Anyway... NO WAY!

youngamerican · February 2007

This is the first posting of this kind that I have ever done. But after reading this- you'll understand why.

Myself, along with four friends (girls & guys mixed) went into Anyway Cafe on Saturday night and were asked to leave. We were told when we walked in that there wasn't enough room for us to sit. We said standing at the bar wasn't a problem for us. At this point the waitress said that was fine. Two minutes later, she came back and said we "need to go, there isn't enough room." We were all pretty confused since this was the second, predominately Russian, establishment we were asked to leave within fifteen minutes of each other. The first(I do not know the name of) located on Gravesend Neck Road and Sheepshead Bay Road- this is that place with the big gold elephant outside.

I cannot explain the way this made us all feel, especially since we all grew up together in Sheepshead Bay. We all felt there was only one reason we were asked to leave because we are Americans. Maybe, and this is really a far stretch, it didn't have to do with the fact that we are American, just that we aren't Russian. To me there isn't much difference. I don't want to see any one else have to go through that same horrible feeling. So in my opinion Anyway Cafe and the Gold Elephant place aren't the places for Non-Russians to patronize.

After this, I am sorry to say but there will be many other businesses in MY neighborhood that I will no longer be patronizing. What a shame! Has something similar happened to you? I am very interested!

brooklynq · March 2007

We've never been asked to leave a place, but we both my wife and I have been ignored in Russian owned establishments.

Goldfish, the fish market on Ocean between W and X, ignored both my wife and I on two separate occasions. When my wife was there they actually reached around her to pull a Russian customer to the counter ahead of her.

armchair_warrior · March 2007

that had happen to me when in russian places. i love trying different ethnic stuff. its one of my hobby's to go around the borough and nyc to try different stuff. but i stop trying that area for some time for same reasons.

brooklynq · March 2007

I was thinking more about this post when I was walking the dog last night. I have to say that not ALL the Russian places in the neighborhood are like that. There are some that understand customer service.

Let's not condemn all of them just because of a couple of bad apples.

shishkab · March 2007

BrooklynQ wrote:
Let's not condemn all of them just because of a couple of bad apples.

fair enough. but i confess, as a self-professed culinary adventurer, i have avoided patronizing this nabe of brooklyn because i've heard too many stories just like YA and AW. i'm not in the habit of patronizing places that make me feel bad about myself, so i stay away.

are there any establishments you would recommend?

anonymous · March 2007

Subject: Great Russian Cuisine

Try Kapoopkah's of Sebastopol, on Avenue Z & Coney Island Avenue. Service & food are great; never had a complaint (nor heard of any) & I recommend it highly. They plan on expanding into other areas, which will be great for everyone.

pitu · March 2007

I had a really good time (and lovely service) at Primorski's in Brighton Beach, although it was awhile ago.
And we were "difficult": vegetarian patrons!

The Brighton boardwalk places I've been to have all been big haters for the non-Russian speaker, esp. stumbling up from the beach.
Except the place all the way to the right, if your back is to the sea, that sells vodka shots to geezers in the morning. My alcoholic friend managed to get served there, promptly. There was clearly some other common language they spoke . . .
:evil:
I'm not even kidding.

brooklynq · March 2007

Try Pesto on Ave X or Liman on Emmons Ave. Baku palace on Emmons is pretty hot too, and I hear Sophia is good. There's a few other places I've been meaning to try too, but I think most of them are owned by Turks.

bruklinboy · March 2007

This is a sore point for me, considering I grew up in Sheepshead Bay(live in Bay Ridge now) and my grandparents came here from Russia at the start of WWII.
We eventually had to get out of sheepshead bay. I only lived there for 30 odd yrs but left because of many reasons. But the main one is the one the OP is talking about
Its annoying beyond belief how insular they can be. They have no patience for anyone that doesnt speak russian.
I know its terrible to paint everyone of a group with the same brush, but it just got tiring feeling like I was living in someone elses world. And believe me when I say I'm as tolerant a person as you'll ever meet.(ouch, patting myself on the back like that hurts).
Gotta admit I see the same thing in alot of the arabs here in Bay Ridge, but for some reason it doesnt bother me as much. Maybe I just dont feel as connected to the ridge(only been here 4+yrs) as I do Sheepshead Bay

anonymous · April 2007

Subject: Don't shoot the pianist

bruklinboy wrote:
Its annoying beyond belief how insular they can be. They have no patience for anyone that doesnt speak russian.

