Nearly two years into Russia's retaliatory ban on imported Western foods, cheese lovers have found increasingly clever ways to get their hands on forbidden English Cheddar and French Camembert, from coded classified ads to backroom deals with restaurant owners.

Well-heeled Muscovites say it is not that difficult to find forbidden products if you are willing to pay a higher price – and most high-end restaurants are willing to make “unofficial” deals for eager customers.

"A friend of mine was celebrating her birthday in one wine bar in St. Petersburg. When she was agreeing on a price for the drinks and meal, the manager told her, 'We have our own way to get contraband cheese for you.' I don't know how they got it, but the cheese and salami were great,” said Yelena, a Moscow resident who declined to give her surname.