Alyonka Russian Cuisine

08 Saturday Feb 2020

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Alyonka Russian Cuisine, Beer and Food, Beets, Blinz, Buy Local, Comfort Food, Cultural Differences, Dessert, Dinner at Alyonka Russian Cuisine, Dinner with Marnie, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

borscht, Russian cuisine

A very good and exciting visit to Alyonka Russian Cuisine at 2870 W State St., Boise. (208) 344-8996, and it’s a good idea to call ahead for reservations.

From their website, “Born and raised in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan, Elena DeYoung is the event coordinator for Boise’s popular Russian Food Festival. She’s organized the fundraiser at St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church since its humble beginnings 14 years ago. Back then, church volunteers baked in her Meridian home. Nowadays, the annual event serves between 3,500 and 4,000 people over two days, and she keeps hearing the same request: “Where is the place we can eat food like this?” As owner and chef, Elena created a familiar menu at Alyonka Russian Cuisine now open at 2870 West State Street in Boise, Idaho.”

As for their menu – you can view it on their website linked above – “We offer all the comfort foods that make the Russian Food Festival a hit: shish kebab, beef stroganoff, Russian crepes, piroshki, lots of desserts …”.
Their food that we had, was delicious. And the service was delightful. The restaurant is small and cozy, and can be somewhat noisy. Seating is open and all seats are near a window. There is a large area in the back for groups. Overall, a 4 Star restaurant, bordering o0n 5 Stars. Here are some photos I took. Enjoy!

The exterior from the parking lot.

A variety of beers are available along with teas and lemonade.

Vegetarian Borscht

Stuffed Pepper, which I love.

Blini with Caviar

Blini with Vegetables

Royal Poppy Seed Ganache

Thanks Marnie. It was super! We’ll go back.

Breakfast Crepes or Blintzes

17 Wednesday Aug 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in Blinz, Breakfast, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Breakfast With Robin, Captain's Shack, Cheese, Classic Cuisines, Crepe, Ethnic Foods, Party Time, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

blinzes, cheese, crepes, fruit

I have never made crepes. Robin has and they are super. This morning she said for breakfast she wanted Ricotta and Fruit Crepes. Here is what I came up with …. under her direction! The filling: 1c Ricotta Cheese, 1/2 c fresh Blueberries, 1/2 c currents soaked in Elderflower Liquor and Lemon Zest. Mix altogether and let set for 15 minutes. Here is what the cooking process looked like. The recipe is attached to each photo.

People have asked if there is a difference between blintzes and crepes and if so, what is the difference. There isn’t much if a discrepancy as both items use the same ingredients and the cooking process and techniques are very similar. Crepes are generally cooked through on both sides whereas blintzes are only cooked on one side; reserving the uncooked side for fillings. Crepes and blintzes have the consistency of thin pancakes. Crepes originated from France. The word “Crepe” is derived from the Latin word “crispa” which means “curled”. The common ingredients used in crepes are wheat flour, eggs, milk, butter, and a pinch of salt. [challahmaidel.wordpress.com]

3 Eggs,m 1/2 c whole Milk and 1/2 c AP Flour. Mix all together and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Place 3 T of batter in a med hot crepe pan.

Cook until bubbles appear or edges are brown.

Gently flip crepe and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from pan. Cool. Fill with the fruit filling, or anything you wish. Envelope fold to seal crepe. Place in well buttered pan and cook until slightly brown. About 2 minutes on each side at most.

Gently flip crepe and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from pan. Cool. Fill with about 2 T of the fruit filling, or anything you wish. Envelope fold to seal crepe. Place in well buttered pan and cook until slightly brown. About 2 minutes on each side at most.