One year after fleeing the war in her home country, a Ukrainian woman is opening a new style of restaurant on Canada Day to celebrate her new home in Kelowna.
“We are very grateful to Canada and for the opportunity to do business in this country,” said Ukrainian business woman and mother, Tetiana Kopets.
Kopets left everything behind when she and her family were forced to move and seek refuge from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. During the weeks of hardship that followed their hurried move, Kopets found solace and a sense of normalcy when cooking her children nourishing meals.
Kopets explained that food brings people together and she wants to bring that same joy to people in Kelowna.
The shop sells nourishing, handmade, ready to cook meals and desserts that work as single servings, to feed a family, or to entertain a house full of guests.
The business, called Ready to Cook is a popular chain in Europe with no North American franchises, outside of Kopets’ shop in Kelowna.
All of the food, from the perogies, to the borscht, sausage and pies, are made in house by Ukrainian cooks who were also displaced by the war in their home country.
All of the food is hand-made with fresh ingredients and at the store patrons will be able to watch the chefs in action.
The food comes pre-cooked and flash frozen, so at meal time the food only needs to be re-heated, which takes approximately 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the dish.
For example, Kopets’ popular borsch requires only water and 30 minutes to go from the freezer to a hearty meal.
When asked about her favourite item on the menu Kopets said that it changes every day, but lately she has been loving the Okanagan blueberry dessert perogies and mozzarella sausages.
People will have the opportunity to taste the treats at the Ready to Cook grand opening on Canada Day. The shop is open daily from 1:30a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Canada Day and daily from 8:30a.m. until 5:30 p.m. in the District mall on Bernard, at 595 Bernard Ave.
“I hope Canada loves it,” said Kopets.
For more information and a full menu, visit Ready2cook.ca.
@Rangers_mom
Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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