Posted on 05/09/2008 10:54:53 AM PDT by Schnucki
From Cold War to cold meats... sailors from the US and Russian navies have tested their culinary skills in a sandwich-making competition.
The contest was held during a visit by the US destroyer Stethem to the eastern Russian port of Vladivostok to mark Victory Day. Officers also joined in.
A Russian cook took the prize for best-tasting sandwich while an American came top for most original presentation.
Sandwiches topped with cucumber sails were among the Russian offerings.
The ingredients included peppers, smoked ham, lettuce, cheese, mayonnaise, olives, cherry tomatoes and gherkins.
The US winner in the individual contest got a bottle of vodka, and presented his Russian rivals with USS Stethem caps and sweatshirts in return, the BBC's Dmitry Klimov reports.
Earlier, the Russians had laid on a traditional welcome for the Americans, with vodka and appetisers such as bliny (buckwheat pancakes) with smoked salmon and pickled green tomatoes.
Yet a traditional Russian restaurant is hard to find in Vladivostok, where Chinese and Japanese restaurants are much more common.
The crew of the Stethem were taking part in a military parade in Vladivostok for Victory Day, which marks the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.
Okey dokey, so what kind of sandwich did the winner make?
Nothing can top a sandwich made of cheap white bread slathered with real mayo, salt and pepper, and thick slices of juicy tomato still warm from the garden.... sigh.... heaven...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.