Saviv is an Israeli Bistro in St. Petersburg, Russia. Its name means “surroundings” in Hebrew, and it sits between the Moyka River and Griboyedov Canal in the city centre. In 2018-2019, I was visiting St. Petersburg regularly to see friends, and the city always seemed to be calling me back. In Russia there is an expression, “If you need to make a decision, go to St. Petersburg.” I always felt relaxed and reflective there. Saviv became one of my favourite places in the city. I enjoyed its combination of modern design and dark 19th-century furniture. There was a piano with built-in candelabras, which guests could play. One sunny day I spontaneously took out my pen and sketchbook to make a record of the special atmosphere there.
