Deruny as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Deruny is absolutely in that category. The deeply comforting quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. pork fat does work that no substitute can replicate.

many dishes are tied to Orthodox religious calendar. There's something about the a village-style restaurant context that reinforces the comfort effect. kvass alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.