Loire Lover -
May I first ask whether your trip is some sort of an organized tour, or if you are doing this entirely on your own? Presumably a tour would provide lodging and a number sightseeing side trips, perhaps even a meal or two.
Please let me know. I can definitely recommend some less-than-obvious places for lunch, dinner and your most important wine-free meal of the day, breakfast. And some places to stay at. Particularly, in St.Petersburg; I will need to refresh my memory regarding Moscow. But it would also be good to know whether you plan to dine with a large group or in a more private setting.
Sightseeing - do you like well planned visits to famous cathedrals and museums, or would you wonder off and explore the city on your own once in a while? You can of course do a bit of both.
Hope I can be of some help.
SK
Rocks, thanks for a very useful report. Exactly what one needs to know as far as whether to order "simpler" or to take some chances. I ate here a few months ago and did order more straightfoward dishes (along the lines of Jon's entree) and they worked out very well, with an added touch of delicacy which made the entrance fee worth it. Next time you are in the neighbourhood, maybe you should try Boulud Sud, only a few blocks up. See what you make of it. And they have a great sommelier on the floor, who I am sure could speak wine/food language as well.