Russian Dolls: Picked Up In Australia!

I noticed that both Michael Levitis and Eddie Zee were notifying their adoring public that Russian Dolls was being picked up by Nippon TV in Japan.  My first thoughts…how is that possible.  Japan?  Of all the places on earth, that is the last place I would have guessed would be interested in Russian Dolls.  

I immediately thought, the Japanese revere their elderly parents.  How in the world is the way Marina treats Eva going to go over in Japan?  They would be horrified to say the least.  The more I thought about it the more preposterous it seemed to be.  So I clicked on the article that Michael posted to see it with my own eyes.  I was right!  They are not being picked up by Japan at all.  This man, with a law degree who is part owner of a large restaurant, has not read the article at all and jumped to conclusions.  The article mentions several countries and the different shows they are picking up.  Japan is picking up some shows, but NOT Russian Dolls.

Relevant part of article: Australia’s Nine Network picked up Picker Sisters; Lifestyle and Lifestyle You acquired Glamour Belles, Dance Moms and Russian Dolls; and Sci-Fi/TV1 General Entertainment took The Captains of the Final Frontier.

I’ll tell you who is picking up Russian Dolls…Australia.  Yes, Lifetime and Lifetime YOU in Australia is picking up the show.  Don’t ask me why, but it makes more sense, doesn’t it?  I will post the links to two articles and you can see for yourself.  Maybe I read it wrong, but I don’t think so.  I hope Michael reads the fine print in his contracts better than he read this article.

So no, Russian Dolls will not be going to Japan any time soon.  Let’s see how well received they are in Australia.  I am very curious!


Links to articles: Article one  and  Article two

Russian Dolls: Rasputin Battles Onegin

Onegin Restaurant slated to open soon

A new Russian restaurant is supposed to be opening soon in the West Village in Manhattan.  Vat is the problem?  Well, they seem to be trying to associate themselves with Rasputin of Brighton Beach.  Michael Levitis and Marina are not very pleased with this association and have asked them to refrain from linking the two restaurants together.  However, that has not been the case and recently Michael is threatening legal action if something isn't done about it.  The Onegin restaurant is not only much smaller, it is much less expensive and yet they allegedly say they are being headed up by the team behind Rasputin.  If that was the truth, Michael would certainly not be upset over it.  Here is Michael's letter:

To whom it may concern:

It is with great dismay that my wife,  Marina Levitis, and I read your recent article on Onegin restaurant.   Marina co-owns Rasputin Restaurant and I am a director therein.

Please note that Rasputin is not affiliated in any shape or form with Onegin nor any of its managers or owners.  This is not the first time that Onegin claimed to be our sister restaurant.  They have already been served with a cease and desist notice by our attorney regarding same back in August.  I will happy to provide you with a copy on Monday.  

It seems Onegin has willfully  chosen to disregard said notice and has again brazenly used Rasputin name, publicity and goodwill to promote their cheap imitation of Rasputin. I will now instruct our attorney to commence a lawsuit against Onegin and any publication that falsely reports on the affiliation.

I am hereby requesting that your site post a prompt retraction of your article. We hereby reserve the right to use all remedies available to us in law or in equity in the event of your refusal to comply with this request.

Should you have any questions I can be reached at Michael@Rasputinny.com.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation with above request.

Sincerely,

Michael Levitis

I guess we will see what comes of all this if Michael keeps us posted.  Frankly, I don't blame them for taking action, what's right is right!

Russian Dolls: Marina's Animal Print Dress

First of all a big thank you to Michael Levitis, the adoring husband of Marina.  He saw the blog where I was asking about her animal print dresses and he directed me to his facebook page where he has proudly posted his lovely wife, wearing one of her new acquisitions.  This appears to be a vertical, zebra stripe print.  I am no fasionista by any means, however I have always heard that curvy women should not wear stripes as it makes them appears larger in areas they do not need accentuated.  Marina has been tweeting that she has been going to the gym and attending zumba classes to lose weight for her brother's wedding.  I think she still has a ways to go and if I were her I would go with horizontal stripes next time.

