Courtesy photoAt the VIP opening party on May 15, L’Accente showed off what their accent is on, namely “the very best” in everything, per the restaurant’s legend reads. And it did quite well. A red carpet was led to the entrance, Russian socialite Kseniya Sobchak hosted the party, stylish entertainment was on hand and a buffet was laid out of the restaurant’s dishes. The director of the chic eatery, who already took part in the development of the Le Grand Cafe and Tsarske Selo, both popular haunts among well-to-do restaurant goers, obviously knew what he was aiming for.
All was smartly done to impress the guests and ensure that they would be back to dine at L’Accente and spread the word to their friends and neighbors.
The crucial first impression comes from the interior, which at L’Accente was created by Geyko design studio. The design, combining the Renaissance art with classical chic and modern trends, is done in black and gold, rich wood paneling, black wood sculpture, plush velvet curtains and freshly cut flowers.
To match the stylish surroundings, the uniform of the waiters was created by well known Ukrainian designer Anna Bublik.
The restaurant has two levels. The first one is the bar that resembles a lobby with a cloakroom and giant mirror. The mirror allows ladies to check their lipstick before heading up to the dining hall on the second floor, using one of the two sets of stairs at each end of the bar.
Upstairs you’ll find a spacious room, with comfortable tables and sofas, a lounge area, and a view of the lobby bar from the railings. In one corner a harp is placed and visitors will be entertained by harp music daily.
The only drawback of the upstairs hall is that the ceiling is rather low, and since it is painted black makes the place seem a little cramped.
The kitchen is managed by chef Ihor Vovk, whose previous experience includes work at London’s Aglio E Olio and Aleksandr Selezniov Confectionary House in Moscow. An aquarium window makes it possible to watch him and his team of cooks clad in white preparing various delicacies.
The openness speaks well of the eatery showing they have nothing to hide.
The cuisine is defined as Mediterranean, which means focuses on seafood, vegetables, herbs and good wines. So while the name of the restaurant suggests an Italian specialization, L’Accente borrows dishes from French and Spanish cuisine too. You’ll be able to choose among carpaccio, gazpacho, salads of cheese and shrimp, Saint Jaques Coquilles, lobsters, shrimp and calmari, mussels, oysters, langoustines, as well as lamb and veal with olive oil based sauces. By the way olive oil used at the restaurant is of special quality, being produced specifically for Italy’s domestic market.
The chef’s recommendations include Burrata, fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream with tomatoes seasoned with Balsamic vinegar aged for eight years and olive oil, the lasagna with octopus, lobster with mushrooms and the lamb soup with lentils and red kidney beans. Wines from Italy, Spain and Australia should go well with all orders.
Judging by the selection of dishes served at the opening, the cooks really know their stuff, and especially take pride in their appetizers and seafood. Teaspoons with fresh pesto and mozzarella, yellow cherry tomatoes with goat cheese, Parma ham with pieces of fruit, creamy vegetable mousses, fresh oysters, wonderfully prepared crab and lobster, octopus, shrimp on sticks, and tender scallops all made a positive culinary impression. A separate table carried several kinds of cheese, which went wonderfully with white and red wines.
Without a doubt, those striving for delicious meals prepared with top shelf products and to dine in luxurious surroundings will quickly become patrons of the restaurant, especially considering its location steps away from Palats Sportu and Bessarabska Ploscha.
L’Accente (5 Lesi Ukrayinky, 200-5001). Open 11 a.m. until midnight
English menu: Yes
English speaking staff: Yes
Average meal: Hr 400
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