You are not gonna believe it, but these exact words recent Soviet immigrants were saying about Americans 12 years ago when I just arrived at this country with my old parents. Personally I was ignored, laughed at, misserved and otherwise humiliated more then one time - because I couldn't speak passable English (even though I could read and write without dictionary). You know what? I didn't care

I tried again and again until my English got better, people finally understood what I was saying and life became much more pleasant overall. So did my friends, relatives and their friends. My English is still not perfect (although quite often better then what I hear in NYC on a daily basis), and not all my friends have surpassed me or got as far as I did. But people who you are referring to are much more ignorant. They honestly believe that they can live in US without speaking single word in English, without any effort on their part to learn. That - not them being Russians or anybody else for that matter - that is the reason of poor service. They don't ignore you because they don't like you, they ignore you because they can't understand a thing of what you're saying. Have some pity for them

Peace

bruklinboy · April 2007

Subject: Re: Don't shoot the pianist

Vlad wrote: [quote=bruklinboy]
Its annoying beyond belief how insular they can be. They have no patience for anyone that doesnt speak russian.

They honestly believe that they can live in US without speaking single word in English, without any effort on their part to learn.

I got news for ya
I dont speak english either
I speak brooklynese

anonymous · May 2007

Subject: u need all kinds of people to make a world

u know what there are ignorant peoples everuwhere and every ethnical groups
good news there are kool people too.my philosophie is just leave where u feel good and welcomed

alafairnadia · May 2007

anyone know how tatyana (sp?) is about this stuff? a russian speaking friend of mine loves the place and I want to go, though I don't speak a word of russian. I'm looking forward to fantastic food and a bottle of grey goose but .... I'd prefer not to get booted.

erikka · May 2007

I've gone to one of those places and pointed at what I wanted, but I could pass for Russian (in dim lighting, maybe). I was pretty underwhelmed by the food. There's a ton of Russian places lining Kings Highway that are generally more English-friendly and welcoming.

Maybe it's a mafia thing? After living out in BB for awhile I can assure you that the Russian Mafia is very real.

Worst case scenario, there's Sammy's Roumanian in the LES, where you get a bottle of vodka frozen into a block of ice.

vintagejames · June 2007

Please don't think of all Russians in the same way. True, some are pushy and try to stay just among themselves. But many others of us are the same way.

My wife and I live on Ocean Ave. in the area between Ave. U and Kings Highway that is usually called Madison. There are many Russians moving into the neighborhood and most are wonderful people. Give them a chance and look at each one as an individual. I know you will find some pleasant surprises.

anonymous · July 2007

Ok, I am Russian, and back when I was in highschool I worked at Tatiana during summers of 94-98, and I can attest that Americans arent welcome there. Whenever Americans would come over there and ask for a table, we would tell them that all the tables are reserved, and even if they did get a table, we would treat them like crap. This has nothing to do with them being Americans or not being Russian, it actually for a completely different reason. You see, when Russians come to a restaurant, they order bottles of liquor, bunch of meat, lobsters, etc, and most importantly, they leave enormous tips. Americans on the other hand order a bucket of water with ice, and a bunch of salads, not to mention they leave chicken shit for tip. So of course, you guys aren't welcome.

sweet tea · July 2007

Anonymous wrote: Whenever Americans would come over there and ask for a table, we would tell them that all the tables are reserved, and even if they did get a table, we would treat them like crap. [...] Americans on the other hand [...] leave chicken shit for tip.

