Now on air
08:30
Maxim Syrnikov — historian of Russian cuisine
Maksim Syrnikov is used to getting work offers he just can’t refuse from the most popular restaurants in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities. After all, he seems to know all of the tricks and secrets to Russian cuisine and has travelled thousands of kilometres in search of old, forgotten recipes. He has gone smelt fishing near Vologda and conserved apples in the province of Vladimir. Maksim Syrnikov is a man of many trades — he is a historian, a chef, a traveller and a writer. His tasty last name, Syrnikov, is the Russian word for a type of cheese pancake and is really his last name and not a pseudonym. During the reign of Peter the Great, his family founded a cheese factory in Tver, giving them their last name. Syrnikov however inherited a lot from his ancestors, not just their surname. He also shares their love and interest for delicious Russian food.
A View from Above: The Golden Age of Yaroslavl
One can start a business, buy and sell goods, and amass wealth. But these are earthly affairs. What will happen to the soul when the time comes to leave his world and pass on to the next? This was one of the most pressing questions for those living in the 17th century. Building a church was one way to atone for many earthly sins, including avarice. Yaroslavl’s merchants were deeply religious men, who understood that they were, despite their earthly riches, still answerable to God. They used their money to build churches of exquisite beauty. The 17th century was a special time for Yaroslavl, known to historians as its Golden Age. Watch RTG TV’s A View from on High: Yaroslavl’s Golden Age to learn about the architecture and curious features of the city’s churches.
Now on air
08:30
A View from Above: The Golden Age of Yaroslavl
Russky Kholod ice-cream
Ice cream has been favourite treat for many people since they were children. The history of this creamy dessert is thousands of years old, but could not always be enjoyed by the masses. In the Middle Ages only aristocrats and the rich could afford it, but at the start of the 20th century this tasty treat began to be produced on an industrial level and quickly won over the world. RTG TV host Irina Pudova discovered just how ice cream is made at the Rusky Kholod factory.
Now on air
08:30