I have been working for the Hyatt company over 10 years now and they asked me what I think of moving to Ekaterinburg. I said: "Why not." Russia is a booming country and especially Ekaterinburg as a city is growing very fast every year.

When I heard about Ekaterinburg, I had no idea where this place was.

When I saw it on the map in Google Earth I thought  “… that is deep inside Russia! Do they have running water or electricity there?”Obviously I was so wrong. After reading more about the city and the region, my curiosity started to explode.

By now I can say, it is the most exciting adventure in my life so far! After working in many other countries before, definitely Ural is one of the most interesting place.

I am the Executive Chef of Hyatt Regency Ekaterinburg. Working in the hotel business here is very inspiring.
 

The Noble House Restaurant. Photo: Alexander Kireev, E1.RU

We are in the development stage of getting the mind of the Ural people more open and trying to show them that dining in 5 star deluxe hotel is affordable.

When I came to Ekaterinburg, I was lost: I did not speak Russian, I couldn’t ready the street sign, etc. But I always find my way home with the help of the local people.

I have never had any bad experience with locals - they are very helpful and so family-oriented.

When you speak about Russia, everybody in my home country knows Moscow and Saint Petersburg, but not Ekaterinburg! And I always answer: “You missed something. Ekaterinburg is the place to be!”

Ekaterinburg is like any other big city. There are places you can go and places you shouldn’t go. If you are open minded, you will easily make friends, and especially with a glass of vodka in your hand while in a nightclub or a pub!

The Christmas Eve, Ekaterinburg's City Hall. Photo: Leonty Rubinstein, E1.RU

I know there are so many sightseeings you should see. I went once to the House of Demidov, it’s outside the city, great place. I am trying as much as I can to go out, to the country side. It makes you forget the work stress during the week. 

Of course, there are things I personally do not like. It’s the time when the fine-looking snow is melting and the whole city looks dirty and dusty.

Also the community of foreign people is still very small, but growing day by day.

But the most wonderful feature of being here is people, friendly helpful and open to foreigners. I have a lot of very good Russian friends, which are very helpful.

When you get invited for a family gathering, the atmosphere is fabulous. If you think of a really family gathering in Europe, forget it! It’s more then that.

The world-famous The Church-On-The-Blood. Photo: Leonty Rubinstein, E1.RU

It starts with the respect they give each other. Always when I look around, it makes me so pleased to see the happiness in their eyes. When grandmother brings the borsch to the table you feel Russia.

I have just been in Ekaterinburg for a couple of months, but I think that is the real Russia, not Moscow or Saint Petersburg.
 

Being a chief makes me interested in the local food culture and cuisine. What are they eating? Where does it come from? How do they do it? 

The City Pond embarkment in summer. Photo: Leonty Rubinstein, E1.RU

My favorite dish is solyanka, the best soup ever! Made in the right way it’s so delicious. There are two things I can’t stay: one is okroshka soup - I never understood how someone can eat that - and the other one is that dried salted fish, which Russian eat with beer.

I think very important is to be open-minded. Don’t play that arrogant smarter feeling foreigner! Otherwise, you will not get far.

Never forget it’s not your country, we are guests here. So we have to behave like that.

View on the Lenin Avenue, The City Day. Photo: Leonty Rubinstein, E1.RU

Everything is bit more complicated, things are sometimes so easy, but trust me, it can take weeks until you get the signature from the official you need, so bring be patient.

If you like the Wild Wild West, Ekaterinburg is great place you find anything you want and everything you need.

But make sure when you don’t speak Russian, you have your translator with you.

Photos: Alexander Kireev, E1.RU; Leonty Rubinstein, E1.RU

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