Ever had Russian food?

CAN YOU SAY FEAST!?!?!!?   Alex Zhdan,  a friend of mine is from Russia and invited myself along with the rest of our bible study group to try his country’s food..Not only that but experience what it’s like to have a night with a Russian family…  With a gleam in his eye and a huge smile Alex said “YOU HAVE TO TRY OUR FOOD AND EXPERIENCE OUR CULTURE!!! YOU WON’T BE DISSAPPOINTED!!!”  All I can say is that he was not exaggerating one bit!

As we arrived we were greeted by the host, Vitale, his wife, and their family who were so inviting you felt as though you were part of the family.  I could sense that this was not the first time they have done this from how they all seemed so relaxed and content.

Before dinner Vitale invited us into the family room to sit and learn more about us and share about him and his life.  I always find it interesting to hear the lives of those who come from other countries and how they make a life for themselves and generations to come.  What an amazing testimony from him.. One thing I admired is the work ethic they all possessed.. Something passed down from generations of hard-working families trying to provide for their kin.  He is the father of 9 children and is leaving a great legacy for generations behind him!  What an amazing witness!

As we prepared to eat Alex invited the rest of the family and guest in the family room to bless the food and Vitale prayed in Russian. How cool!!  Even though I could not understand a word he said I could feel the sincerity in his voice of thanks that we were there and the thankfulness for his family and the hard work at preparing the meal.  I felt so good to be there!

THE FOOD!!!!!!!  Mmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!  The picture says it all!  This was what I faced. I wanted to try everything and  I did, along with having seconds!  The first dish was Borsche, as soup made of beets, tomatoes and were told to top it off with sour cream. WOW! You need to try this! I could have eaten the whole bowl, but I was trying to hold back as  much as possible.  The other dishes consisted of rice pilaf with beef, Russian Quiche, crepes filled with meat, salad with Herring on the bottom(MMMmm!!!), and another salad that one of the son in-laws, Igor, called “Daddy’s favorite salad.”  A phrase made by his little daughter.  It was one my favorites too!  They also had another dish, chicken stuffed with mushrooms….Mouth watering!!  Finally we were served deserts, a tray of deserts lemon cake and honey cream cake!  I could have stayed there all night, but of course the beautiful taste of heaven had to end.

All this to say if you are ever invited to have an authentic Russian dinner, do not pass it up, and if his name is Vitale, definitely go!  You will never regret it!  I will forever cherish December 4th 2011 as my Russian Experience!  What an amazing night!! Thanks to Alex, Vitale, Igor, Jeano, and the rest of the hard-working women of their family for preparing one of the best meals I have ever had!!  God Bless you all!!