Month: January 2022

The Romanovs on ‘Seinfeld’?!

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: “Susan” leafing through an August 1995 issue of The New Yorker, which depicts a photo of Emperor Nicholas II and his family

Last night, I was watching an old 1995 episode of ‘Seinfeld’, when one particular clip grabbed my attention. “Susan Ross” (played by Heidi Swedberg, is seen relaxing on the sofa while flipping through a magazine. As she turned the page, I immediately recognized the photo of Nicholas II and his family walking through a park—possibly Alexandria at Peterhof or Livadia?

PHOTO: pages 72 and 73 of the August 21st, 1995 issue of The New Yorker

As it turns out, she is reading the August 21st, 1995 issue of The New Yorker magazine, which featured an excerpt from The Romanovs: The Final Chapter by Robert K. Massie, published by Random House the same year. The excerpt was titled The Last Romanov Mystery.

I immediately grabbed my iPhone and snapped the photo seen at the top of this article, and then compared it the issue of The New Yorker (seen above). Sure enough, the photo was published on pages 72 and 73.

I am delighted to share this interesting observation and little known television trivia.

© Paul Gilbert. 2 January 2022

The Romanov Restaurant in Tobolsk

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: entrance to the Romanov Restaurant, Hotel Slavyanskaya, Tobolsk

With the recent opening of the new airport in Tobolsk in September 2021, the popular although remote Siberian city is expecting to attract more visitors.

Founded in 1590, Tobolsk is the second-oldest Russian settlement east of the Ural Mountains in Asian Russia, and is a historic capital of the Siberia region. Tobolsk is rich in history. Aside from the beautiful Kremlin, numerous museums and other historic sights, the Museum of the Family of Emperor Nicholas II, which opened in 2018, has become a popular venue for visitors.

For any one pursuing their interest in the last Tsar and his family, the Hotel Slavyanskaya is the perfect place to stay. Opened in June 1994, the Hotel Slavyanskaya was the first European-level hotel in the region, located in the city center. It offers 177 rooms equipped with Italian handmade furniture in the style of Louis XV.

PHOTO: elegant interior of the Romanov Restaurant, Hotel Slavyanskaya, Tobolsk

The Romanov Restaurant is located on the sixth floor of the Slavyanskaya. As you exit the lift, where guests are greeted by a large equestrian portrait of Emperor Nicholas II, and elegant heraldic symbols thus creating a regal atmosphere.

PHOTO: equestrian portrait of Emperor Nicholas II, outside the entrance to the restaurant

The interior is on two-levels, a grand staircase leading to the upper tier, the railings are covered with gold leaf. The decor of the hall is designed in light golden-beige tones with attributes of a royal theme. The walls are covered with panels draped in noble fabrics. And the exquisite design of the curtains on the windows give the hall the looks of a grand palace. The interior is complemented by Corinthian columns, cornices with gilded brackets.

The stylized monogram of Nicholas II is present in many elements of decor, dishes, serving utensils, napkins, tablecloths, etc. The restaurant is also decorated with a large mirror in a carved gilded frame, and a restored ivory grand piano made by the world famous F. Muhlbach firm.

PHOTO: portrait of Nicholas II and his family by Ekaterina Masyutina

The most striking element of the Romanov Restaurant is the oval-shaped plafond with a group portrait of Emperor Nicholas II and his family, created by the Russian artist Ekaterina Masyutina.

PHOTOS: Artist Ekaterina Masyutina working on her portrait of the Imperial Family

PHOTO: detail of Emperor Nicholas II and his family

PHOTO: portrait of Emperor Nicholas II and his family, created by the Russian artist Ekaterina Masyutina, Romanov Restaurant, Hotel Slavyanskaya, Tobolsk

© Paul Gilbert. 1 January 2022