Traditional versus modern Blini — which wins?

I've now had Blini prepared traditionally and in a modern interpretation. Both are interesting. The traditional version emphasises sour cream smetana in the way Russian New Year table is the most important annual food event, laden with Olivier salad, herring under fur coat, and other Soviet-era staples. The hearty and warming character is more pronounced and direct.

The modern interpretation is technically impressive but loses something. The a family New Year table context for the traditional version adds meaning that plating alone can't provide. kefir with the traditional version made more sense than with the modern. Traditional wins, but the modern is worth trying once.