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 This event, originally scheduled to take place in December (but postponed due to the blizzard) will keep the holiday celebrations going one more time. In fact, consider this the first international holiday celebration of 2010! 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 and final touch to all of the holiday celebrations, why not embrace them with a unique Russian experience - without ever leaving the District? 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: Thrill your palate as you enjoy a rare selection of an authentic Russian Buffet, including: Pelmini Veal and Pork Pasta Pillows served with a Marsala Mushroom Cream Pierogis Russian Baked Dumpling stuffed with Potato, Apple-Wood Bacon, Caramelized Onion and Smoked Duck Breast Duck Rillette Slow cooked Duck Leg Flaked atop an Arugula-Red Onion Salad on Goat Cheese- Potato Puree with a Balsamic Duck Glace Salmon Two Ways Cured Vodka Dill Salmon & Smoked Alaskan Salmon Served with Rye Crouton, Mustard-Red Onion Sour Cream Sauce Cu red Meat Plate Assorted Handmade Artisanal Meats served with a Whole Grain Mustard, Cornichons, Olives and Baguette Beef Stroganoff Beef Tenderloin, Mushrooms and Root Vegetables in a Red Wine Cream served with Potato Puree Pan Seared Duck Breast Pan Seared Duck Breast served with a Vanilla Parsnip Puree, Wilted Arugula and Mushrooms, Prune-Onion Marmalade and a Sherry Foie Gras Cream Shashlik Baltika- Honey Marinated Pork Tenderloin, Grilled and served atop a Saffron Rice Plov with Wilted Mustard Greens and Purple Mustard Sauce Kulebiaka Iz Lososini Salmon Fillet wrapped in Puff Pastry then baked, served with a Ragout of Fennel, Potato, Red Onion and Carrots, Pommery-Pernot Bechamel Sauce Desserts Vanilla Crème Brulee Russian Style Cheese Cake 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 Phleps Place NW Washington DC 20008 (nearest Metro is DuPont Circle and Woodley Park) Cost: $78.00 Price subject to increase at any time		Saturday Jan 23, 2010 7:30pm-11:00pm Russian Cultural Center $78