just interested in pictures of hot Russian girls (yes, I do track the Google search terms used to find this site), here are some more pictures just for you:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOEl5JZvgI/AAAAAAAAAr0/073FzME56I0/s1600-h/00000Soho+Dancers+Mainpeople.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOEl5JZvgI/AAAAAAAAAr0/073FzME56I0/s320/00000Soho+Dancers+Mainpeople.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283712574366006786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODsRmqohI/AAAAAAAAAq8/BTqiBIiCUNE/s1600-h/17615.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODsRmqohI/AAAAAAAAAq8/BTqiBIiCUNE/s320/17615.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283711584498786834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOElgrfsuI/AAAAAAAAArs/gGSRPdyxnDg/s1600-h/00000Soho+Rooms+Blonde+Dancer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOElgrfsuI/AAAAAAAAArs/gGSRPdyxnDg/s320/00000Soho+Rooms+Blonde+Dancer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283712567798117090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOEll8y8xI/AAAAAAAAArk/-WKSe9ZL4vU/s1600-h/opera_pictures082.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVOEll8y8xI/AAAAAAAAArk/-WKSe9ZL4vU/s320/opera_pictures082.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283712569212859154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODtNlaaDI/AAAAAAAAArc/YmgWZUoqNP0/s1600-h/picturephp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SVODtNlaaDI/AAAAAAAAArc/YmgWZUoqNP0/s320/picturephp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283711600599656498" border="0" /></a><br />For even more, (not to mention the hysterical soundtrack- Remember: "Soho Rooms Is Good For Your Image") check out www.sohorooms.com.<br /><br />Merry Christmas everyone!Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-2716432635146754602008-12-15T15:19:00.004+03:002008-12-15T17:51:55.084+03:00New Club Opening: Pacha<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SUZut5ndRxI/AAAAAAAAAdU/9wCv7iaiA_E/s1600-h/Pachalogo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 163px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SUZut5ndRxI/AAAAAAAAAdU/9wCv7iaiA_E/s200/Pachalogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280029347977971474" border="0" /></a>On December 27th, the "official pre-opening" (don't ask me, I just report this sh$t) party is to be held at the new Pacha Moscow club, located at 10 Nikolskaya Ulitsa, Phone: +7-495-798-5777,<br /><a href="http://www.pachamoscow.ru/" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.pachamoscow.ru </a><br /><br />Apparently the "official opening" party isn't until 23 January, however the club will be in "pre-pre-opening" from the 20th Dec (go figure).<br /><br />This club has been "about to open" since last winter, but a combination of a merry-go-round of investors, delays in approvals, and the unfolding "Krisis" has delayed it until now.<br /><br />For those of you who live under a rock, Pacha is a global club brand based out of Ibiza, with clubs in around 15 countries. Pacha Moscow will be big, over 1,500sq metres, and capacity for more than 900 people. Apparently, of its 30 boxes, 15 will be "super-VIP"... Hmmm... I think I can see where this is going.<br /><br />As with anything that's been this hyped for this long, I'm expecting to be disappointed, but look forward to checking it out!<br /><br />MaxMaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-67931094839967064922008-12-12T15:20:00.002+03:002008-12-12T19:50:47.513+03:00New Domain Name- moscowmaximum.comMoscowMAXIMUM has jumped on the technological bandwagon and we now have our own domain!<br /><br />You can update your bookmarks to:<br /><br />http://www.moscowmaximum.com<br /><br />It still redirects to blogspot, but anything to make your lives easier<br /><br />MaxMaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-18183519139017302002008-12-10T20:13:00.000+03:002008-12-10T20:44:57.203+03:00Review: Evento (Эвенто)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST__4uSgDQI/AAAAAAAAAdM/_qI5JdI6tio/s1600-h/5425086.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST__4uSgDQI/AAAAAAAAAdM/_qI5JdI6tio/s200/5425086.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278218638264896770" border="0" /></a><strong>Opening Hours: </strong>7 Days 6am-last customer<br /><strong>Category:</strong> Mid-Range, Restaurant, Nightclub<br /><strong>Feis Kontrol Rating: </strong>Low - 2/5<br /><strong>Address:</strong> Varvarka Ul., 3, Gostinniy Dvor<br /><strong>M:</strong> Ploschad Revolyutsii, Kitay Gorod<br /><strong>Phone: </strong>+7 (495) 234-3322<br /><strong>Website: </strong>http://www.eventoclub.ru/<br /><br />A delightfully (if somewhat awkwardly) designed restaurant/nightclub space over two floors, with multiple restaurant decors in separate arched alcoves. Cute multiple bars, cosy dancefloor with hot dancers, great chillout area, and low drink prices. The only thing missing is the people. On several visits around 2am, the only patrons were some bored-looking models who were paid to be there.