The Moscow-Berlin Cafe, located across the street from Belorussky train station, is a great place to have a business lunch or chat over a cappuccino.

I intended to lunch with a business colleague; however, at the last minute he had to cancel. I don't particularly like eating alone, but it turned out that I would have plenty of company after being directed to a table by the hostess. She seemed very German in demeanor, and I thought for a second that maybe this was the Berlin connection, but looking around the place made me realize that its decor is actually styled after a vintage train that used to run back and forth between the two capitals.

As soon as I sat down, two young waitresses, both named Natasha, presented me with a menu in Russian. Both smiled warmly and seemed happy to serve me.

When it comes to food my Russian language skills are limited, so I asked the Natashas for a suggestion under the proviso of "no fish, no fowl." They patiently described what was on the soup and salad menu, then the main course menu. In the end I could not decide. One Natasha suggested that she be allowed to surprise me with a salad and a main course. As Lady Luck is a good part of life in Moscow, I thought I had little to lose. As she wrote my order down, the second Natasha asked me what I wanted to drink. I ordered water, to be followed by a cappuccino with dessert. With my order settled, I decided to have a look around.

The decor of the cafe is simple. Soft lighting, soft music and green walls create a relaxing environment. The wait staff wears smart dark-green uniforms with matching ties. The furnishings are modern but subtle. My table was a piece of art. A thick pane of see through plastic resting on a large wooden block carved in the figure of a naked woman arching her back in such a way that the pane of plastic settled on her breasts and lower torso.

The wall next to me also had an interesting object: A carved figure that reminded me of a stoic-looking Sisyphus with an open chest cavity shining smooth yellow light on my table. I certainly did not feel alone.

Lady Luck was on my side; the large green salad that one of the Natashas brought to my table was wonderful. The vegetables were fresh, and the oil-and-vinegar dressing accompanying the course was perfectly mixed. Along with the salad, a basket with three kinds of fresh dinner rolls graced my table. With the first course gladly consumed, my accidental companions and I waited a total of eight minutes for the main course.

Two for two: The other Natasha served me a plate of sliced pork medallions smothered in a delectable spinach sauce. Served with broccoli and cooked tomatoes, this course was just the right size for a mid-day meal.

The Moscow-Berlin Cafe specializes in desserts. I noticed that many of the cafe's customers see it as a bakery, dropping in for take-out. This writer counted at least twenty-two flavors of ice cream and at least fifty kinds of pies, cakes, torts, and other sweet delights. I settled on a slice of freshly baked lemon tort topped with a tasty vanilla sauce. My choice was brought to me along with the cappuccino I ordered at the start of the meal – I did not have to remind the Natasha duo.

Sipping my hot cappuccino with a generous helping of chocolate on top, I came to the conclusion that the Moscow-Berlin Cafe was a three-for-three success. When the bill came I was just as pleased: The whole meal cost 621 rubles. I paid the bill, left a generous tip for the waitresses and bid them farewell, making a mental note to return soon.