April 20, 2021

Repeat Offenses: Mothers Grieve a Spectacular Repast


Repeat Offenses: Mothers Grieve a Spectacular Repast
Perhaps not the most comfortable perch to cook a meal. "File: Eternal Flame, Obelisk of Glory, Togliatty, Russia.JPG" by ShinePhantom is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

It was not the first time, and is likely not the last: a woman chose the wrong spot for her spectacular repast...

Will they ever learn?

In early April, a woman was caught sautéing a quick meal over the Eternal Flame of the “Grieving Mother” Memorial in the town of Pushkino near Moscow. The police quickly apprehended the 65-year-old woman.

When asked to explain her transgression, she responded: “But what did I do? We’re not used to eating in restaurants.”

She will be tried under article 244 of the Russian Criminal Code: "Desecration of the bodies of the dead and their burial places."

This isn't the first time we've reported on memorial flame hibachi chefs. Last year, picnickers suffered the same temptation: on May 24, 2020, two young women in their early 20s attempted to grill meat over the Eternal Flame of the Tomb of Workers and Sailors on Yakornaya Square in Kronstadt.

Acts, surely, that give many a mother good reason to grieve.

You can view a video of the newest culprit enjoying her socially-distanced grub here.

 

You Might Also Like

A Tender Tartar Dish
  • July 01, 2000

A Tender Tartar Dish

Shashlik a la Tartar is the featured dish this issue, with a delectable plum sauce... No summer could be complete without it.
Soviet Fast Food
  • September 01, 2011

Soviet Fast Food

A look back at the many variants of Soviet Fast Food.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
October 01, 2013

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.

 
Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955