#russian black caviar

[morethansalad]

Summer Squash Caviar (Vegan)

[silverovaskitchen]

MADE: 17 JUL 2022

A reblog from my main blog, cause I'm still pretty damn proud of what I did there. Actual recipe and pictures under the cut, if you have no time for the opening blurb.

Салат « Янус » (The Janus Salad)

(Or: a Russian Englishman’s twist on the Romanov-era Olivier Salad)

007 Fest 2022, Scavenger Hunt item no. 52: “Design a meal or dish of food representing a Bond character. Explain your logic.”

In the days when Janus used to travel all around Russia in his personal armoured train, the question of food always was a critical one. Of course, the on-board kitchen was well-stocked with quality tins, but one did not simply live on a diet of tinned food—especially when one was the immensely rich Janus.

Therefore, some of the Janus Syndicate’s enforcers were specially assigned to catering. They ordered dishes to the greatest chefs in all of Saint Petersburg and brought them back to base (not unlike a private Uber Eats…); they did the grocery shopping at the historical Gostiniy Dvor department store; they even procured rare and/or exotic ingredients from abroad. None of them complained—as long as they weren’t caught red-handed nabbing some of this exceptional food, the job certainly had its advantages.

Janus, as for him, didn’t complain either. As much as he despised his old friend James in those days, he had very much adopted the latter’s love for good, expensive cuisine for himself. While the local restaurateurs never saw him in person, he paid them so generously they came to look forward to the tough-looking henchman’s next visit. There were worse arrangements, especially in 1990s Russia.

What Janus also loved was history—above all else, Romanov history. In another life, he would have certainly been the dashing Count Vronskiy in Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. Or, at the very least, a young, ambitious Don Cossack officer, relentlessly gaining power in the tsar’s court through intrigue and connections. But alas, he was born a century too late for that to ever happen. His consolation was to devour all the books he could find on the subject… and infiltrating the young Russian Federation’s politics to steer them away from Communism as much as he could.

It was while reading one of his history books that one day, Janus stumbled upon the story of Belgian chef Lucien Olivier and of his most famous creation—Olivier salad. Like every Russian, Janus knew the Soviet, cheapened-down variation of it, also known as Russian potato salad. He was very surprised to find out that the original was, in fact, very posh. Depending on the versions, it could include such ingredients as hazel grouse, crayfish tails, or even black caviar.

Intrigued, Janus kept searching about this historical salad. Chef Olivier had clung jealously to his recipe all the way to the grave, but fortunately some of his contemporaries had noted down their best approximations. The oldest possible source Janus could find was an 1894 article from the long-defunct magazine ‘Our Food’. For what he had in mind, it was a very good base.

So, one day, he summoned one of his caterers and asked for the recipe to be recreated, albeit with a few alterations of his own. The original recipe was forever lost after all, so no need for complete authenticity. Instead of hazel grouse, he wanted partridge—a very acceptable replacement, according to the 1894 article. If he did live the Cossack life, he’d probably have hunted it himself… but the truth was, partridge had been his favourite game meat ever since James made him try some.

Instead of crayfish, he wanted the sweeter, softer scampi. How English of him, one might say. Instead of meat jelly, he wanted the most buttery, decadent beluga caviar—hopefully not from Valentin Zukovsky's Azerbaijani farm, though. He wanted quail eggs, too. And for a slightly dark, smoked edge, he wanted French duck magret. Again, James’ influence on him might be stronger than he’d ever admit…

Lastly, there was the question of the most mysterious ingredient of them all—what the article called ‘Kabul’ sauce. Back in the day, it was a condiment made by the British firm Crosse & Blackwell, but it unsurprisingly had been discontinued eons prior. The replacement, Janus decided, would be a mixture of good old Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. Russia had borders with China, Korea and Japan after all. Slightly spicy, with a umami kick to it… that resembled enough the descriptions he read.

The henchman finished noting this down, nodded, and went. Shortly before dinner time, he came back to the train with the customary bliny with sour cream and caviar… as well as this.

‘Delicious’, Janus thought at the first bite. ‘Well worthy of a tsar… I could call it the Janus salad.’

INGREDIENTS

(DISCLAIMER: the author broke the piggy bank for some of these ingredients because she made this dish for her 26th birthday. Do not feel obliged to do the same—that being said, scouring places such as Petrossian or La Grande Épicerie de Paris (a French equivalent to Harrod’s) was very fun.)

Salad (makes 3-4 servings):

2 roasted partridges (can be replaced with roasted chicken)

8 (+1, see decoration) quail eggs (can be replaced with chicken eggs)

5-6 waxy new potatoes (if you’re Janus, you’ll probably want Jersey Royals. If you’re a French frog like the author, Noirmoutiers are an excellent replacement.)

70g smoked duck magret (omit if you don’t have access to it)

Half an English cucumber

1 tbsp capers

10 black olives

Meat from the scampi claws

Scampi broth (if raw scampi are used):

Parsley

Tarragon

Dill

2 bay leaves

1 onion, quartered

1 carrot, chopped

Jamaican pepper (Bond would approve)

Coarse salt

Provençal sauce:

1 egg yolk

1 tsp Dijon mustard

2 tsp vinegar

olive oil (or olive oil + a neutral tasting oil—olive oil has a strong taste)

black pepper

garlic powder

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2-3 tsp soy sauce

For the decoration of 1 serving:

2 scampi (aka. langoustines)

1 lettuce leaf

The spare quail egg, halved

Chives

Black caviar (if you’ve got Janus’ unlimited funds, beluga is a must—since the author hasn’t, she used osetra instead. A good, much cheaper replacement with a similar taste would be trout roe... except it isn't as dark as Alec's soul 😆)

DIRECTIONS

Roast the partridge (or chicken) and let it cool down

Boil the potatoes and let them cool down

Boil the quail eggs for 3 minutes and let them cool down (8 minutes for chicken eggs)

Make the scampi broth. When it boils, add the raw scampi and cook for 8 minutes starting  from when the broth boils again. Remove the pot from the stove and put it in a cold water bath. Leave the pot to cool down, so that the scampi are infused with the broth.

Remove the bones from the partridge/chicken, then chop it up into small pieces along with the potatoes, cucumber, magret, eggs and meat from the scampi claws. Add capers and sliced olives

Make the Provençal sauce. Mix the egg yolk and mustard then slowly add oil while whisking, until texture is firm (an electric hand mixer helps). Add the other ingredients and mix well.

Add two generous tablespoons of Provençal sauce to the salad, then gently mix it all up.

To serve, ideally use a ring mold. Decorate the molded salad with the scampi, egg, lettuce leaf, caviar and chives.

Serve very cold. The 1894 recipe says that it should be ideally done in ‘a crystal vase, like fruit macédoine’.

Приятного аппетита! (Bon appétit!)

SOURCES:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivier_salad (good overview)

https://liveuser.livejournal.com/77282.html (the 1894 recipe, in Russian)

https://stale.ru/en/different/olive-s-rakovymi-sheikami-gotovim-originalnye-salaty-olive-s/ (different variations of the original recipe with more complete instructions, Google (?) translated from Russian)

BONUS PICTURES:

Mmm roasted partridge

A good view on that caviar (I certainly am not going to get more any time soon, so gotta show off 😁). Also, six bliny of course.

