Workshop & Lunch: Fermentation at Art Department Studio

Join us for a fermentation class and feast at Art Department Studio with Anastasia Zolotarev to explore staples that celebrate the art of fermentation and the flavors of Eastern European/Slavic traditions and practises. We’ll roll up our sleeves and make traditional Eastern European ferments and probiotic drinks together, then sit down to a seasonal lunch inspired by what we create. This is Anastasia's signature fermentation class, appropriate for all levels of experience in fermentation and for those who would love to dive into the world of Slavic and beyond fermentation.

What we'll be making and diving into in the class:

·      Sauerkraut (Ukrainian soured cabbage/kvashena kapusta) from scratch including...white cabbage with apples, carrots and caraway. We will also explore other flavours and possibilities within the scope of sauerkraut varieties and traditions.

·      A spicy and vibrant fermented capsicum adjika sauce/relish.

·      Fermented beetroot with layered vegetables and herbs. Also known as 'Pelustka'. Learn how to set up a multi vegetable ferment in a beautiful brine of vibrant beets and herbs. This one includes a whole variety of vegetables such as cauliflower, fennel, cabbage, carrot, chilli, and more.

·      Apple, clove and cinnamon kvass

·      How to include ferments into your cooking, the varieties of fermentation in the world of Lacto-Ferments and also how to bring dishes together using ferments. We will also talk about the history, traditions and science behind this type of fermentation.

You'll also take home your own sauerkraut, adjika and other bits and pieces leftover from the class.

Lunch to Follow:
After the workshop we'll sit down around the table for food & conversation. The menu will be inspired by our ferments and the season:

·     Eggplant and adjika ikra dip with rye bread

·     Fermentation platter with various homemade ferments including stuffed fermented tomatoes, sauerkrauts and more in season ferments

·     Vegetarian borsch with kvass and adjika

·     Pierog (pie) made with a kefir dough filled with a caramelised sauerkraut cabbage filling

·     Chocolate buckwheat kefir cake with walnuts, sour cherry sauce and sour cream

The menu can cater for vegan, no dairy, and gluten free requests. Please let us know upon booking.

There will also be a welcome Kvass on arrival as well as several other flavours of kvass for tasting, and a beverage offering. Art Department Studio is a BYO friendly venue.

What to expect in this class

Expect a dynamic and hands on workshop where we gather around the table with lots of chopping, mixing, tasting, and conversation. We'll be diving into the fascinating world of fermentation where Anastasia will be sharing how Eastern Europeans prepare and cook with them. You’ll (hopefully) leave with a full heart, full belly and we'll send you home like babushkas do - with several containers of food and inspiration to recreate these beautiful dishes at home with a greater understanding of the ancestral practise of fermentation. Main jars will be provided but please bring extra incase.

Where: Art Department Studio located at 13 Forbes St Woolloomooloo, Sydney

When: 11am-4pm, Saturday 25th of July

Price: $200 + booking fee for humanitix

Anastasia's cookbook "Sour Cherries & Sunflowers" will also be available for sale + signing on the day.

Host: Art Department Studio and Anastasia Zolotarev

Instagram: @artdept_studio_ @anastasiazolotarev