Learn about Ukrainian culture through its food

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, January 19, 2011

The Ukrainian word for “have a good meal” is “smachnogo.”

It’s a word that’s likely to be heard a lot on Feb. 5, when the Northwest Language Academy and the Ukrainian American Club of Washington join forces for an afternoon of dance, cultural exchange and food, lots of food.

The feast is expected to include Ukrainian borscht.

“I was blown away, oh gosh, I have never tasted borscht,” like this before, said Josette Hendrix, the academy director and the organizer of the day’s activities.

There also will be a winter salad of potatoes, other root vegetables and kielbasa, meat-filled cabbage rolls, Piroshky, blintzes and much more, Hendrix said.

It’s all part of a series that explores traditional foods from around the world. “By examining international culinary customs, we can connect with other cultures through the simpler language of food,” Hendrix said.

The evening includes performances by members of the Ukrainian dance ensemble, Barvinok, and children’s ensemble, Sonechko; choral performance by Ukrainian choir, Serpanok; and music by the Nadia Tarnawsky group.

An optional cooking class taught by native Ukrainian cooks precedes the evening’s events.

Everything takes place Feb. 5: Cooking class, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. ($35); Ukrainian dinner and performances, 6 p..m to 9 p.m. ($65).

The Northwest Language Arts Cultural Center, formerly the Ashingdon Manor, is at 5023 Langley Road, Langley.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call 360-321-2101, e-mail info@nwlanguageacademy.com or go to www.nwlanguageacademy.com.

Overnight accommodations are available. Please e-mail ashingdonhost@gmail.com for availability.

Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3447; jholtz@heraldnet.com.