Chicago's culinary landscape will soon welcome Anelya, a Ukrainian-inspired restaurant by the James Beard Award-winning duo Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim. This exciting development was documented in a Chicago Eater article. Clark and Kim, renowned for their endeavors at the Michelin-starred restaurant Parachute, intend Anelya to be their gastronomic milestone.
After the closure of their second establishment, Wherewithall, Clark and Kim decided to pay homage to Ukrainian food with their new venture. This a tribute to both Clark's cultural roots and his late grandmother, Anelya Ochatchinskiya. A survivor of World War II and numerous hardship, Ochatchinskiya's spirit lives on through her grandson's culinary pursuits.
Made up of Ukrainian refugees, Anelya's staff is committed to honoring their homeland's food traditions, known as "the old-new culture." As reported by Chicago Magazine, the ongoing Ukrainian conflict makes this endeavor all the more important. Through its operations, Anelya aims to showcase the richness of Ukrainian cuisine while recognizing and supporting the resilience of its people.
Borscht, a beetroot and vegetable soup is a key feature on Anelya's menu. Recognizing the cultural significance of the UNESCO-listed, endangered Ukrainian heritage dish, Anelya gives it a contemporary spin.
However, in addition to borscht, Anelya plans a curated menu that encapsulates Ukrainian food's depth and variety, with offerings such as a multi-tiered zakuski tower of starters. Clark and Kim focus heavily on local and fresh ingredients, aiming to redefine Ukrainian food whilst drawing attention to Ukraine's current plight.
Expected to open doors soon, Anelya beckons culinary enthusiasts while inviting Ukrainian refugees to contribute to Chicago's independent restaurant scene. Culinary artists Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim hope their new venture will commemorate and cherish Ukrainian culture, effectively creating a haven in the heart of Chicago.
