Russian markets

[groovlstk]

Although we live about a 30-minute subway ride to Brighton, it's not really convenient for us to shop there. So as pathetic as it seems, after nine months together in the US we made our very first trip to a local Russian market this past Saturday. It's located in the suburb of Fair Lawn, NJ, which meant we were able to drive there easily, and they had a deli, farmers' market, and liquor store.

I'm sure for most of the married guys and RW here this stuff is familiar. I was happy to find the liquor store stocked many different Russian beers and vodkas, I came away with a case of Baltika 9 (it's a bit strong, though: 8% alcohol  ).



 

[bgreed]

You know funny thing we all think Balitka is pretty good beer, but when I told ELena this she looked at me like I was crazy as she considers Baltika not much better than piss in a bottle

According to her the best beer comes from Belarus.  Unfortunately she couldn't remember any specific names.

[ScottinCrimea]

The beer is called Devyatka there because it's 9% alcohol and actually it's not a bad beer, expecially if you want to get drunk for less money.  Sure beats the heck out of the 3.2% colored water that they sell in Utah!

I've never heard anyone say that the best beers come from Belarus.  I'm curious now as to what brand this is.  Maybe I just never knew where it was from.

[Rags II]

We are blessed to have many European Markets here in Sacramento. There are at least five within a fifteen minute drive (or less) of us. It's nice to have those comfort foods and a taste of "home" when you are so far away. Even when we were living up in the Sierras it was well worth the two hour round trip to get some goodies.

My wife's favorite beer is Obolone but that may be because it's made in her hometown. I prefer vino myself...

[groovlstk]

On our first date, my wife bought us each a bottle of Miller Genuine Draft as we strolled along Old Arbat. I told her it was crap and that I preferred Baltika, but she and all her friends drank Miller (and paid more than double what Baltika cost 

This past weekend we entertained two Russian couples. My wife hasn't had much luck making friends in the local Russian community but we all had a great time and we'll definitely invite them back. I made fresh salsa (based on a recipe from a place outside Austin called El Carbonaro) which they killed, I was pleasantly surprised since it's a bit spicy and most Russians I know don't enjoy spicy food. I also made fresh pizza and took care of the drinks. It was funny because I could see the women were really uncomfortable in seeing me do all the kitchen work, but I love to cook and since my wife takes care of the household during the work week I try to let her relax on weekends. When I finished making the last pizza and joined everyone at the outdoor bar the women relaxed visibly

[Todd]

Kate and I ready your post about how you cooked this weekend.  You are making me look bad.  (If I'm not careful, I might wind up cooking in the near future.)  Seriously though, I'm happy to hear you had a fun weekend.  Also, it looks like you make a mean pizza.

Todd

[Shadow]

We have found a Russian shop in Rotterdam that gives a regular supply of Russian food.
Unfortunately they do not have the license to sell vodka, so we are still testing the brands they sell in Dutch shops. Most are either spirit-based with less 'weight' and tase nowhere like the real stuff.
And as our Russian stack finished, we have to wait to get some 'real' vodka. 

[Rvrwind]

You know funny thing we all think Balitka is pretty good beer, but when I told ELena this she looked at me like I was crazy as she considers Baltika not much better than piss in a bottle

Quite similar to American beer actually...

According to her the best beer comes from Belarus.  Unfortunately she couldn't remember any specific names.

Obviously she's never had Canadian beer, even most Americans I know prefer it to their own brands. Nothin' better than a plate of Screaming Hot Buffalo wings, an extra large pizza with the works (minus anchovies) a case or two of ice cold Kokanee a couple of friends & a feudal football game between the Calgary Stampeders & the Edmonton Eskimos season opener!!!
From the Bottlers themselves:
Kokanee is a Pilsner Style Lager with 5.0% alcohol v/v

    Kokanee is brewed in Kootenay's of B.C. by the Columbia Brewery. It is B.C.'s most popular beer and contains no preservatives and is aged naturally. The glacier fresh taste of Kokanee is captured by making the beer from pure, fresh, mountain stream water. It uses 3 malts and a blend of western grown North American Hops.
    Brewmaster's Notes: It's a smooth, clean and light hopped beer with a suble aromatic aroma.

[Jet]

Of the Canadian brands, I always liked the "real" Brador and Moosehead if it had been kept cold from the factory to avert becoming "skunked"