Traktir and the Russian Deli Crawl

Below, the delectable sausage and egg sammie. This also contained roasted peppers and vestiges of a mild slaw and a seasoned mayo. This was served with a very interesting cucumber salad: sliced raw cucumbers, a vinaigrette dressing, and sesame seeds (the sesame seeds gave it a very unique taste.)

Raven, who lived in Moscow for a while, was craving some really good Russian food and quirky products that one can only find in Russia. She approached me with a brilliant plan: how about we lunch at Traktir and then walk along Santa Monica Boulevard and do a Russian Deli crawl so to speak. This plan appealed to me: ever since I saw those episodes of "A Cook's Tour" wherein Anthony Bourdain partook in culinary adventures in St. Petersburg and Moscow I've been dying to try some stick to the ribs Russian food.

Below, this borscht tasted as good as it looked! It was perhaps the best borscht that I've ever had - who knew that borscht could be so good? Served on the side is some cheese toast: yummy black bread with a schmear of garlic sauce and gratineed cheese.

Below, two views of the pelmeni (the delicious stuffed meat dumplings perfectly garnished with the minimalist toppings of butter and sour cream - simplicity at it's best!)

Below, a glass of kompot (Russian mixed fruit drink). I opted to drink this rather than vodka (that's "wodka" to you.)

Below, the inside of the first deli that we went to. I nearly got kicked out for taking pictures so I didn't take anymore pix until later and that was outside a deli (see below.) Throughout our crawl we bought frozen pelmeni, the infamous Russian cream (twice), garlic, pancake mix, and gingerbread treats. We have a plan on doing a Russian Deli Crawl feast for our friends in the future!

Below, a sign in English outside what turned out to be one of our favorite delis. The last item on the fifth line says, "staff pepper."

Traktir
8151 Santa Monica Blvd. (The Starwood used to be there)
West Hollywood, CA 90046