Lviv: When Russia began attacking Ukraine in February, Ukraine’s chef Evgen Klopotenko’s visceral reaction was not to pick up a gun. Their restaurant is called “Insni”, Ukrainian for “other”. Opened just a week ago in the western city of Lviv, it serves a free meal to anyone asking for a menu number. 2.
“I understood that I am not very good with guns … but I know that I am a very good warrior with knives,” said Klopotenko, who is a household name in his country. “My purpose and my mission in life is to feed people.”
The winner of the Ukrainian edition of MasterChef, Klopotenko made headlines several years ago when he campaigned to place Ukrainian borscht, a red beet and cabbage soup, on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Russian government opposed the claim.
The restaurant’s funding came from Klopotenko’s own pockets, donations and paying customers who eat from a different menu.
Klopotenko said most of the free eaters have fled their homes in other parts of Ukraine and are making their way to Poland.
Olena Severinova, who was forced to leave her home in the Eastern Donetsk region due to bombardment by advancing Russian forces, has come to the “others” every day since her arrival in Lviv.
“I was forced to resettle because of the war,” said the 73-year-old, crying. “Thank you everyone for actively participating in saving our lives… they fed us for free.”