Russian Tea Time- revisited

Highly Recommended ***** It has been a long time since I visited Chicago’s Russian Tea Time on East Adams. There is a new ownership, the restaurant appears brighter, the front awning and signage are no longer there, and the menu seems “lighter”. However, the staff seems younger, more in tune with today’s diners and the menu filled with treasures. Russian dining is a little different if you are a vodka lover ( and let’s face it, when you think vodka, you think Russia) you will find a selection of vodkas like you never have seen before. They have many “flights” that are served in shot glasses, along with dill pickles and of course rye bread. TRADITION!

Once everybody has their various sized shots of vodka, a toast will be made. “To your health,” works in many cases. “To love” is usually the third toast. Basically, feel free say something positive or maybe even humorous :-). It is also common to toast to your host, to parents, to children, etc.

Just after the toast is made, exhale sharply and then throw back you shot. Sipping is not usually an option but can be tolerated by some. Sometimes I cannot/will not drink the entire glass depending on the situation. You should do what makes you feel comfortable because you are trying to have a good time – no need to demonstrate false bravado at the expense of ruing the experience.

As soon as you swallow the vodka and before your brain has a chance to question what you’ve just done, eat whatever food you’ve placed on the table. The pickles and rye bread are perfect. For some reason, eating the pickle slice and some bread ( some people just sniff the bread) allows one to drink more and never feel the results of overeating. I had three quick shots and a full glass of “ginger” vodka and never felt as if I had enjoyed more than I could handle. The Russian way seems to work!

Our Server, Natalie knew her menu and along with the manager, Enesh, made sure that we were able to taste a true sampling of favorites. The ladies ( Jane and Vicki enjoyed Moscow Mules, and Alan had a glass of wine. They have a liquor menu that is amazing. Of course, Russian Rye bread was a constant on the table. We started our dinner with Ukranian Borscht ( sweet and sour soup of beef,beets, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and tomatoes). Add a dab of sour cream and you are sipping a taste of heaven. FYI-This is not the borscht you find on the shelf at the market. It is almost a stew, and could easily be a filling meal.

We also enjoyed the potato latkes and the mini potato Piroshkies. FYI- Russian dining includes a number of potato dishes, each having their own identity and flavors.

We then had one of the traditional Russian Caviar plates- Spoonball- blintzes, chopped red onion, egg salad, sour cream and one ounce of Caviar- Amazingly, this dish served all four of us.

For our entrees, Moulard Duck Legs (two roasted Moulard duck legs served with Madeira wine-berry sauce, sauteed sauerkraut on a bed of mashed potatoes with poached prunes and raisins. The second was the classic Beef Stroganoff ( lean sirloin beef sauteed and simmering in whipped and sour cream,Madeira wine, mushrooms,onions and dill. Served with buckwheat kasha mixed with noodles, carrots and beets). Delicious with tantalizing taste.

There are a number of menu items that are “family style platters”, seafood, vegetarian and beef, making this a true something for everyone experience. The room itself is well appointed and if you look closely you will see many items that are very Russian. For our dessert, we enjoyed some honey cake and a napoleon. Of course, the crowning touch Russian Tea- OF COURSE!

Going back to this Chicago landmark was a memorable experience. The new menu is a delight as is the staff. Russian Tea Time is located in the heart of the city, very near to the theaters, the symphony, Art Institute and Auditorium ( they will soon be open again) and of course Millinium Park and Grant Park. The phone number is 1-312-360-0000 and website is www.russianteatime.com

Hours:

Sunday 11 am-8 pm

Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-8 pm

CLOSED MONDAYS

There are garages downtown with special rates in evenings, but you should also be able to find street ( metered) spots on Adams as well as Wabash

I know we will be going back for sure!