Sasha Kogan, salami consultant at the Russian General Store
The fabulous rustic Alpino salami is $8.99 a pound, the Russian smoked ham is $6.49 a pound, and the ready-to-eat hunter’s sausage called kabanosy is $4.79 a pound. Pastry-filled meat pockets (pierohi) are $.70 each.
The entire spread cost me $6.66 total.
If you speak Russian, you’re all set. You can also muddle through by pointing at the cold cuts, as the counter help does speak a little English. But if you want some culinary advice in English, ask for the owner’s daughter, Sasha Kogan, 23. She is an aspiring classical music composer who sells salami by day -- let her compose the picnic platter of your dreams. – Robb Walsh
The Russian General Store, 9629 Hillcroft, 713-721-7595. Open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
I just discovered this place was a food emporium a month or so ago and I love it. I am currently working my way thru the salamis then will take on the other sausages. I'm looking forward to trying the Russian hotdogs and I haven't even looked at the cheese case yet.
Best thing I've found - bologna! I haven't had a bologna sandwich in decades but I've enjoyed some honking big ones lately.
Some of the cookies are good, too. I like the fruit filled ones in a royal blue package that are, according to the back of the package, scalded spice cakes of long term storage with sugar icing with fruit and berry filling - Black Currant. (There's also a cranberry variety and maybe others).
For pickles and Olivier salad (Russian Potato Salad) however, I prefer Golden Grains over RSG.
Posted at: April 27, 2008 12:55 PM