Mari Vanna D.C. Brings Russia To Dupont Circle (PHOTOS)

WASHINGTON -- Local Russians who want a reminder of the mother country now have a cozy sanctuary near Dupont Circle. Mari Vanna, with locations in Moscow, London and New York, is opening its second location in the United States on Connecticut Avenue near M Street NW.

The three-level restaurant, just down the way from the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel, offers Russian cuisine in a space that makes the diner feel like they're seated in someone's home.

A classic Russian menu of pirozhok (small Russian pies stuff with meat, cabbage or eggs), homemade blinis (Russian-style crepes with red caviar and sour cream) and Vinegret salad compliment the specialty cocktails. Heavy on vodka, the full-service bars feature a wide array of flavors, including horseradish.

A nice treat is the Russian candy on each of the bars. While the labels aren't in English, we can recommend candy featuring a girl, a squirrel and camels.

Click through the slideshow for a peek into a lovely restaurant -- and a special Wednesday night party -- that may help some Capitals players feel at home.