This illustrated talk at the Berkshire Museum explores Russian national identity and cuisine from the 18th century into the present. Ever since Peter the Great opened his country to the West, the Russians have struggled with ambivalence toward outside influences, alternately embracing and rejecting Western foods. Today, following Putin’s forced annexation of Crimea, the economic sanctions imposed by Europe, Australia, and the U.S. have led Russia to ban imports of meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, and dairy products. Yet, surprisingly, the resulting shortages have led to an exciting revival of artisanal production that is transforming Russia’s gastronomic landscape.
For more information and tickets visit https://berkshireolli.wildapricot.org/event-3013505.
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