On February 18, the project “Following the Sun,” which brings together key gastronomic destinations across Russia, arrived in Irkutsk at the restaurant Pepel. An exclusive dinner was held here in collaboration with the team of the iconic Vladivostok project Millionka (TOP 3 WHERETOEAT FAR EAST). The evening became a dialogue between two strong culinary schools and two visions of local cuisine, unfolding within the historic house of explorer Sergey Pavlovich Peretolchin.

Guests were welcomed with an immersion into the past: at the entrance, they were greeted by costumed performers participating in an ancient ritual of transformation. As the host noted, “their mission is to revive the tradition and convey the spirit of a bygone era that still lives within these walls.”

The culinary program was led by two star teams. Representing Vladivostok was Evgeny Kabanov, chef of Millionka and a recognized master of Russian-Asian cuisine. Representing Irkutsk was Dmitry Arinin, brand chef of the restaurants Pepel and Partizan, whose cuisine is built on a deep understanding of authentic Baikal traditions.

The wine pairing, conceived as an independent gastronomic statement, was developed by Nikita Rudnitsky, the Far East’s leading sommelier (twice named Best Sommelier of the Region by WHERETOEAT), and Timofey Safonov, head sommelier of Pepel and Partizan.

Guests were presented with a six-course menu, including:
• Kimchi crab roulade with truffle ponzu (Millionka), paired with Michele Chiarlo, Gavi Palas;
• Spiced tongues of Khakass lamb (Pepel), served with Riesling by Weingut Dr. Fischer;
• Shao kao with whelk, lime, and lemongrass (Millionka), accompanied by Perowsky Winery Blanc de Blancs;
• Pollock pie with beurre noisette sauce (Millionka), paired with Marchesi Antinori Rosé;
• Siberian maral rack with lightly smoked garden plum (Pepel), served with Peppoli Chianti Classico;
• “Taiga” dessert with creamy lingonberry on a pine nut éclair (Pepel), paired with the “Phoenix” cocktail.

Between courses, guests took part in a themed quiz dedicated to the history of Irkutsk and Vladivostok, as well as the research of Sergey Peretolchin. The most attentive participants received exclusive gifts from Vladivostok and a certificate for the restaurant Pepel.

For those who were unable to attend the dinner, a special menu created by Millionka’s chef Evgeny Kabanov will be available at Pepel from February 19 to March 4.

Event partners: Russian Crab, Russian Fishery Company, WhereToEat.

“Following the Sun” is a gastronomic project presenting a series of unique dinners in different cities across Russia. Its mission is to create a living map of contemporary Russian cuisine through collaborations between the country’s top chefs, sommeliers, and restaurants—showcasing the potential of local products and shaping new gastronomic trends.