Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China: The Russian Influence
The Russian presence in Harbin was significant during the period of construction of the Trans-Siberian railway. But even today, there are many shops selling Russian goods. We had a rustic lunch at Tatoc a 120 year-old Russian restaurant. Bread basket and Beef Stew. Russian Layered Honey Cake accompanied by Red Wine. Founded 1901 Tatoc's past patrons include Tsar Nicholas II the last Tsar of Imperial Russia, and various Russian royalty, Russian Presidents Nikita Khrushchev, Mikhail Gorbachev and legendary ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev. Saint Sofia Cathedral Soviet style buildings The freezing cold in January Imperial Russia furniture at Tatoc Russian restaurant The Russian style costumes of the waitresses at Tatoc The food at Tatoc Staircase and Piano at Tatoc