Food Companies, Long Symbols of the West in Russia, Pause Operations
After years of cultivating the Russian market, McDonald’s, Starbucks, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola said they would temporarily close locations or stop selling products there.
By JULIE CRESWELL

One Huge Hog, One Long Day and a Nourishing Southern Tradition
At his farm in South Carolina, Marvin Ross is carrying on the ritual of hog slaughters, a disappearing staple of Black agrarian life.
By KAYLA STEWART and CLAY WILLIAMS

CRITIC’S NOTEBOOK
Once Obscured in the U.S., Lao Cooks Share and Celebrate Their Cuisine
At times spicy and bitter, salty and pungent, herbaceous and sour — Lao food is intensely delicious.

Thum mak hoong, or papaya salad, is a fundamental dish in Lao cuisine, with as many variations as there are cooks.
By TEJAL RAO

These Garlic Noodles Cross Cultures, but Are Deeply San Franciscan
J. Kenji López-Alt’s take on a beloved Vietnamese American dish, invented by Helene An of Thanh Long restaurant, is creamy, garlic-packed and full of smart techniques.

These simple noodles, ready in 15 minutes, go extremely well with seafood.
By J. Kenji López-Alt

The Dreamiest Desserts Start With These Two Flavors
Kesar pista, an intoxicating combination of fragrant saffron and earthy pistachio, is a favorite on the Indian subcontinent — and an excellent base for many sweets.

Kesar pista, or saffron and pistachio, is a flavor combination that can work well in practically any dessert.
By PRIYA KRISHNA

SHOPPING GUIDE
Shopping for Teapots
Because a beautiful teapot makes drinking tea even better.
By TIM MCKEOUGH

FRONT BURNER
This Greek Olive Vodka Calls for a Martini
Kástra Elión is distilled from wheat and a mixture of olives hand-picked in Nafpaktos, Greece.

Kástra Elión Vodka, $55, reservebar.com.
By FLORENCE FABRICANT