Little birthday dessert in the same spirit:

Georgian black tea with lemon

Chocolate, lemon, raspberry and mango macarons

‘Cigarettes russes’ (Russian cigarettes), which are Belgian rolled biscuits

Raisin and lemon Scottish shortbread

Apple and honey ‘tulskiy pryanik’, a sort of gingerbread from Tula, Russia

PS: did you spot the three Sean Bean non-Alec Easter eggs in the opening blurb? 👀

[sleepingdeath-light]

listed below is everything that i have published for my 2022 kinktober writing event - listed by date of publishing and updated daily between the 1st and 31st of october.

minors please do not interact with any of the content outlined here! thank you!

MINORS AND AGELESS BLOGS WILL BE BLOCKED

os = one shot ; hc = headcanon set

(readmore used because there are 60-something links to scroll past)

day one ; edging

os . “in the dead of night”

feat. masky (marble hornets) and an amab!reader (they/them) + dub con

hc . howl pendragon (howl’s moving castle)

hc . clotted cream cookie (cookie run kingdom)

day two ; gun play

os . “russian roulette”

feat. din djarin (the mandolorian) and a female!reader

hc . undertaker (black butler)

hc . natasha romanov (marvel)

day three ; overstimulation

os . “cry for me”

hc . steve rogers (marvel)

day four ; breeding kink

os . “the heir”

feat. prince caspian (the chronicles of narnia) and a female!reader

hc . bruno madrigal (encanto)

day five ; impact play

os . “one more time”

feat. mean dom!light yagami (death note) and a gender neutral!reader (they/them)

hc . vincent phantomhive (black butler)

hc . the grabber (the black phone)

day six ; praise

os . “pretty little thing”

hc . daycare attendants (five nights at freddy’s)

hc . jason voorhees (friday the 13th)

hc . sawyer brothers (texas chainsaw massacre)

hc . thomas hewitt (texas chainsaw massacre)

day seven ; hair pulling

os . “weary head”

feat. l lawliet (death note) and a gender neutral reader (they/them)

hc . affogato cookie (cookie run: kingdom)

hc . hawks (my hero academia)

day eight ; body worship

os . “lady in red”

feat. grelle sutcliffe (black butler) and a male reader

hc . undertaker (black butler)

hc . padmé amidala (star wars)

day nine ; daddy/mummy kink

os . “his baby”

feat. erwin smith (attack on titan) and a male reader

hc . jane foster (marvel)

hc . dark!wanda maximoff (marvel)

day ten ; consensual non consent

os . “tourist trap”

feat. otis b. driftwood (the firefly trilogy) and a female reader

hc . bucky barnes (marvel)

hc . asa emory (the collector)

day eleven ; pegging

os . “something new”

feat. tony stark (avengers) and an afab reader (they/them)

hc . korrasami (legend of korra)

hc . valkryie (marvel)

day twelve ; multiple penetration

os . “at world’s end”

hc . slenderman (creepypasta)

hc . hela odindöttir (marvel)

day thirteen ; oral

os . “hell and high water”

hc . eyeless jack (creepypasta)

day fourteen ; knife play

os . “born to rule”

hc . jesse cromeans (laid to rest)

hc . azuma genkaku (deadman wonderland)

day fifteen ; deep throating

os . “king for a day”

hc . baby firefly (the firefly trilogy)

day sixteen ; hand jobs

os . “the consort”

hc . natasha romanov (marvel)

hc . newt scamander (fantastic beasts)

day seventeen ; shower sex

os . “after dark”

hc . levi ackerman (attack on titan)

hc . jennifer check (jennifer’s body)

day eighteen ; threesome

os . “scream for us”

hc . eda clawthorne & raine whispers (the owl house)

hc . gomez & morticia addams (the addams family)

day nineteen ; temperature play

os . “pathetic mortal”

hc . frost queen cookie (cookie run: kingdom)

hc . dabi (my hero academia)

hc . marvel woman (multiple film series)

hc . fire spirit cookie (cookie run: ovenbreak)

day twenty ; gagging

os . “quiet, love”

hc . saeyoung choi / 707 (mystic messenger)

hc . scp 035 (scp foundation)

day twenty one ; sensation play

os . “training”

hc . queenie goldstein (fantastic beasts)

hc . scp 049 (scp foundation)

day twenty two ; collaring

os . “new pet”

hc . sirius black (harry potter)

hc . sinclair brothers (house of wax)

day twenty three ; face sitting

os . “good boy”

hc . wanda maximoff (wandavision)

hc . marauders (harry potter)

day twenty four ; exhibitionism

os . “disciple”

hc . tom riddle (harry potter)

hc . captain caviar cookie (cookie run: kingdom)

day twenty five ; thigh riding

os . “the reward”

hc . charlie morningstar (hazbin hotel)

hc . scp 035 (scp foundation)

hc . remus lupin (harry potter)

hc . original avengers (marvel)

day twenty six ; bondage

os . “all wrapped up”

hc . jumin han (mystic messenger)

hc . hoodie (marble hornets)

day twenty seven ; voyeurism

os . “secret admirer”

hc . ticci toby (creepypasta)

hc . misa amane (death note)

day twenty eight ; breath play

os . “three, two, one”

hc . bo sinclair (house of wax)

hc . tiffany valentine (bride of chucky)

day twenty nine ; pet play

os . “pretty piggy”

hc . sebastian michaelis (black butler)

hc . harley quinn (birds of prey)

day thirty ; period play

os . “the urge”

hc . alcina dimitrescu (resident evil village)

hc . trancy demons (black butler)

day thirty one ; degradation

os . “stupid bitch”

hc . philip whittebane / emperor belos (the owl house)

hc . angela blanc & ash landers (black butler)

[mortal-kombattore-115]

Modern Warfare/ Shadow Company OC: Irina Makarova

General Information:

Name: Irina Makarova (Ирина Макарова)

Code name: Nomad

Alias(es): Natalya Ivanova, Vampira (by Valeria), Vamp (by Graves)

Nationality: Russian

Place of Birth: Moscow, RSFSR, Soviet Union

Birthday: May 22, 1986 (aged 38) 

Gender: Female

Sexual Orientation: Lesbian

Affiliations: Russian Ground Forces (formerly), Gruzdev Bratva (formerly), Shadow Company (currently) 

Eyes: Brown/Blue

Hair: Blonde (was naturally black)

Build: Lean athletic

Height: 5’6

Languages: Russian, English, Spanish, German, and Mandarin Chinese.

Relationships: Valeria Garza (one night stand)

Marks: Scar on neck

_______________________________________________________

Biography:

Irina was born just before the fall of the Soviet Union in the suburbs of Moscow, alongside her older brother, Vladimir Makarov. As the daughter of a high-ranking politician within the Russian government, Irina watched the Soviet Union crumble, taking her father with it at the age of 4. After her father’s death, Irina grew up with a brother who didn't consider her a sister, but rather a mistake who would often blame her for their father’s death and the failures of the Soviet Union. Irina cut ties with her brother when he enlisted in the Russian military in 1998. Irina would later enlist in 2004.

During her service, Irina was an extraordinary soldier with her fast reflexes and marksmanship skills as she quickly moved up the ranks.

After six years of service, Irina was discharged from the military and soon befriended a former soldier. Impressed with her combat skills, Irina was recruited into the Gruzdev Bratva as an enforcer. Over the years, Irina found a sense of belonging in the bratva, her ruthless methods and loyalty moved her up in the hierarchy.

Sometime in 2021, two members of the crime family broke into Irina’s home one night in an attempt to assassinate her, which resulted in two casualties and an almost slit throat. Discovering Makarov’s involvement in the assassination, she knew from then on that his torment was just beginning. After the failed assassination attempt by Konni, Irina fled the country altered her appearance changed her identity, and traveled to various locations in Europe and Asia.

