DISCLAIMERS

I cannot be held responsible for upset stomachs, an occasional stone you will find in locally-packaged food,  Russia's bullying style of international politics, global warming and most other FACTS AND EVENTS. Please note that I have no official qualifications to ACT AS A cook. THIS DACHA PROJECT has no liability insurance, no assets, and noT EVEN clear ownership, thus no use taking me to court. All THE ITEMS HERE AND ALL THE SERVICES YOU WILL RECEIVE ARE available "as is". No guaranties, not even promises. BE REMINDED THAT THIS PROJECT DOES NOT AND CANNOT POSSIBLY GENERATE INCOME, AND THUS DON'T EXPECT YOU'LL BE TREATED AS A "CLIENT" ON WHOM MY LIVELIHOOD DEPENDS. ONLY PEOPLE I AM LIKELY TO LIKE ARE WELCOMED. If in doubt, please chose a more PROPER respectable ESTABLISHMENT.

*

Purists who don't want to touch leather tack may use a thick synthetic blanket as a saddle. Canvas bridles are available. The harness does not use leather elements.  
Besides, riding without a saddle is good for developing a proper posture.
I'd love to buy plastic saddles but they are prohibitively expensive. Do alert me if you find something good yet affordable in a leather-free version. .

*

We are no fans of healthy eating. Most of our dishes have a shocking number of calories packed here. Don't expect to lose wait while in our care. Further, wine is usually present on the table, and beer is nearly always in the refrigerator. We are NOT a healthy living establishment.

*

Directory of travel operators offering vegetarian/vegan food

Veggie Cycling Holidays in Whales & England

*

To the best of my knowledge this is the only vegetarian establishment that serves booze and does not mind clients getting pleasantly drunk.

*

Unlimited free alcohol for single female visitors :)

*

Your requests are welcomed

*

No schedule, no time limit, food served at your convenience.

*

*

(REAL) MEAT DISHES
 

A STEAK made from
the horse you've just ridden, and petted, and fed will be offered to those requesting meat but only as an attempt to drive the point across.

Another propaganda photo of the famous Lenor with Vasily the Rabbit. The point is to show how absurd this fuzzy little animal looks as an object of hunting.

Section
MAIN COURSES 
has several credible
meat substitutes.

САЛАТЫ И НЕСЕРЬЕЗНОСТИ
Meat! ~ Salads and other not so serious stuff ~ Soups ~ Main course ~
Bread and related ~ Side dishes, kashas and such ~ Beverages ~ Spices & seasonings

vegetable mix
from my neighbour Aunt Valya.

Good olive oil and the best of vinegar I can find is always available as salad dressing. Ask about our house salad dressing.

[photo] Pickles

[photo]  sauerkraut

Also home-made, with no unnecessary ingredients.

[MORE COMING UP]

soups
Meat! ~ Salads and other not so serious stuff ~ Soups ~ Main course ~
Bread and related ~ Side dishes, kashas and such ~ Beverages ~ Spices & seasonings

MIXED SOUP
from whatever happened to be around, topped with green onions, garlic shoots, dill, parsley, базилик and other herbs right before serving. One of the fastest and tastiest dishes developed by our chief.
EThe version shown was based on onion fried with cumin and crushed black peppers, with barley, red rice, potatoes, lentils and corn and, in the last few seconds of slow cooking fresh finely cut tomato was added. Served with roasted brown bread sprinkled with garlic.

Soups are more flexible than anything in preparation. A good soup can be made from anything. Almost literally. You can describe your "ideal" soup with several parameters, such as thick/watery, spicy/mild, crunchy/mushy, fat/[what's the opposite of "fat"?], colour etc. etc.

[ФОТО]LENTIL SOUP
from red or green lentils, with herbs & spices. Remember the story of how Isav??, the elder brother of Isaac, gave up his rights of first-born in exchange for a bowl of lentil soup (Genesis, whatever chapter). Same recipe. Try at own risk.  

[PHOTO] BEAN AND TOMATOES SOUP 

[PHOTO] OKRA SOUP
is especially recommended to gastritis sufferers.

(In Moscow okra can be procured in Indian Spices and in the Japanese supermarket. Occasionally it is seen in larger central stores. Take a look at my Russia for vegetarian/vegan travellers page for information and hints on shopping in Moscow and St. Petersburg.)

MAIZE SOUP
is filling and is quick to make

 

 

Most of my soups can be made using beer instead of water. The result is a heavier product with higher "warming power". Recommended in late fall.

Remember that dishes shown/described here are but examples rather than something given and fixed. Soups especially can be prepared from anything using a wide continuum of techniques. Describe to me your "ideal" soup and let's see what I can come up with..

