August 16, 2026

Dine Like It's the 1940s


Dine Like It's the 1940s
Just like Grandma used to make. I mean scrounge. Mamaliga. Vervin, Wikimedia Commons.

On August 6, independent Russian news outlet Govorit NeMoskva reported on a Krasnodar culinary studio's "Historical Dinner-Lecture: 186 Days of the Occupation of Krasnodar" event, in which diners can experience the food of Russia during the Second World War, specifically the city's occupation by German forces. The experience reportedly promised guests a "gastronomic journey" where each dish represented a phase of the occupation of Krasnodar.

Per the article, the five-course "Dinner-Lecture" began with sparkling wine, cranberry punch, and crab salad, reminiscent of the "prosperity and optimism of the late 1930s." From there, the fare deteriorated, reflecting conditions in the war-torn city: for instance, runny mamaliga (polenta) with sunflower cake crumbs and lukewarm water, and recreated Red Army and Wehrmacht rations.

When a local paper announced the unusual event, there was public outcry in Krasnodar that the initiative was tasteless (in more ways that one). The organization behind it, the culinary studio "Vilka" ("Fork"), subsequently released that it would be revisiting the event, maintaining its spirit and concept while making it more palatable to the community (also in more ways than one).

 

You Might Also Like

No Water on the Peninsula
  • July 23, 2026

No Water on the Peninsula

Due to Ukrainian strikes on energy facilities, residents of northern Crimea are facing water shortages.
Plov Diplomacy
  • June 29, 2026

Plov Diplomacy

Russian and Uzbek researchers hope to see growing use of local culinary traditions for diplomatic purposes.
Beefing About Rations
  • June 17, 2026

Beefing About Rations

A fraudulent operation sent 170 tons of barely edible rations to Russian soldiers.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

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. 

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.

 
Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

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.

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

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.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, 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