In early 2022, Irina resided in Las Almas, Mexico, where she would meet Valeria Garza at a small cafe, unaware of the work she does. The two would occasionally meet at the same spot almost every afternoon, which brought them closer together. After the chaos happening in Las Almas between Task Force 141 and Shadow Company, Irina left Mexico and vanished. 

Several months later, Irina met Phillip Graves at a bar during one of her travels. Going over her dossier and being impressed by her military service history, as well as having the same hatred for Konni, Graves recruited her to Shadow Company.

______________________________________________________

Headcanons:

To celebrate one month of friendship, Valeria once gifted Irina a fruit bat.

Best friends with Velikan. Irina reminds him of an old friend she used to have during her bratva days. The two would often share stories about their pasts and often train together.

Her favorite comfort food is Blini (Russian pancake) because of how versatile they are. She loves to put some blueberry jam for when craving something sweet or smoked salmon with caviar for something savory.

[joslincox]

Tales From a Not-So Bratty Little Sister Soundtrack

Genres: Pop • Dance-pop • Teen Pop • Electro-pop • Pop Rock • R&B • Trap • K-Pop

The Linda Lindas - Growing Up

Rihanna - Umbrella (With Jay-Z)

Girls Aloud - You Freak Me Out

Jonas Brothers - Year 3000

Post Malone - Sunflower (With Swan Lee)

Justin Bieber - Baby (With Ludacris)

Allison Iraheta - Friday I'll Be Over U

Olivia Rodrigo - bad idea right?

Kelis - Milkshake

Tata Young - Sexy Naughty Bitchy

Halo Friendlies - Me vs. The World

Mindless Behavior - Hello

Eminem - The Real Slim Shady

One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful

Miranda Cosgrove - Leave It All To Me (With Drake Bell)

Victoria Justice - Make It Shine

Miley Cyrus - The Best of Both Worlds

Beyoncé - Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)

Taylor Swift - Love Story

BTS - Dynamite

Justin Bieber - One Time

Solange - Solo Star

Rihanna - Breakin' Dishes

Willow Smith - Whip My Hair

Nicki Minaj - Barbie World (With Ice Spice & Aqua)

Corbin Bleu - We Come To Party

Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger (With Christina Aguilera)

The Click Five - Pop Princess

Chris Brown - Yo (Excuse Me Miss)

Miley Cyrus - See You Again

Iggy Azalea - Fancy (With Charli xcx)

Keri Hilson - Pretty Girl Rock

Chelsea Staub - It's All About Me

No Doubt - Just A Girl

Justin Bieber - One Less Lonely Girl

Usher - OMG (With Will.i.am)

Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling

Jesse McCartney - Beautiful Soul

Avril Lavigne - I Always Get What I Want

Justin Timberlake - SexyBack (With Timbaland)

Nicki Minaj - Moment 4 Life (With Drake)

Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe

Katy Perry - Teenage Dream

Ke$ha - TikTok

Ice Spice - Pretty Girl (With Rema)

Ciara - Goodies (With Petey Pablo)

Big Time Rush - Boyfriend

The Wanted - Glad You Came

LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem (With Lauren Bennett and GoonRock)

BTS - Butter

The Pussycat Dolls - Buttons

Boomkat - Rip Her To Shreds

P!nk - Trouble

Hillary Duff - So Yesterday

Selena Gomez And The Scene - Kiss & Tell

Justin Bieber - Boyfriend

Peaches & Herb - Shake Your Groove Thing

Usher - Yeah! (With Lil Jon and Ludacris)

V.I.C - Wobble

Ashlee Simpson - Just Let Me Cry

Ke$ha - Boogie Feet (With Eagles of Death)

Hillary Duff - Sweet Sixteen

OneRepublic - Sunshine

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Parents Just Don't Understand

Katy Perry - California Gurls (With Snoop Dogg)

Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend

Nicki Minaj - Starships

Spice Girls - Wannabe

Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music

Selena Gomez And The Scene - Love You Like A Love Song

Justin Bieber - Beauty And a Beat (With Nicki Minaj)

(G)I-DLE - Queencard

Corbin Bleu - Push It To The Limit

Jesse McCartney - Because You Live

Harry Styles - As It Was

MONSTA X - HERO

BLACKPINK - How You Like That

Red Velvet - Russian Roulette

TWICE - Candy Pop

That Girl Lay Lay - Mama

JoJo Siwa - Kid In A Candy Store

Cardi B - Bongos (With Megan Thee Stallion)

Hannah Montana - Nobody's Perfect

Lizzo - Good As Hell

Blackway - What's Up, Danger (With Black Caviar)

Justin Bieber - Never Say Never

Kendrick Lamar - Not Like Us

Pitbull - International Love (With Chris Brown)

Cardi B - Money

Megan Thee Stallion - Neva Play (With RM)

Sabrina Carpenter - Espresso

Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive

JoJo Siwa - D.R.E.A.M

Victoria Justice - Beggin' On Your Knees

Selena Gomez And The Scene - Who Says

Billie Eilish - What Was I Made For

Jesse McCartney - She's No You

Chris Brown - Look at Me Now (With Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne)

Khalid - Young Dumb and Broke

Simple Plan - I'm Just A Kid

Demi Lovato - La La Land

Ashley Tisdale - He Said She Said

Saweetie - Best Friend (With Doja Cat)

Ke$ha - Take It Off

DJ Khaled - All I Do Is Win (With T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, and Rick Ross)

Jonas Brothers - What I Go To School For

Ryan Gosling - I'm Just Ken

Soulja Boy - Kiss Me Thur The Phone (With Sammie)

Taio Cruz - Dynamite

Flo Rida - Low (With T-Pain)

Nelly Furtado - Promiscuous (With Timbaland)

Fergie - Glamorous (With Ludacris)

Ciara - 1, 2 Step (With Missy Elliott)

Rihanna - Take A Bow

Miley Cyrus - G.N.O (Girls' Night Out)

Demi Lovato - Don't Forget

Ashlee Simpson - Pieces of Me

Brick & Lace - Love Is Wicked

Nicki Minaj - Super Bass

Katy Perry - Firework

P!nk - So What

The Pussycat Dolls - Don't Cha

Ice Spice - Princess Diana (With Nicki Minaj)

Olivia Rodrigo - good 4 u

Ne-Yo - Miss Independence

Chris Brown - With You

Jason Derulö - Ridin' Solo

The Click Five - Just The Girl

Miley Cyrus - Party In The USA

Ariana Grande - the boy is mine (With Brandy and Monica)

Fifth Harmony - Worth It (With Kid Ink)

Rihanna - Pon De Replay

Beyoncé - Naughty Girl

Selena Gomez And The Scene - Naturally

Hannah Montana - Rock Star

Katy Perry - Hot N Cold

Shakira - She Wolf

KSM - I Want You to Want Me

Zac Efron - Breaking Free (With Brenda Song)

Usher - DJ Got Us Falling In Love (With Pitbull)

Mindless Behavior - Girls Talkin' Bout

Big Time Rush - Worldwide

Chris Brown - Run It! (With Juelz Santana)

Lady Gaga - Just Dance (With Colby O'Donis)

Lindsay Lohan - Drama Queen (That Girl)

[insanedementia]

