Overview
Two years on from the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Plate it Forward Hospitality Group's Kyiv Social hopes to unite the community through the hope and strength of the Ukrainian people and the resilience of its displaced community members around the globe. The Chippendale restaurant has unveiled Babusya's Lane — its newly designed Grafton Lane dining area — along with a new happy hour and $59 set menu in celebration of the huge progress made by its Ukrainian hospitality team over the past year.
Since opening last October, Kyiv Social has donated over 20,000 meals to orphaned children in Kyiv and welcomed more than 25 newly arrived Ukrainian refugees as employees, supporting them with training and sustainable employment. In addition to the opportunities on offer at this most recent addition to its portfolio of venues, Plate it Forward Hospitality Group currently employs almost 200 people from various marginalised groups. More than 80 per cent of the hospitality groups' employees are women and Kyiv Social boasts an entirely female kitchen team.
In another nod to the indispensable contribution of women to the success of Plate it Forward, Kyiv Social's new dining area will feature a mural of Zofia Curkan, the world's oldest refugee. In the centre of each of its venues, Plate it Forward displays artworks that celebrate the wisdom and love shown by resilient women throughout history. Zofia Curkan, who fled to Poland from Ukraine at the age of 104, will be featured in a 7-metre-high mural designed by street artist Sam Mcaleer.
Along with the new dining area, Kyiv Social has also introduced Babu's Hour — a two hour happy hour from 5.30–7.30pm which offerfs punters $6 snacks and drinks. Be sure to order the Skinny Dip, a traditional healthy dip made from roasted zucchini made to a recipe from Kyiv Social chef Viktoria's own Babusya – the traditional term for a grandmother in Ukrainian. You can look forward to happy hour drinks including beers from Sydney's own Young Henrys and the new Kyiv Compote, a Ukrainian summer cocktail made for five and served punch bowl-style as an homage to Ukrain's community spirit.
Babusya Lane will also offer a new set menu, offering visitors the chance to support Plate it Forward's invaluable community service work. The $59 six-course set menu includes authentic Ukrainian dishes such as handmade dumplings and a Ukrainian honey cake.
For every meal sold, Plate it Forward will provide someone with food insecurity from Sydney a healthy and nutritious meal and help supply food to over 50 orphanages in Ukraine. To date, Kyiv Social has provided over 20,000 meals to children who have lost their parents in the war.
Find Kyiv Social at 202 Broadway, Chippendale. For more details, visit the Kyiv Social website.
Images: Kitti Gould