KIEV (Ukraine), CHICKEN KYIV

Before we get down to the Chicken Kiev, let me tell you a little something about Kiev. Kiev (Kyiv) is the capital of Ukraine and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. This 1500-year old city, with a population of nearly 3 million people is distinguished for its rich architecture and cultural life, it is one of my personal favorite cities inside the formerly known east block countries under the glory days of the USSR. (today known as the Soviet Federation)

Having a known facination for churches and cathedrals, i just couldn't help myself but to write something about this monastery in the picture, the Holy Dormition Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is one of the oldest churches or cathedrals in the Ukraine. It dates back to 1051 when it started as a cave monastery, today the Holy Dormition Kiev Pechersk Lavra is one of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Ukraine.

Another favorite church of mine is St. Adrew's cathedral, the photo shows the baroque three-tier iconostasis designed by Rastrelli. The woodwork was done by carvers Joseph Domash, Audrey Karlovsky and Matvey Manturov, these carvings is one of the vast art pieces that this cathedral is known for, this is also one church you don't miss when visiting Keiv.
The culinary geography of Kiev embraces many countries of the world. Wonderful restaurants of Italian, French, American, Japanese, Chinese, Caucasian, Russian and even the so-called Soviet cuisine are at your disposal. Do not miss an opportunity to taste traditional Ukrainian cuisine with such hits as varenik (small dough pies with different stuffings), famous Ukrainian borsch (beet soup) with pampushki (soft rolls soaked in fresh crushed garlic and oil) and other dishes.
One of my favorite dishes is Chicken Kiev, although it is not Ukrainian in origin it is a famous dish in Kiev because of the name. The recipe actually was coined by Marks & Spencer's in 1976 as their first ready-made meal and has gained international popularity since. Chicken Kiev is a dish of boned chicken breast pounded and rolled around cold unsalted butter, then breaded and fried. There are wide variations to the stuffing used such as blue cheese sauce, brocolli and other vegestables even ham and butter stuffing, depending on the chef preparing it.

A picture of a sub-urban neighborhoods near Independence Square quite a posh place where old historical structures were uplifted and converted into apartments. All a brief sharing, i just wish i had more time and space to post all the photos i have of Kiev....until then you just have to discover more about it yourself......bud zdorov