Arlington Insider

TASTE OF EUROPE (Russian and Eastern European Gifts/Collectibles)

1901 W. Pioneer Parkway (between S. Fielder and S. Bowen)

(817) 275-5530

Tues-Thurs, 11am-7pm; Fri & Sat, 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-5pm; closed Mondays)

www.TasteofEurope.com

Russian antiques, collectibles and jewelry are abundant at Taste of Europe, probably the most unique shop in all of Arlington.  Mikhail, a native of Minsk, moved to the U.S. almost 30 years ago.  He’s opened this unique shop with treasures from Russia and Eastern Europe, from Russian nesting dolls to amber jewelry to beautifully painted Ukrainian eggs to Russan lacquer to books and children’s dolls/toys. 

By the way, there’s also a Russian delicatessen, restaurant and grocery mart in the same building as the store.  (see Taste of Europe restaurant review in restaurant portion of Arlington.org).

But who has time to eat when trying to pick out the perfect set of nesting dolls…or maybe I should go with the Santa Claus wood carvings.  There are Russian religious icons (Russian Orthodox, I think) that are really beautiful.

My mother-in-law would freak-out over the variety of amber jewelry.  There are also antique postcards and old Russian paper money. 

Flax dolls are a traditional gift, and there is also a selection of puppets. 

My personal favorites (besides the Santa carvings) are the nesting dolls and decorated eggs.  There are dozens (probably hundreds, I lost count) from which to choose.  And the selection of jewelry is not limited to amber; there is a good variety. 

For a really unique collectible, there are Russian military medals and military uniforms.  There are also replica jerseys for Russian hockey teams and soccer powerhouses like Dynamo.

Mikhail has also tailored part of his store for the Russian/Eastern Europeans who’ve relocated to Arlington/North Texas.  They can buy meat/cheese/veggies/desserts from the deli.  And the corner of the store that includes groceries also has Russian DVD’s, books and CD’s.

As for the grocery, there are Russian/Eastern European brands of tea, chocolates, bread mix, sauerkraut, black currant, etc.  Mikhail told me that one of his biggest sellers is the box of buckwheat because it’s hard for the Europeans/Russians to find that particular brand here in the U.S.  There are also different flavors of preserves to try.  Honestly, I couldn’t read the labels on some of the products (but the pictures on the labels looked good!).

What a treat to shop in this truly unique store.  If you’ve visited The State of Texas over the past 15 years, you may have seen some of Mikhail’s collectibles/gifts.  Take that small display and multiply it by 20 times, and that’s what you have here in this store.

I highly recommend stopping by Taste of Europe for a fun shopping experience that unlike anything else I’ve seen in North Texas.  You can sip Russian tea or eat chocolates (or a crepe from the restaurant) while picking out your favorite wood carving or set of nesting dolls.   I really loved this place!