Archaeology Now presents “In Baba’s Kitchen,” Cooking Class and Tasting Event Sunday, May 19

Event will be held at Foreign Grill at Conservatory Food Hall from 3-6 p.m.

Participants will learn how to make borsch and pierogis as instructors include Ukrainian husband and wife chefs Bek Mamat and Irina Mamataliyev and Chef Monica Pope

 As part of the Ukraine Project, Archaeology Now presents another of its Culinary Adventures, “In Baba’s Kitchen,” a unique cooking class and tasting event led by the Ukrainian team of husband-and-wife chefs Bek Mamat and Irina Mamataliyev and noted Houston and Czechoslovakian-born chef Monica Pope, who will teach participants how to make borsch and pierogi and the proper way to drink vodka. Guests will be welcomed by the Ukrainian Consul General, The Honorable Vitalii Tarasiuk.

In 2022, UNESCO listed borsch, a culinary linchpin of Ukrainian culture, as an “Endangered Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.” How do you preserve something that is endangered? You teach others how to make it. Be part of preserving a beloved culinary tradition so that it doesn’t disappear forever and meet new “foodie” friends in the process.

The event will begin with instruction on the proper way to taste vodka, traditionally accompanied by pickles. The borsch and pierogi cooking demonstration follows and then, the class of “culinary students” will feast on the results, accompanied by more vodka. The chefs will answer any questions about the class, as well as mix and mingle with the guests.

Houston businessman Steven Givot will give a brief presentation about his life-changing experience of cooking with World Central Kitchen (WCK) at the Polish-Ukrainian border shortly after the war started in 2022. Guests will have the option to make a donation to World Central Kitchen to help continue its work in Ukraine. WCK is often first to the frontlines, providing fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.

Tickets are $65. Go to www.archaeologynow.org/ukrainian-project and click on “culinary adventure” to buy tickets or click here for reservations.

Additional information: Ukraine has an ancient, unique history formed by sweeping movements of people traveling across the planes from Eurasia and the Middle East to Europe. Known as the “Gateway to Europe,” Ukraine’s stories and culture are featured during the spring series of events sponsored by Archaeology Now and its partners, including the Culinary Adventure “In Baba’s Kitchen.” Archaeology leads the way in helping us better understand the complex history of this region, the causes leading to war today, and in the rescue and preservation of its heritage.

More details available at www.archaeologynow.org.

Photos courtesy of Archaeology Now