Russian Tea to feature pastries, vodka tasting, exhibits and guest speakers
The Elgin History Museum is presenting a "Russian Tea" from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 5.
It will feature tea, fresh baked pastries and savory bites, vodka samples, and guest speakers. Chef Douglas Yeomans will discuss Russian cuisine, and music historian Jim Kendros will share his insights about Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony, which will be performed by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra later that day at the Hemmens.
The museum's exhibits will be open. Souvenirs from Russian trips to Elgin's former sister city, Belgorod, will be on display, courtesy of Steve Stroud.
The menu, prepared by Chef Yeomans of Tarragon Catering, will feature vodka dill house-cured salmon on toasted Rubschlager rye garnished with quick-pickled cucumber onion salad and horseradish-infused crème fraîche; slow-braised traditional borscht shooters with cabbage and roasted beets and garnished with crème fraîche and dill; classic Russian lemon poppy tea cake and lemon honey infused farmer's cheese stuffed Moldovan flatbreads garnished with a homemade black currant compote and sweet cream.
The program is part of "Passport to Russia," a collaboration of the Gail Borden Public Library and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.
Music Director Andrew Grams and others from the ESO and the library will be in attendance.
For more information or to purchase the $20 tickets for the tea, visit elginhistory.org, email museum@elginhistory.org or call (847) 742-4248.
Executive Chef Douglas Yeomans comes to the table with over 25 years of high-end culinary experience. He has worked with many celebrity chefs throughout his career as well as catering to a multitude of celebrities and corporate power houses. Chef Doug has catered and designed menus for President Obama as well as other celebrities such as Pamela Anderson, Anna Nicole Smith and Kid Rock. He has had an extensive culinary career which has given him opportunities to run multiple establishments including several successful Italian and Latin restaurants, multiple high-end steakhouses, country clubs, suites at Arlington International and Churchill Downs horse tracks as well as managing all of American Airlines first-class international business out of O'Hare International Airport for several years. Chef Doug has also been a professional culinary instructor for over 7 years.
Chef Doug is classically trained in French cuisine and graduated at the top of his class, but also rounds out his repertoire with a pastry degree which gives him amazing versatility and depth in his dishes and menus. A seasoned chef, he loves to share his passion and extensive knowledge about food with every client he has the opportunity to work with. A chef who is comfortable serving not only high volume events but intimate functions as well, where his eye for detail and creative spark are sure to provide a culinary journey you and your guests will never forget. Chef Doug owns Tarragon Catering, a full service catering company specializing in a unique ability to provide a special and memorable experience for each and every event.
As a well-known public speaker in the Chicago area, Jim Kendros has lectured for corporations, community centers, libraries, senior facilities, and groups of all kinds. In addition to leading the ESO Listeners Club, Kendros is the preconcert lecturer for the Lake Forest Symphony and the Northbrook Symphony. He is also a composer and performer on piano and rare period instruments. For information, visit jimkendrosmusic.com.
The Elgin History Museum is housed in an 1856 landmark building known as Old Main that was once part of the Elgin Academy campus. The building was designed in the Greek Revival style. The museum has a staff that helps welcome visitors to the museum, educates the public about Elgin history and assists with research inquiries. The Elgin Area Historical Society, founded in 1961, is a thriving organization that operates within the museum. The society has a board of directors with a mission that is driven to preserve and educate the community about Elgin history. Through permanent and changing exhibits, the museum brings to life Elgin's rich heritage. Permanent exhibits include Elgin National Watch Company, the E. Maude and Carl Parlasca Native American Collection, and Elgin Road Race memorabilia. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Learn about Russian arts during the 19th and early 20th centuries, experience a Russian tea party, enjoy the music of Russian composers, and more at "Passport to Russia," featuring fun and informative programs exploring Russian culture presented by the Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin History Museum and others, all designed to enhance your enjoyment at Elgin Symphony Orchestra concerts during their 2016-17 season. The ESO is presenting a Russian composer on each of their Classics Series concerts, which include works by Mussorgsky, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky and more. Program participants must note their attendance at a class/event on a "Passport" available online at gailborden.info/Russia, and at Elgin Symphony Orchestra concerts. Anyone who attends at least four programs, which may include ESO concerts, will be invited to a reception, backstage tour and open rehearsal at the Hemmens Cultural Center at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 5.
Completed passports must be presented at that time with a name and email address and will be included in the grand prize drawing. One grand prize winner and guest will have a special lunch with ESO Music Director Andrew Grams. For more information, visit ElginSymphony.org or gailborden.info/Russia.
The Gail Borden Public Library has received 20 awards, including recipient of the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Services and recipient of the 2010 Elgin Hispanic Network Organization of the Year. The main library, which opened in October 2003, is the third largest public library building in Illinois, after Chicago and Schaumburg. The library serves 144,597 residents in Elgin, South Elgin and portions of Hoffman Estates, Streamwood and Bartlett, has over 1 million visitors, and is the largest library district in the state of Illinois for population served. For more information, visit www.gailborden.info.
Now in its 66th season, the ESO offers programming unmatched for an entertaining, informative and relaxing cultural experience. The ESO has won Illinois Professional Orchestra of the Year an unprecedented four times - in 1988, 1999, 2005 and 2016 - and works to create an enjoyable entertainment experience that goes beyond the magnificent music performed by some of the best musicians in the region. There is accessible, free parking around the Hemmens Cultural Center and valet service available. Area student musicians often perform in the lobby before concerts and patrons can purchase gifts at the Elgin Symphony League Boutique. Preconcert chats are given by Andrew Grams, guest artists and others one hour before most performances and Saturday night patrons are invited after concerts to Mingle with the Musicians at the Elgin Public House. In addition, free Listeners Club lecture/discussions presented by music historian Jim Kendros are offered before ESO Classics Series concert weekends at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the Gail Borden Public Library. Flex passes are available for purchase so that you can choose your concerts at a later date based on your own schedule. And if a patron can't make a concert, the ESO offers free exchanges to subscribers and to single ticket buyers for a $5 fee. The ESO is a world-class orchestra providing quality musical explorations that are entertaining, hassle-free and conveniently located close to home in the western suburbs. Visit ElginSymphony.org.