Cultural Foodways: Slavic Tradition

Join us for a rich cultural foodways experience rooted in Slavic tradition.

South Slavic foodways are deeply rooted in the land and the seasons, shaped by centuries of farming, foraging, preservation, and ritual. From hearty grains, root vegetables, and legumes to fermented foods, fresh herbs, and celebratory breads, Slavic cuisines reflect resilience, hospitality, and the belief that food is meant to be shared.

Guests will begin the evening by exploring educational stations that highlight traditional agricultural practices, herbal knowledge, folktales and oral storytelling, folk art such as embroidery and painted eggs, music and dance, and spiritual or ritual traditions that often accompany meals and seasonal celebrations. These elements reveal how food is intertwined with daily life, belief systems, and cultural identity across Slavic regions.

The evening will feature chef Rilke Witherstine, who will share her personal journey reconnecting with her Yugoslavian heritage through cooking. After an introduction to the Cultural Foodways series, Rilke will lead a hands-on kitchen demonstration inspired by communal Baltic cooking traditions, where many dishes are shaped, filled, or assembled together. Guests will be invited to participate in a series of simple, guided steps before enjoying a shared meal.

The night concludes with a family-style dinner and an open Q&A, providing an opportunity for conversation about heritage, migration, memory, and how food serves as a powerful bridge between the past and the present.

In collaboration with Hickory Soup Kitchen.