"It happens that you go to the kitchen at night to drink water, and when you suddenly wake up, you are already eating your third sandwich..." M.Galustyan

Minestrone is a classic Italian vegetable soup that changes with the seasons—there’s no single “correct” version. Made with simple vegetables, beans, and pasta, it’s a comforting, nourishing dish that has been cooked in Italian homes for centuries using whatever was on hand.

Lightly pickled vegetables are a staple in Eastern European kitchens, where quick marinades bring out fresh flavors while keeping a crisp texture. This zucchini salad is bright, aromatic, and refreshing—perfect for warm days or as a contrast to rich dishes.

You can use any meat for these patties. I prefer a mixture of beef, pork and veal in a 1:1:1 ratio.

The Carmen Torte is a rich, dramatic cake—often layered with chocolate, cream, and bright fruit accents—named to reflect the passion and elegance of Bizet’s famous opera.