American BBQ in Moldova

The last couple of weeks have been very busy and I have a number of things to share about my experiences and life in Moldova.  I hope to do so in a few brief posts.  This is the first one to get you and me caught up . . .   

On Wednesday afternoon, July 8, 2015, after the COD Site Team conference, our group from Milestii Mici went to the Smokehouse in Chisinau to celebrate our permanent assignments and share stories about our site visits.  The Smokehouse is a new restaurant, having opened since we arrived in Moldova.  It is owned and operated by two former PCVs, I believe M27s. When their service ended they decided to stay in Moldova and open an American restaurant.   However, as I understand it, doing so is a complicated process and among other things they had to have a local partner because they are not citizens of Moldova.  It took one year from start to opening.

The Smokehouse is centrally located in downtown Chisinau just off the main thoroughfare, Stefan Cel Mare Strada.  It is relatively small and rustic with a small bar area and a few tables. There is one special table known as "Table 27" which represents the 27 months of PCV service.  Needless to say it was the table where our group sat and enjoyed the beer and food.

The beer is Moldovan, but from a few craft breweries.  The selection is not large, but there was a variety from which to choose and we shared a couple of pitchers!!

The menu is American:  pulled pork, BBQ chicken, grilled cheese, cole slaw, potato salad, and Mac and Cheese.  Simple, but tasty. A reminder of home. Some comfort food to be sure. After five weeks a pulled pork sandwich with BBQ sauce and honey mustard was a welcome change! 

Please do not misunderstand though because the food we have been provided and served in Moldova has been fresh, homemade and tasty.  The vegetables and fruits from our host families' gardens have been wonderful.  One of my favorite meals has been fried potatoes and a salad of cucumbers, garlic, onions and tomatoes.  For now it is my Moldovan comfort food especially after a day of classes!!

In case you were wondering, there is a McDonalds in downtown Chisinau on Stefan Cel Mare Strada. The times I have passed by, it looks busy, but has not interested or tempted me in the least.  I have also seen a sign for KFC, but again it does not appeal to me.  I do not know if that will change but for now I am enjoying the Moldovan food.  I will, however, go back to the Smokehouse because it is real and not fast food.  Also I want to support former PCVs who are sharing a bit of American culture with Moldovans and are hopefully adding to the Moldovan economy.