'Upscale' Russian Karoke Coming Soon to Midtown

How much do you know about Russian karaoke? Probably nothing. Don't worry though, because all of that is going to change very soon when the Ginza Group, the force behind the Mari Vanna brand of Russian restaurants (which are expanding to LA), opens Jelsamino, a Russian-style karaoke lounge, in the Dream Hotel in Midtown.

What makes Russian karaoke different than the regular karaoke that you know and love? Sasha Polin of the Ginza Group explains that Russian karaoke is "more upscale than Korean karaoke," and that the bar will offer live music and backup singers to support people who want to sing in the main room. Jelsamino will also have a VIP room and a 150 seat restaurant that will serve Mediterranean food. The karaoke bar will open in January and the restaurant two months later. Somehow it doesn't seem like this nightlife venture at the Dream Midtown will compete with the Dream Downtown.
· Russian Restaurant Group Grows In Big Apple [NYP]
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