On Gogol, how culture and help ease the spirit, and a treasured Ukrainian recipe.

This Russian sweet pastry has turned heads since ancient times. Because it's still delicious.

“About the dangers of alcohol, volumes have been written on the benefits of more than one brochure! From lack of education, we walk for five days and crawl for two! And, on Saturday morning, Russia from space looks like.”

– An unintelligible sign alerting Muscovites to the effects of alcohol.

The minimum price of vodka, set by Russia's Ministry of Finance, has been raised. Barely.

The governor of Moscow Oblast pushes for pelmeni in schools, despite resistance from the federal government.

Russian fans of Friends can have the ultimate immersive experience at four themed cafes.

In this week's Odder News, Russians are not happy with their gifts, an underwater winter wedding, and cooking for President Putin.

Fiscal sanctions may be devastating for an economy, but food sanctions are a punch to the gut.

Russians put mayonnaise on everything. Even robberies, apparently.

The pirog is quite capable of holding the flag as the most important dish in Russian cuisine. It is a filling, generous, and hearty meal, containing all the major food groups (vegetables, animal protein, grains, and bread) rolled up in one.

An annual Russian competition to decide the best school cafeteria cook in all the land was held recently.

One brave Russian journalist has done great service for the world’s population of domestic cats by taste-testing their vittles.