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-89119608063833354332008-12-10T20:00:00.000+03:002008-12-10T20:12:34.107+03:00Review: Escobar (Эскобар)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_2k4NWIPI/AAAAAAAAAdE/0-iszYFaI7o/s1600-h/5473029.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_2k4NWIPI/AAAAAAAAAdE/0-iszYFaI7o/s200/5473029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278208401725595890" border="0" /></a><strong>Opening Hours: </strong>Tue-Thu 5pm-5am, Fri/Sat 5pm-9am<br /><strong>Category:</strong> Mid-Range, Restaurant, Pre-Party, Post-Party<br /><strong>Feis Kontrol Rating: </strong>Low - 2/5<br /><strong>Address:</strong> KrymskiyVal, 3/2<br /><strong>M:</strong> Oktyabrskaya<br /><strong>Phone: </strong>+7 (495) 727-5551<br /><strong>Website: </strong>N/A<br /><br />A brand-new venue that styled itself to be a restaurant, club, pre-party, post-party venue, but doesn't succeed at any of them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_2kgNG1UI/AAAAAAAAAc8/BeyvygTkkw8/s1600-h/5473005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_2kgNG1UI/AAAAAAAAAc8/BeyvygTkkw8/s200/5473005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278208395282142530" border="0" /></a>Unimaginative design, bad service, poor food, badly designed entrance and coat check, non-existent crowd. About the only bright spot is that the drinks are pretty cheap.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-64848185526592385842008-12-10T19:36:00.001+03:002008-12-10T19:53:07.770+03:00Review: Club XIII (Клуб 13)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_z3D5CDJI/AAAAAAAAAc0/QfdUD8_leV8/s1600-h/5691723.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_z3D5CDJI/AAAAAAAAAc0/QfdUD8_leV8/s200/5691723.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278205415564381330" border="0" /></a><strong>Opening Hours: </strong>Thu-Sat 11pm-6am<br /><strong>Category:</strong> Mid-Range<br /><strong>Feis Kontrol Rating: </strong>Moderate - 3/5<br /><strong>Address:</strong> Myasnitskaya Ul., 13<br /><strong>M:</strong> Chistiye Prudy, Lubyanka<br /><strong>Phone: </strong>+7 (495) 628-4747<br /><strong>Website: </strong>http://www.clubxiii.ru/<br /><br />A venerable Moscow institution re-opened in 2006, Club XIII continues to rock Moscow with a fun-loving, mid-range crowd housed in a stunning multistorey converted mansion, with interior marble staircases replete with dancers on overhead swings. Legendary Halloween parties.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-9319621982348873832008-12-10T19:28:00.000+03:002008-12-10T19:35:56.917+03:00Review: Chapurin (Чапурин)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_uXNUX9OI/AAAAAAAAAcs/PODfYaGoxog/s1600-h/5702128.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_uXNUX9OI/AAAAAAAAAcs/PODfYaGoxog/s200/5702128.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278199370781029602" border="0" /></a><strong>Opening Hours: </strong>Sun-Thu, 10am-1am, Fri/Sat 10am-last customer<br /><strong>Category:</strong> Lounge, Bar, Pre-Party<br /><strong>Feis Kontrol Rating: </strong>Moderate - 3/5<br /><strong>Address:</strong> Kuznetskiy Most Ul., 6/3, Bldg. 3<br /><strong>M:</strong> Teatralnaya/Kuznetskiy Most<br /><strong>Phone: </strong>+7 (495) 660-5075<br /><strong>Website: </strong>http://www.chapurin.ru/<br /><br />Exclusive fashion designer Chapurin offers his refined view of nightlife in an exclusive but comfortable two-storey, gay-friendly bar next door to Club Most.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-84761272901357178192008-12-10T13:07:00.000+03:002008-12-10T19:24:29.339+03:00Review: Barkhat (Бархат)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_sQy4GMPI/AAAAAAAAAcU/boCAg7smPoE/s1600-h/5237801.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_sQy4GMPI/AAAAAAAAAcU/boCAg7smPoE/s200/5237801.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278197061580632306" border="0" /></a><strong>Opening Hours:</strong> Fri/Sat 11pm-last customer.<br /><strong>Category:</strong> Mid-Range, Megaclub<strong><br />Feis Kontrol Rating:</strong> Moderate - 3/5<strong><br />Address: </strong>Druzhinnikovskaya Ul., 15<strong><br />M:</strong> Krasnopresnenskaya<strong><br />Phone: </strong>+7 (495) 998-2838<strong><br />Website: </strong><span class="a">www.barhat.biz</span><br /><br />Readers know that I will often review a club on its opening night. Some of you have pointed out that this can be unfair, as a club won't reach it's true potential (high or low) until at least a few weeks after it opened. Barkhat is such a club. After its opening, the first couple of weekends were so deserted, and the crowd that was there such a confused mix, that I felt it needed some time to find its niche. The club's design (despite its unfortunate location) had such potential, it would have to come good sooner or later.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_sW-aEHRI/AAAAAAAAAcc/TVdQn_cyQzA/s1600-h/5237799.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_sW-aEHRI/AAAAAAAAAcc/TVdQn_cyQzA/s200/5237799.