of course, nothing encourages good tipping like being treated like crap.

drano · July 2007

Eh, there are a couple of good places in those areas, but most I wouldn't bother with again. I suppose if you really must do that circuit it helps to have yourself a Russian friend and let him or her handle things. Worked for me, anyhow.

nubnu · July 2007

Im Russian American (born in Russia) came here when In was 5 in the early 80's.
Here is my assesment.
The Russian establishments defenitely do not want American customers.
Sometimes I try both angles. I go and make believe I dont speak Russian (I speak fluently) and they treat me like crap. I go in and speak Russian and get seated right away.
Its too bad. My husband is American and I hate that the Russian community is so unwelcoming.
There is def a Cold War going on in their heads, still.
Unfortunately, the food is fabulous and its always so much fun to eat there.
Rasputin is very welcoming with the Non Russians. Tatianas is NOT.
The food store along Brighton Beach are to die for........so yummy.
You just have to be extra aggressive and pushy right back.
Russians respect that.

anonymous · July 2007

Subject: tired of being a foreigner in my own Country!

I think an ethnic mix is interesting, but I resent that most of the Russian immigrants moving into my neighborhood do not attempt to assimilate. When I traveled thru Mexico I assumed that the locals spoke Spanish and I attempted to learn while I was there out of respect. Here, the Russians assume that there this is no longer an American neighborhood and have no reason to speak the language of this country. Sorry, but Russia is not the country I would ever choose to move to, therefore I am moving out of New York to a less Russian poplated part of the U.S. I do not appreciate being the foreigner in my own hometown so farewell all of you Boris's and Svetlana's...you can have it!

anonymous · July 2007

I have to say I am shocked! The Anyway Cafe is one of my regular (at least 3 nights a week) spots, I am American. I have never been asked to leave, even on nights when I run in fresh from the beach and I am a mess!
I do agree with the poster who said that Russians and Americans odrer differently, I usually opt for a bottle when I am in a Russian establishment, or 1/2 bottle if I am alone. Likewise I have only had ONE problem at Titiana, the first time I was there. Still not my favorite spot, but I do get decent service. (not like the fully designer dressed party of 16, but hey thats everywhere!!)
I have learned a few key words in Russian, and truthfully I think that is all part of the dining experience, know at least how to eek out a please and thank you in the language..it goes a long way!
For the record, I have also seen Russian groups be told there was not enough space for them at that time, the other night a group of three was told to try back later, their are fire regulations!
And if you are in line somewhere, you DO need to be pushy, or you will always stay at the back of the line..guess it is a leftover from the days waiting in line for food supplies..I will elbow someone out of my way when they are trying to cut in, and they look up, and take their place behind me, took awhile to learn!

jussagirl · July 2007

Anonymous wrote: You see, when Russians come to a restaurant, they order bottles of liquor, bunch of meat, lobsters, etc, and most importantly, they leave enormous tips. Americans on the other hand order a bucket of water with ice, and a bunch of salads, not to mention they leave chicken shit for tip. So of course, you guys aren't welcome.

I am welcome at Titiana, and I just posted the above statement under guest, I think this is right on the money. I have learned that when dining in a Russian place, order up..and lots of it..and tip well! But as far as giving poor service to anyone, I so disagree, you never know who you are serving, and what they will leave as a tip, try great service for everyone, and you may be surprised!

alafairnadia · July 2007

I've only ever been to the anyway cafe in the east village. the food is absurdly good. the martinis, though, are freakin' deadly. I once attempted a third one. not a good move.

ballalaechka · July 2007

May I explain? You see, we think Bloomie's anti-smoking lsws stink. And who do you think is most likely to rat us out or worse, be an undercover Nazi? Hmmm? Now, health is importat and people have right not to be accosted by smoke, cursing, farting, or cheap perfume - these people should not go to bars, at least not Russian bars or clubs.

