From the moment you step into Aydea, it’s clear that this is no ordinary coffee shop and restaurant. This local gem, recently opened, brings a breath of fresh air to the city’s dining scene, combining the art of Russian cuisine with the finesse of a chef who once graced the kitchens of Facebook.
At Aydea, the quality of ingredients is paramount. It’s a place where the butter is not just butter, but grass-fed goodness, and the oils used are not only organic but also carefully chosen for their health benefits, like avocado oil. Such attention to detail in ingredient selection is a rarity, making each dish not just a meal but an experience.
The ambiance of Aydea is another aspect where this establishment truly shines. Beautiful and peaceful, the interior is thoughtfully designed to offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The decor is both elegant and inviting, creating a perfect backdrop for the exquisite meals served.
What truly sets Aydea apart, especially in a city where space is at a premium, is its child-friendly alcove. This small area, dedicated to children, features a play kitchen and reading nooks, making it a paradise for the little ones. This thoughtful addition is unheard of in the area and transforms dining with children from a logistical challenge into an enjoyable family outing.
I not only got to enjoy a high-quality meal; I also got to experience the joy of dining in a place that feels like a community, where families can come together, and children are not just accommodated but celebrated.
I walked into Aydea with high expectations and left with them not just met, but exceeded. It’s clear that the chef’s expertise, coupled with an unwavering commitment to quality and community, has created a space that is both a culinary delight and a haven for families. I will definitely be back, and I encourage everyone to experience the magic of Aydea...
Read moreI recently visited AyDea, and it was a truly fantastic experience. As a first-timer trying Tatar food, I am now a fan. The cafe offers an array of tantalizing dishes that are a feast for the senses. The bone broth was rich and deeply savory, while the beef borsht stood out with its robust flavors. Their uchpuchmak, reminiscent of empanadas, is filled with a satisfying mix of beef, potatoes, and onions. Peremechik is a fantastic deep fried pastry filled with juicy beef. Another highlight was the blinchiki- delightful crepes filled with either apricots or apples.
The ambiance of the cafe is equally impressive, evoking the cozy feel of a summer cottage ( dacha, reminiscent of those often found in ex-Soviet regions. It’s refreshing to see a non-Russian cafe but especially one that celebrates Tatar culture. The history of the Soviet government's horrific treatment of the Tatar people makes this family-run business's dedication to sharing their heritage even more significant and joyous.
My only suggestion for improvement is to include short descriptions of the dishes on the menu, which would be helpful for those unfamiliar with Tatar cuisine.
Overall, AyDea s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore new flavors in a welcoming and culturally...
Read moreA little bit of paradise found in an unassuming hole-in-the-wall spot, tucked in among the bail-bond places and auto repair shops along Bryant St. Brought to you by a talented duo from CDMX and Tatarstan, they're serving surprisingly delicious mash-ups of traditional Tatar/Russian dishes, filtered through the genial genius of a talented chef from Mexico City. (Interiors are still a work in progress, with some subtle visual hints of #DachaLife starting to emerge... will be fun to see where this leads!). There's a corner toy nook specifically for kids to hang out and play, and each time I've visited, the kids are loving it. The set-up is casual cafe-style service for breakfasts and lunch.
Menu Highlights: Peremech (hot beef-filled dough fried in beef tallow) (vegetarian version = mushroom-filled dough fried in avocado oil); Uchpuchmak (traditional Tatar triangle-shaped pastry with beef/onion/potato filling); Bone Broth; Blinchiki; Tatar Chai tea; Sea Buckthorn Water w/ honey.
Incredibly kind and personal hospitality, delicious soups and dishes, and the some of the best home-made...
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