Here is the last in a series of gags with 'Sergei' the fat lion.

Ever since I'd finally met Michael Setzer (the creator of his leonine 'fursona') at the 2001 edition of "AnthroCon", I'd been trying to think of other situations where I put his character. The opportunity finally arose in the year 2002, when I had learned that one of New York City's major dining icons - The Russian Tea Room (located just east of legendary Carnegie Hall) - was closing its doors forever, I just had to have 'Sergei' show up on its last day of business. Regrettably, he never got to sample some of its Soviet cuisine, as he was unable to get through the front entrance (for obvious reasons)!

My RL self never had the chance to dine at the RTR either, but I'll still remember the place, after seeing its interior in a scene from the Woody Allen movie "Manhattan".

And wherever 'Sergei' may be, to this very day, here's hoping the big cat can still find a decent restaurant... preferably with a larger entrance (and NO revolving doors)!

'Sergei' © Baar_Bear
Artwork by RobCat

ADDENDA: I had recently returned to midtown Manhattan in June, 2017. While strolling down 57th Street, passing by Carnegie Hall, I'd discovered that the Russian Tea Room had reopened (under new management). So, my gag with 'Sergei' won't be deemed outdated anymore...