Finding Nina ''SAMOVAR'' Cafe Nikolaevsk June 11, 2005

The tiny picturesque Russian village of Nikolaevsk sits on the edge of the Kenai Peninsula's Caribou Hills, a popular snowmachining area nine miles east of Anchor Point. The Samovar Café and Gift Shop sit on the edge of Nikolaevsk. Anyone wanting a taste of Russian cooking can sit at the counter surrounding owner Nina Fefelov's kitchen and sample from a variety of tasty dishes. Fefelov, her Russian mixing with English, will gladly describe the different dishes and list the variety of ingredients. In spite of the resulting wide range of flavors, all the selections share one common ingredient. ''Love,'' she says, laughing.
The guest book, which can be read while waiting for the meal to be served, is filled with signatures and addresses from across the United States. There are compliments about the food, but mostly there are notes of appreciation to Fefelov for her warm and generous hospitality. Softly played recorded Russian music and life-sized Matryoshka doll, painted by Fefelov, welcome guests into the dining room. The gift shop, which shares the same room, is filled with a collection of red, gold and black lacquered dishes and spoons. Scarves, are draped across tables and chairs, their brilliant reds and brightly-flowered prints fill the room with color. Jewelry, clothing, smaller Matryoshka dolls, photographs and books from Russia set the stage for a menu of authentic foods. Fefelov is an electrical engineer from Khabarovsk, in the Russian Far East. She has lived in Nikolaevsk for 25 years and teaches the Russian language at Nikolaevsk School. It is a good idea to call ahead, (907) 235-6867. web site: russiangiftsnina.com'' Samovar'' Cafe and Gift Shop is open 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

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