I took a moment to see if my memory on stripes was accurate and here is the result:

As you can see, the same woman, wearing two different dresses, appears more svelt in the horizontally striped dress on the top of the screen and fuller figured on the bottom on the screen wearing vertical stripes.  However, the important thing is not what I think of Marina's new dress, but what Michael thinks.  Michael seems very happy with Marina's choice, so who am I to make suggestions?

Picture credit: Michael Levitis Facebook and dailymail.co.uk and Patrick McMullen

Russian Dolls: Michael Needs a Publisher!

Someone pointed out in our comment section that Michael is looking for a publisher for a book of Russian recipes that will come out of his restaurant's kitchen and which will be headed up by Marina, the reality show star.   According to Marina's press release last week, you would have thought offers were pouring in from publishers, here is a quote: "She received a great deal of interest in getting her own reality show and writing a cookbook of her favorite Russian recipes from Rasputin. The cookbook will feature contemporary Russian cuisine from the restaurant." 


Where did all the interest for this cookbook go?  Well I think we all know it was never there to begin with.  Marina and Michael are trying desperately to milk there 15 minutes of fame and turn it into money, but the problem is they are their own worst enemies thanks to the show and how they were portrayed.  Michael came across as a man without backbone who takes orders from his screw of a wife.  A wife who insulted his mother many times on national television, without a word out of him.  Marina came across as a loud, obnoxious, self-centered, materialistic, rude, shrilled voiced, controlling woman. 


Anyone who knows anything about publishing a book knows you have to have the interest of a literary agent and something to show them that will sell.  If you can do that, the agent will try to get interest from publishers and strike a deal.  What do Michael and Marina have to bring to the table?  Recipes from their restaurant and Marina's picture for the cover?  How much do you think that will be worth?  Just reading it make me laugh! 

Russian Dolls: Just When You Think You Heard Everything!

Just when you think you have heard everything in the realm of the absurd, something else comes along.  Today it's the news tweeted by Michael Levitis that Marina and Eva are in negotiations over a Russian talk show!  Yes you heard me right and he is asking for opinions, but I do hesitate to tweet him mine.  However, I will gladly pour my heart out here on the blog. 


First of all it should be in Russian for a Russian audience.  Eva's accent is a little too thick for the average American listener to understand everything she says.  Marina's voice is too shrilly and high pitched in any language not to drive people away.  I have to wonder whose bright idea this is, if in fact it's true.  Some times i think these cast members throw stuff out there on the internet to see if it will "stick."  Like Eddie did a couple of days ago when he said another network had picked up the show for a second season.  I really have trouble believing Eva and Marina were made any kind of offer for a talk show.  I think they are just saying that so maybe some producer will think it's a good idea.  It's not.


Picture credit: Michael's Twitter

Russian Dolls: Where Will They Go From Here?

Michael and son, Zev

Some of the cast will obviously go back to what they were doing before Russian Dolls hit the air waves.  Renata has a long career in radio and her own business ventures, as well as, hosting parties.  Anna is a model and has her own school to run.  Svetlana and her husband run their jewelry store.  And then there's Michael and Marina, who co-own Rasputin with other owners (we have been told in comments). 

Michael has been promoting Rasputin and Russian Dolls every chance he gets.  However, with the demise of the show, he has switched back to promoting his law firm, levitis law and his status on facebook reads: "I am pleased to announce my law office now provides debt settlement of 2nd mortgages/home equities and student loans, in addition to credit card debt settlement."

I thought he was going to lose his license to practice law after his legal trouble earlier this year with State Senator Carl Kruger.  You may recall an earlier blog where he pleaded guilty for his role in a scheme uncovered by the FBI.  Levitis was snetenced to three years probation and a $15,000 fine.  Maybe he will keep his license afterall.  However, it does make me question his and his firm's ethics in handling legal matters.

Maybe there is more drama behind the scenes of the Russian Dolls than there is on camera?  What do you think? 

Picture credit: Nikolai Komissarov

Russian Dolls: Recap Episode 7 “Cold Wars”

This episode opens with Diana and Anastasia at the tanning salon with Diana saying how good she has to look and how she gets her nails done every week. She thinks a “tanner” person looks better, but did she ever look into the risks of tanning? You know “skin cancer?” But, she thinks it looks “healthier to be bronze. She thinks people judge you on your looks, but maybe not everyone is as shallow as she thinks and she looks fine the way she is. Then she adds she is thinking of doing a tattoo lip liner! She realizes it’s permanent. And when she finds out the tattoo artist lives right next door, how can she not go? Well how about if 5 or ten years from now she regrets doing it or what if it doesn’t come out the way she envisions it? Diana actually says she is doing this to get a rich guy! And surprisingly, Anastasia voices common sense and tells her a Russian guy doesn’t just want someone who looks good, but someone who can take care of him and has a brain.

Marina’s House, my favorite place to be (insert sarcasm here). Marina, Michael and Eva are talking and Eva tells them it is going to be the 20^th anniversary of her father’s death. Eva says her brother and uncle will be going with her to the cemetery on the anniversary of his death and Michael says, yes they will all go. To which Marina immediately says, she doesn’t think she should go because she never even met the man! Michael tells her that is disrespectful. Eva says why she doesn’t know him and isn’t related to him. This woman has no idea at all of what it means to be respectful. She should keep her mouth shut and someone should explain to her that it is to show respect to her husband and mother in-law to attend as a family! She didn’t know the fashion designers, but she went to many parties during NY Fashion Week! And on top of that she doesn’t think her 12 year old son, Zev, should go either. She thinks he is too young to visit a cemetery. Michael and Eva disagree. It’s about showing respect to his great grandfather and Michael says it’s for him to learn to appreciate where he came from. Oh brother, she goes on to say that as his mother her job is to protect him from extra stress. And as Eva and Michael point out, it’s normal to have some stress in life and he needs to be prepared for that. Eva thinks Zev should learn about the history and suffering of his father’s side of the family. Marina, as usual, is being totally unreasonable. Eva is reduced to tears and Michael sees his mother’s pain. Eva is hurt and asks Marina if she can change her decision. Marina says it’s how she feels and as usual, Michael doesn’t stand up to her as the man of the house. He is the father and yet has no say. And, if I heard correctly, Zev is named after Eva’s father, all the more reason for him to go!

Anastasia and Diana’s apartment up next! What a joke! Tatiana, the tattoo artist, lives in apartment 7A and the girls live in apartment 7B! And Diana is just now learning that she is her neighbor and lives about three feet away? Diana explains she wants a lip liner and Tatiana explains the procedure step by step to her, making sure she knows lips are more sensitive. The discussion of the different size needles makes Diana freak out, but does common sense kick in and make her leave? After thinking about it a few minutes she decides to go through with it. But not now!

Does Marina look HOT?

Marina’s House again, oh brother. Michael tells her his mother is upset and guess what Marina answers, “I don’t care about your mother being upset, this is about ME being upset! You better care about me being upset, OK!” He says ok and pathetically walks away. Come on Michael, stand up to Marina, you let her bully you all the time! Marina says that she doesn’t want to traumatize her children, that’s it. Michael tells her she is blowing the whole thing out of proportion, which is true. He tries to explain to her that a cemetery is a place to reflect and remember the person, there are no dead bodies. But finally he says he is not going to fight with her over it. And, she also refuses to go.

Michael and Marina are at the furrier looking at coats. She says, it’s his job to buy her nice things, to pay her bills, and to give her a good life. But God forbid he gets any say in what goes on in the household? We see Marina trying on various items and Michael actually says one coat “looks hot on her.” (I am dying laughing right now.) Michael wants to get her a nice coat so she will change her mind about the cemetery. Marina was already on to him. Marina says there is no fur coat in the world that is going to make her change her mind. Ugh! Michael says he will respect her wishes. She puts on a $20,000 coat and he tells her it looks stunning…I think Michael needs an eye exam.

Back to Anastasia and Diana’s apartment. Diana’s parents stop by, isn’t that nice? She invited them over because she wants to hear their opinion about the lip liner tattoo. Really? She already knows what they are going to say and so do I and I never met them. Immediately they both say “NO” when she bounces the idea off them. Perfect. She explains why she has to have this procedure done. Every day she has to put on lip liner and every day it’s annoying…gee how lazy can you get? And she seems to think this will help her find a man in the future. Come on, is this the best the writers can do??? Please!Diana’s father is upset because she has always placed too much emphasis on her looks.