Weird thought

This is a weird thought and concept I've thought about with Black Pearl and Captain Caviar. I re-watched Anastasia, you know, the best animated movie in the history of animation that I wish and aspire to achieve. And I had a thought of 'what if Black Pearl was Anastasia'? And hear me out since its a weird thought since its based on the movie and NOT the real depreciation of Russian History. What if White Pearl Cookie and Crimson Coral survived the attack with citizens attacking just like Anastasia and her grandmother? All their sisters have been murdered from the attack and all they had was each other. When the train was packed and the train is moving, Crimson Coral tries to reach out her hand, desperate for her little sisters hand. But White Pearl Cookie gets pushed, smashing her head on the pavement and Crimson's train leaving the little girl behind. And as years passed, I think since she lost her memory, White Pearl would be Black Pearl. Being witty and a bit of a handful during her time at the orphanage just like Anastasia in the movie was. And I thought itd be only natural if Captain Caviar would be Demetree, having to have lived in the palace before the attack and helping Black Pearl when she was a child. And it'd make sense that Captain Caviar wouldn't realize who she was, when he takes her to the other side of EarthBread to see her sister again, until she starts reminiscing the memory of him helping her escape. I DONT KNOW IT WAS A WEIRD IDEA I MIGHT DRAW LMAOAOAO

[lisbetadair]

Mix It Up Monday Response

For @onlycodcanjudgeme's Mix It Up Monday If you were to insert one Call of Duty character into a different game (another CoD universe or not), who would it be?  How do you see that player interacting in a new environment?

Most of the Call of Duty archetypes were already present in Dream Daddy, with the exception of everyone's favourite wet-rat-man hybrid and famed Russian Ultranationalist terrorist poster boy: Vladimir Makarov.

Makarov lives in an absolutely monstrosity of a McMansion at the end of your street, set in its own grounds. His son, Sergei, is a right-wing misogynist on YouTube with a disturbingly large following and goes to school with your daughter, Amanda, who hates him. She is not able to sabotage your first date with Vladimir despite successfully pushing Sergei into his own fountain.

Vladimir 'You can call me Vovo, Любимый' Makarov invites you to dinner at his house, a charming, simple supper of blini, quails eggs, buttered potatoes and a pound of Beluga caviar, flown in from the Black Sea, accompanied by his favourite Tsarskaya Vodka, set in a bleak minimalist dining room that appears to have been designed by an interior decorator with a mortuary fetish.

The date goes well if you compliment his silk scarf, and express an interest in his collection of Stalin memorabilia. To get the good ending with Makarov, you must gun down at least twenty innocent civilians during an attack on a nuclear power plant to obtain enriched uranium for his cause. For this, you get the achievement 'Maybe it's love or toxic radiation?' and you never see Amanda again.

[saintvampe]

CHARACTER INTERVIEW!

BASICS:

NAME  : seraphina la’rue

NICKNAME/S  :   sera ( do not call her this pls unless u r like established with her )

ALIASES/TITLES  :  the woman of the woods, the starving woman.   [  in the future: Saint Cordelia Seraphina of the Underground.  ]

AGE  : early - mid 30s, physically.  13.7 billion years old,  chronologically. 

SPECIES  :  primordial being. current vampire.

PERSONAL:

MORALITY  :  lawful / chaotic / good / neutral / evil / true    

RELIGION  :   herself.  (  she doesn’t believe in a higher power,  and thinks that if there was one it’s obviously gotta be her.  )

SINS  :  greed / gluttony / sloth / lust / pride / envy / wrath    

VIRTUES  :   chastity / charity / diligence / humility / kindness / patience / justice    

KNOWN LANGUAGES  :   she is fluent in thirty languages,   but she uses spanish,   english,   french and russian and mandarin n cantonese chinese fairly frequently.  

SECRETS  :   her sentimentality is not known very well, nor are her true emotions and desires of wanting to be closer to humanity. 

PHYSICAL:

BUILD  :   scrawny / bony / slender / fit / athletic / curvy / herculean / pudgy / average    

HEIGHT  :   5′9″

SCARS  /  BIRTHMARKS  :   zero!

ABILITIES  /  POWERS   :   she is surprisingly very strong and durable,   not enough to be like comical in a everyday - world setting, but noticeable enough where she can easily lift 500+ lbs of weights without any prior training.  her hearing is superhumanly impeccable,   and she can smell certain things from a mile away, and narrow out smells. she is capable of taking down a grown man by herself.

RESTRICTIONS  :  none physical. her own lust and greed, which has manifested in her vampirism, forces her to transform into a monstrous being if she does not satiate her vampiristic urges for very long. her desires for power will also contribute to her final moments.

FAVORITES:

FOOD  :   seraphina loves escargot,  loves caviar,  loves a good beef carpaccio!!! she’s very picky about her food, and she has such a difficult time narrowing down what she truly truly enjoys the most. “What I enjoy, I enjoy!” aka something she said in an anonymous interview.

DRINK  :    water. a good wine or scotch.

PIZZA TOPPING  :   mushrooms and spinach! extra cheese! 

COLOR  :  blacks,  reds,  whites.

MUSIC GENRE  :    jazz music, blues.

BOOK GENRE  :    non-fiction and historical nonfiction. hobby books.

MOVIE GENRE  :   she does not watch movies, but she would watch whatever anyone else is watching if there was noting else to do.

CURSE WORD  :  "shit!” “bastard” “ass”

SCENTS  :   copper, musk, dirt and outside.

FUN STUFF:

SONGS  :   1) talk / hozier 2) stfu / rina sawayama 3) hang on me / saint vincent 4) feed me (git it!) / little shop of horrors broadway cast recording

AESTHETIC  :     an alleyway that comes alive with storefronts in the dead of night. a woman with sharp teeth and glowing eyes. a beast turning into a woman and back again, a painful but necessary metamorphosis. canines sinking into skin. the body splitting into two. hunger lasting forever and ever. eve, made from her own rib. a long and bustle-d skirt against a dusty floor. 

SINGS IN THE SHOWER  : she hums to herself, quietly. her voice is decent enough for her, and they’re always fragmented songs of things she can barely remember and barely find again.

LIKES PUNS  :  no.

tagged by : hehehe @wolpha tagging : IF YOU SEE THIS PLS DO IT THANK U

[krokietnik]

Strugeon lives in Europe- native to basin of the Black Sea and probably introduced somewhere in 1000s to Baltic.

It's meat was so ubiquitous that we don't know for sure if "wizna" in old Polish recipes means strugeon smoked or dried because nobody bothered to write it down.

Before xix centry caviar was something of a curiosity- sometines send between rich and powerful as a souvenir or gift but it was an acquired taste, often ending up somewhere in the pantry :)

Caviar as The Luxury Food make a career in XIX centry when fabulusly wealthy russian aristocrats brought IT to France during their lenghy journeys. It was exotic, shelf stable thanks to canning and with proper marketing become the thing to eat when you are aspiring and rich.

It's just a roe. Probably not much people wiuldnpay attention anyway if IT wasn't for fancy cans

[engin-program]

🔔 Don’t miss this exclusive virtual event with Dr. Marci Shore (Marci Shore), Professor of History at Yale University. Dr. Shore will present to the ENGin community on events detailed in her latest book, The Ukrainian Night: An Intimate History of Revolution, including the circumstances that led to the 2013 uprising on the Maidan in Kyiv and subsequent revolution.

📰 According to Dr. Shore, the events of 2013-14 marked a turning point without which Ukrainian resistance to the ongoing, full-scale Russian invasion cannot be understood.

