In order to create a more international atmosphere, the windows of Continent European and Russian Delicatessen are lined with shelves of trinkets such as Russian dolls.

Squished between a dentist’s office and a dry cleaner’s in a
corporate building off of Regents Road, Continent European and Russian
Delicatessen is a colorful and atypical eatery with an edge over the typical
deli or supermarket. Owned and run by Edward Serper and Irina Kanevsky — two
Ukrainian immigrants who opened their first store on University Avenue in 1995
— it offers an overwhelming variety of Eastern European products, ranging from
luxuriously packaged chocolates to Russian greeting cards and calendars.

Among the many imported products offered at Continent are assorted teas and candies.

The store’s walls are decorated with intricately painted
teapots and native dolls but are largely dominated by shelves crowded with
brightly-packaged foodstuffs. Among the foreign teas, sauces and Nutella are
intriguing gems such as “Magic Sticks” cereal (the Russian breakfast answer to
50 Cent’s pop hit), bins of candy pieces individually bundled in
lobster-printed wrappers (fortunately, these candies aren’t lobster-flavored),
and canned cod liver. Despite some of its more eccentric products, the deli’s
stock of refreshing Eastern European products like Kvass — a semi-alcoholic
beverage made from fermented rye bread and flavored with fruit — are reason
enough to visit.

In addition to its selection of groceries, Continent also
features a deli, where customers can find a vast selection of salami, smoked
bacon, fresh royal salmon and sausage. Complementary goods such as cheeses
(litousky, gouda and bajuval, to name a few) and rye bread complete the
package. Those looking for food sans the assembly can check out the
home-cooked, ready-to-serve counter, which offers European dishes such as
stuffed mushrooms, eggplant salad or piroghki. For dessert, customers can pick
up an apple turnover, or indulge in a decadent piece of cake. Seating is
offered inside and outside the deli, making it an ideal place for a lunch date
or cram session.

With its imported goodies, fresh cuts and European charm,
Continent offers a delectable international experience close to home, or at the
very least, a chance to learn some Russian.

Continent European and Russian Delicatessen
4150 Regent Park Row
Suite 110, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 623-0099