Dinner for a Russian Superstar Goes to the Dogs

By Amy Phillips Penn

Years ago a Russian superstar dancer managed to defect from Russia in a daring escape. He fled to the United States, where he became an instant celebrity. Tickets for his performances were sold out, he was photographed in every trend- setting magazine, and he tour jeted to the top of everyone’s wish list as the must-have guest of honor for their soirees.

The Russian superstar who could barely speak English wasn’t enthralled by this overwhelming attention and missed his home and the dog he had to leave behind. As time went on, he became more comfortable with all the fuss, invitations, and adoration, but it was not something he sought or particularly relished.

One of New York’s hosts had been relentless about inviting the dancer to dinner. Since he didn’t know this Russian phenomenon,  who had now reached rock star status, he became friendly with a Russian woman who was close to him and to her friend, a patron of the arts. After countless invitations, the Russian superstar finally agreed to come to a small dinner at the man’s house, as long as it was a quiet, relaxed event.

The host was ecstatic. He could easily have hired the finest chef in the city, but in keeping with the mood of the evening, he decided he would do his own cooking and worked zealously for days before the big event. He was a bachelor who lived in a fabulous apartment, with a bachelor-sized kitchen.

When the big night arrived, the host had all the dishes perfectly prepared on the counter.  When the counter space ran out, he carefully put a few extra dishes on the floor. He was nervous, but organized.

The doorbell rang, and there was his esteemed guest, along with his two friends, and two unexpected guests: a pair of Samoyeds, white fluffy Russian dogs, who weren’t always perfectly behaved. The host was so thrilled that the Russian superstar was there, that he didn’t mind.

Coats were hung up, hors d’oeuvres were served, and two dogs managed to disappear for just enough time to get into the kitchen and… eat all the food that was on the ground, and make a dent in the counter dishes whenever they could reach. (Photo Credit: Tundra Ice Photography/Flickr)

The host was absolutely devastated, but the guests found the whole episode so amusing that a good time was had by all.

Just ask the dogs!

About author:

Amy Penn is a novel, article and lyrics writer, and a recognized polo expert.