Damn, back to Marina’s house! Michael goes to talk to Zev. He plans to smuggle him out to the cemetery. He explains to his son that the family is going to the cemetery and why. He asks him if he wants to go. Zev answers, what is mom going to say about it? They get ready to go while Marina is out with her daughter. At the cemetery the family leaves rocks on the tombstone and prayers are said. Eva feels it is very important for Zev to have this experience, it‘s Russian culture. Michael wants his son to toughen up and also to know about the strong man his grandfather was. Then Michael tells his mother, you know Marina is going to kill me for this.

Eddie and Albert chat and Eddie says that Russian women go out of their way to make themselves something that they are not. Yet Eddie is forever trying to become the next Situation from Jersey Shore! Maybe that analogy with sink in with him?

What do you think?

At Anastasia and Diana’s place, Diana takes one last look at her natural lips. It looks like she might change her mind when considering what her parents said, however the show must go on and they need drama, so off to Tatiana’s we go. After applying tape to Diana’s lips, and not very neatly I might add, Tatiana takes out the needles and gets to work. Diana is screaming, presumably from the pain, if she is actually going through with it. She seems to be bleeding and saying OMG. We get a peek at it, I don’t like it. Then Anastasia says Diana is going to see her parents later that day. Why? Diana loves it as she looks in the mirror. I guess that’s all that counts. Seriously, I think it’s a mess.

Diana’s parents home. She tells them she had it done and they both think it looks ugly. After telling her how much they hate it her father asks her where she got the money to do it. She says she saved up. He is concerned about the way she spends money. Her father asks if it was an investment? Being sarcastic. She answers yes now she doesn’t have to buy as many pencils.

Marina’s home. Marina walks in and asks what they did all day. Michael says we’ll talk about it have a seat. Michael tells her he took Zev to the cemetery. Marina looks like she is having a convulsion! Michael says they wanted to respect her wishes but her wishes made no sense. Zev says he is leaving when the screaming starts. She yells they he took her child against her wishes and Michael finally answers, he is my child also. Then she explains how her vote is always above his vote, she is the mother. And it ends with Marina and Michael arguing and Eva leaving the house.

If you missed it and are dying to see it (sarcasm) try this link http://www.hulu.com/watch/279233/russian-dolls-cold-wars

Picture credit: Lifetime

Russian Dolls: Recap Episode 4 “Ruski Business”

The episode opens with Sveta telling her story of how she and her family came to the United States. She says they came right after Chernobyl happened. She feels she has a presence when she walks into a room and she makes a statement. She knows what she likes and isn’t full of herself, but she admits that she can be snobby. She admits to being a “material girl.” Her husband’s name is Sasha, and it appears that Sveta wears the pants in the family, as she berates her husband for not having a plan. He was a jeweler in Kiev for 10 years, so when they arrived here they decided to open a jewelry store.

Sveta says they have been trying to come up with ways to bring new business to the store so she decided to talk to Marina about doing a jewelry show at Rasputin. They meet to discuss it the jewelry “expo.” Sveta thinks the show will be mutually beneficial for their store and Rasputin as well. Marina launches into her spiel about Rasputin being around for 20 years and it being the most famous Russian restaurant in the world (I think she forgot a few, like the Russian Tea Room?).

At first, Marina says she was excited about the show, and she suggests a good time for it would be 5 to 7 PM, before the dinner crowd comes in. Sveta asks about Thursday, and Michael says they will have to open the restaurant especially for her party and it will cost a little extra. Sveta says when you do a show like this you are putting your name and reputation out there for people to see, so you want everything to be perfect. Michael says they will send out emails to their VIP client list, probably 10,000 names will be invited to the show. Sveta wants to know how many people will come out for the show out of 10,000 emails. Michael tells her to assume 50. She looks disgusted. Then Michael adds, the show will cost her $2,000. Sveta was shocked. She is haggling about the price. Michael says they are doing this as a complete favor to her. They have to cover their costs to pay employees, food and drinks. To try to appease her, Marina suggests that maybe they can work out a trade and Sveta can give her a piece of jewelry, that costs her $2,000 wholesale, in exchange for the show. Sveta says it’s a possibility, Russians like to barter.

