Book Reception: Chesnok with Polina Chesnakova + Bonnie Morales

In the words of Bonnie Morales, “Chesnok feels like sitting down at the table of an old friend—one who understands the bittersweet nostalgia of a cuisine shaped by movement, resilience, and the blending of cultures. Polina Chesnakova captures the essence of the post-Soviet table, where dill-flecked salads, golden khachapuri, and steaming bowls of dumplings aren’t just food, but touchstones of identity. Her writing is tender, her recipes deeply familiar yet fresh, and her perspective so necessary in this moment. This book is a gift to those of us who have longed to see our food, our stories, and our histories reflected on the page.”