If Bloomie wants, he can hop on a plane and be in the Bahamas where his rediculous laws do not apply. We don't have such luxury - maybe once a year, but...

So, when a waitress, a god-sent blue-eyed blond illegal alien sent by the Almighty to the US of A sees a bunch of wet-behind-the-ears "Americans" ( I quote that because it' snot a race of people) - she naturally and with good rason believes they will start complaining or worse, call 311 - or worse - pull out badges and start bravely writing summonces.

Now, who would want to risk that over kicking one-time customers?

Or bring a Russian friend along. When I was a kid in Bensonhurst, Italian guys took me along to some places where, by myself and without them, I would have been kicked out, not politely, or beaten. How was it for a Russian guy strolling through Seth Low Park in early 80's?

What if I go to a hip-hop club in East New York?

Besides, Anyway is low-class, most patrons are not Russian - they are from South Asia. They have too many fights over machismo issues. lol

ballalaechka · July 2007

Moreover, if youexpect to be treated equally - carry yourselves as equals and when in Rome...
I've learned a few tricks as an immigrant and as a businessman going to different countries - before you go in to a place like a restaurant, or a club - stand outsede a few moments and take it all in, then go in, observe and figure out a way to get the best of everything. It works equally in Macao as it does in Kiev or in Zionisville, Indiana.

ballalaechka · July 2007

Oh, about Tatiana, most regular patrons don't make an honest living

more than half have ancle bracelets - but the place is fantastic. I remember it it's place, 20 years ago, there were flea-bitten joints that sold hot-dogs and mushy corn - everything was so dillapidated. I used to think to myself - "How could they let things fall so low?" And they treated Russians like crap, untill they were delicately removed to make room for the glitter and exquisite cuisine - good riddance. But act like you expect service, pay for it well, and you wont be dissapointed.

anonymous · July 2007

Balla,
I have NEVER seen an asian in Anyway...and YOU need to take a class at cuny to learn ENGLISH, my dear friend! I do have to agree with you about Bloomies smoking laws, thanks to the Gods that their are a FEW places left that we can still smoke in, illegally of course....and 100% of them are owned by folks not from the us of a!!
Anyway has NO waitresses that are USA born and bred, much less working for the border patrol, and no one there has ever recieved a "summonces. "(whatever that may be!!)
Stop slamming places, and trying to scare folks with threats that are not real!!!!!!!!

sweet tea · July 2007

Anonymous wrote: YOU need to take a class at cuny to learn ENGLISH, my dear friend!
...
thanks to the Gods that their are a FEW places left that we can still smoke in,
...
no one there has ever recieved a "summonces. "(whatever that may be!!)

<cough>

ballalaechka · July 2007

Well, peeze ekskus moy Ensish.Although I would like to clear up a few points, Guest.
First, I'm not you friend. Sorry. Second, I'm not at all concerned that ther are no Asians in Anyway. I'm not even concered about Anyway, it's a watering hle, third rate at that. Third, I've never seen a pregnant Asian women on the streets of Brooklyn - doesn't mean they are not there. Fourth, CUCY is a shithole and a waste of time. My kid attends Princeton - on an academic scholarship. No shit. And, fifth - If you are going to comment on my English, learn it yourself first. Or, I can as easily communicate in Spanish, Italian, German and, somewhat tentatively, Frenc - not to mention Russian. No one has ever turned me away in a restaurant, bar, Irish pub, Korean, Jap, ... - I've even been to a few...never mind. Discrimination is a two-way street - much of it is the fault of the discriminated for not knowing how to carry themselves in a manner becomming a person worthy of respect. So, Guest, do they teach this at CUNY?

ballalaechka · July 2007

One last thing, Guest - you probably couldn't have learned this at CUNY, but "Asian" refers to a very broad group of people from Asia, a continent with over 200 different ethnic and racial groups, including Cental and South Asian peoples from the former Soviet republics.

Anyway... NO WAY!

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