Ukrainian Cost of the Soviet Victory
 Since 1965,  9 May has been officially celebrated as the “Victory Holiday of the Soviet Peoples in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945”. Since then, Ukraine has marked 9 May as a state holiday, accompanied by splendid military parades and other events, like a day off, with a festive concert and fireworks at night.

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Going out to the forest on an early summer or autumn morning to pick mushrooms is a time honoured tradition in these lands. What’s On went out to the back and beyond recently in the company of Dr. Viktor Bilay, an expert in all things fungal, and a walking guarantee not to get a nasty stomach ache or worse!

On 14 September a big crowd of celebrities have gathered to have fun on the big birthday party of Karavan restaurant. The venue is three years and during this time it became on of the loveliest for many politicians, stars and businessmen. There was a big show on the street near the restaurant – camels, fire show, belly dances, big dixy of plov. The event was a real exiting one both for guests and people passing Klovskiy spusk. Inside the restaurant there was an eastern fear with tasty delights, chocolate fountain and contest show by Comedy Club Ukraine.

An homage to the culinary traditions and culture of late imperial Russia, for the last two years Koleso has been one of the places in town to enjoy hearty soups, excellent meat dishes Russian House on the water ëKolesoí have celebrated itís second anniversary on 7 September in the real ethnic atmosphere. In the program there was a concert of the national ethnic music, many traditional Russian dishes ukha, pyrizhky, meat and vegetable appetizers. The presenter of the evening was Ostap Stupka, telling the guests many interesting stories about the Russian history. Also there was a party fear, where everyone could buy bubliki, chicken, kolbasa and other Russian delights.

On 18 September one of the most well known restaurants in Kyiv on the picturesque hill near Lavra have celebrated it’s eighth birthday party. In the program there was a national theatre show with dances and songs, bandura playing, funny contest with the guests from different countries – Poland, Hungary, Germany, United States and others. It’s so nice that Ukrainian traditions and customs are so popular with the foreigners!

For the new season opening O’Panas have prepared unusual invitations for entrance to the restaurant. It is a Tripolskiy bread for Kyivites and guests of the city. It is made of coarse-ground flour with all old traditions. It is the symbol of rich life, prosperity and success. Besides, it is a healthy product advised by many diets. It’s a nice oprion for you to invite your friend for the dinner and to introduce Ukrainian culture to foreign guests.

New venue with Wild West interior, kitchen of prairie and music of the winds can purpose you ten sorts of beer (from 9 hrv), business lunch from 12 to 16 (25 hrv). During the Octoberfest time there is a big sale for European beer, it all costs 12 hrv. Besides, there was a nice contest of beer drinking on 16 September for all the friends of pub. Don’t miss a good option to feel like a cowboy and to go to Podkova Pub!

On 21 September Casa Bella restaurant have celebrated its first birthday. For this short term this beautiful and sophisticated restaurant have become one of the loveliest venues among stylish and status people. Marina Sehrini and Valentina Bortniychuk know a lot about restaurant the best that’s why there youngest child looks perfect. In the program of the evening there were KVN jokes of the Byelorussian team, congratulations from friends-restaurateurs, lots of impressive seafood, costumed show and many flowers for the ladies.

 Svit Kavy 6
Kafedralna vul.
A popular spot all year round for locals and tourists alike, this restaurant offers stunning romantic Mittle Europa views of Lviv’s Old City including the cathedral. Svit Kavy translates into English as ‘World of Coffee’, and the venue certainly lives up to its name, offering an array of fresh coffees at around the 5-8hrv mark. Desserts are also something of a speciality here, with the cheesecake and apple pie being particularly good. The popularity of the café means that queues are not unheard of, but the views, food, and drink certainly make for any short term inconvenience.

 West Ukrainian capital Lviv is currently a hive of activity as the city gears up for this weekend’s big seven hundredth anniversary celebrations. What’s On takes a look at this Mittle Europa gem as it prepares for the biggest party since independence in 1991.

French comic strips and cartons dating from the nineteenth century to the present day are now on display at the French Cultural Centre. The showcase encompasses a wide variety of styles and subject matter ranging from early twentieth century satires on the military, a look at how artists working in 1934 imagined the twenty-first century, and numerous drawings which graced French and Belgium publications. Catch the ‘Pages of Cartoon History’ exhibition at the French Cultural Centre (104 Gorkoho) till 31 October. For more details call 529-2759.

Land Reform in Ukraine: Over Before It Begins?

In March, the Verkhovna Rada refused to extend the existing moratorium on the purchase and sale of agricultural land. For the first time in the history of independent Ukraine, agricultural land can be bought and sold, and that raises a lot of concerns, chief among them “who will end up owning the land (and we all pretty much know the answer to that)? Once they end up owning it, what will happen to it? And what will the future hold for those smallholders who currently own it and are forced to sell due to poverty and harsh economic conditions? What’s On wanted to get to the root of this debate (pun intended), but one first has to understand the current situation and where it could lead. Back to the Motherland we went.

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