🗂️ Dr. Shore received her M.A. from the University of Toronto in 1996 and her Ph.D from Stanford University in 2001. Her research focuses on the intellectual history of twentieth and twenty-first century Central and Eastern Europe. She is the translator of Michał Głowiński’s The Black Seasons and the author of Caviar and Ashes: A Warsaw Generation’s Life and Death in Marxism, 1918-1968, The Taste of Ashes: The Afterlife of Totalitarianism in Eastern Europe.

📲 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZUod...

[colemanemma739]

Exploring American Hackleback Sturgeon Caviar A Gourmet Delight

Caviar has long been a symbol of luxury and culinary sophistication. While traditional caviars from the Caspian Sea have dominated the market, American caviars, particularly the Hackleback Sturgeon variety, have gained prominence as sustainable and high-quality alternatives. This exploration of American Hackleback Sturgeon caviar reveals why it's considered a gourmet delight.

1. What is Hackleback Sturgeon Caviar?

Hackleback Sturgeon, scientifically known as Scaphirhynchus platorynchus, is native to the freshwater rivers and lakes of the United States, primarily the Mississippi River. This fish produces small, firm eggs that are known for their rich, nutty flavor, making it one of the most sought-after caviars in the American culinary scene.

2. The Appeal of Hackleback Caviar

a. Flavor Profile

Hackleback caviar offers a distinct taste that is slightly milder than that of more traditional caviars. Its flavor is characterized by a subtle nuttiness with a hint of earthiness, making it both unique and versatile for various gastronomic applications. The eggs themselves are usually jet-black with a glossy finish, providing a delightful visual appeal when served.

b. Accessibility and Sustainability

One of the primary reasons for the rise in popularity of Hackleback caviar is its sustainability. Unlike the endangered species of sturgeon found in the Caspian Sea, Hackleback sturgeons are abundant in American rivers, making their caviar a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, Hackleback caviar is more affordable than many imported caviars, making it accessible to a broader range of gourmet enthusiasts.

3. Culinary Uses

Hackleback caviar is incredibly versatile in the culinary world. It can be enjoyed simply on a blini with a dab of crème fraîche, or used to elevate the elegance of appetizers and entrées. Its subtle flavor makes it an excellent topping for everything from traditional Russian pancakes to innovative dishes like caviar-topped scallops or even caviar-infused pastas.

4. Tasting and Serving Suggestions

To fully appreciate Hackleback caviar, it should be served properly. Here are some tips for serving and tasting:

Temperature: Serve caviar chilled to maintain its delicate texture and flavor.

Utensils: Use non-metallic spoons, such as those made from mother of pearl or plastic, to avoid any metallic taste that might alter the flavor of the caviar.

Pairings: Pair Hackleback caviar with a dry champagne or a mild vodka to enhance its flavors without overpowering them.

5. Purchasing and Sustainability

When purchasing Hackleback caviar, it's important to consider the source. Look for caviar that is sustainably harvested and comes from reputable farms that ensure the health and sustainability of sturgeon populations. This not only helps protect biodiversity but also ensures a high-quality product.

Conclusion

American Hackleback Sturgeon caviar represents the perfect blend of luxury, sustainability, and accessibility. Whether you are a longtime caviar lover or a curious newcomer, Hackleback caviar offers a delightful introduction to the world of high-end gastronomy. Its unique flavor profile and versatile culinary uses make it a standout choice for anyone looking to indulge in the refined tastes of caviar without compromising on environmental ethics. Dive into the experience of Hackleback caviar and discover a new layer of gourmet delight in your culinary explorations.

[killlavendr]

1: no

2: dark emerald green - cuz greens the slytherin color and dark emerald green is pretty

3: scar from the lion king but less evil

4: yes bro gets no bitches🙏😭

5: no

6: Russian, german, or latin (but I think he already knows a bit of Latin)

7: prof. Mcgonagal

8: slytherin?

9: I think he likes rich foods. And bitter foods. I don’t think he likes too much sugar. Favored drinks consist of red wine, water, firewhisky, and coffee (he could use a pepper up but he likes the taste better lol). For foods, I hc he has rather expensive taste. Seafood, fancy salads and soups, caviar, ect. Also a ton of arugula in those salads

10: hmmm no

11: this is dumb af but when Umbitch is like “so you originally applied for the DADA position?” “..yes.” “And you were not accepted?(or smth like that)” “..obviously not…” LMAOAOAO the sass and then him hitting Ron w a book I love it

12: Hermione, I think she’d be most likely to try and understand him and would snitch tf out of James, Sirius, Peter, ect. They’d be friends i think

13: yes + I stan him (both of them) + I literally can’t imagine anyone else playing him

14: muffliato. He wants to keep hearing those annoying ass kids to a minimum so he uses it whenever he’s alone and/or grading papers

15: reading. For a bonus I think his favorite genre would be horror (he thinks it’s funny. “Hah- that’s not what intestines look like.”)

16: when I was like five I didn’t like him. Then I got back into HP when I was 12 and thought he was hot

17: yes💀

18: his hair (in the movies) and nose

19: summarized - he’s an asshole

20: I literally don’t know

21: considering this hoe has had like 2 good memories in his lifetime probably just hanging out w Lily

22: Ehhh yeah probably but her holding back laughter when he was getting bullied + publicly humiliated is a red flag so idk

23: lingerie ..NAH NAH JKJKJKJ LMOAOAO but idk that button up shirt thing he has and just some black dress pants😭 also if this counts i hc he has a tattoo of lilies on his right shoulder

24: yeah

25: yes - in general or in HP? I’ll answer for both. Mitsuri Kanroji from kny - no😭 I think she’d like his emoness cuz she’s at least a little bit in love with almost everyone but also be scared of him💀 and Snape would hate her. For HP - no I don’t think him and Ron get along

26: horror I already said that tho

27: yeah I do

28: yeah because I have daddy issues and are more (non romantically) attracted to men who are fucking mean and I have to actually work to make them like me. Man I’m messed up

29: very plain but also fancy if that makes sense?? Like I think he would keep decorations to a minimum, have a slytherin tapestry on the wall or smth, velvet curtains, keeps his desk very clean, dark colors, green and black bed cotton bed, ect. Almost no clutter if not none

30: don’t bully ur students when you become a teacher u asshole Ik ur life sucks but don’t take it out on random ass 14 year olds (him staring at me like 🤨??? In response) also let’s kiss

31: yeah - depression 🤪🤪🤪 cuz his life is an actual dumpster fire. I think it gets rly bad in the winter and he gets more irritable. And OCD but that’s just a lil headcanon I just think he’s very obsessive about being clean to a point it’s unhealthy

32: idk sneepyheepy??? Severus Sneepyheepy Snape lololol

33: Lady fingers, Clair de lune, 月亮代表我的心. HE IS THE BIGGEST FUCJING TERESA TENG FAN EVER U CANT CHANGE MY MIND

34: every single snape ship I don’t like any of them

35: no he has no friends (other than mcgonagal but he won’t admit she’s his friend.)

Snape:“I don’t have friends..I am the night.”

Students: “OMG SNAP IS BATMAN!”

