Mari Vanna Opening Party

On Jan. 16, a new Washington treasure of a restaurant, Mari Vanna, hosted a friends and family preview in its second U.S. location at 1141 Connecticut Avenue. The three-level eatery is named after a fairytale grandmother of Slavic legend who welcomed hungry travelers. The first floor has an attractive bar, high-top tables and open-air kitchen. The second floor or “Imperial Suite” is more formal dining and the upper level an enticing disco. The decor is cozy with old Russian tchotchkes. The menu promises such traditional Russian dishes as piroshky, homemade blinis and beef Stroga- noff accompanied by signature cocktails and vodkas galore.