Ask a Russian

[red_elk]

Have a good one!

 

[Zardnaar]

Have a good one!

We had 4. Plan was to have a few more but the wife wants to go. Had 2 more Russian ones and some NZ craft beers to sample.

Wouldn't buy the Stout again, bought a dozen of the Russian APAs/IPAs.

 

[FriendlyFire]

The total death toll seems rather low
You still going ahead with Parade ??? well Yank has 2 Mil confirmed and they are reopening the country anyways.

Russia's total coronavirus cases exceed 520,000
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia reported 8,706 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, raising its cumulative tally above 520,000 as data showed that more than 2,700 people infected with the virus had died in April.
With 520,129 cases, Russia has the third-highest number in the world after the United States and Brazil. Its official death toll stands at 6,829, many times lower than the figure seen in other countries with serious outbreaks.
The Kremlin has denied any problem with its official data after the World Health Organization (WHO) said Russia’s low death rate was “difficult to understand”.
Moscow’s health department this week raised its death toll for May, citing changes in the way it determines the cause of death for patients suffering from other health problems.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...coronavirus-cases-exceed-520000-idUSKBN23K07Y

 

[red_elk]

Soviet city planning and apartment architecture.
The microdistrict idea was pretty good IMO. I used to live in one of such areas and having most of amenities in walking distance was very convenient.
Today city planning mostly depends on local authorities and there are many different approaches to it.

 

[Zardnaar]

Soviet city planning and apartment architecture.
The microdistrict idea was pretty good IMO. I used to live in one of such areas and having most of amenities in walking distance was very convenient.
Today city planning mostly depends on local authorities and there are many different approaches to it.

Lol I watched that exact video yesterday along with one on American suburbia and city planning.

Our cities were badly planned. Local one was done in UK without a topography map so you have narrow streets designed for wagons on big inclines.

Video is accurate enough?

 

[red_elk]

Video is accurate enough?

Yes, it's correct.
I wouldn't say it's a national tradition to watch "Irony of Fate" every year though.
Movie is pretty good, but not worth watching more than 2-3 times. Some families turn it on in the background to create "New Year's eve" atmosphere before celebration

 

[red_elk]

National park in Primorye. Siberian tigers, endangered species.

 

[Ferocitus]

I recently read about an interesting town in Siberia named Akademgorodok.
Would you say that it is known by nearly all Russians, in the same way that every American knows where "Silicon Valley" is and what it is famous for?

 

[red_elk]

Not sure about nearly all, but it's quite well-known in Russia, yes. One of major research centers organized in USSR. Back then they were functioning like separate cities, usually closed for unauthorized visits. So-called "naukograds", doing research in nuclear, space, military and other fields. They were usually considered as good place to live.
Today they are less different from ordinary cities, only as places where many universities and research centers are concentrated.

 

[Ajidica]

I learned there is a Russian/Ukrainian/Belarussian food market near where I live. Unfortunately, there are basically no English labels on anything (and most of the labels appear to be a Cyrillic cursive, which I understand even native speakers can struggle with). Is there anything I should keep an eye out for that is particularly tasty? The cashier and store assistant tried to speak to me in what I think was Russian, but as I can barely say yes/no/thank you in Russian, I can't really ask them for help.

 

[red_elk]

I learned there is a Russian/Ukrainian/Belarussian food market near where I live. Unfortunately, there are basically no English labels on anything (and most of the labels appear to be a Cyrillic cursive, which I understand even native speakers can struggle with). Is there anything I should keep an eye out for that is particularly tasty? The cashier and store assistant tried to speak to me in what I think was Russian, but as I can barely say yes/no/thank you in Russian, I can't really ask them for help.

I'm pretty sure they speak English, at least most of them Assistant probably assumed you are Russian.

