Ukrainian celebrity chef Ievgen helps up free meals for refugees.
Ievgen Klopotenko, a Ukrainian cook, had a gut reaction not to take up a rifle when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February.
“Inshni,” which is Ukrainian for “Others,” is the name of his restaurant. It opened just over a week ago in the western city of Lviv, and anyone who asks for menu no. 2 gets a free dinner.
“I realized I’m not very good with guns… but I know I’m a very nice warrior with a knife,” Klopotenko, well-known in his homeland, added. “It is my life’s goal and mission to feed the people.”
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Klopotenko, a MasterChef champion in Ukraine, made headlines a few years back when he fought to get Ukrainian borscht, a reddish beet and cabbage soup, included in UNESCO’s global heritage list. The Russian authorities disputed the assertion.
Klopotenko’s funds, contributions, and paying clients who order from a separate menu have contributed to the restaurant’s success.
The bulk of persons eating the free meals, according to Klopotenko, have abandoned their homes in other parts of Ukraine and are attempting to reach Poland.
Olena Severinova, who was forced to flee her home in the eastern Donetsk region owing to Russian forces’ bombardment, has visited “Others” every day since arriving in Lviv.
“Because of the conflict, I was compelled to relocate,” the 73-year-old sobbed. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to saving our life… He provided us with free food.”
Eric is a professional news editor, writer, and blogger for the last 10 years. He is working with NewsGater as an off-beat news editor cum writer.