Russian Roulette Bread, Chocolates, Dates, Raisins and Poppy Seeds!!  

Our Russian Trip:   In the 1^st Promotional Video used to advertise the trip, North American organizer Jim Allen ended every segment with the phrase: “Great Russian Food”!! **

While some may think that “Great Russian Food” is an Oxymoron, Lois, as in Lois McCormack, decided to demonstrate that indeed there is such a thing as Great Russian Food and to make her point she went on line and located this Menu! (Click on menu to read)

Of course we needed a test audience, so we invited the 4 couples in the immediate area of our home in Lakeland, those going on the trip with special guests Jim and Beth Allen who are the North American Organizers.  (Dieter Hussmann and wife Birgitt are taking care of the Russian component!!)  Dinner was served at the McCormacks on Sunday, March 06th, 2011.

Yes, we had Vodka!!  Yes, Russians seem to use Wine when they cook > and Vodka too!!  If the food we sampled during advance preparations is any indication, Russia Does Indeed Have Great Food!!  More importantly, the comments following dinner proved the point beyond any doubt!!! 

Those attending the Great Russian Dinner were Alfie & Carm Mangan; Harry & Donna Parrott; Stan & Lois of course; Roy and Doreen Norman of Sterling Park & Jim and Beth Allen of Allen R. Shuffleboard Company of Seminole, Florida. (click on pix to enlarge)

Each of our Guests was very gracious with their expression of appreciation which included Wine, a bottle of Great Irish Whiskey and Flowers.

The next morning this arrived in our In-Basket:

Dear Lois and Stan, We have not stopped talking about what a wonderful time we had with you last night.  The entire evening was so special.  So wonderful to get to know new friends and visit with familiar ones!!  And the GREAT RUSSIAN FOOD!!!  I just shared the menu and pictures with my co-worker, Ellen, and smiled widely about every course and how fabulous each one was.

Lois, I am in awe of your culinary skills. I don’t remember an evening we have enjoyed more.  Thank-you for giving us such a special night.

Sincerely, Beth and Jim.  (Allen)

I don’t think I have to tell you that we had a most enjoyable evening.  I don’t think I have to tell you that the topic of conversation, the catalyst, was SHUFFLEBOARD!  

AND NOW YOU KNOW THE ORIGIN OF “GREAT RUSSIAN FOOD”!! (BY JIM ALLEN)

Stan 2014 01 31.

** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cndKH1W_lSA (Video by Jim of the North American Participants; the video introduces the NA Travelers)