Foreigners who spend time in Russia soon discover two distinct worlds: the public Russia, often perceived as cold and shadowed, cautious and traditional; and the private Russia, where warmth and hospitality flourish over tea at a friend''s kitchen table or sautéed mushrooms in a village dacha.

A Year of Russian Feasts

invites you on an enchanting journey through Russia''s vibrant traditions—from the lively springtime bliny festival and Easter feast to the serene beauty of a small village''s natural bounty, a mystical quest for autumn mushrooms, and the festive spirit of Red Square during Christmas and New Year''s celebrations. Along the way, experience the camaraderie of a vegetarian dinner in a communal apartment, the joy of a birthday party, the solemnity of a baptism, the charm of a tea party, and the celebration of a Russian wedding. Jones unveils how forty exquisite dishes have been lovingly preserved and passed down through the feast days of the Russian Orthodox Church, the gentle rhythm of country life, and a vast nation of undiscovered beauty.

This captivating glimpse into Russia is not merely about the country, but also the people at its heart, offering a chance to reconnect with a rich and colourful cultural heritage.