'Just so proud': Ukrainian newcomers celebrate restaurant grand opening in Edmonton
After months of hopping from kitchen to kitchen, a group of Ukrainian newcomers now has a space to call its own.
"It can be here. That part of Ukraine, we can create it here," said newcomer Lilia Vovk.
With some handmade perogies and a scoop of sour cream, that's exactly what Ukraine's Kitchen aims to do.
"This is a way for them to really, I think, succeed here in Canada and share everything that's so great about their culture. And I get to try the food, so it's great," co-founder Jorgia Moore said with a laugh.
She believes Ukraine's Kitchen is the first of its kind in Canada.
It's run entirely by Ukrainian newcomers who left everything behind when Russia invaded more than a year ago.
"I didn't remember what I feel. I tried to forget because it was terrible," Vovk recalls.
What has helped her: finding community and the kindness of Edmontonians.
Ukraine's Kitchen started in January as a pop up in the Cook County Kitchen.
Now, the cooks have their own space at Butcher and Packers on Fort Road.
"It's likely the biggest accomplishment I've ever done in my life. To be able to help these people, their hearts are on their sleeve, just coming in here makes me feel better," said owner Scott Kelly.
His feeling is shared by dozens of others, who lined up out the door for opening day.
"They are running a kitchen basically on their own. I'm just so proud," Moore said.
"We hope people look at us and see that this is possible here," Vovk said.
More information about Ukraine's Kitchen is available on their website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.