We declined dessert , opting instead for mint tea and some heavenly rose-flavoured macaroons and jellies , but as we finished our wine , a confection of griottines and lemony panna cotta appeared , around which in neat chocolate calligraphy were the words " happy anniversary " .
By his own account , he lost an early job after sharing a dish reserved for high-ranking visitors-a classic russian confection of beef , cheese , sour cream , mushrooms and potatoes-with ordinary moscow customers .