I had class early the next morning. And even though it's part of Brooklyn, Brighton Beach feels like an Eastern European city. Brighton Beach Avenue is the center of activity. It's lined with food shops full of Russian sausages, bread and delicacies such as caviar. Russian pop music blasts from the many music stores.
Russian words are on store signs.
Obreshkoff came to Brighton Beach in 1997. I also speak Russian. The Tatiana Cafe wasn't exactly hopping when I left the boardwalk and passed through its glass doors with my heart set on a good Russian meal and a taste of Brighton Beach's nightlife. I had just made my way through clusters of old men strolling down the boardwalk and playing chess. One of them turned to me as I passed him and breathed vodka into my face.