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278197167755107602" border="0" /></a>Barkhat has now found its stride. A recent visit found it packed to the rafters with a mid-range, fun-loving younger crowd of students, putting it firmly in the league of peers such as Fabrique and Sabotage. Some further leveling is probably required (drink prices are still too high, and there were too many guys), but it has a great buzz and an increasingly dedicated group of patrons which will be essential in the thinning party crowd as the economic crisis starts to really bite.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_sQoox14I/AAAAAAAAAcM/Fy-j68NJVgg/s1600-h/5357266.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_sQoox14I/AAAAAAAAAcM/Fy-j68NJVgg/s200/5357266.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278197058832029570" border="0" /></a>Barkhat is located in an old movie theatre (still operational) in the location that used to house Club Infiniti. Potential patrons are shuffled into a makeshift pen for selection by (female) Feis Kontrol, reputedly members of the all-girl (think American Idol) group "Barkhat" for whom the club is named. Once through Feis Kontrol, you shuffle awkwardly through security, to the movie theatre entrance, ditch your coat, then angle left, past a lower floor chillout-style bar ("Karamel"), then up some stairs, and into the foyer for the club.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_sQaDyOUI/AAAAAAAAAcE/7yW-28ZpgrQ/s1600-h/5357271.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_sQaDyOUI/AAAAAAAAAcE/7yW-28ZpgrQ/s200/5357271.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278197054918768962" border="0" /></a>This navigation conveys a contrived feeling, movie posters are stashed in a corner, and folding stands are used to corral traffic. It has a similar feeling to high-school prom, when teachers converted the school gymnasium into an "evening venue" (please ignore the basketball hoops covered by a blanket), awkwardly concealing the building's true purpose.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_sQHOLDmI/AAAAAAAAAb8/hxbZls8UtE0/s1600-h/5485116.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_sQHOLDmI/AAAAAAAAAb8/hxbZls8UtE0/s200/5485116.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278197049862065762" border="0" /></a>Thankfully once you ascend the staircase, you enter the club proper- and the lights, smoke, DJ, and drunken people cavorting enable you to start to feel at home. A DJ booth hangs over the bend in the stairs, like a glowing gremlin gesturing you into a House of Horrors (but in the nicest possible way). At the top of the stairs, you can continue forward through this strange lobby-like area where couches, a bar, and bathrooms are located, as well as a branch off into a VIP-area, or proceed right, into the club proper.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_sQMjRC2I/AAAAAAAAAb0/HNBu2ud16J4/s1600-h/5485156.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST_sQMjRC2I/AAAAAAAAAb0/HNBu2ud16J4/s200/5485156.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278197051292715874" border="0" /></a>The club itself opens out into a cavernous domain, a large stage on the right hosts shows and cavorting dancers, higher podiums house more dancers, a VIP upper level rings a long, narrow dancefloor, which contains (you guessed it) yet another podium for go-go dancers smack bang in the middle. Bars are located on either side of the stage, and VIP tables are crammed into any spare space around the edge of the room.<br /><br />The club's elitny positioning, design, and drink prices betrays its mid-range clientele, but thankfully they don't seem to care. Cheaper mixed drinks than Opera mean that it's as much fun for a cheaper price, and who cares if the girls (and especially the guys) aren't as good-looking. Barkhat is all about over-the-top fun, and that's what it seems people are here to have.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-52739262442491570592008-12-09T13:15:00.000+03:002008-12-10T13:05:08.030+03:00Review: Black Star Club (Блэк Стар)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST-RzncpbpI/AAAAAAAAAbE/dsevyjudWYk/s1600-h/00000-000-977269-750.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST-RzncpbpI/AAAAAAAAAbE/dsevyjudWYk/s200/00000-000-977269-750.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278097604250005138" border="0" /></a><strong>Opening Hours:</strong> Fri/Sat 11pm-last customer.<br /><strong>Category:</strong> R'n'B, Exclusive<strong><br />Feis Kontrol Rating:</strong> Moderate - 3/5 (depending on your fit with the R'n'B crowd).<strong><br />Address: </strong> Top Floor, Kievsky Vokzal Pl., 2 (Evropeisky Shopping Centre)<strong><br />M:</strong> Kievskaya<strong><br />Phone: </strong>+7 (495) 220-5510<strong><br />Website: </strong>N/A<br /><br />Moscow rap icon Timati finally opened his own club (after acquiring a taste from his promotional role in the now-defunct Zhara) in late September adjacent to La Terrasse. Having already bitched enough about the access to La Terrasse in previous <a href="http://moscowmaximum.blogspot.com/2008/08/review-black-star.html">postings</a> I am delighted to report that access to Black Star is much better with a clearly signposted entrance from street level, a direct elevator ride, and a dedicated lobby.