Raimonds Pauls Judges Culinary Skills on Latvian TV Show
By Archyde News | Published: April 29, 2025
Latvian musical icon Raimonds Pauls recently traded his piano for a plate, appearing on a television show alongside chef Lauris Aleksejevs and composer Raimonds Tiguls. The Maestro offered his discerning palate too judge dishes prepared by his fellow guests, providing commentary that was both candid and humorous.
A Culinary Collaboration: Dumplings, Cutlets, and Critique
Aleksejevs prepared potato dumplings in butter, a seemingly simple dish that nonetheless won Pauls over.The second offering was pike cutlets with horseradish sauce. The meal — served with vegetables and mushrooms — drew particular praise .
“That cutlet was flavorful. the cutlets must be able to make in itself,” Pauls declared.
Raimonds Tiguls: From Music to Meals
Raimonds Tiguls, born December 5, 1972, in Talsi, is a composer, musician, and producer known for his ambient and electronic music. His projects include “Moonlight Sound Design” and “de Angelis.” Tiguls also hosts annual concerts at Tiguļkalns.
Pauls’ initial impression of Tiguls, as revealed on the show, was tinged with skepticism. “I heard about him, he was doing music. I thought, where again one unhappy person,” Pauls joked. However, he quickly added, “he thinks Tiguls is a professional musician with good success and rare talent.”
Pauls’ Thoughts on Modern Music
The conversation also touched upon contemporary musical trends, with Pauls offering a pointed critique of some modern genres. He shared his thoughts on the current state of music, notably commenting on what he sees as a lack of vocal talent in some popular styles.
“Although we have more smart people more than those calling them today,repists. Such a funny name for them, no one can sing, everyone is repo,”
Raimonds Pauls
Tiguls’ Tiguļkalns Festival: A Budding Empire?
The conversation shifted to Tiguls’ music festival, held annually at Tiguļkalns near Talsi. Pauls quipped about Tiguls’ organizational prowess and the festival’s growing scale. The next festival is scheduled for June 7.
“He is already a big landlord, a culse and a budget. The main thing is that the time is good,” Pauls said with a smile, referencing Tiguls’ growing influence and resources associated with the event.
Dessert Disappointment?
Even dessert wasn’t immune to Pauls’ scrutiny. Tiguls’ homemade ice cream drew a humorous complaint about portion size.
“He did not overdo it with quantum, it was not that he could overeat,” Pauls remarked, suggesting the serving was a bit too small.
Also in Attendance
The show also featured journalist Arnis Krauze, adding another voice to the diverse conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
An Archyde Exclusive: Raimonds Pauls’ Culinary Capers & Musical Musings with Dr. Elina Veidemane
Archyde News Editor: Welcome, Dr. Veidemane, to Archyde. Its a pleasure to have you. We’re still buzzing from Raimonds Pauls’ recent foray into the culinary world. As a cultural critic specializing in Latvian arts, what are your initial thoughts on Pauls’ transition from the concert hall to the kitchen, as showcased on this Latvian TV show?
Dr. Elina Veidemane on Pauls’ Palate
Dr. Elina Veidemane: It was absolutely fascinating! Seeing Maestro Pauls in a setting outside of music,judging food prepared by Lauris Aleksejevs and Raimonds tiguls,was a delightful experience. It highlighted Pauls’ multifaceted personality. His critiques,as reported,are always insightful,and the humor he brought to the culinary assessments added a layer of enjoyment.
Dr. elina Veidemane is a leading cultural critic,specializing in Latvian music and the arts,working for the Latvian Cultural Institute.
Archyde News Editor: The article mentioned Pauls’ reactions to dishes like the pike cutlets. You have any thoughts on the dish? Do you think that traditional Latvian cuisine is seeing a resurgence?
Dr.Elina Veidemane: The Maestro lauded the cutlets’ flavor, and from a critical standpoint, that simplicity is telling.Latvian cuisine, as a whole, is experiencing a renaissance, particularly among younger chefs. They are celebrating traditional ingredients while experimenting with modern techniques. Dishes like the one presented on the show exemplify this trend, balancing heritage with contemporary palates.
Tiguls’ Transition: Music and Events
Archyde News editor: Raimonds Tiguls, also a guest, seemingly has a knack for institution, given the success of his Tiguļkalns festival. What does this say about Latvian artists’ entrepreneurial spirit – shifting towards business alongside their craft?
Raimonds Tiguls’ ability to organize and promote the Tiguļkalns festival highlights a broader Latvian trend, where artists take on additional responsibilities to support their art and its success
Dr. Elina Veidemane: It is a sign of practicality. The Latvian art world is vast and resourceful. The financial incentives are not nearly the same as elsewhere, which means many artists become business-minded out of necessity. Tiguls’ festival is an excellent example of artistic vision combined with pragmatic execution. It’s about creating opportunities for their work and a community.
Pauls’ Viewpoint on Modern Music
Archyde News Editor: Pauls also discussed his candid views on contemporary music. Do you believe there’s a generation gap in musical tastes, and how important is it to preserve and evolve musical traditions? The maestro highlighted a perceived lack of vocal talent in many modern genres.
“Although we have more smart people more than those calling them today, repists. Such a funny name for them, no one can sing, everyone is repo,”
Raimonds pauls
Consider exploring lesser-known Latvian musical artists, supporting those who are innovating while respecting the foundations established by luminaries like Raimonds Pauls.
Dr. Elina Veidemane: A generation gap will always exist, though, it’s critical to recognise that this gap is dynamic, constantly evolving. Pauls’ comment about vocal talent is a common critique of many new genres, but the innovation they introduce should also be taken into account. Preserving musical traditions is essential,but it should not stifle the innovation of contemporary sounds. A balance allows art to flourish and remain alive.
The Role of Arnis Krauze and Community
Archyde News Editor: the inclusion of journalist Arnis Krauze on the show suggests a multi-faceted discussion. How valuable is it for cultural conversations to engage a variety of viewpoints, and what role do these discussions play in influencing public perception?
Dr. Elina veidemane: Absolutely crucial. diverse opinions fuel meaningful discussions. Arnis Krauze, as a journalist, brings a different perspective, encouraging and guiding conversation. These kinds of conversations not only inform the public but also influence cultural trends, reminding us, as we have seen with this television show, that art and culture are interconnected and open to innovation across genres and disciplines.