In 1988, we traveled to the Soviet Union and established a sister relationship with Stikliai. The purpose in choosing the Soviet Union was to understand the effects of Perostroika, to support the emerging private businesses, and to promote a better understanding between Soviets and Americans. As our relationship and understanding grew, our concern also became the independence of the Lithuanian people. Stikliai was the first private business in Lithuania and the second private business in the U.S.S.R. The three owners and four of their staff visited us in November, 1989, and prepared a Lithuanian dinner at the White Dog Cafe. In July, 1990, Chef Kevin von Klause prepared a White Dog dinner at Stikliai, with a menu reflecting a diversity of ethnic influences which make up American cuisine.
