ExGingi's 3 generation wedding & Pesach trip to Russia.

[ExGingi]

Some western brands seem to be available (seemingly by local branch or franchise). P&G and Unilever detergents seem to indicate a Russian address.

[ExGingi]

I went on Erev YT shopping for some produce., mostly searching for Romain Lettuce. We first went to wholesale markets, got some nice mangos (limited qty), nice grapefruit (from Turkey, there were also Chinese sourced).

We then continued to a supermarket called EuroSpar, and it was a different world. It was a western style supermarket, with beautifully arranged fresh produce, a fresh herb section in the refrigerator that was constantly sprayed with mist. We got there all the Romain Lettuce we needed, about 50 Hass Avocados, some pineapples and mangos. I don't think they ever before saw anyone take the kinds of quantities I took there.

The lettuce was from Iran. Produce is sourced from Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Egypt, and more.

[Dan]

Is the trust level (and hospitality for newcomers) so low in CLE that EVERYONE needs to try it?

Owner said it was great.

[ExGingi]

Owner said it was great.

כל מקום שנאמר עד הרי כאן שנים, עד שיפרוט לך הכתוב אחד.

So you accept the OWNER'S testimony (who has a financial interest) over EVERYONE who tried it?

[ExGingi]

I probably ate more meat during my time in Russia than I do in a year. I definitely had more lamb chops in Russia than I did in my entire life before coming to Russia.  It's probably as popular here (in the circles I was around) as chicken nuggets in the US.

[ExGingi]

I went on Erev YT shopping for some produce., mostly searching for Romain Lettuce. We first went to wholesale markets, got some nice mangos (limited qty), nice grapefruit (from Turkey, there were also Chinese sourced).

We then continued to a supermarket called EuroSpar, and it was a different world. It was a western style supermarket, with beautifully arranged fresh produce, a fresh herb section in the refrigerator that was constantly sprayed with mist. We got there all the Romain Lettuce we needed, about 50 Hass Avocados, some pineapples and mangos. I don't think they ever before saw anyone take the kinds of quantities I took there.

The lettuce was from Iran. Produce is sourced from Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Egypt, and more.

DS reported that he stopped today at a different supermarket and saw beautiful avocados, but when he checked he saw they were from Israel, so he didn't buy.

[ExGingi]

When you get a response like this, the person you're communicating with didn't switch to an English keyboard.



Ок vs Ok.

[yelped]

When you get a response like this, the person you're communicating with didn't switch to an English keyboard.



Ок vs Ok.

 

[EliJelly]

I probably ate more meat during my time in Russia than I do in a year. I definitely had more lamb chops in Russia than I did in my entire life before coming to Russia.  It's probably as popular here (in the circles I was around) as chicken nuggets in the US.

What is the explanation for that? Is the broader population not into meat so much so there is less overall demand, leaving more available for those who want it at better prices,  or have the Russians figured out a way to better farm cattle and sheep than Americans?

[ExGingi]

What is the explanation for that? Is the broader population not into meat so much so there is less overall demand, leaving more available for those who want it at better prices,  or have the Russians figured out a way to better farm cattle and sheep than Americans?

I can only speculate based on the following factors:

1. All domestic Shechita, no imports. (All kosher Shechita in Russia is Lubavitch).
2. Lower wages at processing plants.
3. Less hands between Shechita and retail (or food service).
4. Maybe less regulations and labor laws.

[ExGingi]

We plan on spending the last days in Lubavitch. Should I revive the poll regarding the Berezina?(weather is expected to be around 70+). It will bez"h be the first time in over 100 years that Seudas Moshiach will be held there. We will be joining about 30 people that are already there.

[jj1000]

Price per pound of kosher Lamb/Steak/Chicken in USD?

[ExGingi]

Price per pound of kosher Lamb/Steak/Chicken in USD?

TBH I didn't check. I will see if I can find out.

I should also post a picture of how chickens come (I'm not sure if I will have a chance, as phones in the kitchen are against my Pesach rules). I think any US balebusta would have a fit from the amount of feathers left on the wings of a neatly packaged chicken for retail sale.

None of the kosher store websites seem to be working, so I will check in person if I have a chance.

[Dan]

Any plans for Rostov?

[ExGingi]

Any plans for Rostov?

Not this time. Simply not doable with airspace close to Ukraine border being closed.

[ExGingi]

Price per pound of kosher Lamb/Steak/Chicken in USD?

If I understand the receipt I got and have my math right about $1.90/lb for whole chicken. About $5.50/lb for beef roast.

Feel free to interpret differently.

[ExGingi]

Just booked my DME-CAI leg in J using Lifemiles HC mixed cabin (luckily found something bookable online) 15,270 LM + $59.98.

Revenue fare currently $1030.79. Yesterday there was no award availablity and revenue price was $783.79

[ExGingi]

If I understand the receipt I got and have my math right about $1.90/lb for whole chicken. About $5.50/lb for beef roast.

Feel free to interpret differently.

$5.50 is probably shoulder roast.
~$6.30/lb for rib eye roast.

[ExGingi]

We came to Lubavitch for the last days (without my married daughter and her family).

This time we came on a 19 passenger Sprinter rather than a coach bus. Everyone came off aching. But after a while it seems like everyone is OK (though a little sleep deprived).

Gavriel Gordon is here with his family, as well as several others (I am told 30 people besides for my family).

IDK if I'll have a chance to update here before YT (or for that matter before getting to CAI for the layover on our way back). But I am taking pictures that I hope to post along with comments.

@AsherO, no blotteh today either. Weather is picture perfect and expected to be the same over YT. I am thinking of giving the Berezina another try this afternoon.

It is definitely not "Mostly cloudy" now. Blue sky with some scattered clouds.

[AsherO]

Must be really interesting drinking 4 cups at seudas moshiach so close to where the practice was instituted.