Mari Vanna celebrates the cuisine of Sochi

Khachapuri is technically a Georgian cheese bread, but due to Sochi's proximity to Georgia, variations of this traditional bread are enjoyed throughout the region. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
This slightly spicy soup, filled with meat and chopped vegetables, is a staple in Sochi. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Anna Kurman and Mari Vanna Brand Chef Alexander Lokhin sat down with WTOP to explain these dishes, and other staples in Russian cuisine. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
The cheeses are enclosed in a pastry-type dough, which is baked until everything is melted. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Kurman says those olives and pickles do more than give the soup a boost in flavor. They possess somewhat of a healing power, if you will. This soup cures a hangover. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Mari Vanna has 17 house-infused vodkas on the menu. Around the restaurant, they are stored in jugs. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Mari Vanna has 17 house-infused vodkas on the menu. Around the restaurant, they are stored in jugs. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Mari Vanna has 17 house-infused vodkas on the menu. Around the restaurant, they are stored in jugs. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Mari Vanna is located south of Dupont Circle at 1141 Connecticut Avenue. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
The athletes are in their final hours of preparation before the competition begins in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. And in Mari Vanna's small kitchen in Northwest, D.C., chefs and staff are in their final hours of preparation, as well. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Mari Vanna will serve three Sochi-inspired dishes throughout the duration of the Winter Olympics. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Mari Vanna will serve three Sochi-inspired dishes throughout the duration of the Winter Olympics. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Mari Vanna will serve three Sochi-inspired dishes throughout the duration of the Winter Olympics. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Celebrities who visit Mari Vanna sign the restaurant's wall. Alexander Ovechkin signed here. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Ready to celebrate Sochi with food and drink? Mari Vanna will host an Olympic kick-off party on Friday, Feb 7. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Ready to celebrate Sochi with food and drink? Mari Vanna will host an Olympic kick-off party on Friday, Feb 7. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
New to flavored vodkas? Kurman recommends the restaurant's most popular flavors: horseradish, cucumber-dill and black current. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Details in Mari Vanna's restaurant make it feel like an authentic Russian home. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Mari Vanna celebrates the Winter Olympics in Sochi. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
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