Taste of Russia — Restaurant in New York

I liked this store but haven’t been there for a year. Recently, like 3 weeks ago, I came to the store again and saw that name of the store was changed. At the store’s checkout I asked cashier why they changed the name and she started saying awful things: “we have changed name because there was a word that must be forgotten , and not only a word but a country ( Russia), and people of this country ( Russians) must disappear from the world, they have no rights to exist!!!“ I just laughed and left the store. When I told the story to my Russian friends and colleagues many of them also laughed and said that never again would step foot in this store due to Russophobia. But when I told the story to my American colleagues nobody laughed. Instead I was told that I must report this accident since it is not just a racial discrimination but almost hate crime and such things in United States are punishable by law. Interesting to know if owner of the store is ok with such behavior of his/her workers to wish a death to the Russian...

Well, don't listen to anyone. In the overwhelming majority of the times, the food quality is very good here. Perhaps the best or one of the best in Brighton Beach.

But with that being said, I would like to bring two more things:

First is the annoying unusual charge of 3% on any purchase made of credit cards. Be aware of that!

The second is questionable customer service ethics. I used my Debit Card at the cashier in the Sweets section and she asked me for my PIN code. (Hmm that's weird, I thought my bank recommended me to not give away or share my pin with anyone.) I denied giving my PIN asking if I can type it myself. Nope, unfortunately, quote: "you can not come here" and type your PIN. Without even listening to me after that the cashier just charged my debit card as credit resulting again in this annoying 3%. Why would you do that? Hello people, upgrade your terminal, make it wireless let me type my PIN myself. And don't do what I didn't ask you for!

Ugh... Food is still...

Taste of Russia food and service do not match. If they do not like you, or warm up your food or else, you will have painful experience. For example: I came today to buy sweet pie, which I see at glass. But behind that pie box are extra pie in plastic, - someone could've returned, or the leftovers from yesterday or so. So, I nicely asked to give me from the box!, for the someone's birthday. The woman heard and bends down, so I do not see her, and picks up the leftover in plastic ready to sell. After I saw her doing that, I said it might not be fresh, so she raised her voice on me and scandal began. I come rare to this store since a long ago, but I can simply say: Taste Of Russia for Russian customers. For Americans maybe a little different respect. Update: I come there rarely now. The service got better. I raise from...