A unique dining experience at East Central University will offer a “Taste of Ukraine,” including borsch and dumplings prepared by three officials from International Christian University in Kiev, Ukraine, on Nov. 18 [THURSDAY].
The Ukrainians, including the president of the university, also will provide cooking demonstrations from 6 to 8 p.m. in Room 219 of Faust Hall.
Tickets are $10 for the community if purchased by Monday [NOV. 15], or $12 after Monday. ECU students can purchase tickets for $8, or $10 after Monday.
Borsch is a traditional Ukrainian vegetable soup, said Ukrainian native Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya, ECU professor of English and languages and director of ECU’s Global Education Program. The visiting Ukrainians will demonstrate how to make dumplings, probably with cottage cheese or with potatoes.
“People will get a small plate of both to try,” she said. “The dishes that will be featured, borsch and dumplings, which are also known in the United States as pirogi, are from my homeland, and I hope that everyone will enjoy them as much as I do. And maybe they will make those dishes a part of their home menus.”
Tickets may be purchased online at ecok.edu/ce (click on Enroll Now) or by calling 580-559-5456. They also may be purchased at the door.
In addition, Russian chocolates will be available for purchase while tea is served. The variety includes dark and milk chocolates, some with nuts, with fruit and chocolate filling. The Russian Club is selling the chocolates to help raise funds for an upcoming trip to Russia and Ukraine. Prices are $2 for a small bar or wafer, $3.50 for a large bar and $10 for a box of chocolates.
Visiting from ICU will be Dr. Oleksii Oleksyuk, president; Dr. Olena Bagumian, director of the Language Training Center; and Kateryna Nuzhnenko, director of the International Department. ECU President John Hargrave met them during his trip to Ukraine last May and invited them to visit ECU. They are exploring the feasibility of a possible sister institution agreement between the two schools.
The Taste of Ukraine is sponsored by ECU’s Russian Studies Program, the Global Education Committee, the Global Education Office and the Russian Club.
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