#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. The chefs from Norilsk learned delicious recipes from Anna Gribanova, a consulting baker and four-time Russian champion, while mastering the course titled Dough and Traditions: Easter Baking.
Over the course of two days, the participants discovered the secrets of traditional and modern Easter pastries and explored techniques that can elevate their treats to true masterpieces. This session attracted culinary professionals from various regions of the country, including Norilsk, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Samara, Ufa, and beyond. All participants returned with new knowledge, skills, and practical experience for their future culinary endeavors, as reported by the Norilsk Development Agency (NDA):
“For over five years, the NDA has been actively promoting the growth of the service economy in the region. Training personnel is one of the key processes in our project to transform the culinary industry. Previously, we’ve trained over 200 individuals, including managers, chefs, waitstaff, and other specialists through various courses. The Culinary Institute of Siberian Federal University in Krasnoyarsk has become our trusted partner and knowledge base, with whom we’ve collaborated for more than five years”.
The NDA highlights that this initiative emerged from ongoing conversations with members of Norilsk’s culinary community.
“We understand the challenges and issues facing the industry. Right now, our main focus is on developing human potential. Our project, the Arctic Service Academy, along with our partnership with the Culinary Institute, will help us achieve this. Our partners suggested a new course dedicated to Easter, one of the country’s favorite holidays, along with the chance to work with Anna Gribanova. She is a highly regarded expert and has received several awards, including one for her own sourdough. We offered her master class to local restaurateurs, who then sent their pastry chefs to participate”, explains Oksana Bruyaka, a specialist in the Business Environment Development department at the NDA.
Alisa Tarasova, one of the course participants, shared that she had previously attended various forums in Moscow and St. Petersburg:
“When the NDA started helping to develop the industry by launching a pilot project with the Krasnoyarsk Culinary Institute, it became a lifeline for the food service sector in Norilsk. We are among the first to gain access to quality knowledge and development while working with top professionals in the field”.
“Soon, you’ll be able to enjoy Milanese brioche, sour cream kulich with cottage cheese, and coffee-caramel panettone right here in Norilsk! This spring, keep an eye out for new items on the menus of local cafes: bakers and pastry chefs are gearing up to surprise you with exciting new flavors”, the NDA invites.
The agency also has more events planned as part of the Arctic Service Academy project. For instance, many local restaurateurs have expressed interest in meeting with brand chef Amin Hayamov. In April, he may share his expertise with local chefs on how to prepare meat and fish dishes with sauces using local ingredients. Additionally, bartender Svetlana Gural is expected to visit Norilsk to share her mixology secrets (the art and science of creating cocktails and drinks that harmoniously blend various flavors, aromas, and textures). Svetlana has previously attended an event organized by the NDA and, by her own admission, fell in love with our city.
“We are thrilled that so many people are working hard to ensure that residents of Norilsk can enjoy a cozy and delicious experience in their own city”, the NDA concludes.
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Text: Maria Sokolova, Photo: Alisa Tarasova