36: I think he gets nauseous when he has a lot of stress and gets crazy painful stomachaches. Also I’m self projecting that happens to me when my anxiety gets super bad and holy shit those stomachaches make me go violent

37: his hair. It’s described as rly greasy but in the movie his hair is LUXURIOUS AND FLUFFY pls snape take some advice from snape

38: his hair. It’s described as rly greasy but in the movie his hair is LUXURIOUS AND FLUFFY pls snape take some advice from snape

39: Fall. Not too cold but not too hot. Is happiest on cool mildly windy days

40: hmmm idk hanging out w Lily, reading abt magic, and crying

41: His bitchass dad

42: probably as a kid but quickly learned that he didn’t want anybody to see that side of him

43: i already mentioned this but the lily tattoo

44: definitely floo

45: aroace. I have a post abt this but I actually hc that snape didn’t have romantic feelings for Lily but has a hard time differing platonic and romantic feelings so he thought he did if that makes sense

46: Remus..if he didn’t almost kill him😭

47: like 2..oh for slytherin too? Then like 40,000 or smth

48: yeah he was like too obviously evil to actually be evil

49: tall for sure - I don’t think he’d be nearly as intimidating as he’s described if he was short

50: yeah I think so I also think he would’ve been a bit nicer (maybe I’m letting my hopes get the best of me tho)

Snape asks

Do you have a snOTP? What is it?

What do you think is Snape's favourite colour and why?

Which Disney character, according to you is most like Snape?

Do you think Snape remained a virgin?

Do you think Snape ever loved anyone other than Lily, romantically or platonically?

If Snape learnt another language, which would he choose?

Which staff member do you think gets along well with Snape?

If you had to assign Snape to a house, which one would it be?

What are your personal headcanons on Snape's diet and favourite foods?

Do you think Snape's character has changed the way you think/feel about others?

Your favourite scenes with book/movie!Snape?

If you had to chose a Golden trio era student to be Snape's friend, who would it be and why?

Do you think Alan Rickman contributed to your love for Snape?

What do you think is Snape's favourite potion to prepare?

If Snape had any free time, how do you think he would spend it?

Were you ever a Snater? How and when did you become a Snover?

Do you think Snape was unhappy even after joining the DEs?

Your favourite physical feature of Snape?

According to you, what is Snape's biggest flaw?

Why do you love Snape so much?

What particular memory do you think Snape used to conjure his patronus?

Do you think Lily was a good friend to Severus?

What do you think Snape wore under his robes?

Do you think Snape ever self-harmed?

Is there any other character you love as much as Snape? Do you think they'll get along?

What genre do you think Snape preferred to read?

Do you think Snape was close to his mother?

Do you think you'd like being taught by Snape?

How do you headcanon Snape's bedroom would look like?

If you could give young Snape any advice, what would it be?

Do you think Snape had any mental illnesses? Which ones and why?

If you could change Snape's middle name to be something other than Tobias what would you choose?

Top 3 songs you think will show up in Snape's most played?

Do you have any Snape NOTPs?

Snapey BROTPs?

Did Snape get sick often? Your headcanons for when he was sick?

Snape didn't pay attention to his physical appearance, but if you had to choose a part he would take care of, which would it be?

Which type of weather does Snape prefer?

How do you think Snape spent his early childhood days?

Other than Lily, who do you think impacted Snape's life the most?

Is there a side to Snape that he hasn't let anyone see? What do you headcanon this "secret personality" to be like?

Do you think Snape cried often?

What's your favourite headcanon about Snape? Is there a movie/song/book that reminds you of Snape?

What mode of magical travel would suit Snape the best?

Your opinion on Snape's sexuality?

Which of the Marauders do you think Snape could have gotten along with?

How many points do you think Snape would've awarded during his career?

Did you feel Snape was the "good guy" even before the reveal?

Do you prefer tall!Snape or short!Snape?

Had Snape lived, would he continue teaching at Hogwarts?

Reblog and let your followers ask more about how you think of Snape :3

[caviarben]

The Allure of Caviar: A Taste of Luxury

Caviar, often synonymous with luxury and gourmet dining, holds a special place in the culinary world. Derived from the Persian word "caviar," meaning "bearing eggs," caviar is not merely a delicacy but a symbol of opulence and sophistication. This article delves into the world of caviar, exploring its types, origins, and the nuanced art of enjoying this exquisite treat.

What is Caviar?

At its core, caviar consists of salt-cured fish eggs. These eggs are harvested from several species of sturgeon, which swim in the Caspian and Black Seas. The most prized caviar comes from the beluga, ostracize, and several sturgeons. Each type offers a unique flavor profile and texture, making caviar an intriguing subject for connoisseurs and novices alike.

The History of Caviar

Caviar has a rich history dating back over a thousand years. Originally, it was a staple for the indigenous people of the Caspian Sea before becoming a luxury item in the courts of Russia and Europe. By the 19th century, the demand for caviar in high society had soared, making it a symbol of status and wealth.

Types of Caviar

Beluga Caviar: The rarest and most expensive of all, beluga caviar is renowned for its large, soft eggs that range in color from light gray to black. The flavor is elegantly mild and buttery.

Ostracize Caviar: Sourced from the Russian sturgeon, ostracize caviar varies from golden to dark brown. It is known for its nutty, rich taste and firm texture.

Severus Caviar: Although smaller in egg size, several caviar packs a bold, intense flavor. It is more abundant and, therefore, less expensive than the other two types.

How to Enjoy Caviar

To truly appreciate caviar, it's important to consider the setting and the pairings. It should be served chilled on a bed of ice, with minimal accompaniments to preserve its delicate flavors. Traditional pairings include blini (small pancakes), creme franchise, chopped onions, or boiled eggs. The utensils used should be made of non-reactive materials like mother of pearl or gold, as metal can alter the taste of caviar.

Caviar Etiquette

When eating caviar, use small amounts to savor its flavor fully. It is considered gauche to mix caviar with other strong flavors as it can overpower the subtle nuances of the eggs. A small spoonful on a blini with a dab of creme franchise is the perfect way to enjoy this delicacy.

The Conservation of Sturgeons

The harvesting of caviar has severe implications for sturgeon populations, many of which are now critically endangered. Sustainable practices and farming have become crucial to preserving these species for future generations. Aqua-farms that produce caviar in controlled environments are gaining popularity, providing an ethical alternative to wild caviar.

The Future of Caviar

As tastes and economies evolve, so does the world of caviar. Innovations in aquaculture and changing consumer preferences towards sustainable options are shaping the future of this luxurious item. With these changes, caviar remains a timeless symbol of culinary artistry and elegance.

In conclusion, caviar is more than just a luxury food item; it is an experience enriched with history, culture, and gastronomy. Whether served at an upscale event or enjoyed in the quiet of one's home, caviar continues to captivate and delight with its rich textures and complex flavors.

[luisauthornews]

A Trump Tower Goes Bust in Canada

The failure this week of Trump Toronto showcased a familiar scenario: big promises, glitzy image, a Russian-born financier, aggrieved smaller investors – but few losses for the mogul himself.

November 02, 2016

The 65-story Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto has all the glitz and ambition of the luxury-brand businessman with his name in giant letters near its spire. It’s the tallest residential skyscraper in Canada, and probably the fanciest. The hotel’s sleek cream-and-black interiors were inspired by Champagne and caviar. Every room features Italian Bellino linens and Nespresso coffeemakers. Guests can book a Trump Experience outing through the Trump Attache concierge service. Their furry friends are eligible for the Trump Pets program, which “will fill your best Fido’s tummy with gourmet treats, and see them off to sleep on a plush dog bed.”

This Trump-branded and Trump-managed jewel is also, as a business venture, a bust.

On Tuesday, a Canadian bankruptcy judge placed the glass-and-granite building into receivership, just four years after Trump and his children cut the ribbon at its grand opening. Once it’s auctioned off, whether or not Trump is the leader of the free world by then, his name may well vanish from its marquee.

