Next "Deep Dive" cooking class series at Common Ground: Let's go to Russia!

In another life as a Parkland College professor, I had several Russian students in my classes. One of them invited me and my partner to Russia for a visit and we said "yes." The result was a trip of a lifetime and a cultural immersion experience like no other. I can vouch personally that the Russian people are the warmest and most welcoming of people. And their food culture and zest for life is definitely something to admire.

Now might be the best time to celebrate Russian culture just to remind us that the people and its government are not one and the same. Just as not all Americans are fans of Trump, not all Russians follow Putin. 

So let's do as the Russians do – make some great food, indulge in a celebration of good company, and make a feast of traditional Russian favorites. Of course, we'll start the evening with caviar and vodka shots, but we'll also indulge in another Russian favorite – French bubbly.  

In this "double feature" cooking class series, we'll recreate two fantasy events and make some of the best dishes that Russians love to eat. You can book one or both of the classes in this series: 

• February 27 - Summer Picnic at the Dasha: An evening picnic under the midnight sun featuring Caviar & Vodka Toast, Carpathian Mushroom Soup, Herring Salad, and Olivier (Potato Salad) all paired with imported French wines. 
• March 5 - Winter Festival Feast: A smorgasbord of blinis (Russian crêpes) and other traditional Russian festival foods paired with vodka shots, wines from Georgia, and cocktails like Moscow Mules. 

Details, full menu, and registration links are available on my website. 

More information about upcoming pop-up events and cooking classes can always be found at www.cooking-with-paul.com. For the latest news, feel free to subscribe to my monthly email newsletter.