The Solyanka I grew up eating — memory as a review

I grew up eating Solyanka and have strong opinions shaped by memory. The version here triggered that recognition in the first bite — the rich and dairy-forward was right, salted herring was handled the way it should be.

the Russian tea tradition using a samovar is centuries old and central to social hospitality. Growing up it was always a Moscow restaurant, which shaped my reference point entirely. kvas alongside it is the only way it makes sense to me. It's hard to be objective about food you have emotional history with, but objectively: this is very good.