We’ve walked past Russian Team Time many times, but never thought to try it out.  It seemed campy and perhaps a rip-off of NYC’s Russian Tea Room.  Today, however, we decided, what the heck, let’s try it.

We were surprised.  The service was very good, the atmosphere was old school and the food was excellent.  We’ve never been to Russia, but this place felt pretty authentic.  It was about 2pm when we went so the place was almost empty.  Our bartender was old school Russian with a deep accent and a kind demeanor.  Our waitress was much younger, but still had that “Epcot-like” accent that made us think she really was from Russia (or at least the former Soviet bloc).

We started with black bread and pickles and then moved on to our meals.  Theresa had the Chicken Paprikash (Chicken breast, simmered in a rich sauce of sour cream and paprika, served over potatoes) and Tom had the Mushroom Barley Soup, a vegetarian classic, hearty enough to protect you from the fierce Chicago winds and Classic Stuffed Cabbage Golubtsi, Cabbage rolls stuffed with a filling of ground beef, chicken, carrots and sautéed onions and simmered in sweet and sour tomato sauce.  They were served with buckwheat kasha, sour cream and carrot salad.  Theresa had a glass of Chardonnay and Tom a Russian beer (Baltika No. 3.).

The meal was awesome.  The mushroom soup appeared a little watery, but the flavor was deep and intricate and not a drop was left in the bowl.  The chicken was tender, and the paprika / sour cream sauce was intense, but not over powering.  The stuffed cabbage was out of this world.  You can choose between 2 or 3 rolls and unless you are a big eater 2 are plenty!  Believe it or not though, the star of the meal was the simple carrot salad.  If it doesn’t come with your meal, ask for it on the side.  It is well worth it.