MAIN COURSE
Meat! ~ Salads and other not so serious stuff ~ Soups ~ Main course ~
Bread and related ~ Side dishes, kashas and such ~ Beverages ~ Spices & seasonings

FRIED OKRA
with beans and lots of garlic, in an assortment of spices. Okra gives softness while beans make the dish feelings. A mixture of spices is largely responsible for the flavour while the topping of green onion and dill is responsible for the "fresh" feel.

[PHOTO] EGGPLANT FRIED/SAUTÉED
with tomatoes, potatoes, beans, and whatever happens to be around.

SOYA MEAT, POTATOES, AND MASH RAGU TOPPED WITH HERBS.
Potatoes and mash are boiled with onion and spices. Soya meat is pre-soaked with sprices and then fried in corn, peanut, rapeseed or other light oil "till crunchy". Then all the ingredients are kept on very low heat for 20-30 minutes to give it softness and to fuse all the components into organic unity. I strogly recommend you try properly prepared soya meat. Unfortunately, most places that attempt to incorporate it into their food just don't know how to handle such product.

PATTIES
made of oats, other grain, or whatever.

TO-FU
fried and flavoured with spices

НУТ??? boiled in a spice mix, then fried with onion, with tomato, garlic, with fresh herbs added at the end.

Нут???  is a kind of pea but with less wind effect and richer taste.

SPAGHETTI WITH TOMATO SAUCE
A classic. I usually manage to keep spaghetting from sticking together or turning into a mash. The sauce starts with lightly browned onion. Then go in fresh tomatoes (tomato past is my very second choice), hot pepper, and garlic. Towards the end the sauce in the making gets a few drops of olive oil and is let to sit on low flame. If you enjoy a hint of rot, as I, being an old pervert, do, some seaweed can be added.  A filling dish. Best consumed with red wine, semi-dry.

<<==  Example: maize and tomato salad seasoned with sesame oil and black salt from Kostroma, urid patties fried in peanut oil, seasoned basmati rice prepared with mild spices (it has a taste of its own, thus with really good rice one needs to be careful not to kill its natural flavour), and beans & potatoes rogue.

Another example:
Wild rice, basmati ride, vegetable stew/rogue/curry. A pan like with will easily feed 3-4 persons. Beer needs to be present in abundance because you'll turn quite thirsty after consuming such a meal.

Nov. 12, 2007  
EGGS. From my own chicken kept in a manner approved by my own ethics committee.

Eggs open a whole range of possibilities, from a classic breakfast to thick soups. The photo above shows fake steak with an egg, sorrounded by hot peppers, onions, and okra. Do note lightly fried onions. Some of my regular guests described their liking for them as "addiction". I have not seen anyone other than myself preparing onions just like that, when the stings and stink are gone but crunchiness and flavour remain. I know that many of you have been traumatized by overboiled vegetables. Onions are particularly unpleasant when overdone. I beg you, however, to them another chance.   

[PHOTO] FIDDLEHEADS go well with potatoes, and are often served with our specialty "stopped sauce".

RYE PATTIES (top).
SMALL ONIONS, GENTRY FRIED. These small onions are crunchier yet gentler than full sized ones. Frying them very quickly gets rid of the bite and smell without making them mushy-yuchy.  
OKRA are these green pods to the right.
MARINATED GINGER is that pink stuff above okra.

 EGGPLANT sauteed with red onions, served with couscous, and marinated giner.

[dining room all set full form, with the fireplace visible]

The style of food served at my humble little establishment can be described as "Russian with an Indian/Chinese slant".

[photo of me with chopsticks, eating noodles]

*

Food shown here is prepared and served by me personally. If for whatever reason I am not able to act as a cook, you are welcomed to use the kitchen and whatever supplies you find there. At any given time I will normally have ingredients for over half of the dishes shown here.

*

 As far as possible I use locally procured products, preferably from people whom I personally supply with horse manure.

Zucchini and broccoli from my garden and edible mushrooms the English name of which I know not..

*

For cooking I use spring water or water from a clean spring-fed stream, transported to the kitchen by methods that do not require fossil fuels. (In plain language, by horse.)

*

What you see here are just examples, not a fixed set of dishes. Feel free to tell the cook of your tastes and preferences.

*

Guests are encourage to assist with routine tasks, such as peeling potatoes, and with cleaning up after the meal.

[photo of a "typical" westerner carrying water using a yoke]

*

Vegetarian eating/shopping in Moscow & St. Petersburg, vegetarian or vegetarian-friendly homestays, vegetarian phrases in Russian, vegetarian dating in Russia and much more stuff of interest to Russia-bound vegetarians HERE

*

Recipes and techniques are freely revealed

*

The kitchen is my work space. Don't crowd there!

