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Timeline of the House

Half a century of history under one roof

The house was built in 1974 for the arrival of two heads of state — and it has never stopped welcoming guests people still talk about decades later. Every entry below is a confirmed fact, not a legend.

✦ Moments in History

chronicle entry

1974

A Terem Built to Host

The building was constructed for the arrival of two heads of state — a formal reception was held here for the historic meeting where US President Gerald Ford and Leonid Brezhnev laid the groundwork for the SALT II strategic arms limitation treaty.

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1979

One-Day Menu

The menu was printed fresh each morning on a single sheet and signed off by management. The sheet is still carefully preserved as an artifact to this day.

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1999

A New Owner

Arthur Avetikovich Manukyan becomes the owner of «Lesnaya Zaimka» — and takes on the commitment to preserve and build on the traditions established here.

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2002

Kim Jong-il's Breakfast

During a visit to Vladivostok, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il had breakfast right here — yet another meeting of heads of state written into the house's history.

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2012–15

Complete Reconstruction

The old logs couldn't withstand the humid coastal climate of Primorye. Over two years, the building was rebuilt from the ground up — the owner worked personally with the architect.

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2015

The Second Opening

The head of Vladivostok visits the renovated complex for the first time — and praises the work put into restoring this historic place.

«A person should live their life in a way that leaves behind a good memory — so reviving the unique «Lesnaya Zaimka» restaurant complex became my life's work.»

Arthur Avetikovich Manukyanowner of «Lesnaya Zaimka» restaurant complex

Honored Guests

The house, as told by people who have something to compare it to

«Impeccably trained staff, magnificent interiors, and unique cuisine — those are the three reasons I value this restaurant. They know how to welcome guests properly here.»

Igor Sergeyevich PushkaryovMayor of Vladivostok

««Lesnaya Zaimka» has always been, and remains, a point of pride for the city. After the reconstruction the building gained new life, but the culinary traditions and the spirit of history have been preserved from times past.»

Yefim ZvenyatskyArtistic Director of the M. Gorky Theatre, People's Artist of the Russian Federation

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the «Lesnaya Zaimka» house built, and what event is it linked to?+

The house was built in 1974 — a formal reception was held here in connection with the historic Vladivostok Summit of November 23–24, 1974, where US President Gerald Ford and Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev laid the groundwork for the SALT II strategic arms limitation treaty.

Which notable figures have visited «Lesnaya Zaimka»?+

Besides Ford and Brezhnev, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il had breakfast here in 2002. The house has also been visited by Vladivostok Mayor Igor Sergeyevich Pushkaryov and Yefim Zvenyatsky, Artistic Director of the M. Gorky Theatre and People's Artist of the Russian Federation.

Who owns «Lesnaya Zaimka»?+

Since 1999, the owner has been Arthur Avetikovich Manukyan, who took on the commitment to preserve and build on the house's traditions.

Has the house always looked the way it does now?+

No — in 2012–2015 the building was completely rebuilt: the old logs couldn't withstand Primorye's humid climate. The reconstruction took two years, and in 2015 the renovated complex was visited by the head of Vladivostok.