Cultural discovery through Olivier Salad

Olivier Salad opened a door into a cuisine I'd previously known almost nothing about. The subtly sour from fermentation flavours are unlike anything in my usual rotation and I mean that positively. the Russian tea tradition using a samovar is centuries old and central to social hospitality. Understanding that context made the dish taste different — richer with meaning.

I learned that sour cream smetana is central to this cuisine's character, not just a seasoning. The a dacha summer kitchen setting was authentic and helpful for understanding what I was eating. vodka completed the picture. A genuinely educational meal.