<br /><br />The Good news: Arriving after having already had a few drinks, you're now going to be actually able to find the place.<br />The Bad news: Unless you're a (Moscow-style) R'n'B fetishist, you're going to need to have already had more than a few drinks to actually enjoy the place.<br /><br />My biggest issue with Black Star is that it oozes "shopping mall", with it's rigid design features, uniform height, pre-fabricated walls and roof, despite everything they've done to make it look like a club. But more of that later.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST-Rz78RFuI/AAAAAAAAAbM/9RJHaEdX5Hw/s1600-h/4635733.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST-Rz78RFuI/AAAAAAAAAbM/9RJHaEdX5Hw/s200/4635733.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278097609751336674" border="0" /></a>Once you emerge from the elevators, run the gauntlet of Feis Kontrol (new controller these days since summer), and then snake your way left past the (closed) La Terrasse structure, you can head into the small door labelled "Black Star", unless you happen to feel ultra-VIP, in which case you can enter straight into the "White" lounge VIP table area. The main entrance will dump you into the beginning of the long "L"-shaped club, conceptually shaped with a stage in the middle and VIP areas at both ends.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST-ULSlX5qI/AAAAAAAAAbs/u_xOHdwiRGw/s1600-h/5331373.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST-ULSlX5qI/AAAAAAAAAbs/u_xOHdwiRGw/s200/5331373.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278100209989576354" border="0" /></a>The club is surprisingly big, although the low roof makes it feel much smaller and more cramped than the floor space suggests. A glance across the room as you turn the corner of the bar and the nearby oddly-located but convenient couch reveals what could very well be a mirror (especially given the large mirrored scrolling message boards), but actually turns out to be a deep VIP table lounge.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST-R8U8XRoI/AAAAAAAAAbk/KWyzd-cw2wY/s1600-h/4635811.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST-R8U8XRoI/AAAAAAAAAbk/KWyzd-cw2wY/s200/4635811.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278097753901581954" border="0" /></a>The decor is a prime example of what I've dubbed "Moscow's Blue Period", where a largely black (or maybe just dimly-lit) interior is accented with polished metal, some type of beaded curtain, and far more blue hue's than previously present in clubs like Dyagilev, Opera or Rai (or maybe it's just my rose-tinted glasses). Blue Period venues often feature a repetitive logo motif, usually with something resembling an out-of-control chevron from the court of France, circa 1740. (the best example of this is <a href="http://moscowmaximum.blogspot.com/2008/06/review-club-famous.html">Famous</a>, although it looks like Black Star & even Soho have adopted a crest & motto, of all things- "In Good We Trust"- WTF?).<br /><br />Elements of this type of design (or lack thereof) are prevalent in almost every new venue that's opened in the last six months (eg Famous, Escobar, Kitchkok, Barkhat (although these last two without the blue)), and of course Black Star. That said, it's not particularly objectionable, it's just not unique- and therefore the other elements of the club have to work that much harder to stand out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST-R0CcJvBI/AAAAAAAAAbU/1agmhNVJozA/s1600-h/5280373.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/ST-R0CcJvBI/AAAAAAAAAbU/1agmhNVJozA/s200/5280373.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278097611495685138" border="0" /></a>This is where Black Star falls down. With mediocre design, moderate-highly priced drinks, and a crowd of little other than young paid models hanging around until about 3am, the only somewhat unique aspect is its music. Black Star is billed as an R'n'B club for Moscow's burgeoning R'n'B scene, and so the music pays some homage to (mostly American) R'n'B artists, mixed with a healthy wallop of the usual Moscow house. If you like it- then Black Star is going to be an attractive venue for you. If you don't, there's no reason to be here.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-45037782448235627552008-12-02T12:28:00.000+03:002008-12-02T12:39:47.996+03:00Fake Currency & General Awareness Warning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/STUBzh9YfcI/AAAAAAAAAa8/K9kkxgjOqIs/s1600-h/ist2_6933696-one-thousand-ruble-notes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/STUBzh9YfcI/AAAAAAAAAa8/K9kkxgjOqIs/s200/ist2_6933696-one-thousand-ruble-notes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275124523335187906" border="0" /></a>Effects of the rapidly deteriorating economic situation in Russia are starting to be felt on the street. In the last two weeks I've seen and heard of more fake ruble notes than I have for the past few years.