A traditional meal and cooking class in Moscow with a passionate chef

Meet Evgeny

Evgeny learned to cook from his mother and then on his own because of his passion for being in the kitchen from the time he was 5 years old! He constantly draws inspiration from his loved ones, as well as from world-famous chefs - Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver. Evgeny constantly likes to re-invent himself, learn new skills, take part in domestic and international competitions like the culinary festival ‘Gastreet 2018’. He was the winner of the cooking challenge at Taste of Dubai in 2018 and was the culinary partner for the ‘Harmony in High Heels’ and ‘Taste of Moscow’ events. He lives in an apartment in a suburb of Moscow with his wife and black cat, Gordon (named in honor of chef Ramsay - his cat loves well cooked beef, especially if it has been smoked!) Evgeny is passionate about sharing his knowledge about cooking traditional Russian dishes in a modern way and about his country’s culture.

“I believe that being a chef is a profession that can make people feel happiness! I want each visitor to feel this happiness!”

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-4 guests) Evgeny lives in a modern apartment in a peaceful suburb of Moscow, Krasnogorsk. It is very close to Spartak stadium. Upon entering his home, Evgeny’s love for cooking and skill in the kitchen is very apparent from the awards and certificates received from various cooking competitions that are proudly displayed across the kitchen. While Evgeny introduces you to Russian cuisine and culture, you will be served fresh strawberries (or seasonal fruits) and rye bread spread with ricotta cheese, topped with grilled tomatoes. For Evgeny, Russian cuisine is borscht, cheesecakes, pancakes and dumplings. He can prepare a variety of dishes, however he especially loves to cook and eat products made from dough. For Evgeny it is very important that he cooks dishes that his guests will enjoy, so when he has family and friends visiting, he always checks their preference before planning the menu. He prefers to do the same with travelers as well, so please let him know if you have any special requests. Join Evgeny at the dining table to share a traditional meal that may include dishes such as okroshka (soup with vegetables and meat) and fried potato with meat, fresh dill and basil. End your meal with a dessert like syrniki (cheese pancake) served with strawberries, fresh mint and sour crème.

Cooking experience: (1-4 guests) Evgeny will offer you a variety of teas to choose from and his homemade kvas (a fermented rye drink) before you start your hands-on cooking class. During this 2-hour class, you will pick up tricks and techniques involving in preparing homemade Russian cuisine. You will help Evgeny prepare a three-course meal that you will share together later. You will start by cutting ham, cucumbers, eggs and radishes for your cold summer soup, okroshka. Next you will help to cut pork and chop potatoes for your main dish (Evgeny can offer another meat option - beef, chicken or vegetarian on request). The last dish you will make is a dessert of beautiful ricotta pancakes. You will grind mint with brown sugar before folding in cream to complement caramelized pancakes.

Market visit: (1-4 guests) Meet your host Evgeny by the Tushinskaya metro station and together take a taxi to his local produce store to pick out fresh fruit for the dessert that you will prepare later in the day. Please note, this is not a bustling market but a small neighborhood shop that sells fruits and vegetables. Here, Evgeny will teach you about different vegetables and ingredients that are staples in Russian kitchens. After your market store visit, you will walk 10-min through a picturesque park and pond on the way to Evgeny’s apartment for your cooking class and meal.

Notes: Evgeny is happy to prepare a vegetarian meal on request.

Languages spoken: English, Russian

Sample menu

• Entree: Rye with smoked capelin caviar, rye with ricotta and grilled tomatoes
• Soup or Salad
• Main: Pork and potatoes (another meat - beef, chicken or vegetarian on request)
• Desert: Syrniki (caramelized pancakes with mint, cottage cheese and seasonal fruits)
• Drink: Kvas (a Russian fermented rye drink, similar to coca cola) and tea