Culinary masterclass to be held at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the "Inventing the Future" Symposium

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On 7 and 8 October 2025, the National Centre RUSSIA will host unique culinary masterclasses as part of the programme of the "Inventing the Future" Symposium. Chefs, in partnership with head bartenders and tea sommeliers, will not only prepare dishes and matching drinks, demonstrating contemporary gastronomic pairings, but will also talk about the food of the future, the search for new ideas, the preservation of traditions, old recipes, unique products found only in Russia, and the fusion of bold creativity with technological progress.

On 7 October from 13:45 to 15:45 the masterclass will be conducted by:

Dmitry Kondrashin, a gastronomic enthusiast, fermentation specialist and brand chef of a chain of Moscow gastro bars. He focuses on rediscovering traditional Russian recipes using the latest technology.

Vitaly Zhinko, a head bartender and mixologist with rich professional experience and numerous achievements in the hospitality industry, winner of high awards and prestigious bar competitions.

At the masterclass guests will try:

— Sagudai made of Baikal whitefish with horseradish vodka on Smolensk honey, paired with the cocktail "Baikal" on Gintl gin with the endemic herb Sagan Daila.

— Calf brains with Sarepta sauce. The dish is prepared with complex ingredients emulsion technology, paired with the cocktail "Blackcurrant – Lingonberry" on Krutoyar whisky with lingonberry foam and raspberry powder.

— Saddle of lamb with Voronezh sauce, paired with the cocktail "Beetroot Air" on vodka and baked beetroot with lapsang souchong perfume. 

On 8 October from 13:45 to 15:45 the masterclass will be conducted by:

Leonid Zharkov, an expert on fish and seafood from Russia’s northern seas. He uses advanced techniques to bring out the flavours of northern specialities. He is a member of Chefs Team Russia and the Chefs Lab Academy.

Nikolay Sushko, the current Russian champion in tea brewing, judge of the international Tea Masters Cup and founder of the brand SUSH&CO.

At the masterclass guests will try:

— Tomatoes in three textures, paired with a special rosehip and thyme tea blend.

— Venison fillet with cedar nut mash, celery root purée and Jerusalem artichoke crisps, paired with the tea blend "Wild Berries Taiga Mix".

— Deconstructed smetannik with dehydrated raspberries and raspberry mousse, paired with the tea blend "Mint Raspberry".

On 9 and 10 October 2025 the masters of the gastronomic shows will repeat their masterclasses for guests of the National Centre RUSSIA.

On 9 October from 16:30 to 18:30 the masterclass will be conducted by:

Dmitry Kondrashin, brand chef, and Vitaly Zhinko, head bartender.

On 10 October from 16:30 to 18:30 the masterclass will be conducted by:

Leonid Zharkov, chef, and Nikolay Sushko, tea sommelier.

The specialists will be assisted by "professionals of the future" — unique delivery robots with kitten-like faces, which are sure to delight guests of the Gastronomic Rows at the National Centre RUSSIA.