Festive in Florence: Celebrating Orthodox Christmas (Part 2)

Dinner began with a refined aperitif at Caffe Dell’Oro, an elegant restaurant of the Portait hotel, and was paired masterfully with a performance by virtuoso cellist Maxim Beitan.

Maxim Beitan

Mila Anufrieva, Valeriano Antonioli, Faina Fridman, Ekaterina Bataeva

Uberto e Stefania Gucci, Mila Anufrieva

Soprano Olga Romanko shone as the star of the evening, having performed a rendition of the traditional “Moscow Nights”, and the colorful Bridisi aria from Verdi’s “La Traviata”.

The entire audience was, indeed, stunned by Olga’s performance—even distinguished Italian actor and TV-show host Marco Columbro could not pass up the opportunity to join her in harmony.

Marco Columbro, Olga Romanko

Mila Anufrieva, Elisa Piccini, Laura Strambi

Svetlana Voloshina, Mila Anufrieva

A true Russian celebration is never complete without crepes, caviar, and vodka!

Great appreciation to the evening’s sponsor: premium brand Volzhenka, whose generous support allowed for the dinner tables to be graced with the acclaimed delicacy.

Abovementioned chef Peter Brunel was also responsible for the delicious dinner menu, thrilling guests with stunning edible masterpieces.

Anastasia Perlukhina, Noora Sultan, Annada, Ekaterina Bataeva

Diego Roggero, Laura Strambi, Franco Gervasio

Yul Hanchas, Sergei Klimov

The marvelous evening provided the guests with countless opportunities to envelop themselves in exciting new experiences; it’s no wonder no one wanted to leave! The celebration of Orthodox Christmas in Florence, in the company of Mila and her entourage—what could be better?

Marzia Risaliti, Mila Anufrieva, Marco Columbro

More importantly: when’s the next party?