*

There is one delicate issue in preparing beans. If you give then deep rich taste, they will tend to produce flatulence. Or you can discard water in which you pre-soaked them, and together with this water will go a lot of the flavour. But no gases. Please communicate your preferences to the chief.

*

No limit to serving sizes. My guests will not be left craving for more.

*

An example of presentation

*

A Russia Today article, published May 9, 2008, where Natalia Vasilyeva has dubbed me "the pioneer of vegetarian tourism"
(a scan of it is also here on on my server as a precaution against it disappearing from the Russia Today site)

*

*

*

 PLEASE NOTE THAT I'M AVERSE TO THE "HEALTH FOOD" CONCEPT. DRINKING IS ALLOWED AND SMOKING WOULD BE IF NOT MY PROPENSITY TO GET HEADACHE FROM IT.

This menu was originally compiled for my compatriots who have difficulty understanding how оскольку в широтах, где я имею счастье обитать, мои вкусовые предпочтения и стиль обращения с пищей вызывают, в том числе, недоумения, во избежание расстройства душевного и пищеварительного приглашаю моих потенциальных гостей ознакомиться с приблизительным "дежурным"
М  Е  Н  Ю
нашего скромного заведения.

Все блюда предлагаются в варианте ПРЕСНОМ (с презрением), ОСТРОМ (с нашим уважением) или "КАК ШЕФ ЛЮБИТ" (с сочувствием, готовностью  оказать первую медицинскую помощь и некоторой долей злорадства).

PYCCKUU

More stuff
of interest
to Russia-bound
vegetarians

См. также раздел
 "НА ВТОРОЕ",
 где представлены вполне правдоподобные мясоподобные варианты

Мы признаем только свежайшие продукты. Клиенту будет выдан живой жеребенок и страшный нож типа "мачете". Для дешевого драматического эффекта лезвие будет покрашено красной краской "под кровь". [ДИМЕ В СПИСОЧЕК ДЕЛ]За всю историю нашего скромного заведения только два мальчика побежали  с кличем "ща будем убивать лошадь". Детей ненавижу, но это другая история.

Цена:
Наше неодобрение лишь за одну мысль.

The merits of horse meat

Все блюда готовятся на родниковой воде, доставляемой к месту потребления экологический безопасным гужевым транспортом. 

*

Все блюда готовятся на родниковой воде

*

Представленный ассортимент является приблизительным. Наш повар у удовольствием выслушает и учтет Ваши пожелания

*

Гости, не являющиеся
клиентами
класса VIP,
 оказывают повару всяческую помощь в размере **одного толкового поваренка"
и
 МОЮТ ЗА СОБОЙ ПОСУДУ.

И таскают воду из родника.

*

Толкотня на кухне не приветствуется.

*

Фасоль можно варить в той же воде, в которой она вымачивалась. Или можно варить ее в свежей воде. Первый вариант более "нажористый", но чреват  явлением, о котором на этой странице упоминать неуместно. И наоборот. Сообщите шеф-повару, что для вас важнее: вкус или эстетика пищеварительного процесса

*

В экспедицию за ключевой водой гости тоже сами ездят. Кроме VIP'ов.

*

Размер порций не ограничен

*

DISCLAIMERS
(т.е. заявление о снятии с себя ответственности)

ЗА РАССТРОЙСТВА ЖЕЛУДКОВ, ПОПАДАЮЩИЕСЯ В ФАСОЛИ КАМУШКИ И ГЛОБАЛЬНОЕ ПОТЕПЛЕНИЕ ОТВЕТСТВЕННОСТИ НЕ НЕСЕМ. ОФИЦИАЛЬНЫХ КВАЛИФИКАЦИЙ ПОВАР НЕ ИМЕЕТ. СТРАХОВКИ НЕТ. АКТИВОВ ТОЖЕ НЕТ. НЕ ФИГА НЕТ. ВООБЩЕ ЭТОТ ВЕСЬ ПРОЕКТ КАК БЫ НЕ СУЩЕСТВУЕТ. ВСЕ "КАК ЕСТЬ", БЕЗ ГАРАНТИЙ И ДАЖЕ ОБЕЩАНИЙ. СОМНЕВАЕТЕСЬ - ТОГДА ЛУЧШЕ КУДА-НИБУДЬ В ДРУГОЕ, БОЛЕЕ ОФИЦИАЛЬНОЕ МЕСТО..

