Is Cafe Pushkin (Moscow) really that expensive?

From Russia with gusto!
The pricing in Russia is very predictable: the highest the better.
Has to do with the facts that if it is too cheap is not good; there will-not be the right crowd; is not going to be considered a place to be seen.
From my experience, and I live in Moscow from 1992, the biggest part of the investment in opening a restaurant, or any other location fitting into the food and beverage category, goes in the styling and furnishing, the best restrooms ever seen!
The rest is relative, this includes from basic ingredients to hygiene.
Cafe' Pushkin is considered a place for tourists and foreign biz people, [the place is mentioned in all travel guides]. The food is average and overpriced, but the place is nice and worthed a visit, $25 is probably what you can pay for a cup of tea.
Regarding the pastry, 'Konditerskaya Pushkin' - very little is prepared in-house the rest is delivered in the morning in the worst hygienic conditions I've ever seen. Couple of days ago I was passing by and I just could not believe at the way the pastry trays were handled. Too bad I did not have a camera with me.
Tourandot is ok only if somebody invites you and pays the bill.
Cantinetta Antinori is a franchise, I hope that Antinori family is not involved directly, because they serve the most overcooked pasta ever, and no matter how many times I have been there and try to meet the Italian chef, he was never around.
I remain an optimist and still look for a place where food is the priority.
That's all for now. Hugs from Moscow.

orsiko in Europe