<br /><br />The most commonly counterfeited notes are the 500 and 1000 ruble bills. Fakes I have seen range from basic colour photocopies, to highly sophisticated notes with raised printing and watermarks. The cheaper ones are a favourite of taxi drivers, but the better ones are good enough to have been handed back as change in some of Moscow's top nightclubs and bars (can't comment on intentionally or not) .<br /><br />Moscow nightclubbers, please beware. Check all bills you receive, and if it doesn't look or feel right, raise your concern immediately BEFORE putting the bills in your wallet.<br /><br />Also, the weekend saw the first drug raid of a major club (Rai) that I'd seen or heard of in some time. I don't know if this presages an increase across the city, or whether the economic situation means that someone didn't get paid off in time, but please be careful. Penalties for narcotic use (or a reasonable excuse for them to be planted on you) are severe in Russia.<br /><br />Those of you who are regular readers know that I'm not prone to making public service announcements, but please understand that the Moscow nightlife scene is changing rapidly in response to the new economic environment- expect an increase in crime, fraud, shortchanging, underpoured drinks, police checks, unscrupulous devushki, etc.<br /><br />On the bright side, if you can show evidence you'll be spending money at the bar, Feis Kontrol might go easier on you!Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-86429167475733665582008-11-17T05:10:00.000+03:002008-11-17T05:28:10.453+03:00Review: Arma 17 (Арма 17)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SSDU4YbqNGI/AAAAAAAAAa0/xTl4sVztIOg/s1600-h/5237439.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SSDU4YbqNGI/AAAAAAAAAa0/xTl4sVztIOg/s200/5237439.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269445629119706210" border="0" /></a><strong>Opening Hours: </strong>Fri/Sat 11pm-6am<br /><strong>Category:</strong> Mid-Range<br /><strong>Feis Kontrol Rating: </strong>Low - 2/5<br /><strong>Address:</strong> Nizhniy Susalniy Per., 5, Building 17 (deep in the complex, through the guardhouse)<br /><strong>M:</strong> Kurskaya<br /><strong>Phone: </strong>+7 (495) 767-7832, +7 (915) 404-0044 (table reservations)<br /><strong>Website: </strong> N/A<br /><br />Massive Techno-heavy party space located deep in the same complex that houses Gazgolder & Gazgallery. Cover charge.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-63100807132181539622008-11-17T05:01:00.000+03:002008-11-17T05:27:55.152+03:00Review: 1171<strong>Opening Hours: </strong>Tue-Thu 3pm-midnight, Fri/Sat 6pm-6am<br /><strong>Category:</strong> Mid-Range<br /><strong>Feis Kontrol Rating: </strong>Moderate - 3/5<br /><strong>Address:</strong> Bolshoy Savvinskiy Per., 12, Building 7<br /><strong>M:</strong> Kievskaya<br /><strong>Phone: </strong>+7 (495) 764-9275<br /><strong>Website: </strong> N/A<br /><br />A Large, fun club on Savvinskaya (next door to Soho Rooms) which is a fun time on weekends (and a great backup if you get Feised from Soho).Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-48875282185671298812008-11-17T04:46:00.001+03:002008-11-17T05:27:39.289+03:00Review: Blackberry (Блэкберри/Черника)<strong>Opening Hours: </strong>7 days, 11am-last customer.<br /><strong>Category:</strong> Restaurant, Lounge, Pre-Party, Exclusive<strong><br />Feis Kontrol Rating:</strong> Moderate - 3/5.<strong><br />Address: </strong>Akademika Sakharova Pr., 10<strong><br />M:</strong> Chistiye Prudy<strong><br />Phone: </strong>+7 (495) 926-1640<strong><br />Website: </strong>N/A<br /><br />Moscow's newest (and most popular) experiment with high quality food and service at reasonable prices is drawing high-end crowds at all hours of the day. Great pre-party venue.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-2158296507144062942008-11-17T04:07:00.000+03:002008-11-17T05:26:04.780+03:00Venue Contact Information<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SSDFqadyvcI/AAAAAAAAAas/vp31zaIf-3U/s1600-h/shots.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SSDFqadyvcI/AAAAAAAAAas/vp31zaIf-3U/s200/shots.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269428896472939970" border="0" /></a>Dear MoscowMAXIMUM readers,<br /><br />In response to the ever-increasing popularity of this publication, and the requests I receive for various club details that I haven't got around to reviewing yet (apologies, I like to keep my reviews in-depth, so spend more time partying than writing, as long as that's OK with you), I'm going to include contact information for venues listed, even if I haven't managed to put a full review online yet.<br /><br />In the list of clubs to the right, they will still be listed as "TBU" if I haven't reviewed them yet, but hopefully, most will soon have contact information.<br /><br />MaxMaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-70857058972394745982008-10-20T19:13:00.000+04:002008-10-26T16:36:28.180+03:00Clublife Autumn 2008: Insanity Before the Storm?