Cosy atmosphere · Stylish interior

If you want to get a real idea of what is Russia about, just go a bit to the surrealistic outskirts of Moscow and it will be your adventure for this day...

Red October is a former industrial area in central Moscow that's included a chocolate factory Red October, hence the name. Today it's one of the most flamboyant altough inconveniently located cultural quarters, full of art galleries, bars, fashion stores, a design school, night clubs and edtiorial offices of magazines. The photo (depicting a rather typical business redevelopment on the other shore of the Moskva River) was taken from a terrace that's part of the editorial office of Bolshoi Gorod magazine for which I have the privilege to photograph from time to time.

A brand new business district called Belaya Ploshad (White Square) built around an early 20-century old-believers' church. Old believers are a fundamentalist sect that's split from the official Orthodox Church in 17 century. Many prominent Russian tsarist-era businessmen were from the old-believers' background. During Soviet era, this church was desecrated, then, in the 1990s, returned to an old-belivers' community and renovated. A good example of Moscow contrasts - a fundamentalist church (with a Facebook page) and modern office blocks next door. Plus - on the other side of Belaya Ploshad there is Belorussky Station Square - a large intersection with an endless construction site, a railway station, full of dirt, primitive street trade, homeless, and... nice cafes.

No matter during daytime or in the evening, Enthusiast makes a great, laid-back spot for drinks and light bites. Known as a “Moto Café,” the hidden bar is a place made not just for Vespa lovers, but also anyone who has an appreciation for craft beer, art and cinema. If you’re lucky, you may even stumble upon one of its garage sales and parties during your visit.