It's possible that I've been hanging out at all the wrong spots, but I've never been to a (Russian) delicatessen that stocks a variety that stretches from Kefir, up to Givenchy perfume, over to assorted caviar, across to canned lobster, down to blood sausage, and oh, hey there, don't forget cream cheese 10-layer cake sprinkled with pecans.
Where have I been shopping all this time? Obviously not at Three Sisters Delicatessen in Rogers Park (just across the street from the equally curious Hashalom Cafe). Valentina, the shop's Ukrainian owner, couldn't be more satisfied with the balance of uncommon brands of common necessities she's perfected in her 25 years at the deli.
"Look, just look, this is RUSSIAN brand! And this, this is also RUSSIAN brand," says Valentina with a youthful pride. I mentioned that there seemed to be a theme - a Russian one. She affirmed "Yes, mostly RUSSIAN brands. Isn't it great?" I thought it was.
When she had showcased a good percentage of the hundreds of RUSSIAN treasures, she went on to highlight the imports from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, France and Italy with only a subtle lessening of pride.
If for some absurd reason you are not athirst for Russian brands of cereal, meat, soda, baby food, cheese or lacquered treasure boxes, there are still two valid reasons for making a field trip here. First, the cakes. Every day, the women at Three Sisters Delicatessen make fresh multi-layered cakes that taste impossibly good, look impractical, and weigh as much as a puppy. A healthy slice will cost you $5 and a full-size cake order ranges from $20-$70. Also, don't neglect the sugar-free products. Valentina conscientiously caters to her diabetic clients. She stocks ten brands of chocolates and a whole shelf is dedicated to diabetic-friendly instant snacks.
Average cost: <$10
Centerstage Reviewer: Kate Anderson