Trump is not the project’s developer or even an investor; one of his partners, a Russian-born billionaire who got rich in Ukraine’s steel industry, controls the firm that’s in default. The Trump Toronto is still a posh hotel, and even though nearly two thirds of the tower’s condo units remain unsold, they’re still upscale residences. Still, the saga of the property’s glittering rise and rapid fall is classic Trump, featuring a tsunami of litigation and bitterness, money with a Russian accent, and a financial wreck that probably won’t hit its namesake particularly hard.

Trump has vowed to run the country the way he runs his businesses, and Trump Toronto is yet another reminder that his businesses do not always run smoothly. Even before the bankruptcy, the Trump Organization was already mired in litigation over management issues with the project’s owner, Talon International—led by Alex Shnaider, the steel magnate who is perhaps better known for buying a Formula One racing team and hiring Justin Bieber to sing at his daughter’s Sweet Sixteen. The project also faced lawsuits filed by middle-class investors who claim they were suckered into buying time-share-style units in the hotel with wildly overstated projections of Trump Toronto’s performance. Now it’s in receivership, which will produce new ownership and, quite possibly, a new brand.

Trump Organization spokeswoman Amanda Miller noted that the company still has a long-term deal to manage the Toronto property, no matter who controls it after the auction. “This has been a record year for the hotel, and we look forward to its continued success,” Miller said. “Guests can expect to receive the same superior level of service and quality that is synonymous with our brand around the world.”

But it’s not clear that Trump Toronto will keep its name, much less its management team. Toronto is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, and Trump’s run for the presidency, especially his provocations against immigrants and Muslims, have made his hotel a target for protests. And one insider familiar with the bankruptcy proceedings said that local rivals in the luxury condo and hotel market, notably the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton, have dramatically outcompeted the Trump property. Court documents show that even though investors in the hotel units were told the “worst case scenario” for occupancy rates would be 55%, they’ve ranged between 15% and 45%. The average room rate, despite the snazzy crystal sconces and in-mirror bathroom TVs and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Ontario, has been nearly $100 below the initial projections.

“The whole business model has been overpromise and underdeliver, and it’s Trump’s name on the thing,” the insider said. “You can’t put all the blame on him and his people. But if they did a terrific job, do you think it would be in bankruptcy?”

Trump first got involved in the project 15 years ago, when he held a press conference with Toronto’s mayor to announce his plan to build a new Ritz Carlton downtown. That plan fell apart when it came out that his development partner was a fugitive who had been convicted of bankruptcy fraud and embezzlement in the U.S. Trump then forged a licensing and management deal with Shnaider and another Russian-Canadian named Val Levitan, whose name comes up a lot in the documents because he had no development experience. Talon pre-sold 85 percent of the units at near-Manhattan prices before the groundbreaking in 2007, but most of the buyers backed out after the global financial crisis ravaged the real estate market, and Levitan was eventually forced out.

It is clear from affidavits in the fraud cases and the bankruptcy case that the buyers have taken a financial beating. A warehouse supervisor named Sarbjit Singh, who was earning about $55,000 a year, testified that he borrowed money from his father, a retired welder, for the deposit on his hotel unit; he never closed on the deal, but he says he still lost $248,000. Se Na Lee, a homemaker who was married to a mortgage underwriter, borrowed money for her deposit from her parents; she did close, and ended up losing $990,000 through December 2014, she says.

A judge later described Talon’s prospectus and other “deceptive documents” as “a trap to these unsurprisingly unwary purchasers,” and ruled that they could sue Trump as well as Talon. The surnames in the court filings reflect the global diversity of the people who put their trust in the Trump brand and the Talon sales representatives: Ayeni, Surani, Yuen, Rhee, Okwuosa, Gupta, Radhakrishman, Varadarasa, Akinkuotu. Some said they were assured that Trump’s involvement would make it easy for them to get mortgages, but banks have shied away, even as the local real estate market has become one of the hottest on the planet.

These problems were already simmering when Trump—along with his children Eric, Donald Jr. and Ivanka, who oversees his worldwide hotel operations—stepped out of a Cadillac Escalade for the hotel’s ribbon-cutting in April 2012. There are snippets of the event on YouTube, where you can see Trump smiling dutifully as he congratulates hotel staffers, accepting a Maple Leafs jersey with his name on the back, and watching a speech by Toronto’s late mayor, Rob Ford, who would later become a household name after a crack-smoking scandal.

By 2015, Trump and Talon were suing each other, with the Trump team alleging a Talon scheme to take over the management, Talon alleging a Trump scheme to devalue the property in order to buy it at a discount, and both sides accusing each other of shoddy financial record-keeping. Talon also disparaged Trump’s performance running the hotel, but the dispute is now in mediation. It probably won’t matter, because Talon is about to lose the property, most likely to JCF Capital, a U.S. investment firm that purchased its $225 million construction loan.

Talon’s attorney, Steven Rukavina, would only say that the company is cooperating with the restructuring, and views the court’s appointment of a receiver as “a positive step forward toward achieving that objective.” JCF declined comment, though it has said in its filings that it intends to honor Trump’s contract if it assumes control of the property.

But Trump’s campaign, with its hostility towards foreigners, progressives, and others, has not played well in Toronto. A city councilor has called for the property to change its name. Hollywood types reportedly blackballed the hotel—along with its 31st-floor restaurant, which is actually called America—during this summer’s Toronto Film Festival. There have been protests outside the building by union workers, women’s groups, and Muslim groups. The Trump brand is under siege, which has delayed the opening of a similar Trump-licensed hotel and condo project in Vancouver until after the election. The colorful mosaic celebrating multiculturalism at the entrance to Trump Toronto, titled A Small Part of Something Larger, now seems to clash with the nominee’s white-backlash message.

Trump has presided over four corporate bankruptcies, and the flurry of lawsuits and countersuits over Trump Toronto’s broken promises is rather typical for a Trump property. But this is Talon’s bankruptcy, not his. The project was built with other people's money; he just got paid for the use of his name and his hotel management team. It’s not clear how much he ever knew about Talon’s high-pressure sales tactics. It’s also not clear how much he ever knew about his Russian-Canadian partner's business activities in Eastern Europe.

“We heard fantastic things about [Shnaider],” Trump told a Forbes reporter by phone from his 2005 honeymoon. “But sometimes people say wonderful things whether they mean them or not.”

Then again, Trump did license his name and his brand to Talon. This isn’t his main concern this week, but he can’t deny all responsibility for the failure of a Trump project, especially when the Trump Organization is running the Trump hotel. The project's partners, investors, and lenders all got a Trump Experience, one that isn't available from the concierge.

[scishowtangentspoems]

Architecture

The science of golfing well, but not too well,

Par-citecture.

The science of designing oceans, but in spanish,

Mar-citecture.

The art of designing sticky, black hydrocarbon leavings,

Tar-citecture.

The science of designing a Russian king,

Tsar-citecture.

The science of saying goodbye, but in french,

Au Revoir-citecture.

The science of designing six-stringed musical instruments,

Guitar-citecture.

The art and science of designing giant balls of hydrogen and helium undergoing nuclear reations,

Star-citecture.

The science of designing fish eggs,

Caviar-citecture.

The art and science of designing the Asian nation between Tailand and Bangladesh,

Mianmar-citecture.

The science of designing overly waxed, structured moustaches,

Handlebar-citecture.

- Hank Green

[zainwriteronline]

A Trump Tower Goes Bust in Canada

The failure this week of Trump Toronto showcased a familiar scenario: big promises, glitzy image, a Russian-born financier, aggrieved smaller investors – but few losses for the mogul himself.

