Ukraine’s Kitchen is the first Ukrainian kitchen in Canada run entirely by newcomers who left the war in Ukraine. All the delicious things are here—varenyky (pyrohy) with various fillings, nalisniki, borsch, three kinds of holubtsi (cabbage rolls). Order frozen online or pick up at the store when you come for lunch. They also cater. Chef Brad Smoliak is their advisor and helps out in the kitchen.
Yes, Ukraine’s Kitchen sells delicious food, but its main purpose is to provide training and jobs. Scott Kelly of Butchers & Packers provides the space free of charge. “We have about 10 people on the payroll,” says Jorgia Moore, who started the business with her mother Janice Krissa and another partner. “Our goal is for everyone to have at least 30 hours per week. This starts them on the road to permanent residency.”
Yuliya Shabanova was a physicist in Ukraine. Now she is the manager at Ukraine’s Kitchen. “I thought all the time about what is happening in Ukraine. Now I have a job and I almost don’t think about the horrible things in my motherland. With these people I can just forget sometimes, look to the future. Now, I have more friends, it’s a warm atmosphere in this job.” Did I mention that Yuliya didn’t speak English when she came?
Ukraine’s Kitchen, inside Butchers & Packers, 12225 Fort Road, is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm and Saturday, 11am-2pm.