Okroshka as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Okroshka is absolutely in that category. The rich and dairy-forward quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. dill does work that no substitute can replicate.

Russian New Year table is the most important annual food event, laden with Olivier salad, herring under fur coat, and other Soviet-era staples. There's something about the a Moscow restaurant context that reinforces the comfort effect. vodka alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.