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© 1999-2012
Mixed Media

Where: The Continental, 2241 148th Ave, Bellevue
Owner: Alex Tulchinsky, (425) 644-7403

Alex Tulchinsky came to the United States 22 years ago from the Ukraine. In his native land, he was a Veterinarian. For eight years, he lived in New York City. In this time he enjoyed Russian restaurants and clubs with live entertainment, great food, and eloquent decor. He wanted to open a restaurant just like this.

In 1986, Alex moved to Seattle. He opened a grocer, he owned a vending company, he cleaned beer taps for clubs, and he sold cars. Obviously, he is a hard worker who does not go half way in his endeavors.

January 1, 1998, after six months of preparation, The Continental opened in Bellevue. Alex aimed to create an unusual, lush dining experience. The walls are tiled with green textured, gold inlaid panels. "They were more expensive," Alex says, "but they're nice." A crystal chandelier hangs in the center of the room, over a flowing fountain with gold lions flowing water during dining hours. "Anyone can open a Denny's or serve hamburgers," says Alex, "I wanted to open something different."

Though Alex and much of the staff is Russian, the menu reflects many Continental European Cuisine's. Italian pastas, Greek kabobs, French sauces are on the menu, along with Russian stroganoff and Kiev standards. Alex's favorite: Sturgeon Kabob. "The sturgeon is different here than in the Caspian Sea," he says nostalgically, "it still is very good, though."

I ate at the Continental on a slow Wednesday evening. Musicians only perform on the weekend, however, the soothing sounds emanating from the fountain were perfect to set the mood. Upon entering, my friend Chrissi commented, "This is just like the restaurant in our hotel in St. Petersburg."

For starters, we shared the Mushroom Zhulien-- mushrooms in a yummy sour cream, wine, and herb sauce. Chrissi loved it but it was heavy for her tastes. It was just right for me-- Alex (he was serving us on this slow night) noted, "You ate everything except the plate," as he cleared the table.

Complying to his suggestions, Chrissi ordered the Beef Stroganoff and I ordered the Chicken Kiev. Both were very delicious and served with flavorful garlic potatoes and cucumber slices. Alex's chef, an "elderly woman from Georgia," he says "will let us see her prep the food, but hides away when she cooks," so not even he knows how she makes the breading on the Kiev so crisp and flaky while the chicken is very tender and juicy!

For an unusual night out, The Continental is certainly the place. Ignore the exterior-- it is in a strip mall between Chuck E. Cheese's and an International Grocer. Just let Alex transport you to Eastern Europe with the sites, sounds, and flavors of the old country.

-Fine Dining, E. Eibel, 5/99