It was deceivingly attractively with intricate designs that spoke to old world opulence and newly acquired money. Outside of the three-story, black-bricked building with smoky-colored bricks and rod-iron enclosures, there hung black awning over authentic Tiffany windows bearing block-style, red lettering that simply said Mother Russia. Nothing foreboding or intense radiated from the space; in fact it was extremely inviting to tourist and local Memphians seeking authentic Russian faire. But it wasn’t just the foreign cuisine or the top-drawer service that brought people to the restaurant; it was the urban legends that surrounded the name. Only a few years back, a blood war between the two Medlov brothers erupted onto the streets of downtown, killing tens of men, some of which were police officers, others who were mob bosses. The singular event caused the family to flee for years in order to repair the damage that was done. However, even in silence, the story only grew both in whispers and online.