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SPysSkUvaSI/AAAAAAAAAaU/IiIgTWuXaUk/s1600-h/Katya+Angel+Mail+Ru.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SPysSkUvaSI/AAAAAAAAAaU/IiIgTWuXaUk/s200/Katya+Angel+Mail+Ru.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259267899850189090" border="0" /></a>As the temperatures drop, the rain starts to fall (did it ever stop?), and those wonderful summer terraces close across Moscow (Krysha, Soho- we'll miss you), it's time to reflect what awaits Moscow's party bunnies in the colder months ahead.<br /><br />There has been a frenetic pace of good, bad, and half-assed club openings across Moscow in recent months (I promise to pick up the pace of reviews). Barkhat has opened in the old Infinity space near Famous, Arma 17 is rocking the techno-loving crowd in a huge space behind Gazgolder, <a href="http://moscowmaximum.blogspot.com/2008/08/review-black-star.html">Black Star</a> Club is now grooving to R'n'B on top of Evropeiskiy, Blackberry restaurant/bar has made a pre-party splash, and many more that I haven't got around to cataloguing yet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SQRxm8HPv6I/AAAAAAAAAac/tNwUTb-Mz_s/s1600-h/5330892.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SQRxm8HPv6I/AAAAAAAAAac/tNwUTb-Mz_s/s200/5330892.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261455178461069218" border="0" /></a>Yet other clubs have been renovated or repositioned to appeal to new audiences. Paparazzi seems to be replacing Mix as the venue of choice to find dealers late night, while Teatro (a sometimes strip club) has also attracted a strong late-night following. <a href="http://moscowmaximum.blogspot.com/2007/11/review-club-most.html">Most</a> has had some light remodelling, but doesn't attract the glamourous crowd it once did, <a href="http://moscowmaximum.blogspot.com/2007/10/opening-hours-247-category-pre-party.html">i Fiori</a> has lost its pre-party vibe and Royal Bar is probably just too far out of the centre to hold the crowds now summer is gone.<br /><br />For the rest of the hotspots, it tends to be business as usual. <a href="http://moscowmaximum.blogspot.com/2007/12/review-soho-rooms.html">Soho</a> retains its crown as the hottest megaclub in town, <a href="http://moscowmaximum.blogspot.com/2007/05/review-krysha-mira.html">Krysha</a> is still the best afterparty, even without the rooftop. Against all odds, <a href="http://moscowmaximum.blogspot.com/2007/09/review-opera.html">Opera</a> maintains its sense of fun on Thu & Sat nights, and <a href="http://moscowmaximum.blogspot.com/2007/05/review-rai.html">Rai</a> seems to have stabilised (although at more of a "delightful trashiness" level than glamour club). <a href="http://moscowmaximum.blogspot.com/2008/06/review-club-famous.html">Famous</a> is faltering, and <a href="http://moscowmaximum.blogspot.com/2008/08/review-vanilla-ninja.html">Ninja</a> is the toughest door in town on a Thursday. <a href="http://moscowmaximum.blogspot.com/2008/01/review-simachev-bar.html">Simachev</a> is packing in the bar crowd, and the increasingly vibrant alternatives for the non-glamour set are expanding with Black Star, <a href="http://moscowmaximum.blogspot.com/2007/12/review-solyanka.html">Solyanka</a>, and Sabotage doing brisk business.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SQRxnU7SZII/AAAAAAAAAak/4fnl2-g99Yo/s1600-h/5328840.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SQRxnU7SZII/AAAAAAAAAak/4fnl2-g99Yo/s200/5328840.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261455185121797250" border="0" /></a>The question on everybody's lips is: What happens next? There are storm clouds brewing, rumours abound of oligarch's who have lost fortunes, real estate projects are at a standstill, and luxury retail trade has plummeted almost as rapidly as the RTS Index. Despite media reports that the clubs are empty (show's how much reporters know about what night's & times to actually turn up at a nightclub), so far Moscow excess seems to show no signs of slowing. Not only is the media not permitted to discuss the financial crisis, it's unclear whether many of the devushki at Moscow's nightclubs would be able to read it anyhow.<br /><br />So, for those of us keen to party away our last few rubles before the party stops (although we hope it won't), here's MoscowMAXIMUM's Fall list of venues:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pre-Party: </span>Kalina, Blackberry, Simachev<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Major Clubs:</span> Soho (bar Thu, club Fri/Sat), Opera (best Thu/Sat), Rai (best Fri), Solyanka (Fri/Sat non-glamour), Black Star (R'n'B), Sabotage (younger).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">After Party: </span>Krysha (glamour), Paparazzi (non-glamour), Teatro (younger), <a href="http://moscowmaximum.blogspot.com/2007/12/review-garage.html">Garage</a> (mix of all), Neo (super late-night (post 8am))<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Off-Nights: </span><br />Wed: Blackberry, Garage (post 2am).