As the next Community Day approaches, so does one of Friends School’s more hidden clubs: Russian Tea Party. 

Attendees go to Russian teacher Lee Roby’s room, where desks have been pushed together and a tablecloth draped over them. The table is set with mismatched tea cups and plates of Russian candy. 

Later, crepes come out, made by founder and head of the club Sasha Rosenthal. Members can put sour cream, Russian jam, or both on their crepe. There is no cap on how much food one can eat. 

The food that tends to go fastest is Korivka: “unglazed fondant candies” according to the company’s website. One regular attendee says they look “a bit like soap, but taste surprisingly good.”

Ms. Roby provides the tea. As she pours, she teaches students how to say please and thank you in Russian. She also shares fun facts about Russian culture.

Since the club’s founding last year, attendees have been consistent and loyal, with almost the same turnout every time. Russian Tea Party is a great way to engage with Russian culture while eating excellent food and spending time with friends.