Over to Anastasia’s home, she is talking to Eddie. They are in deep discussion about different ways to drink alcohol, again. Her ex boyfriend Vlad calls. They went out for four years and broke up 10 months ago. He has been calling and texting, trying to get back into her life. Eddie appears concerned for Anastasia, he says when he thinks of them together all he sees is Anastasia crying on his shoulder. He hurt her a couple of times. Vlad invites her out to lunch for the next day. She agrees to go at 3, and Eddie asks if she is getting back with him. She says she is terrified to get back with him, it’s just lunch. Eddie reveals that he and Anastasia made a pack that if they are both still single in 5 years, when they are 30, they are going to get married. Eddie thinks she deserves better than Vlad, he’s a “douche-bag!”

Back to Sveta, who says she had a bad feeling about the whole deal regarding her show. She decides to meet with Marian and discuss the details. Marina says they have about 25 people who responded yes to the show. Her first inclination was to cancel the show. The whole point of the show is to attract customers from Rasputin. However, Michael wants her to pay for a set number of people which they may not get. If there are not 50 people at minimum, she feels she is over paying. Sveta says, “Just because someone presents themselves as rich and famous, it doesn’t mean they have more class than anyone else.’ ZING! Marina is getting annoyed because they agreed on the price and now Sveta has all these concerns. Sveta wants to make sure she is getting something out of the show. Marina says even if she gets one customer and sells a nice piece, the show will have been a success. Marina says the show hasn’t even started and Sveta is going into it with an evil attitude. Marina’s formula: “they gonna come, they gonna see, they gonna like, they gonna buy” simple.

Anastasia meets Vlad and she is scared because the last 10 months have been hard on her. They discuss why they broke up, she asks if maybe he wasn’t ready to be in a serious relationship. He says he didn’t know what he was doing at 23. He feels bad because they were fighting and broke up over no real reason. Anastasia says being with him felt natural and so right. When he takes her hand, she knew this wasn’t just a talk, and then they get cozy.

Over at Marina’s house she is getting ready for the jewelry show and even has a makeup artist doing her face, like she is a star. Tell me, who has a makeup artist in their home? Michael walks in and asks how her meeting with Sveta went yesterday, like we are supposed to believe Marina could keep her mouth shut for 24 hours about how annoyed she was with Sveta. Nevertheless, we will play along, as she tells him it was very stressful (for the first time @@). She tells Michael they were going to discuss the details when Sveta just started attacking her and accusing her of overcharging. Michael says so why bother doing it, cancel it. Marina says no they can’t cancel, people are coming. Sveta then tells her husband how Marina was talking to her at the meeting and waving her hands. Marina says Sveta is delusional, she is trying to be a pig and trying to get every penny out of her!” She doesn’t want to understand that this is how much it takes to cover their costs. Sveta says Marina thinks she is perfect, a fashion whore, and think she has the best clothes and jewelry in the world. Marina swears after the show they are done forever.

Back to Anastasia and Eddie at her home. She tells him she is having the best time with Vlad. They are together every day. Eddie thinks she is nuts. She says no, because they are taking it slow and it feels good. She knows it is going to lead to them getting back together. Eddie is not happy and says he doesn’t trust this guy and doesn’t know what Anastasia is thinking. She insists Vlad has changed. Eddie says if he hurts her again he is going to kill him.

Over at Rasputin the jewelry show is about to start. Both Sveta and Marina have bad attitudes that can only end up with them clashing. Sveta is expecting to see at least 50 VIPs, great service, great food and an open bar. If they don’t deliver it will be a complete waste of time and money for Sveta. Marina just wants to get through the two hours and move on. The show starts and there seems to be quite a few people there. Marina is mingling with the customers, but Sveta is standing there with her arms crossed looking very unapproachable. Sveta says, she is very disappointed because she doesn’t feel she will even make enough sales to cover the cost of the show. Marina is promoting the jewelry store and the merchandise and says the husband is a sweetheart. Then Marina adds if Sveta gets involved there are no deals…what? How can this help sales? Now, Sveta is completely disgusted with the “open bar” and says, it has the cheapest vodka and some red stuff. No champagne, no wine, nothing! And the food, she wasn’t happy with that either. She feels they presented the show in the worst possible way and it was a total waste of time and money. Michael and Marina are the ultimate hustlers.

