Count Alexander Sergeyevich Stroganoff, who was favoured by the tsarina and a member of one of the richest families in Imperial Russia, was known for being both the president of the Academy of the Arts and as a man of sophisticated culinary tastes. He wrote that a person who has eaten quickly or something that doesn’t taste particularly good is as a result incapable of doing such things as appreciating art or carrying on a good conversation. This is why such close attention was paid to what was served in the Count’s home. The Count often employed talented Parisian chefs, and the rich dishes they prepared undoubtedly deserved to be served to royalty. Nowadays the Stroganoff Palace is home to the Russian Empire restaurant, which continues to promote the Count’s famous culinary traditions. RTG TV host Maria Mumicha found out how to make a handful of tasty treats including a chocolate dessert that melts in your mouth, charlotte russe and a pudding with wild berries.