photograph Dima Kovalenko From 2018
Reporting by reporter Stacey Joy
Strycha Ukrainian Kitchen will reopen as a limited-time concept near its longtime location at 33 East Seventh Street, between Second Avenue and Cooper Square, according to chef Dima Kovalenko.
The church's announcement took Kovalenko by surprise, but after the news broke last week, several potential investors came forward to back him.
Kovalenko, who said he was leaving on good terms, said customers at the pop-up would enjoy the same menu, featuring “high-quality, affordable food made using my recipes.” He said he would announce a new location soon.
While Strycha Ukrainian Kitchen was a fundraising hub for St. George, the new version won't serve the same function, but the pop-up version will donate funds to Ukrainian organizations to help with ongoing war relief efforts, he said.
In addition, several volunteer church members who help make vareniki (Ukrainian dumplings) will continue to work with Kovalenko in the new space.
“I'm doing this because of the Vareniki team,” he said by phone Sunday.
After the short renovation, St. George's Church is said to be planning to use the space at 33 East Seventh Street for more church-like events, such as luncheons after Mass. Kovalenko said they are keeping all of the kitchen equipment and new décor in the dining area.
In addition to the Strycha pop-up store, Kovalenko also hopes to open a restaurant in the neighborhood.
Previous articles by EV Grieve:
