A Tinder match, an exodus from war, and a restaurant on their heads: A Russian couple's journey to Argentina

In the heart of Argentina, a Russian couple, Ksenia Romantsova and Konstantin Voronin, have established a unique restaurant named Musgo. The establishment boasts an organic ambiance, featuring Patagonian stones, a large shrub lamp, and vertical gardens, creating a serene dining environment.

Romantsova, who speaks Spanish fluently, learned the language during an exchange program in the United States where she initially went to study English. Her fascination with the language led her to further studies in St. Petersburg with Latin American and Spanish instructors. Voronin, on the other hand, admits to knowing very little Spanish upon arrival, learning primarily through immersion and a brief period of study with a teacher when the restaurant opened.

Their culinary journey began with a dish that captivated Romantsova on their second date: black hake. Voronin, who had previously worked on a ship traveling between Ushuaia and Antarctica, discovered and became fascinated by Patagonian products. This experience inspired him to create unique dishes, a stark contrast to the basic meals of Romantsova's childhood, where her doctor parents often prepared simple soups or pasta for the week.

The couple's story is a blend of pandemic serendipity and culinary passion. Romantsova was managing a clothing store in St. Petersburg when she was sent to open a new branch in Rostov-on-Don, where Voronin lived. The onset of the pandemic upon her arrival meant she had to isolate, without knowing anyone in the city.