THE INTREPID TRAVELS OF THE ITINERANT CEO

By

Dr. David J. Height

As the CEO/Partner of two companies involved in the wine and spirits industry I am required to travel to numerous exotic places. Therefore I thought that I would devote a number of brief articles on some of the countries that I have visited.

In a few short weeks I will be on my way once again to Moscow, Russian Federation. We as Americans immediately conjure up visions of czars, czarinas, onion domes, borscht and vodka. We recall the Iron curtain, nuclear weapons and Nikita Khrushchev making his point with shoe in hand. My how many things have changed!

The city of Moscow is enjoying the renaissance of a world class city replete with growing pains, congestion and construction. Yet this 1000 year old city, steeped in traditions unknown in the United States is filled with exotic cars, teeming with people, restaurants and world class hotels. In sum Moscow has become the Russian version of Chicago.

The once dowdy GUM Department Store has been completely refurbished. A stroll through the mall will fill your eyes with delight. Here you can find the latest fashions from the design capitals of the world including Rome, Paris and New York. The visitor will find shoe fashions that will titillate even the most demanding. You will find handmade original design jewelry that will stun even the most jaded of wearer and beholder alike. If you are an aficionado of time pieces and can afford the prices all one has to do is look. And yes fur coats. You can find mink, sable, ermine and fox with the only questions remaining what style, what color and how much?

The famous Christ the Savior Cathedral torn down under the Stalinist regime has been rebuilt to its former glory. The world renowned Bolshoi Theater, home of the famous ballet company is being completely refurbished. The Kremlin and Red Square are on any Moscow visitor’s ‘been there and done that list’. If one is lucky as I was you can spot Mr. Putin passing by in his chauffeured limousine with armed guards. The famous Izmailovsky Souvenir Market is not to be overlooked by all of the aforementioned. Here one can go from stall to stall and barter for interesting trinkets. Having done so, I brought back for my office a set of wooden, nestled figurines of every major Russian leader starting with Lenin. These figurines by the way are a great conversation starter.

Drink is not to be forgotten in this brief commentary. Russia is known the world over as the original home of vodka. Contrary to popular belief all vodkas are not created alike. There is black vodka comprised of secret herbs and other ingredients. The taste is different but well worth the experience. There is the all familiar clear vodka all of which are of which are created with ingredients to enhance the taste experience. However to be considered a true vodka it must be only be distilled from wheat and the purest water. In fact for your preparatory excursion to Moscow the true taste of authentic Russian vodka can be found here in Chicago under the brand names Michel Strogov® and Severka®.

Russian wines, brandies and beer albeit fairly new to the Western world are also easily found in Moscow and contrary to popular belief are highly prized for their exquisite taste and full bodied aromas. For those of you who prefer to forego the spirituous libations I encourage you to try Kvass. It is made from bread and yeast and has the same outward appearance of dark beer. The taste is also full bodied, effervescing and a refreshing thirst quencher.

Food as in the United States is eclectic and the spectrum is broad. You may find small cafes that specialize in simple cultural dishes or for the more demanding of gourmets’, multi-course meals. Your hunger can be satisfied with anything from lamb, beef, chicken, fish and my favorite soup - borscht made with just about anything edible found in the kitchen. You must try Shish Ka Bobs made from lamb and let us not forget the ultimate in true Russian dining – Caviar! Enjoy with sour cream, onion, pita bread and yes egg. Finally let us hope that your travels in Russia find you enjoying my favorite dish: ГОДУбЦЫ pronounced galooptsi the famous stuffed cabbages.

I realize fellow travelers that my article is brief however I hope that I have peaked your interest in Moscow, Russian Federation. Until next time - da sveedaneeya

(Dr. David J. Height resides in Chicago with his family. He is the President/CEO of SPPGROUP USA and TNI Group International. www.sppgroupusa.com and www.tnigroup-international.com)