• Tradition meets modern in Worcester.boston buildings image by Stephen Orsillo from Fotolia.com
  
  Worcester is the second largest city in New England. Nestled into the center of Massachusetts, it is at the heart of New England. Worcester is a cosmopolitan city with a village feel, and it is home to the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. There are many ethnic groups and neighborhoods that reflect the cultures that make up this city 40 miles west of Boston. The Russian population makes up about 1 percent of the residents, and there is an assortment of Russian groceries, bakeries and Orthodox churches in the neighborhood in the southwest quarter. In nearby Clinton, there is even the Museum of Russian Icons, which is the largest collection of icons outside of Russia.
  
  

Tom's International Deli

• Russian dark rye bread is definitely on the menu.bread image by petar Ishmeriev from Fotolia.com
  
  In a neighborhood of mixed Eastern European communities, Russian tastes combine with other Slavic foods to create a delightful melange of Old World cuisine. Tom's International Deli offers a taste of Russian favorites, but it also has a wide selection of deli favorites from across Europe.
  
  Tom's International Deli
  118 Water St.
  Worcester, MA 01604
  508-755-7295
  
  

Cafe St. Petersburg

• After a day of visiting museums and galleries, strolling in the parks or shopping in Worcester or Boston, it is a short drive to Newton on the Charles River, where you will find Cafe St. Petersburg, This cafe is perhaps the only truly authentic Russian restaurant in the area. It offers a variety of traditional Russian cuisine, including chicken Kiev and Russian raviolis. The house vodkas come in varieties including cranberry and horseradish and are presented in a frozen carafe. Crepes or blintzes offer a sweet ending to the meal. Old World decor and piano music make for a complete dining experience in Russian style.
  
  Cafe St. Petersburg
  57 Union St. Suite 1
  Newton Center, MA 02459
  617-467-3555
  cafestpetersburg.com
  
  

Cafe Stoli

• Vodka is essential to Russian cuisine.wine glass in the water image by Arman Zhenikeyev from Fotolia.com
  
  Hidden away in cozy Brookline behind a rustic storefront and appointed with chandeliers, you'll find a special spot for lovers of Slavic cuisine. Much of the cuisine draws influences from beyond the borders of Russia. The restaurants offers an assortment of salads, from traditional Georgia salad to innovative avocado salad, as well as lamb and cilantro Kharcho soup. Stoli offers a selection of its own flavored vodkas to complete the taste sensation.
  
  Cafe Stoli
  213 Washington St.
  Brookline Village, MA 02445
  617-731-5070
  
  

Moscow Nights

• For a Russian store that boasts an authentic Russian deli, check out Moscow Nights. While this is not a restaurant, it boasts all the fixings for a fine Russian meal with imported meats and cheeses. Moscow Nights has a supply of distinctive Russian chocolates.
  
  Moscow Nights
  808 Pleasant St.
  Worcester, MA 01602
  508-799-0751
  
  

Shiraz Armenian Cuisine

• Central Asian cuisine spread through Russia during the Soviet years and Armenian food such as baba ganoush, a spiced eggplant paste, have long been a part of Russian meals. Shiraz Armenian Cuisine also offers cucumber salads and lamb dishes that will satisfy a craving for Russian food. This is a simple and casual dining experience.
  
  Shiraz Armenian Cuisine
  259 Park Ave.
  Worcester, MA 01609
  508-767-1639