On Saturday, 13 September, the Onion Route Buffet Day will take place on the shores of Lake Peipus for the tenth time. On this day, 31 courtyards and gardens will open to visitors, offering local food prepared with care and love, along with a wealth of cultural experiences.
With its rich cultural heritage and flavours that celebrate local produce, the Onion Route is an important part of Tartu county’s official Culinary Region.
One of the highlights of Buffet Day is the competition to crown the Onion Route’s best onion pie master and the maker of the best onion jam. Residents of the Onion Route area may vie for the titles, and the seventh onion pie master will be announced at midday.
Local ingredients take pride of place on Buffet Day – from fields and kitchen gardens, forests and bogs, and of course, Lake Peipus itself. Dishes range from Old Believers’ specialities to gems from grandmothers’ recipe books. For example, the menu at the Hirveaed buffet is inspired by the dishes served at the opening of Alatskivi Castle in 1885.
Four former onion pie masters will be on hand, serving their finest creations. Alongside them, visitors can enjoy a wide array of local flavours – and even take home winter onions and preserves.
Guests can make use of a special Buffet Day map. Buffets will be open in Vara, Sookalduse, Metsakivi, Vanaussaia, Varnja, Kasepää, Kolkja, Nina, Alatskivi, Välgi, Tagumaa, Lümati, Alasoo, Haapsipea, and Kallaste.
A number of buffets will also host exhibitions, fun activities (such as treasure hunts or muffin decorating), concerts, and even live music for dancing.
Further details, including introductions to the buffets, may be found on the Facebook event page and on the Onion Route website. The German-style afterparty “Oktoberfest comes to the Onion Route vol. 4” will be held in Alatskivi.
Further information: Liis Lainemäe, Onion Route, NGO Sibulatee, +372 5648 0065