Ukrainians have embraced coffeeshop culture: it’s a place for a warm cup, a pastry, and most importantly – wifi. (This has to be one of the most wifi-accessible countries I’ve ever been to). But if you’ll skip past the section of syruped lattes, you’ll usually find a strange and colorful tea selection. Here they steep their tea (usually black, though I’ve … Read More
Dining in Donetsk: Borjomi
I wasn’t really familiar with Georgian cuisine – or so I thought. But after we ordered the bulk of the menu at Borjomi, a Georgian restaurant in downtown Donetsk, I realized I’d seen all these things before, in various incarnations in other countries. While everything was new – and in Russian – it was all, somehow, familiar. Cheese-filled bread? Check. Here, … Read More
Dining Behind Walls in Kabul, Afghanistan
The heart-breaking truth about the security situation in Afghanistan is that it’s become nearly too dangerous to go out to eat. Which is bad enough, as a person visiting or living in Kabul — but it means that many restaurants are simply closing, going under. Dozens have been making their living here in a vibrant and diverse food scene. That … Read More
Mukhtar’s Afghan Eggs
My friend Mukhtar whipped up this quick and delicious dish in Afghanistan, but it’s so simple it can be made anywhere around the world. Bonus: serve it in the skillet you cook it in and you’ll save time on clean-up! Spicy and light, this is perfect for lunch or a very quick dinner – serve with a salad and you … Read More
Dining with Diplomats: Cafe du Soleil in Geneva, Switzerland
When diplomats descend on this sleepy Swiss town for high-level talks, it’s easy to get stuck in a lobby, choosing the most moderately-priced sandwich on the highest-priced hotel menu you’ve ever seen. If $50 burgers and $35 gin & tonics are your thing, I can highly recommend the lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel. But for a more authentically Alpine experience, … Read More