In downtown Donetsk, there are many restaurants that attempt to be all things to all people. Like Tequila Sushi Boom Boom (a Mexican-Sushi fusion joint), Mafia! (a hybrid pizza, sushi, and French restaurant that gives you a free shot of limoncello to start your meal), and Taba$co Country Cooking (actually, I have no idea what this is). Avoid these places, fellow journalists. … Read More
Quick Snack: Ukrainian Steeped Tea
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