For the duration of the Winter Olympics, D.C.\'s Mari Vanna will expand its Russian menu to include three dishes representative to the cuisine of Sochi.
Khachapuri is technically a Georgian cheese bread, but due to Sochi's proximity to Georgia, variations of this traditional bread are enjoyed throughout the region. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
This slightly spicy soup, filled with meat and chopped vegetables, is a staple in Sochi. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Anna Kurman and Mari Vanna Brand Chef Alexander Lokhin sat down with WTOP to explain these dishes, and other staples in Russian cuisine. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
The cheeses are enclosed in a pastry-type dough, which is baked until everything is melted. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Kurman says those olives and pickles do more than give the soup a boost in flavor. They possess somewhat of a healing power, if you will. This soup cures a hangover. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Mari Vanna has 17 house-infused vodkas on the menu. Around the restaurant, they are stored in jugs. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Mari Vanna has 17 house-infused vodkas on the menu. Around the restaurant, they are stored in jugs. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Mari Vanna has 17 house-infused vodkas on the menu. Around the restaurant, they are stored in jugs. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Mari Vanna is located south of Dupont Circle at 1141 Connecticut Avenue. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
The athletes are in their final hours of preparation before the competition begins in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.
And in Mari Vanna's small kitchen in Northwest, D.C., chefs and staff are in their final hours of preparation, as well. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Mari Vanna will serve three Sochi-inspired dishes throughout the duration of the Winter Olympics. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Mari Vanna will serve three Sochi-inspired dishes throughout the duration of the Winter Olympics. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Mari Vanna will serve three Sochi-inspired dishes throughout the duration of the Winter Olympics. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Celebrities who visit Mari Vanna sign the restaurant's wall. Alexander Ovechkin signed here. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Ready to celebrate Sochi with food and drink? Mari Vanna will host an Olympic kick-off party on Friday, Feb 7. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Ready to celebrate Sochi with food and drink? Mari Vanna will host an Olympic kick-off party on Friday, Feb 7. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
New to flavored vodkas? Kurman recommends the restaurant's most popular flavors: horseradish, cucumber-dill and black current. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Details in Mari Vanna's restaurant make it feel like an authentic Russian home. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Mari Vanna celebrates the Winter Olympics in Sochi. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania