■CHEF'S CORNER Nazdorovye! Vodka – a noble yet often misunderstood, misused and mistreated drink. Originating in the early 1200s in Russian monasteries, vodka was created as a medicinal elixir for treating wounds, until finally about a century later it was fine tuned to its purest form, making it good enough to drink. Making good vodka is difficult, and true vodka must be made with rye, wheat and yeast. Vodka made from other products like potatoes or rice is just not the real deal, albeit delicious. Vodka, a spirit, that has been around for longer than any other is most associated as the drink of Russia. It has been said that Peter the Great drank a glass of it for breakfast to build up strength. His high tolerance to it was said to inspire fear in all the haters who doubted his awesomeness. Ivan the Terrible served it to visiting ambassadors to make them more pliable to his will. For many, a night of vodka drinking with Russians can be an extraordinarily terrifying event – in a good way, of course. Here’s a hint on how to survive such night, the key is in knowing how to drink. There are three simple rules: First, drink it chilled. Second, drink it pure – not mixed or flavored. And third, Zakusivay! (translated to: eat salty and fatty bites with each shot). Vodka etiquette is taken very seriously. Although it is second nature to us, Russians and Ukrainians still practice basic rituals when drinking. Three-Shot Ritual: Traditionally, dinner starts out by taking three chilled shots with snacks before the main course. The first shot is for health, the second is for your mom and dad, and the third is for world peace. Celebration Rituals: Smashing shot glasses against a wall at a wedding or when sending somebody off on a journey is considered good luck. Drink for the Dead: Family day at the cemetery (yes, that is a thing), usually entails a small picnic with vodka and snacks. Yet, while drinking at the grave, no clinking should be done when toasting the dead. Vodka has famously made its way into all aspects of life, it’s not just for drinking. Before commercial hair products, the spirit was used as a scalp cleanser to clear up dandruff. Mixed with oil it’s a great polish for wood furniture or marble. If you wear glasses, try rubbing your lenses with vodka, it’ll keep them from freezing this winter. Rub it on your skin and it is said to repel mosquito and bee bites. It’s believed to soften leather and to help stretch out tight fitting shoes. Wrapping vodka soaked cloth around your neck helps with colds, tonsillitis, and toothaches – I’ve tried this one myself. But most of all – it is delicious and fun. Come try our unique vodka drinks at Bear. Sasha, my business partner and sidekick, creates world famous Russian-themed cocktails with items like dill, rossol, brine, birch sap, and honey. Try Sasha’s many unique infusions and I’ll toast with you to world peace! Chef Natasha Pogrebinsky Executive Chef and Owner of Bear Restaurant 12-14 31st Ave., LIC www.bearnyc.com www.ChefNatasha.com CHEF NATASHA POGREBINSKY Vodka Photos courtesy of BearNYC.com “Classic Zakuska Platter” (small bites to have with vodka shots) Serve these with chilled vodka at your next get-together 1. Ice cold vodka (chilled in the freezer at least 48 hours) 2. Deviled Eggs – topped with salmon roe 3. Pickles – sliced, tossed with oil, vinegar, and fresh chopped scallions 4. Fatty Fish – herring or sardines in oil, topped with sliced onions, lemons and side of country bread 5. Roasted Beets – chopped, mixed with a little mayo, fresh dill, salt and pepper 6. Fatty Sausage – grilled or roasted bratwurst, or blood sausage, and side of extra sharp horseradish.
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