Well, after visiting Sochi again this Saturday, I'm convinced that it's now one of my favorite restaurants. The establishment is a small unassuming place situated in the minimall next to the bowling alley on the corner of Homestead and Stelling/Hollenbeck, close to Hwy 85/280. Obviously a family-run business (the propriator and wife are always there serving [and I assume cooking]) the food has been consistently fresh, tasty, and well prepared and presented. They are very kind and attentive. I'm a bit concerned however that they might not be doing well. Their location is terrible (alas) and they're only open for lunch except for Friday night and Saturday night. I have no affiliation to the business except as a very satisfied customer who would hate to see it disappear. I've tried: Pelemeni (beef dumplings, $7) - A spicier dish, which my girlfriend usually gets as her meal (her favorite.) Piroshki (kinda like a russian version of a miniature calzone, filling wrapped in bread and baked, $1 each) - I've had two varieties (I can't remember which ones, it's been a while since I've had these) ranging from ok to excellent (I think it was the potato piroski's I liked the most.) Satsivi (chicken in walnut curry, $5) - I'm not a fan of nuts in foods, but this curry is so tasty that I've thoroughly enjoyed this dish (both times I've eaten it.) russian style potato salad ($2) - excellent potato salad and excellent value Borsch (russian cabbage & beet soup, $3/$3.75) - Sochi's borsch is very good, spicy enough to satisfy my palate but mild enough for my girlfriend. Shish Kabab ($11) - yum yum yum, a long skewer of beef with roasted potatoes and veggies. The meat is very mildly spiced and is tender enough to cut with a butter knife. Cheburekie (deep fried beef pie $4 for 1, $5.30 for 2) - Take the meat from the Pelemeni and wrap it in piroshki bread and deep fry. Very good but not tops. Tsiplyonok Tabaka (pressed hen, $11) - Had this on Saturday and I have to say this is probably my favorite so far. A whole chicken marinated, spiced up and grilled to perfection. Spicier than the kabab, and every bite of chicken very tasty. Potatoes and veggies fill the (large!) plate out nicely. I often get a latte as well, which have been consistently good. Alas, the owner sometimes hasn't had the maker warmed up.
San Francisco Bay Area, CA