Russian Party and Nutcracker/Ballet Performance at the Russian Embassy's Cultural Center - The Majesty of Moscow; - The Glory of St. Petersburg; - The Beauty of the Black Sea An event once though of as impossible during the Cold War, yet now a beautiful and incredible cultural and seasonal experience for Washington's young professionals. To add a unique touch to all of the holiday celebrations, why not embrace them with a unique Russian experience - on Russian soil, yet without ever getting on a plane or flying sleigh? Join your fellow young professionals as we leave the confines of Washington, D.C. and step onto foreign soil at the Embassy of Russia for a holiday experience like no other. In a special cultural evening, we will recreate a visit to modern Russia and Russia of centuries past through food, drink, music, dance, film diplomats, and much more! Featuring: 1) RUSSIAN FOOD: Pasta Pillows served with a Marsala Mushroom Cream Roasted Duck atop a Salad of Arugula-Red Onion-Tomato-Cucumber Goat Cheese- with a Balsamic Duck Glace Poached Salmon in Vodka Dill with Rye Croutons with Mustard-Red Onion and Sour Cream Beef Stroganoff Beef Tenderloin, Mushrooms and Root Vegetables in a Red Wine Cream served with Butter Noodles and Red Cabbage with Apple Russian Rye and Pumpernickel Breads and Orange Muffins Desserts Petit Napoleons Moscow Cherry Strudel 2) RUSSIAN COCKTAILS - with Wine, Beer, and Vodka! OPEN BAR: Tonight, cheer the holidays - Moscow Style - on a selection of Russian and regional wines and beers . This evening, we will pair Russian vodkas as we compare and contrast their flavors. 3) TCHAIKOVSKY'S "NUTCRACKER" - A SPECIAL LIVE RUSSIAN BALLET DANCE PRESENTATION: Forgot going to the Bolshoi or Kirov Ballets. Tonight, one of their most famous performances comes to you! Tchaikovsky's Russian holiday classic comes alive before your very eyes! Tonight, two special ballet dancers will put on a private concert for us to showcase some of this ballet's more incredible dancers. Through this interpretation, the images of the nutcracker, the sugarplum fairies, the Harlequin, and especially Clara will teleport your spirit into the center of a true 19th Century Russian Holiday Celebration. 4) RUSSIAN FILM: Enjoy a short film on the scenery, culture and people of Russia - including a slide show of Gergiev Pasad Lavra in Zagorsk, Russia. 5) DIPLOMATIC GREETING: Meet some director of the Russian Cultural Center and other diplomats invited to ring in the holidays with you - Russian style! They will be on hand to answer any questions about Russian history, cultural, travel and any other questions you may have. 6) LATE NIGHT DJ: In the latter part of the evenings, the Center becomes a special Russian night club - challenging the hottest spots in Moscow! Dance to Retro and modern top 40 hits to keep the holiday spirit ringing in throughout the night! Suggested Attire: Semi Formal Directions: Russian Cultural Center 1825 Phelps Place NW Washington DC 20008 (nearest Metro is DuPont Circle and Woodley Park) Cost: $75.00 Price subject to increase 5 PM Friday, December 18		Friday Dec 17, 2010 7:30pm-11:00pm Russian Cultural Center $75