from russia with love
a virtual russian food and vodka retreat
Saturday, February 20th, 2021
10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ( EST)
Two live online workshops
Learn how Russians show their love by preparing and sharing their favourite food and drinks
Cook alongside a trained Russian chef and nutritionist
Create your own traditional vodka infusions with a Russian vodka aficionado
Engage in some much-needed Russian mirth and merriment
Learn about Russian culinary culture and traditions
Meet new people and spend time with your old friends
Receive a downloadable recipe book with more traditional Russian comfort food recipes you can try at home
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Cost: $60 per household
Bring along any number of household members to participate with you.
(A donation will be made to the Parkdale Food Centre)
A list of required ingredients and materials will be provided upon registration and will need to be purchased by participants.
Workshops will be run live through ZOOM so have some fun and dress up for the occasion !
Bliny Russian Style
with Vera Vassilieva
& Tatiana Westberg
To love you is to feed you! Spend your morning preparing a scrumptious Russian bliny dish with Vera and Tatiana, a Russian-born mother-daughter duo, frequently found in the kitchen together cooking Russian comfort foods for their family. Vera is a trained chef who received her cooking diploma at the Russian School of Culinary Arts. Tatiana is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist who made it her life goal to become almost as good a cook as her mom. Together, they have spent many years perfecting recipes, giving workshops, and selling their delicious foods at the local markets west of Ottawa. You can learn more about Tatiana at www.tatianawestbergnutrition.com.
Bliny are enjoyed by Russians throughout the year and especially during the pre-Lenten period called “Maslenitsa”, or “Butter Week”.
Bliny are Russian comfort food at its finest and are eaten with either sweet or savory fillings. Spend a morning flipping bliny and get to know how to stuff these delicious classics. A savoury meat filling and sweet cheese filling will be prepared.
Morning Cooking Workshop (10 am – 11:30 am EST)
During this live workshop you will:
Cook your own bliny dish alongside Vera and Tatiana
Freely ask questions and get cooking insights
Learn a little bit about the Russian language and heritage
Enjoy your delicious meal !
Russian Zakuski & vodka infusions
with Vladimir skok
wine merchant | négotiant | virtual winery
Enoteka Niagara
Vladimir has had a lifelong love affair with food, culture and heritage. In a previous life he specialized in international cultural relations for the Government of Canada and in Paris with the United Nations. Having explored various cuisines around the world, he nevertheless holds an intimate and emotional attachment to Russian culinary traditions. Wanting to share his passion, he has organized numerous Russian food, drink, and musical experiences for the broader Canadian audience. To better pursue his fondness of wine in all its dimensions and after leaving a fulfilling career in the public sector, he and his spouse Anna have embraced the bucolic life and people that make Niagara Wine Country so unique. Vladimir is established in the local wine and food sector and launched his own virtual winery in 2019.
Learn more about Vladimir at @enoteka_niagara.
“Vodka” in Russian comes from the diminutive form of the word “voda” and is interpreted as “little water”. While typically distilled from fermented grains, in particular wheat, other appreciated possibilities include potato and corn. Often vodkas are consumed neutral, however, traditionally infused vodkas are more prized and are especially good paired with carefully chosen appetizers.
Afternoon Vodka workshop (2:00 pm -3:30 EST)
During this hands-on workshop you will:
Prepare traditional Russian vodka infusions
Learn about Russian culinary heritage and vodka food pairing
Create typical Russian appetizers alongside Vladimir
Interact with others and have some fun!