tatiana

Specialty sausages, cheeses, salted fishes and dairy products abound. Glass cases are stacked and packed to the brim, and it feels like you’ve found yourself in a Russian Dean & Deluca.

There are a number of Russian delis and markets in this West Hollywood neighborhood, but Tatiana remains one of my favorites, both for it's size (it's one of the larger markets in the area) and quality selection.

The deli counter features some of their homemade specialties - marinated mushrooms, garlic mushroom salad, pickled tomatoes, eggplant salad, borscht, beet salad, olivieh (Russian style potato salad with minced meat), cutlets (ground, seasoned, pan fried chicken patties), fresh blini and sala (thin crepes and butter fat) for caviar, even good gefilte fish made fresh in a tomato based broth.

Aside from what’s homemade, you'll find a variety of imported Russian products from newspapers and magazines, black bread and Russian rye, to honey and preserves, crackers and spreads, caviar, sweets, savories and sok (juice). There's also a small area with some fresh produce including Russian style cucumbers and tomatoes which are often eaten with meals. Don't be put off by their unpolished exteriors. They're fresh, flavorful and a bargain.

Whatever you do, don't leave without checking out the sweets! There's a counter area near the corner of the deli covered with small bowls, each overflowing with imported, colorful, individual wrapped Russian chocolates. Favorites include the "squirrel" and "bear" which contain nuts and honeycomb, but there are dozens to choose from. Another good pick is the mak, (pronounced mock), which means poppy seed - pastry with sweet poppy filling that will make a mess of your teeth, but is worth every black toothed bite. If you don't like poppy, try the "alligator" pastry with a maple-like filling and nuts.

The trick to enjoying a trip to Tatiana is to leave your inhibitions at the door. Even though everyone will be speaking Russian, most of them speak English as well and are more than happy to answer questions and help you navigate the selections.

8205 Santa Monica Blvd
W Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 656-7500

Photo courtesy of Joan S.