Happy (Russian) New Year!

Bring out the vodka and cucumber pickles, ladies and g's. Tonight is the Russian New Year's Eve. Consider this your second chance to make a 2013 resolution (or two or three). But before you do, fill a tiny goblet (or a regular shot glass) with ice-cold vodka and place a pickle nearby. Then, think good thoughts about the coming year, envision all the things you want to manifest, take a deep breath, exhale, down your shot, and eat the pickle.

This is how you celebrate the Russian New Year... you should also eat a lot of good Russian food. A full spread may be harder to whip up for a last-minute celebration. Chances are fair that you have a bottle of vodka somewhere in the house and a half-eaten jar of dill spears lurking in the fridge, but you may need a trip to the Russian deli for the gastronomic accoutrements.

After the shot, you might mix a slight dirty martini or just sip very cold vodka throughout the evening. As tempted as you might be, though, I would skip the bubbly. (Trust me--vodka + champagne = painful next morning.)

Of course, the best way to celebrate this event is with a Russian friend (or two or three). I am lucky enough to have one and so it is that I attended a Russian style New Year celebration last night. The bash was hosted by friends M and B. They served smoked mackerel, brown bread, pickled tomato, slaw, pelmeni (dumplings), borscht, Russian cookies and many other delectables.

The entertainment was as fantastic as the food. Our hosts played acoustic guitar and sang Russian folk songs plus a few American numbers. Various guests throughout the evening were challenged to de-assemble a gorgeous set of nesting dolls that diminished to a tiny hand-painted lady the size of a rice-grain.

It was a grand evening all around and a terrific reminder about why I love knowing folks from other parts of the world! And with that, my friends, I will leave you to find your vodka and your pickles! Happy New Year!

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    1. Oh! I forgot about Chinese New Year. Sounds like a good reason to throw another party!

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