If you were asked what is Russian food, what would your answer be? Never having been to Russia, I would probably give a blank stare, then say "Vodka."
Obviously, Vodka is not a food. It is made from potatoes, right? So my next response would have been potatoes. Then I would think about Russian salad dressing, isn't it red? Though I always wondered, since its red like ketchup, but doesn't taste like ketchup.
This week I had the opportunity to eat Russian food. If you are ever in the Copper River Valley, south of Kenny Lake, make sure you visit the Tonsina River Lodge. Recently the establishment was purchased by a Russian family. The menu features some delicious traditional Russian and Siberian dishes. Around mile 80 on the Richardson Highway you will find the Tonsina River Lodge nestled alongside the Tonsina River. From the highway, it doesn't look like much, as most Alaskan highway roadhouses don't appeal to everyones taste from the outside.
Pulling off the highway there are several visible structures on the property. A large one story trailer style dormitory, littered with oversized trucks and summer construction vehicles parked out front. The main lodge is a derelict run down three story building. Most of the windows appear broken out, vegetation snaking up the sides. The restaurant is built into a long building adorned with signs advertising liquor and Russian food.
Coming through the arctic entry screen door and into the main bar room feels as if entering a rustic roadhouse. I was waiting to see scoundrels and rascals hanging from the bar, staring into me as I entered. Instead, the music didn't stop, and no one stared me down . The far side of the establishment was partitioned and decorated differently. Hardwood tables line both walls of the main dining room. Framed photographs of Czars hang from the walls intermingled with birch bark crafts and a typical Alaskan motif.
Over the course of two nights we tried four different entrees.
Machanka, a skillet of roast beef, smoked sausage, and diced ham atop chopped potatoes. A nice tomato sauce mixed throughout and bound together with cheese. My (and our) personal favorite.
Blinchiki, crepe like burritos filled with a variety of meats, diced vegetables, and an egg like substance.
Shashluki, simply chunks of beef on a skewer with onions.
Cheburki, a flattened chicken breast, lemon sautéed, then baked inside a pie crust style croissant.
You don't have to take my word for it. If you pass mile 80 and the Tonsina River Lodge, stop for some good food, the best around!
Pulling off the highway there are several visible structures on the property. A large one story trailer style dormitory, littered with oversized trucks and summer construction vehicles parked out front. The main lodge is a derelict run down three story building. Most of the windows appear broken out, vegetation snaking up the sides. The restaurant is built into a long building adorned with signs advertising liquor and Russian food.
Coming through the arctic entry screen door and into the main bar room feels as if entering a rustic roadhouse. I was waiting to see scoundrels and rascals hanging from the bar, staring into me as I entered. Instead, the music didn't stop, and no one stared me down . The far side of the establishment was partitioned and decorated differently. Hardwood tables line both walls of the main dining room. Framed photographs of Czars hang from the walls intermingled with birch bark crafts and a typical Alaskan motif.
Over the course of two nights we tried four different entrees.
Machanka, a skillet of roast beef, smoked sausage, and diced ham atop chopped potatoes. A nice tomato sauce mixed throughout and bound together with cheese. My (and our) personal favorite.
Blinchiki, crepe like burritos filled with a variety of meats, diced vegetables, and an egg like substance.
Shashluki, simply chunks of beef on a skewer with onions.
Cheburki, a flattened chicken breast, lemon sautéed, then baked inside a pie crust style croissant.
You don't have to take my word for it. If you pass mile 80 and the Tonsina River Lodge, stop for some good food, the best around!
2 comments:
I would guess lots of root vegetables, turnips etc and meats. Then I would guess if it was not a root vegetable it would be soaked in vinegar...don't ask why.
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