Russian Samovar & Mama Vlada:

VLADA VON SHATS: THE HEART OF NEW YORK — INSIDE RUSSIAN SAMOVAR AND THE STORY OF MAMA VLADA

From the iconic tables of Manhattan’s Russian Samovar to international film festival stages, Vlada Von Shats’ extraordinary life is now immortalized in the acclaimed human-rights documentary Mama Vlada, directed by award-winning Belarusian-American filmmaker and composer Ellina Graypel.

Ellina Graypel says “Mama Vlada is a documentary that gives voice to many untold stories, with a heroine who embodies them all. As a director, my mission was to carry these voices to a wider audience. This film is dedicated to everyone who struggles to be accepted for who they truly are. It is my personal fight , and my personal cause

In the heart of Manhattan, where Broadway’s bright lights meet the enduring stories of immigrants who shaped New York’s cultural soul, stands Russian Samovar—a legendary restaurant and creative refuge that has quietly changed lives for more than four decades. Today, its story reaches far beyond its storied red banquettes, thanks to Mama Vlada, the powerful documentary by Ellina Graypel, whose work champions global human rights and elevates marginalized voices through intimate, emotionally resonant storytelling.

Mama Vlada focuses on Vlada Von Shats—restaurateur, cultural matriarch, and lifelong advocate—celebrated as a maternal figure to artists, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ communities long before acceptance was mainstream. Under Graypel’s direction, the film transforms a singular life into a universal story of courage, compassion, and chosen family. The documentary has already earned major international recognition, with Cannes Film Festival representatives reaching out for The Cannes Market Place, signaling growing global interest in Vlada’s story.

Graypel, a Belarusian-American composer and filmmaker, brings a rare sensitivity to the film, blending music, memory, and activism into a deeply human portrait. Mama Vlada stands as a testament to Graypel’s commitment to socially conscious filmmaking—and to Vlada’s lifelong mission of creating safe spaces where people are seen, protected, and celebrated.

Russian Samovar: A Living Landmark

Located at 256 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019, Russian Samovar is not simply a restaurant—it is a living cultural institution. The building’s history stretches back to its days as Jilly’s Canteen, the famed haunt of Frank Sinatra, The Rat Pack, and Johnny Carson. When Roman Kaplan acquired the space in 1986, he preserved its legacy—keeping the original red banquettes, bar, and artwork—while transforming it into a home for Russian culture in Manhattan.

In 1987, Kaplan was joined by Mikhail Baryshnikov and Joseph Brodsky, the Nobel Prize–winning poet. Today, Baryshnikov’s baby grand piano is still played nightly, guests can request the legendary Brodsky Table, and the private dining room—where Sex and the City was filmed—remains one of Midtown’s most sought-after spaces.

The New York Times famously described the restaurant as “a Russian island in Manhattan,” while Forbes has praised Russian Samovar as one of the last true keepers of authentic Russian cuisine in New York—blending aristocratic dishes like caviar and smoked salmon with beloved staples such as pelmeni dumplings and both hot and cold borscht.

HOLLYWOOD MAGAZINE INTERVIEW WITH VLADA VON SHATS

From your childhood and your parents’ sacrifices to becoming the heart of one of New York’s most legendary dining rooms—when you look at your life today, what do you think your parents would be most proud of?

My children. My parents sacrificed so much to create this landmark space. Seeing my sons now involved—third generation in charge—means everything to me. Their life’s project continues into our 40th year and beyond.

Your restaurant has been a cultural home for artists, actors, and musicians for decades. Did you ever imagine it would grow into this kind of creative sanctuary?

Russian Samovar was never just a restaurant. It was always a place for artists escaping the Soviet Union—poets, dancers, musicians, writers—finding freedom here. After Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Broadway shows, people came here to sing, drink vodka, and be free. It became a nostalgic reminder of the life we left behind—and the life we rebuilt.

Your house-infused vodkas are iconic. What made you turn vodka into an art form?

My mother was a trained chemist. In the USSR, she infused vodka to make it drinkable. In America, with abundance, the possibilities became endless. Today we have over 25 flavors—real fruits, vegetables, no chemicals. Vodka with soul.

Which dishes are most connected to your memories of home?

All of them. Chicken Kiev, pelmeni, latkes, Olivier, Vinegret, honey cake. I learned to roll Kievs at five years old. These dishes are memory, family, survival, and love.

You supported the LGBTQ+ community long before it was safe. What gave you the courage?

Injustice. Silence. Loss. I saw what happens when people are erased. Love is love. Always has been. I will never stay silent.

What was the most emotional moment watching Mama Vlada?

Seeing my story reminds people—especially LGBTQ+ kids—that they are not alone. That someone will protect them.

What does it mean that Mikhail Baryshnikov made Russian Samovar part of his ritual?

Misha is family. He helped build this place. This restaurant is a stage, and everyone who walks in becomes part of the story.

What energy are you creating for artists today?

Freedom. Surprise. Music. Mondays when Broadway is dark, Gypsy shows on weekends, tango, burlesque, poetry, DJs. You never know who will perform—or who you’ll meet.

How has your chosen family carried you through hard years?

I’ve always helped people. It’s who I am. They help me too. That’s family.

Why celebrate Brenda Vaccaro here?

Because this is home. Brenda is family. Birthdays here become memories forever.

Mama Vlada – Awards & Festival Recognition

2025 Los Angeles Movie & Music Video Awards

Best LGBT Film
2025 New York Shorts Awards

Best Human Rights Film
2025 Holly Dubai Film Festival

Best Director Official Nominations:
Hollywood International Film Festival
Belgrade International Film Festival
Cannes Film Festival Market Place

Russian Samovar Experience

From the iconic tables of Russian Samovar to the global festival circuit, Vlada Von Shats’ life proves that hospitality can be activism, and love can be legacy. Through Mama Vlada, and under the thoughtful direction of Ellina Graypel, her story now belongs to the world—one borscht, one song, one act of courage at a time.

Address: 256 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019
Menu Highlights: Hot & cold borscht, Chicken Kiev, Beef Stroganoff, pelmeni, Ukrainian vareniki, Olivier salad, Vinegret, potato latkes, honey cake
Vodkas: 25+ house-infused flavors
Music & Culture: Live piano nightly, Gypsy dance shows Fridays & Saturdays, Broadway after-parties, burlesque, tango, poetry readings, celebrity-filled private events

You can check out more information on the restaurant

https://russiansamovar.com/new-york-theater-district-russian-samovar-about?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

Instgram https://www.instagram.com/russiansamovar?igsh=NjRvbHFhZDdydzBj&utm_source=qr

Inside footage

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DARfv8cSwWN/?igsh=eWE1d3hhYW4ybjZw

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuAxho-p4qs/?igsh=ODYzNzFxNml5OW55

Check out Mama Vlada

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