The 65-story Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto has all the glitz and ambition of the luxury-brand businessman with his name in giant letters near its spire. It’s the tallest residential skyscraper in Canada, and probably the fanciest. The hotel’s sleek cream-and-black interiors were inspired by Champagne and caviar. Every room features Italian Bellino linens and Nespresso coffeemakers. Guests can book a Trump Experience outing through the Trump Attache concierge service. Their furry friends are eligible for the Trump Pets program, which “will fill your best Fido’s tummy with gourmet treats, and see them off to sleep on a plush dog bed.”

This Trump-branded and Trump-managed jewel is also, as a business venture, a bust.

On Tuesday, a Canadian bankruptcy judge placed the glass-and-granite building into receivership, just four years after Trump and his children cut the ribbon at its grand opening. Once it’s auctioned off, whether or not Trump is the leader of the free world by then, his name may well vanish from its marquee.

Trump is not the project’s developer or even an investor; one of his partners, a Russian-born billionaire who got rich in Ukraine’s steel industry, controls the firm that’s in default. The Trump Toronto is still a posh hotel, and even though nearly two thirds of the tower’s condo units remain unsold, they’re still upscale residences. Still, the saga of the property’s glittering rise and rapid fall is classic Trump, featuring a tsunami of litigation and bitterness, money with a Russian accent, and a financial wreck that probably won’t hit its namesake particularly hard.

Trump has vowed to run the country the way he runs his businesses, and Trump Toronto is yet another reminder that his businesses do not always run smoothly. Even before the bankruptcy, the Trump Organization was already mired in litigation over management issues with the project’s owner, Talon International—led by Alex Shnaider, the steel magnate who is perhaps better known for buying a Formula One racing team and hiring Justin Bieber to sing at his daughter’s Sweet Sixteen. The project also faced lawsuits filed by middle-class investors who claim they were suckered into buying time-share-style units in the hotel with wildly overstated projections of Trump Toronto’s performance. Now it’s in receivership, which will produce new ownership and, quite possibly, a new brand.

Trump Organization spokeswoman Amanda Miller noted that the company still has a long-term deal to manage the Toronto property, no matter who controls it after the auction. “This has been a record year for the hotel, and we look forward to its continued success,” Miller said. “Guests can expect to receive the same superior level of service and quality that is synonymous with our brand around the world.”

But it’s not clear that Trump Toronto will keep its name, much less its management team. Toronto is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, and Trump’s run for the presidency, especially his provocations against immigrants and Muslims, have made his hotel a target for protests. And one insider familiar with the bankruptcy proceedings said that local rivals in the luxury condo and hotel market, notably the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton, have dramatically outcompeted the Trump property. Court documents show that even though investors in the hotel units were told the “worst case scenario” for occupancy rates would be 55%, they’ve ranged between 15% and 45%. The average room rate, despite the snazzy crystal sconces and in-mirror bathroom TVs and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Ontario, has been nearly $100 below the initial projections.

“The whole business model has been overpromise and underdeliver, and it’s Trump’s name on the thing,” the insider said. “You can’t put all the blame on him and his people. But if they did a terrific job, do you think it would be in bankruptcy?”

Trump first got involved in the project 15 years ago, when he held a press conference with Toronto’s mayor to announce his plan to build a new Ritz Carlton downtown. That plan fell apart when it came out that his development partner was a fugitive who had been convicted of bankruptcy fraud and embezzlement in the U.S. Trump then forged a licensing and management deal with Shnaider and another Russian-Canadian named Val Levitan, whose name comes up a lot in the documents because he had no development experience. Talon pre-sold 85 percent of the units at near-Manhattan prices before the groundbreaking in 2007, but most of the buyers backed out after the global financial crisis ravaged the real estate market, and Levitan was eventually forced out.

It is clear from affidavits in the fraud cases and the bankruptcy case that the buyers have taken a financial beating. A warehouse supervisor named Sarbjit Singh, who was earning about $55,000 a year, testified that he borrowed money from his father, a retired welder, for the deposit on his hotel unit; he never closed on the deal, but he says he still lost $248,000. Se Na Lee, a homemaker who was married to a mortgage underwriter, borrowed money for her deposit from her parents; she did close, and ended up losing $990,000 through December 2014, she says.

A judge later described Talon’s prospectus and other “deceptive documents” as “a trap to these unsurprisingly unwary purchasers,” and ruled that they could sue Trump as well as Talon. The surnames in the court filings reflect the global diversity of the people who put their trust in the Trump brand and the Talon sales representatives: Ayeni, Surani, Yuen, Rhee, Okwuosa, Gupta, Radhakrishman, Varadarasa, Akinkuotu. Some said they were assured that Trump’s involvement would make it easy for them to get mortgages, but banks have shied away, even as the local real estate market has become one of the hottest on the planet.

These problems were already simmering when Trump—along with his children Eric, Donald Jr. and Ivanka, who oversees his worldwide hotel operations—stepped out of a Cadillac Escalade for the hotel’s ribbon-cutting in April 2012. There are snippets of the event on YouTube, where you can see Trump smiling dutifully as he congratulates hotel staffers, accepting a Maple Leafs jersey with his name on the back, and watching a speech by Toronto’s late mayor, Rob Ford, who would later become a household name after a crack-smoking scandal.

By 2015, Trump and Talon were suing each other, with the Trump team alleging a Talon scheme to take over the management, Talon alleging a Trump scheme to devalue the property in order to buy it at a discount, and both sides accusing each other of shoddy financial record-keeping. Talon also disparaged Trump’s performance running the hotel, but the dispute is now in mediation. It probably won’t matter, because Talon is about to lose the property, most likely to JCF Capital, a U.S. investment firm that purchased its $225 million construction loan.

Talon’s attorney, Steven Rukavina, would only say that the company is cooperating with the restructuring, and views the court’s appointment of a receiver as “a positive step forward toward achieving that objective.” JCF declined comment, though it has said in its filings that it intends to honor Trump’s contract if it assumes control of the property.

But Trump’s campaign, with its hostility towards foreigners, progressives, and others, has not played well in Toronto. A city councilor has called for the property to change its name. Hollywood types reportedly blackballed the hotel—along with its 31st-floor restaurant, which is actually called America—during this summer’s Toronto Film Festival. There have been protests outside the building by union workers, women’s groups, and Muslim groups. The Trump brand is under siege, which has delayed the opening of a similar Trump-licensed hotel and condo project in Vancouver until after the election. The colorful mosaic celebrating multiculturalism at the entrance to Trump Toronto, titled A Small Part of Something Larger, now seems to clash with the nominee’s white-backlash message.

Trump has presided over four corporate bankruptcies, and the flurry of lawsuits and countersuits over Trump Toronto’s broken promises is rather typical for a Trump property. But this is Talon’s bankruptcy, not his. The project was built with other people's money; he just got paid for the use of his name and his hotel management team. It’s not clear how much he ever knew about Talon’s high-pressure sales tactics. It’s also not clear how much he ever knew about his Russian-Canadian partner's business activities in Eastern Europe.

“We heard fantastic things about [Shnaider],” Trump told a Forbes reporter by phone from his 2005 honeymoon. “But sometimes people say wonderful things whether they mean them or not.”

Then again, Trump did license his name and his brand to Talon. This isn’t his main concern this week, but he can’t deny all responsibility for the failure of a Trump project, especially when the Trump Organization is running the Trump hotel. The project's partners, investors, and lenders all got a Trump Experience, one that isn't available from the concierge.