While no one would disagree that downtown Toronto and downtown Moscow have very little in common, we Canadians can now enjoy a little Red Square flavour at the brand new Pravda Vodka Bar.

Named for the old Soviet Union's first communist newspaper, owner Rumen Dimitroff has created a one of a kind experience for the city. Located at 36 Wellington Street East between Yonge and Church, this little Russian jewel offers guests a casual and warm atmosphere to enjoy some fantastic food and drink.

When you visit, you can grab a seat at the inviting marble-topped bar, take a table, or relax in our favourite spot - the casual lounge area. Pravda's lounge looks just like a Russian babushka's (grandmother's) apartment - over-stuffed sofas, comfy armchairs, homey knick-knacks, and with a wink to communist nostalgia, framed pictures of Lenin and Marx hanging on the wall.

Now that you're comfortable, enjoy some of the 40 different varieties of vodka from all over the world - from the most well known brands like Stoly, Grey Goose, Sky and Absolut, to the less common specialty items that we guarantee will be new to you. When we visited, Rumen poured us a rare selection from Poland called Siwucha. Aged for 50 years and almost like a Grappa, this one didn't burn going down but tingled in a most pleasant way.

The best way to try Pravda's drink of choice is with their Vodka Tasting. For just $12 they will pour you three 1/2 oz shots of the vodkas of your choice, or better yet, let them use their expertise to put together a trio for you. These potent potables will be served to you with authentic Russian dark rye bread and dill pickles accompaniments. Rumen told us that there is an art and ritual to tasting vodka, much like the lemon and salt that goes with Tequila. He instructed us to take a piece of bread and inhale the scent to cleanse our palettes, then quickly throw back the vodka and finally, eat the salty sour pickle. Wow, what a taste sensation!

If shots aren't for you, they have a long list of fabulous vodka-based martinis, mixed drinks, wine and non-alcoholic beverages.

Executive Chef Thomas Siebert has created an innovative and delicious menu that mixes traditional Russian dishes with international tapas. Not to be missed is the Caviar Trio ($14). Like all the dishes, this one is perfect for sharing and allows you to enjoy one of life's great luxuries without breaking the bank. Salmon roe, Flying Fish roe and Black Russian Sturgeon roe are served on six delicate homemade blinis, each with a small dollop of sour cream and a garnish of precious pickled quail eggs. You'll feel like the Czar when you try this one.

For a different taste of Russia, try the authentic Pelmeni - Russian ravioli ($9). These light dumplings are stuffed with a mushroom duxelle, sautŽed in dill butter and served with the traditional topping of sour cream. Chef Siebert gives this classic dish his special touch with a topping of sweet lingonberry compote.

To go along with these classic old world items, the kitchen offers a variety of small dishes, or tapas, with flavours from around the globe. Green mango salad from Thailand, hand-cut frites with aioli from Belgium and Tuscan sausage with peppers and onions from Italy are just some of the wonderful dishes to choose from.

We loved the grilled lamb chops which are served with a modern variation of a traditional Bulgarian "Shopska" salad of tomato, goat's feta and mint ($13) as well as the Japanese-inspired blackened tuna seared on the outside and sushi-style in the centre, served on a bed of wonderful Asian noodle salad ($14).

Although Pravda's dessert menu is very brief with just two items offered, both are fantastic. The first is an almost ethereal plate of the freshest seasonal fruit, lemon-scented cr쳌me fraiche and honey-glazed phyllo crisps layered like a Napoleon ($8). The second is a fragrant house-made pineapple sorbet with the Chef's signature lingonberry swirl and topped with a spoonful of rich cr쳌me fraiche ($6). Both will satisfy your sweet-tooth without leaving you feeling like you've over-indulged - on dessert, that is.

There's an old Russian saying that goes, "The first vodka goes down as a stake, the second as a falcon, and the third as a little bird." We're not sure just how true that is, but you can find out yourself at Pravda Vodka Bar.

Pravda Vodka Bar is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm and is available for private parties as well.

Pravda Vodka Bar
36 Wellington Street East, Toronto
Phone: 416.306.2433
Website: www.PravdaVodkaBar.com