Saxonville Business Combines Eastern European Food With Art Gallery

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In June, chef Leonid “Leo” Zislin opened a restaurant in his Saxonville neighborhood.

The head chef at Bazaar West market in Trolley Square, Zislin’s restaurant concept combines Eastern European and Russian specialties like perogies and beef Stroganoff, in a art gallery setting.

And last week, the 72-seat restaurant at 62 Water Street, was approved by Framingham Selectmen to start serving breakfast beginning tomorrow, Sept. 8, as early as 6 a.m.

Zislin, who hails from the former Soviet Union, helped create the menu and is one of the two chefs at the restaurant. He has been a chef all his life, and has a culinary school degree.

“We make five different types of dumplings (vareniki/perogies) in house,” said Zislin.

There are Russian-style blintzes with red salmon caviar. There is also a smoked salmon platter and the option of grilled salmon kebabs.

“We also offer several specialties like stuffed cabbage and Chicken Kiev,” he said. The menu features a lot of lamb and veal too including a delicious, juicy lamb burger with feta cheese.

Patch also tried the the marinated lamb kebabs were grilled to perfection. They are served with a flavored rice and hand-made crispy fries. Kebabs range from $14.99 for chicken and pork to $16.99 with lamb and salmon. They are served with two side options.

The potato and cheddar dumplings (perogies) served with caramelized onions Patch tried were yummy but bland. They needed to be seasoned with more spices.

For another vegetarian option try the mushroom Russian-style crepes.

There is a kids menu starting at $4.99 with the highest priced menu item the children’s grilled salmon at $6.99.

There are also some American favorites like burgers ($9.99 to $12.99), clam chowder, salads, and BBQ chicken wings on the menu.

The restaurant now also has a full liquor license, with some special Russian vodka and Eastern European and Georgian wine options.

On Friday and Saturday night, starting in August, the restaurant began offering live music.

The dining ambiance is also enhanced by the art on the walls, featuring original works by MetroWest and Framingham artists.

One of the artists is Stella Perlov, who studied painting and commercial art in Russia, and in Jerusalem. She has worked as jewelry designer, sculptor, illustrator of children books and as a painter.

Another artist is Mark Barnett, who has lived in Framingham since 1978. Since retiring from Raytheon, Barnett has been taking art classes at Danforth Art in watercolor, pastel and in abstract painting, of which many of his abstract influences can be seen at Arts House Grille.

Zislin said he plans to add two more artists to the restaurant in September. All the paintings displayed are available for purchase.

The new breakfast menu features Eastern European favorites like crepes stuffed with sweet farmer cheese and sour cherries, to eggs Benedict ($9.99 and up), to Challah french toast, to three-egg omelets, made with organic eggs. Breakfast will be served from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Omelet ($7.99 to $9.99) offerings will range from meat and cheese lovers to a Greek omelet filled with feta and olives to a Caprese omelet with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, to an Alaskan smoked salmon and cream cheese omelet.

There will also be a children’s breakfast menu at $4.99.

There are eight reviews on Yelp, since the restaurant opened, with a majority positive.

Take out is available.

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The restaurant is located in a former Friendly’s, which most recently housed Taj Indian Cuisine, at 62 Water Street.

The hours starting Tuesday are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Arts House Grille is closed on Mondays.