Finally a Traditional Russian Meal

Though we previously spent nearly two months in Russia, up until last week we had never sat down for a traditional Russian meal. It never happened in Ryazan because we didn't speak the language and we really didn't have anyone who could translate for us. Here however, Jeff has a translator (several actually!) and a very generous group of co-workers who offered to take us out for a meal and some sightseeing.

The traditional Russian meal does not differ too much from a traditional US meal, but there are of course some differences. The beginning of the meal focuses on the one thing all Americans would expect of Russians: Vodka. When we first entered the restaurant, we checked our coats, and were instantly offered a shot (vodka for the men and sweet brandy wine for the women). After the first shot we began to realize why vodka might be so popular here. We were both rather chilly from walking around outside, and that shot started a fire in our bellies that really warmed us up!

We then sat down and the group immediately ordered a bottle of homemade flavor infused vodka. These types of vodka are very popular and are made in flavors that are not too common in America. Everyone has seen citrus, vanilla, and berry flavored vodka, but have you ever tried sweet grass, black pepper, or even garlic? Well we can now say that we have had not one, but two shots of radish flavored vodka. I have to say, it was a completely unique taste; very different than anything I have ever had. But surprisingly, it was not bad! Russians are very big on eating some sort of snack while drinking any type of alcohol, and each drink seems to have its own coordinating snack. Our radish vodka came with a piece of dry rye bread (very popular in Russia) with two pieces of fish on top. Very interesting!


After the flavored vodka, the regular vodka came out. With the vodka came the corresponding snacks, which consisted primarily of raw fish, mushrooms, various vegetables, and three different types of bread. It was not all that unlike something you may see in America. Every so often there would be a break in the conversation and one of our generous hosts would announce a toast and a shot of vodka would be taken by all. The toasts were very similar to American toasts: good company, good food, beautiful women, cooperation, good health, etc. Each time a shot was downed the waitress promptly refilled the shot glasses so we were prepared for the next toast. While it is considered strange to take your vodka any way but straight up, we were served a mix if cranberry juice and water on the side in case we needed a chaser after each shot.

After a few more shots and some snacks our soup arrived. Soup is very popular in Russia and is always served with lunch, and sometimes served with dinner. We have noted that Solyanka and Borsch seem to be the most popular varieties. Solyanka is an onion based soup with many vegetables and either fish, meat, or vegetables. Borsch is a beet based soup with a few vegetables and sometimes some meat. At this meal we had a meat Solyanka which was very good.

After the soup came the main course. These were very similar to something we may order at an American restaurant: beef in a red wine sauce and brazed pork. Of course there were more shots of vodka to accompany our entree.

After the main course they insisted that we eat a dessert, so we shared a bowl of ice cream with chocolate shavings. We felt a little awkward since we were the only ones eating dessert (they are not very popular in Russia), but it's hard to turn down ice cream!

The meal lasted about two hours, and we were absolutely stuffed by the end of it (and also a little tipsy from the countless shots of vodka). It was such a good time and we were so glad that we were able to finally experience a somthing authentically Russian!

Back in the Motherland

Hello all! We know its been a while, but we are still alive and we are back in Mother Russia. Last time we were here we were in the city of Ryazan, which some of you may recall was not necessarily our favorite place in the world. This time however, we are in the fabulous city of Nizhny Novgorod, which is just so much better.

The first week here we felt like we were at summer camp in Northern Wisconsin. The higher powers had us stay in Kstovo, a small suburb of Nizhny Novgorod, which was closer to Jeff's job site. We stayed in a small "hotel" in the middle of the woods. We use the word "hotel" lightly, as it was not one building, but rather a collection of smaller cabins spread throughout the property.

To further the campy feel, there was also a central dining hall for meals and a few sporting activities spread throughout the grounds.

The rooms were huge and we had access to a kitchen, but there was no where to go besides the hotel property and there was no internet access or cable television.

So while it was nice to relax for a week or so, we were very excited when we were moved to our current hotel, which is located in the city, has free wireless internet, and has English TV! Now that we are downtown there will be much more time to explore the city and enjoy our month in Russia!