Mouthing Off‘Make dinner, not war’: why the power of food transcends world politics – except maybe not when it comes to Russia
- I enjoy writing about food because it exists mostly outside today’s highly politicised world, but a recent interview reminded me that’s not always the case
- Good food is a common denominator that unites – perhaps our leaders should resolve their conflicts over meals, not in boardrooms
I recently interviewed a Russian-born restaurateur called Alexander Orlov. After the story appeared, I was somewhat taken aback when his representative asked if I could delete all references to his country of origin from the story online.
This is something I have never been asked before. I assume the request was made because they worried that the explicit Russian identification would brand him in a negative way in the international business world. Certainly, the issue was brought up in my questions.
I recall specifically asking the now Dubai-based operator: “Have the last two years been difficult being Russian and operating restaurants in various parts of the world?”
The point wasn’t to pry into whether he has any associates, investors or connections related to Putin oligarchs. I was just curious if, after the Ukraine war started, he faced any real-world discrimination, blacklisting or sanctions.
He nonchalantly suggested world politics haven’t been any worse on his business than Covid.