In the Soviet Union, our garage cooperative turned into the best restaurant in town every Saturday, and we spent the entire week preparing for it. Early in the morning, we opened the garage doors, set up a folding table, and divided our responsibilities. Mikhaylych prepared his famous rich solyanka and golden fried potatoes on an old electric stove, while I arranged the snacks, fresh salads, garlic spread, bread, and canned fish. Maksimych brought several large glass jars filled with a fresh foamy drink from the famous yellow barrel on the corner. Soon the table was covered with hot food and simple homemade treats. Sitting on old Zhiguli car seats, we ate slowly, talked about cars, shared the latest news, argued about everything imaginable, and enjoyed the warm feeling of a perfect Saturday with good friends. #USSR #sovietunion #history #story