Spice level warning — Olivier Salad is not what I expected

I underestimated Olivier Salad. The savoury and satisfying description didn't prepare me for the reality. sour cream smetana brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

the Russian tea tradition using a samovar is centuries old and central to social hospitality. The a dacha summer kitchen setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. vodka cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.