When did Tintin make his first appearance? In Tintin in the Land of Soviets in 1929. Which story of the series has the one and only scene of Tintin as the journalist writing a newspaper article? Tintin in the Land of Soviets. Where in Kolkata can you enjoy all things Tintin while tucking into some Russian fare this month? At Tintin & The Brussels Club!
Tintin in the Land of Soviets is the first story of the much-loved comic series by Hergé, where everyone’s beloved young sleuth and his furry companion, Snowy, had their first adventure. Inspired by the setting of the tale in modern-day Russia, the Tintin-themed restaurant in Lake Terrace is hosting a Russian Festival till January 30. The event includes book readings, fun quizzes and a sampling of Russian dishes from the cafe’s kitchen.
A copy of ‘Tintin in the Land of the Soviets’ and special bookmarks at the cafe for the event on January 22
On January 22, a special book reading and quiz on Tintin in the Land of Soviets was hosted at the restaurant as part of the festivities.
Delving into Tintin and Hergé's world
The book reading and quiz on January 22 was hosted by Ananya Ray, a final-year MA student at Jadavpur University
The afternoon was hosted by Ananya Ray, a final-year MA student at Jadavpur University, who started off with a brief talk about Tintin in the Land of Soviets. The book remains one of the rarest editions of the series, having been out of print for a long period of time and having had a limited number of copies printed. She read out excerpts from the book interspersed with quiz questions. The visitors, especially the younger ones, loved the quiz. What was interesting was that the older guests got into a conversation while looking at the book from a different perspective and delving into the nuances of the story.
Barnali Sensarma Ghosh, owner of Tintin & The Brussels Club
Talking about the festival, owner Barnali Sensarma Ghosh said, “My intention of doing Russian cuisine was because Tintin’s birthday was on January 10, and he and Snowy appeared for the first time in Tintin in the Land of Soviets on January 10, 1929 in a magazine. For Tintin’s birthday month, I thought that this would be the best event to do. Tintin in the Land of Soviets was basically a political satire. So, a lot of hints we get there are relatable in today’s perspective.”
What’s on the menu?
The borscht and the 'tefteli' (meatballs) from the menu
A variety of Russian specials are available on the festival menu. There is borscht, a sour beetroot soup recipe from eastern Europe, with a choice of vegetarian, chicken and pork along with a traditional Russian Salad, which also has vegetarian, chicken and salmon options. It pairs well with starters like chicken or pork Russian meatballs, or tefteli, and the Creamy Mushroom Julienne with Fries. For mains, you can dig into a hearty Stroganoff, available with veg, chicken, pork, prawn or beef and served with rice or macaroni. Picks for dessert include a Vodka Chocolate Cheesecake and a Salted Caramel White Russian.
Among the visitors of the day was young Rishi Dey, a Class V student of Don Bosco Park Circus, who came with his mother. The young fan, who has been “reading Tintin for a long time” and ranks The Shooting Star as his favourite, said, “I loved the event and the food, especially the chicken [Stroganoff] and mushroom [Creamy Mushroom Julienne with Fries] dishes.”
Rishi Dey, a Class V student of Don Bosco Park Circus, with his mother
Try this Russian dessert at home
Owner Barnali Sensarma Ghosh, also gave us a recipe for a homemade White Russian. This dessert is easy to make and ideal for hosting a Tintin night or for young fans to don their chef’s hats and impress everyone with their knowledge of the book and the food.
The Salted Caramel White Russian from the menu
Ingredients:
- A salted nut flavoured ice cream, you can pick between (or make) salted walnut/ pistachio/ almond/ peanut ice cream
- Honey
- Whipped cream
- A splash of vodka
- Cherries
Recipe:
- Take two scoops of the ice cream in a serving bowl
- Top with the fresh whipped cream
- Drizzle some honey and vodka (optional)
- Add a cherry on top to finish the dessert and tuck in
