I have personally seen tables set up like this. Russians love their food…
Zakuski (from the Russian plural закуски [zɐˈkuskʲɪ]; singular закуска, zakuska) is a Russian term for warm, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, entrées and snacks, “supposed to be used with every [shot] of vodka or any other alcoholic drink.” The word literally approaches a meaning of, “Something to bite after.”
These appetizers are typically served at banquets, dinners, events and receptions in Russia and other typical styled Soviet countries. A extensive choice of zakuski constitutes a general beginning to eating and drinking. usually, zakuski are already laid on the table while guests are referred to what is the dining room…
Standard zakuski consist of cold cuts, cured fishes, combined salads, kholodets (meat jelly), pirogs or pirozhki, various pickled greens which include tomatoes, beets, cucumbers, sauerkraut, pickled mushrooms, deviled eggs, tough cheeses, caviar, canapés, open sandwiches, and breads…
But; raw garlic, raw onions, raw fish and raw just about anything fits the bill when drinking vodka. A simple wrapped sweet or confectionery is appropriate and a simple cracker will allow the drinking to continue. Drinking with out zakuski is considered rude and bad manners…
Have a nice day. You learned something new today…
WtR