<br />Thu: Kalina, Blackberry, Soho bar, Vanilla Ninja, Opera, Propaganda.<br />Sun: Garage (post 2am)Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-5997783996299322722008-08-22T21:08:00.000+04:002008-08-22T21:24:56.096+04:00Review: Black Star / La Terrasse (Блэк Стар)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK71Vjw2JRI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Mz75QVsPmC4/s1600-h/4850121.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK71Vjw2JRI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Mz75QVsPmC4/s200/4850121.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237393167404639506" border="0" /></a><strong>Opening Hours: </strong>7 days, 3pm-last customer. Feis Kontrol from 10pm Fri/Sat.<strong><br />Category:</strong> Lounge, Pre-Party, Exclusive<strong><br />Feis Kontrol Rating:</strong> High - 4/5.<strong><br />Address: </strong> Top Floor, Kievsky Vokzal Pl., 2 (Evropeisky Shopping Centre)<strong><br />M:</strong> Kievskaya<strong><br />Phone: </strong>+7 (495) 229-8428, 229-8429<strong><br />Website: </strong>N/A<a href="http://www.karma-bar.ru/"></a><br /><br />Following the closing of Zhara, Moscow rap icon Timati has opened the first of several bars in a complex located on the top of Evropeisky shopping mall in Kievskaya.<br /><br />La Terrasse is the first bar to open, to shortly be followed by Black Star Club. Similar to venues like Royal Bar or Kalina, it seems to be positioned as a great warm-up bar or a place for a more chill evening listening to cool beats while reclining on couches.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK71VLCGIbI/AAAAAAAAAZk/bR22AoIgLpo/s1600-h/4635733.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK71VLCGIbI/AAAAAAAAAZk/bR22AoIgLpo/s200/4635733.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237393160766103986" border="0" /></a>This place is painful to get to. Once you know the right entrance ramp from the street, you drive up for what seems like forever, asking directions and passing through at least two more entrance gateways (vehicle Feis Kontrol) before you even get to club parking. After that it’s into Evropeisky, to an elevator to the top level. I’m exhausted and in need of a Red Bull before I even get to the bar.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK71cwOuk8I/AAAAAAAAAaM/TPrPhuuSF24/s1600-h/4850122.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK71cwOuk8I/AAAAAAAAAaM/TPrPhuuSF24/s200/4850122.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237393291010282434" border="0" /></a>Once through Feis Kontrol (ex-Dyagilev VIP), the venue opens into a comfortable lounge, with a long rectangular shape, cozy cream sofas everywhere, a central bar, and a DJ spinning chilled beats with just a hint of R’n’B to promote the relaxed vibe. To get patrons in the mood to party, the music tempo increases through the evening on weekend nights, sounding more like Opera’s Thursday offerings (Russkie Pop mixed with enough R’n’B to convincingly claim it’s an R’n’B party (think “Umbrella” remix)).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK71VfsycnI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/XVe5EveJ_kA/s1600-h/4766342.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK71VfsycnI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/XVe5EveJ_kA/s200/4766342.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237393166313878130" border="0" /></a>Despite the recent opening, the bar staff seem capable and relaxed, and will show off their flair skills at the sight of a cute girl at the bar. Drink prices are reasonable, but then again, you <span style="font-style: italic;">are</span> on the roof of a shopping mall. The menu is typical Evro, but dishes are well-prepared, tasty, and surprisingly reasonably priced too.<br /><br />The crowd on the nights I have been there have been a little sparse, but high quality. There are plenty of stunning women lounging around, and it’s much more tusovka than trashy (a relief after Zhara- but then again, I’m not their target market).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK71VdPrJcI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/Ee7meFCsU50/s1600-h/4850021.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK71VdPrJcI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/Ee7meFCsU50/s200/4850021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237393165654894018" border="0" /></a>Based on La Terrasse, I would expect Black Star to be something like Zhara meets Soho. Timati & his partners are likely to capitalise on the increasing maturity of R’n’B to move the defunct Zhara upscale, and I’ll be curious to see how it goes. If you like Timati or R’n’B, it should certainly fit your bill.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK71VD1XSRI/AAAAAAAAAZs/YzKiELofrS0/s1600-h/4635812.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK71VD1XSRI/AAAAAAAAAZs/YzKiELofrS0/s200/4635812.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237393158833654034" border="0" /></a>Overall, La Terrasse is a great place for a snack or pre-party drink, but unlike Royal Bar (also a pain to get to), there’s not enough there to keep you there for a whole evening, so I don’t know if the odyssey to get to it is worth it. If it was on the street someplace, I’d love it, but I’ll reserve judgment until it’s fully operational.<br /><br />To be continued...Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3777277548902919966.post-52940412290161097352008-08-22T20:40:00.000+04:002008-08-22T21:05:11.720+04:00Review: Karma Bar (Карма Бар)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK7xP1xNtCI/AAAAAAAAAZM/wjWjCLqQDp0/s1600-h/461252756_08d83905b7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK7xP1xNtCI/AAAAAAAAAZM/wjWjCLqQDp0/s200/461252756_08d83905b7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237388671112295458" border="0" /></a><strong>Opening Hours: </strong>Wed 7pm-6am, Thu-Sun 9pm-6am<strong><br />Category:</strong> Democratic, Club<strong><br />Feis Kontrol Rating:</strong> Minimal - 1/5. Cover Charge<strong><br />Address: </strong>Pushechnaya Ul., 3<strong><br />M:</strong> Kuznetsky Most/Teatralnaya<strong><br />Phone: </strong>+7 (495) 924-5633, +7 (909) 947-3232 (table reservations)<strong><br />Website: </strong><a href="http://www.karma-bar.ru/">http://www.karma-bar.ru/</a><br /><br />Another Moscow nightlife institution, Karma Bar has been packing in the crowds for more years than there have been Leto/Osen/Zima reincarnations. A peculiar mix of oriental design, Latin dancing, and just a hint of mystery has kept this popular club packed for years.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK7xQJmJmkI/AAAAAAAAAZc/RYZEEzq0YNo/s1600-h/big_2008_03_15_19_48_41.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK7xQJmJmkI/AAAAAAAAAZc/RYZEEzq0YNo/s200/big_2008_03_15_19_48_41.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237388676434598466" border="0" /></a>Unlike nearby Propaganda, Karma bpth harder to find and slightly less publicised for tourists and in guidebooks, so there are fewer foreigners here. The crowd tends to be a fun-loving mix of students and younger people who prefer to party without the hassles of Feis Kontrol and attitude of the Moscow tusovka (high-end party scene). This crew will party hard and late though, and I’ve seen cocaine served over the bar here to help this party keep raging.<br /><br />To find Karma, the address will land you at a gate, where (very mild) Feis Kontrol awaits and an entrance fee will be extracted. You then wind your way down a long alley until the sound of music reaches your ears. You enter a covered stretch of alley, where tables line the walls, and to your surprise (on Saturday, at least), Tango and Salsa lessons are being given next to a small bar!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK7xPy0Yb6I/AAAAAAAAAZU/tUvU7izCfZE/s1600-h/big_2008.04.23_13.49.43.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK7xPy0Yb6I/AAAAAAAAAZU/tUvU7izCfZE/s200/big_2008.04.23_13.49.43.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237388670320275362" border="0" /></a>Fear not, for the nightclub lies deeper. Proceed through a small entrance at the back of the room (beware the coat-check rigmarole if it’s winter), and descend a series of landings with strange Buddhist decorations (the bar was originally called “Buddha Bar”), until you reach a strange room with a mirror wall and set of stairs up half the wall. This is the bathrooms, but if you proceed further, you enter the main bar, a dark cavern with comfortable couches and a long bar, often with girls dancing on it.<br /><br />Two rooms lead from the main bar, one to a small room of divans for private tables, and the other to a long dancefloor with a stage, and another bar at the far end. The crowd here dances to mix of unadventurous Russkie Pop, but it’s a fun and <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> friendly atmosphere.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK7xPvBUs1I/AAAAAAAAAZE/4lJlx94Auyc/s1600-h/60068888.buddha.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_s2LrEjXDwsQ/SK7xPvBUs1I/AAAAAAAAAZE/4lJlx94Auyc/s200/60068888.buddha.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237388669300814674" border="0" /></a>The decor is dark and heavy, with lots of curtains, pillars, and heavy on eastern symbolism (ignore the huge Buddha in the middle of the room). While there are some lighting effects, the club doesn’t boast the type of laser displays typified by the high-end clubs. Lithe go-go dancers amplify the club atmosphere.<br /><br />As well as being a popular Fri/Sat night venue, Karma also has a happening party on Sunday nights, which can be a difficult night to find Moscow action.<br /><br />Overall, Karma is a fun place to party, more of a Russian scene than somewhere like McCoy’s, but still plenty of friendly (often English-speaking) locals to whom foreigners are an attractive novelty. Minimal attitude, cheap prices, and fun crowd make it a great place to spend a non-Feis Kontrolled evening.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01975525076981898654noreply@blogger.com0