Art-club Art-café 'Sunduk' (Chest), Saint-Petersburg

One can find everything existing in the world in art-café 'Sunduk': a rare book with a slash for a cognac flask, photos made in the previous century, a German helmet and even a drunk dummy spending a whole day long here. Wherever you see – different things are everywhere: an old gramophone, vinyl discs, peasants  bast shoes or an old TV with a lens. The major part of these things were presented by grateful visitors, the other things were brought by mindful owners. However there were little changes during 10 years, except for enlarging space in the café. It is pleasant because such places are considered to be an integral part of the city culture. One should visit them as museums but more often, because you can touch everything, talk noisily, enjoy alive music and feel yourself as if at home.  Red bricks and arched ceilings add privacy to a nonchalant café atmosphere.  There are three halls in 'Sunduk'. The first hall houses 17 persons, the second – 24 and the third one -19 guests. Due to halls interconnection there is an opportunity to organize large banquets and other parties. A VIP cabinet suits ideally for a close party or a romantic date. Russian and European cuisines which are served here are famous for their splendid taste and large portions. One can help smiling reading the menu. Many pages are accompanied with amusing massages for visitors. For example, if you are afraid to gain some weight, drink 50 grams of cognac. It vanishes fear completely. Names of some dishes are impressive. 'Feminist’s kiss' salad (beef tongue, roast beef, blackberries and mushrooms). 'Amber breeze' (trout are red caviar), pork with prunes topped with 'Velvet Fingers' pink sauce or 'Karni – Yarakh' (shashlik cooked of 2 kinds of meat, with eggplants and tomatoes, served with lavash). Music is another important part of 'Sunduk'. It is alive and sounds every evening. Blues and Jazz bands, Spanish folk songs and pop singers perform here. One can listen to French chanson performed by Ksusha Arsenieva, jazz performed by Leningrad Dixieland and fierce latino by 'Los de la Plaza'. Other interesting bands entertain guests also. All the parties begin at 20.30. Besides, on Sundays from 12.00 till 17.00 family hours take place in the café. A funny clown is going to look after your children and treat them with some ice-cream if you don’t mind, while you will be drinking aroma tea served in special teapots. You can order strong drinks also. Wine and cocktail lists contain beverages for any taste. There are desserts also, but you can sweeten your life in 'Sunduk' in another way: fruit and candied peel are offered guests as a café compliment.