DAY THIRTY SEVEN - Tuesday May 1
Blogging blogging blogging update in the AM. Off to dinner with Grisha and Pisha to friends of the former's.
This was the family of a young woman who Gregg met when he went to see a friend of his (and this girl's voice teacher) in concert. The young girl - Alina - is studying to be an interpreter and was excited to speak with someone in English. Gregg befriended her and her family and they graciously invited us all over for an astounding Russian dinner. We were picked up by Sergei (the girl's father) and driven about 10-15 minutes to their apartment. It is small by NY standards but very comfortable and impeccably clean and ordered. And smelled divine. Upon entering, there were hugs all around and such openness, warmth and compassion - which seems to be fairly common here amongst the VERY gracious Russian people we have met.
Alina's classmate was there - Vita. As well as Svetlana (the chorus master at the theatre), her husband and adorable son, Dimo. Alina's mother, Clara, was the chef. And what a chef. Everything was prepared in a small galley kitchen but was beautifully presented, arrived on time, all ready at the right time, and all delicious. And there must have been 15 dishes. Three or four different salads, a world-class borscht, main dish (where they made chicken special for me), blinis (Russian pancakes) filled with all sorts of different selections (caviar, raspberries, etc.). But let's talk about those blinis for a minute. They were PERFECTLY made. Perfectly round, perfectly browned on both sides - not too much - just right, the perfect consistency - really fantastic.
Here's the table:
Here's the Borscht - with sour cream, of course.
Here are Svetlana and her adorable son
Here is the table halfway through the meal. Take a look at that perfect pile of pancakes!
Here's the group:
From L to R: Patti, Alina, Gregg, Vita, Clara's sister, Clara, Svetlana's husband, Sergei, Svetlana and me.
Patti treated us to one of her party tricks!
Patti's new best friend, Dimo.
There was also much to drink. vodka (of course), cognac, wine, whiskey and a few other things perhaps - and lots of toasting. All glasses much touch all other glasses for each and every toast.
It was very exciting for us to see how people actually live here. This was such a nice family. Patti and I left before Gregg so we could do work. But we will not forget the hospitality, the tastiness and the open arms.
Back to work tomorrow - after what seems like eons - but it was really only two days.
Blogging blogging blogging update in the AM. Off to dinner with Grisha and Pisha to friends of the former's.
This was the family of a young woman who Gregg met when he went to see a friend of his (and this girl's voice teacher) in concert. The young girl - Alina - is studying to be an interpreter and was excited to speak with someone in English. Gregg befriended her and her family and they graciously invited us all over for an astounding Russian dinner. We were picked up by Sergei (the girl's father) and driven about 10-15 minutes to their apartment. It is small by NY standards but very comfortable and impeccably clean and ordered. And smelled divine. Upon entering, there were hugs all around and such openness, warmth and compassion - which seems to be fairly common here amongst the VERY gracious Russian people we have met.
Alina's classmate was there - Vita. As well as Svetlana (the chorus master at the theatre), her husband and adorable son, Dimo. Alina's mother, Clara, was the chef. And what a chef. Everything was prepared in a small galley kitchen but was beautifully presented, arrived on time, all ready at the right time, and all delicious. And there must have been 15 dishes. Three or four different salads, a world-class borscht, main dish (where they made chicken special for me), blinis (Russian pancakes) filled with all sorts of different selections (caviar, raspberries, etc.). But let's talk about those blinis for a minute. They were PERFECTLY made. Perfectly round, perfectly browned on both sides - not too much - just right, the perfect consistency - really fantastic.
Here's the table:
Here's the Borscht - with sour cream, of course.
Here are Svetlana and her adorable son
Here is the table halfway through the meal. Take a look at that perfect pile of pancakes!
Here's the group:
Patti treated us to one of her party tricks!
Patti's new best friend, Dimo.
There was also much to drink. vodka (of course), cognac, wine, whiskey and a few other things perhaps - and lots of toasting. All glasses much touch all other glasses for each and every toast.
It was very exciting for us to see how people actually live here. This was such a nice family. Patti and I left before Gregg so we could do work. But we will not forget the hospitality, the tastiness and the open arms.
Back to work tomorrow - after what seems like eons - but it was really only two days.
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