Alissa’s Russian House with Love is a new Russian tearoom in Billings owned by Arisa Eskendarova that will open its doors on Friday.
The tearoom is at 1212 Grand Ave. in a separate area of 1212 Boutique, which is also owned by Eskendarova.
The tearoom will offer a peaceful setting where people can choose from a selection of authentic Russian teas, coffee, pastries and candies.
Eskendarova said Thursday afternoon that she plans to add Russian meals and sandwiches to the menu in the future. But for now, she is happy that she can bring a piece of her hometown and Russian culture to people in billings.
“Because I am from Russia, it is a little piece of my homeland, it is spiritually helping me and so many Russian people here can enjoy and appreciate and still feel they are at home,” said Eskendarova.
She says she wants the Billings community to be able to experience and understand the Russian culture, and that includes the language.
Along with offering Russian teas and treats, Eskendarova said she will also be teaching people to speak Russian at the tearoom.
“Anybody who wants to learn is welcome. It will be a nice course, step by step and I am fine with beginners or other students. It will be once or twice a week, depends on what they want, and the schedule is flexible,” said Eskendarova.
Sign-ups for Russian speaking lessons will start Friday at 11 a.m. during the tearooms grand opening.
Eskendarova said that having the opportunity to open her Russian tearoom was a dream of hers and she is excited to share it with the community.