Tasty magic: a culinary workshop at the National Centre RUSSIA marking the opening of the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition

On 13 December a special kind of magic will fill the National Centre RUSSIA – with the aroma of freshly brewed tea, forest berries, delicate pastries and warm spices. Guests will be invited to a culinary workshop timed to the opening of the interactive exposition "Book of Fairy Tales".

Two true masters of flavour – pastry chef Naira Sosedova and tea sommelier Nikolai Sushko — will guide participants along the "fairytale paths" of signature desserts and original tea blends. They will share secrets usually kept in old cookbooks. The central character of this edible story will be the Bear – a symbol of Russian strength, the wise guardian of the forest and its treasures.

Naira Sosedova is a pastry chef, finalist of the confectionery art contest in 2019, named Best Pastry Chef of St Petersburg in 2019, prize-winner of the "Palm Branch" and Where to Eat 2022 awards, and founder of a school of confectionery art and a training platform for bartenders.

Nikolai Sushko is a tea sommelier, the current Russian brewing champion, a certified judge of the international Tea Masters Cup championship, and founder of the SUSH&CO brand.

During the 90-minute workshop, guests will see the creation of an exclusive signature dessert, "Mishka", and a special herbal tea blend that unites the energy of berries with the aroma of forest herbs. They will, of course, be able to taste the fairytale themselves. To enhance immersion in the magical atmosphere, participants will be invited to a live conversation about the nature of fairytale characters, why the bear in Russia is far more than just an animal, and what makes the traditions of Russian tea-drinking unique.

At the end of this culinary performance, guests will receive handmade souvenirs — a "Chocolate Russian Window Casing" and postcards with a step-by-step recipe for preparing this distinctive dessert.

Admission is free.