*

Пуристы вегетарианской идеи, не желающие ездить на кожаных седлах,
могут воспользоваться капроновой уздечкой, а вместо седла толстым синтетическим ковриком.
Так даже лучше для посадки, чем сразу в седло.. Пластмассовые седла рад бы приобрести, но они стоят запредельно, для наших стесненных условий не реально..

*

Мы не являемся фанатами здоровой/диетической пищи. Почти все наши блюда отличаются повышенной калорийностью. По требованию клиента мы добавим канцерогенов. Что угодно, лишь бы не быть заподозренными к принадлежности к рядам поборников ЗОЖа.

*

..

From my Guestook:

Our experience at Pasha's dacha.
Posted on October 5, 2007 at 08:49:25 AM by Lee Orchard (A New Zealander, self-exiled to Russia)



Pasha is the horse whisperer of the Tver Region.

My behind is still a little tender after riding the horses. Pasha's effective instructions allowed me to feel confident enough to ride faster than I ever have before. Don't be put off by the distance to get to Pasha's. It's necessary if you want a genuine rural experience in Russia, which I believe is imperative if you want to truly experience a vital aspect of Russian culture, i.e. dacha life. Pasha trusted us with his property, thus respecting our independence and encouraging our sense of responsibility, essential if you are to fully embrace the freedom offered by rural living.

Pasha made us the best food I've had in my 5 months in Russia. As a fellow vegetarian I relished in his ethnic fusion of very tasty and healthy meals. I share his views on Russian cuisine as being bland, heavy and lacking in essential nutrients, so, ate my full.

It was a bitter departure since I knew that my many loathes would continue to be endured once back in Moscow. I'm still longing to return to the countryside where I could find harmony within myself and dedicate my attention to those things I value most in life; unspoilt nature, a loved one, my mental and physical well being and a context that allows one to enjoy these things free from the negative influence of city life. Endeavor to make life simpler for yourself. Revive or create an interest in rural life and go have an experience you'll never forget in that red dacha on the top of the hill where you're always welcome.

Give Moony, that hard Russian work horse an affectionate smack on the behind for me ;-)

Kia Kaha (stand strong) Pasha, and best of luck with your efforts in promoting rural tourism in Russia. You offer something truly unique.



 

Помидорно-огуречный, фасолево-кукурузный, салат чесночный и другие.
Салаты заправляются оливковым маслом и подаются с гренками

Все наши супчики могут быть изготовлен в пивном варианте. Вместо воды используется выдержанное пиво. Обладает мощным согревающим эффектом.  Рекомендуется осенью, которая в деревне Дубровки продолжается, в том или ином варианте, большую часть года

COMBINATION DISH SERVED ON AN IRON PAN

Shown here are:

• tomato and corn salad dressed with sesame seed oil and "black" salt from Kostroma,
• urid patties fried in peanut oil,
• top quality seasoned Basmati rice,
• bean and potato stew

Кускус показан в сопровождении овощей свежих, жаренных, или тушенных. Хлеб предлагается в порядке снисхождения к представителям культуры, где его едят с макаронами. Чем я согрешил, что родился и живу здесь?

Один из вариантов подачи к столу узбекской лепешки с луком

Another, simpler version
of the above.

Растворимого кофе с нашем заведении не бывает. Гости, просящие такое безобразие, подвергаются тихому презрению.

Корень имбиря

ВНИМАНИЕ: КОФЕ ДЕЛАЮ ТОЛЬКО ПОВЫШЕННОЙ КРЕПОСТИ. НЕ РЕКОМЕНДУЕТСЯ ЛИЦАМ С ДАВЛЕНИЕМ И ДРУГИМИ СЕРДЕЧНЫМИ ДЕЛАМИ

Фирменная закусь "под водочку": лук мелкий жареный, от соседа Степаныча и тети Шуры.

[PHOTO]

Идея: Паша
Исполнение: Дима
Крепкие алкогольные напитки НЕ ПОДАЮТСЯ личностям, в подпитии склонным к рассказыванию нумерованных анекдотов, приставучести, поиску приключений и другим формам бесящего меня поведения, в т.ч. курения на крыльце. Однако, в рамках бескомпромиссной борьбы за толерантность мы с Димой выделили уголок для "гудежа". Но тихое пьянство без курения и прочих форм вонизма допустимо в жилых помещениях. Засыпание в пьяном виде с последующим храпением приравнивается к курению, к господ, учинающих сие безобразие, просят почивать ну хотя бы в сарае. Так нет, напившись, все норовят перед камином отключиться. За что мне такое?!

ГЛАВНАЯ СТРАНИЦА

ENGLISH

paul_voytinsky@yahoo.com
Жалобная книга/форум