It's known as the 'breadbasket' of Russia, and some say harvest time in Kuban, with its endless 'fields of gold', is also a gold-plated tourist attraction.  But what do you think?  How much would you be prepared to spend visiting this unique region? Watch our new “Russia Close-Up” series to learn more about Kuban, and tell us what you think.

Al       June 30, 2007, 14:56

I have been to Russia many times and one thing that astounds me is the quality of the food available. I used to spend the first day or so while there eating everything I see, trying different pastries, meats ect. Now I know what I like and largely where to get it.

I find I usually eat less (after the initial binge) while there than in America, I feel better also. It has to be that the food is more nutritious than the processed garbage we have available to us here.

The best pizza I ever had is just down the street from the Belarussian Vokzal. I ordered chicken at the train station in Smolensk and I was surprised by the size of the leg. I have never seen a leg that big nor have I had chicken as tasty. Unfortunately the quality has not improved my liking of mushrooms or caviar. Yuck.

I think that the Kuban is too far away from the cities like Moscow to be a viable tourist attraction for westerners. Especially when it's products can be had almost anywhere. Perhaps Sochi being close will help. Unfortunately people like me would rarely have time to venture there. :(

If Americans had access to such foods half of the health problems we develope would simply disappear.