If they make blini (thin pancakes with various stuffings) somewhere, I'd suggest to try them. They may sell frozen pre-made ones, they are not as good.
Other option is to buy a can of red caviar and make these:

For beverages - try kvas.
Russian sweets are also good, ask for zefir, pastila, or pryaniki (gingerbread-like stuff)

Edit:
There are more exotic stuff, like selyodka (pickled herring) or Ukrainian salo, but I'm not sure you'll like them. If you want to try, you'll need also rye bread or at least potatoes with them. Onions and vodka are optional

 

[Ajidica]

I'm pretty sure they speak English, at least most of them Assistant probably assumed you are Russian.

If they make blini (thin pancakes with various stuffings) somewhere, I'd suggest to try them. They may sell frozen pre-made ones, they are not as good.
Other option is to buy a can of red caviar and make these:

For beverages - try kvas.
Russian sweets are also good, ask for zefir, pastila, or pryaniki (gingerbread-like stuff)

Edit:
There are more exotic stuff, like selyodka (pickled herring) or Ukrainian salo, but I'm not sure you'll like them. If you want to try, you'll need also rye bread or at least potatoes with them. Onions and vodka are optional

Thanks!
I've had salo before when I was in Ukraine. I thought it was some time of cheese so I put a whole chunk into my mouth straight - not doing that again!
Unfortunately, I cannot stand the smell of vinegar, so most pickled foods are right out, which by extension means a lot of Russian cooking.

Incidentally, I've been trying to remember the name of a drink I had fairly often in when I was in Ukraine/Belarus. It was a thick fruit drink, probably strawberry, crossed with yogurt. Any idea what it might be?

Also, what are some common blini fillings? Recipe looks easy enough to try making on my own.

EDIT: Lastly, are there any traditional Russian dishes you would recommend making? I have plenty of time to try new things with Covid.

 

[red_elk]

Unfortunately, I cannot stand the smell of vinegar, so most pickled foods are right out, which by extension means a lot of Russian cooking.

Herring is usually pickled in brine, without vinegar. But yes, it may taste weird if you aren't got used to it.

Incidentally, I've been trying to remember the name of a drink I had fairly often in when I was in Ukraine/Belarus. It was a thick fruit drink, probably strawberry, crossed with yogurt. Any idea what it might be?

Thick fruit drink might be kisel

Also, what are some common blini fillings? Recipe looks easy enough to try making on my own.

They are good with pretty much anything or without stuffing at all. Common fillings are minced meat, braised cabbage, sour cream, cheese, jam, quark, caviar, mushrooms. Whatever you like.

EDIT: Lastly, are there any traditional Russian dishes you would recommend making? I have plenty of time to try new things with Covid.

My favorite are blini and okroshka. It's a cold soup, very good in summer. But you'll need kvas to make it. If somebody tells you can make okroshka with kefir, don't listen to them. Okroshka with kefir is abomination . Common recipe usually includes sour cream for dressing, but IMO mayonnaise is even better.
Olivier salad is also worth trying.

 

[Zardnaar]

Any real difference between blini and crepe?

I use different fillings on pancakes than Russians but the basic recipes seem to be runny pancakes.

 

[red_elk]

Any real difference between blini and crepe?

Don't know. From the description they are made of slightly different types of dough.

 

[red_elk]

Funny, our foreign ministry officials say that out of 650,000 football fans who arrived in Russia in Summer 2018, more than two thousands never left.
Their visa-free period was extended till the end of 2018 and I believe, extended again in 2019.
But now those who didn't obtain visa or permanent residence, are considered illegal migrants.

 

[Zardnaar]

Funny, our foreign ministry officials say that out of 650,000 football fans who arrived in Russia in Summer 2018, more than two thousands never left.
Their visa-free period was extended till the end of 2018 and I believe, extended again in 2019.
But now those who didn't obtain visa or permanent residence, are considered illegal migrants.

No big surprise that's a very small % though. Something like 0.3%.

Call them overstayers here. They come here legally but don't go home before visa ends. It happens.

 

[Ferocitus]

After the "election", there's only one question everyone wants to know the answer to...
Were there any politicians involved who were as interesting as England's Lord Buckethead?

 

[Yeekim]

So, Putin is good to go for another 14 years.
Congratulations for everyone involved

 

[Zardnaar]

Putin 2034 MAGA.