Mappic a Slavic/Russian restaurant in the US

Mapping Slavic/Russian Restaurants in the United States: Cultural Exploration Project

Proficiency Level: novice-High to Intermediate-Low

Theme and Class Topic: Russian-speaking communities in the United States; representation of cuisine and cultural identity

Communicative Objectives
Students will be able to:

• describe dishes and prices

• share basic information about a real establishment

• compare cultural products, present a short mini-review

Grammatical / Linguistic Objectives
Reinforces:

• nominative/accusative with food items

• adjectives and agreement

• quantifiers and prices

• present tense verbs (есть, стоит, можно)

Learning Goals

• connect classroom content with real-world cultural practices

• develop vocabulary through authentic menus

• notice regional and cultural diversity in Russian-speaking communities

Expected Outcomes
Students can:

• identify a Russian/Slavic food establishment

• describe several dishes in simple sentences

• present a short mini-review

• compare menus and cultural features in small groups

• recognize the presence of Russian-speaking culture in the U.S.

Materials: Online menus, restaurant websites, images

Procedure and Course Integration

This project is incorporated into food-themed units in first-year or early second-year Russian courses as a mid-semester cultural assignment that complements or replaces textbook culture sections. Students select a Russian or Slavic restaurant in the United States and research its location, background, and menu using online sources. They then prepare a written mini-review in Russian – ranging from simple sentences at the novice level to fuller descriptions for more advanced learners – focusing on dishes, ingredients, prices, and cultural observations. In class, small-group presentations allow students to compare menus, discuss familiar or surprising dishes, and connect restaurant offerings to their own cultural experiences. Because the project works with accessible real-world materials and student-selected locations, it reinforces functional vocabulary, supports communicative goals, and prepares learners for later authentic-text tasks. This assignment also helps students recognize Russian-speaking communities in the U.S.

Assessment: written mini-review, short oral presentation, and optional cultural reflection