The show is over and it’s time to settle up. Marina is trying to pick out a piece of jewelry to pay for the cost of the show. Sveta feels that Marina would not be happy with anything worth $2,000, and Marina feels Sveta is dishonest and a cheater. Sveta is yelling $2,000 for pigs in a blanket and you call that an open bar? Michael says they were just giving them the space. Sveta was totally disappointed in the services provided. The arguing goes on between Sveta, Marina and Michael, Sasha tries to step in. Michael says “if you want to stiff us, stiff us.” Marina says she doesn’t want anything from her at this point. She doesn’t want to be abused by this b!tch. Marina says they have no class, that’s it! If she wants to look like a thief in this community, go ahead.

Back to Anastasia’s where she invites Vlad over for some wine and a hot tub session. They are very lovey dovey and she sees it as a new chapter. She wants more communication from him, he says one step at a time. While they are kissing in the hot tub, Eddie calls to invite her out, his call goes unanswered. Then Vlad picks up Anastasia in his arms and carries her into the bedroom. Shuts the door.

My turn…well the clash between Sveta and Marina was bound to happen and of course that is exactly the kind of drama the show wants. I think it was close to a tie. I don’t know Sveta as well as Marina, but from what I saw of the show I think Sveta had some excellent points. Marina would not serve VIPs cheap vodka or pigs in a blanket and the open bar looked bad even to me, a nondrinker. However, Sveta did agreed on the price ahead of time and if she felt she was getting ripped off she should have cancelled the event rather than create bad blood. The truth of the matter is that I think Lifetime actually paid for the jewelry show and it was their idea. They got a lot of video out of it and drama. So I do not think Marina or Sveta were out any money, though they may not really like each other.

Anastasia can’t make up her mind about anything. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. As much as I hate to agree with Eddie, and I do, he is right on the money about not trusting this guy, Vlad. Anastasia says they are taking things slowly, but obviously not slow enough. She should be focused on school and getting her degree. She sure doesn’t need another distraction from doing that. Good luck Anastasia.

Picture credit: Lifetime

Russian Dolls: Dinner Party Bonus Scene!



The dinner party at Michael and Marina's house is all about how they show off their wealth.  They aren't wealthier than other communities, Michael admits, however what makes them different is they like to flaunt their wealth.  Marina says they live in a big house, they have people over and are always entertaining people at their home.  Michael adds they go with the philosophy of "live for today." 

Here we go again!  Michael and Marina not only flaunt their wealth, they are proud of the fact that they do.  What is wrong with that?  It comes across in a very bad, tasteless and classless way.  There is something in this behavior that is saying, "Look at how much money we have and how successful we are, we are better than everyone else."  There is a certain snobbiness in how they speak about their wealth.  Marina thinks it makes her a socialite and maybe in her little community it does, but it ends there.  In fact she is so into this delusion of grandeur that she belittles her own mother-in-law for being herself.  I really believes she thinks that her money increases her importance and her value as a human being.  She values material things more than people, that is how she is coming across time and time again.  That is the lesson they are teaching their children.  To have value as a human being, you have to have money and nice things.  And because she acts so superior she treats those under her as "less than."  It simply shows a lack of class and grace.

Video Credit: Lifetime

Russian Dolls: Michael and Marina Levitis Interview!

A new interview and great pictures of Michael and Marina Levitis is up on runyweb.com right now! We will just give you a few of the highlights and provide a link at the end for the entire piece. There is also a video of the interview there for you to watch!

The interview was conducted at their Rasputin Restaurant, where there will be a party Thursday night to launch the show’s premiere episode and season. Marina begins by explaining how they were contacted by Lifetime to do the show. According to her, Lifetime was looking for a show that is mostly about women, mainly in their 30’s-50’s, to fit in with their viewing audience. So Marina feels Russian Dolls will be more of a Real Housewives Of Brighton Beach type show more than a take off of Jersey Shore.

Various cast members will be portraying their own stories and interests within the Russian community and culture. Family members of some of the cast and their relationships, will also be featured on the show. Marina says there is no script, they aren’t actors, it is based on their lives and reality. Michael reveals there is also plenty of drama on the show, that reflects the conflicts in their real lives.

Both Michael and Marina say they like the name chosen for the show, despite the protests of the community and they explain why. They also feel the show will boost revenue for the community by making it much more well known and bringing in tourists.

The interview is quite lengthy, but well worth the read if you are interested in Russian Dolls! Follow the link for the entire piece and video: http://www.runyweb.com

Please save the link to our blog in your favorites as we may not be able to continue posting them on Facebook for you.



Picture Credit: runyweb.com

Russian Dolls: Premiere Party At Rasputin!

With just three days until Russian Dolls premieres on Lifetime, it's about time we all start making plans for watching the debut episode. And what better way to launch this exciting new show than with the Russian Dolls themselves? Michael and Marina Levitis, and the cast will be hosting a party for the premiere at the famous Rasputin Night Club, on Coney Island Avenue in Brighton Beach, and it looks like we're all invited!  They say the whole cast will be there!  In case you cannot see the number it's 718 332-8111!  Is there anyone you'd like to meet?  Check out our blogs on many of the cast members and get a little insider information before the series starts.

So, will you be RSVPing?  I know we will! 

By the way, have you read our blog on Rasputin? It's a very impressive nightclub. Check it out at: Rasputin Nightclub

Picture source: http://yfrog.com/z/ke1puqej

Russian Dolls: Michael Levitis Gets Probation

Michael Levitis leaving court.

After some shady dealings in trying to bribe State Senator Carl Kruger and lying to the FBI about it, Rasputin owner, Michael Levitis was sentenced to three years probation and fined $15,000.

Levitis was allegedly acting as a “go between” between business owners and Kruger over some help in an official business inspection. Kruger faces several corruption charges himself in a large bribery scheme that may end his political career and land him in prison. The sentencing of Levitis comes one week before the premiere of Russian Dolls, dubbed Bighton Beach’s Jersey Shore with Russians. Michael and his wife, Marina, and mother, Eva, will be featured on the show.

One of the most criticized scenes has nothing to do with sex and drinking, but with Marina treatment of her mother-in-law, who enters a talent contest for grandmothers. She is quoted as saying “Stupid thing went on forever” and It was never-ending torture.” Eva, who is 56, wins first prize at the talent contest, but her family walks out on her.

Russian Dolls premieres next Thursday, August 11^th at 10:30 PM ET.

Picture Credit: Daily News

Russian Dolls: Interview with Michael and Marina Levitis



In an interview with russianny.com, the owners of the Rasputin nightclub try to reassure the Russian community that Russian Dolls is not going to be another Jersey Shore.

They say they were approached about 18 months ago about the show and that they agreed to do it with the understanding that they would represent a positive influence in the community where people in the entertainment industry go to eat and socialize. The difference between the two shows is that Russian Doll will represent three generations, from the young to the more mature at various stages of their lives. They feel it’s a good opportunity to spread knowledge and understanding of the Russian culture in New York. They hope that the show will bring attention to Brighton Beach and increase the revenue of local business by bringing tourists there.

For the entire interview visit: russianny.com

Russian Dolls: Rasputin Nightclub

The Inside of Rasputin!

The Rasputin Nightclub, along with it’s owners, are being featured on the new reality series, Russian Dolls. The owners are Michael and Marina Levitis. According to the review in New York Magazine, this is not the place to go to if you want a quiet dinner. It provides a traditional Russian dining atmosphere where guest like to dress up, drink and dance. There is a cabaret band, singers, a dance floor, and stage for a 30 minute Vegas style show. The food is delicious and included many Russian specialty dishes as you would expect. There are also continental choices. The fixed price banquet is $75 per person ($100 on Saturdays) with a minimum of four people. The nightclub is lavishly decorated Check out their elaborate website below where you can information and pictures about their menu, shows, concerts and special events.

Michael and Marina

Michael, Rasputin's owner, is also a lawyer in danger of disbarment because he is in some hot water with the law. Michael is allegedly involved in a political scandal of corruption with State Senator Carl Kruger. Michael has already pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators in a case that goes back to 2007. Levitis was taped telling another restaurant owner that if he held a fundraiser to raise campaign funds and handed over thousands of dollars, Kruger would help him with state matters. Kruger himself was charged with accepting over one million dollars in bribes. It remains to be seen if Lifetime will exploit this corruption scandal as part of the storyline of the show.

The Show!

Picture credit: Rasputin website Rasputin