Showing posts with label Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen. Show all posts

Friday, June 7, 2024

At the reopening of longtime East Village staple Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen

Photos from May 31 
Reporting by Stacie Joy 

A refurbished Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen reopened last Friday in the basement space it has used for the past 50 years at 33 E. Seventh St. between Second Avenue and Cooper Square. 

Several people were waiting in line to enter before the announced 11 a.m. opening time. 

Rev. Father Johan Lubiv, the administrator of St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church for the past four years, greeted me inside.
In the days before the reopening, the space received a deep clean and fresh coat of paint. While a new volunteer staff runs operations, Streecha features the same menu items and prices, with funds going to St. George down the block. (Streecha has long served as a fundraising arm for the church.)
Ahead of the reopening, there was some confusion over Streecha's future. On May 23, Dima Kovalenko, who the church hired to be its chef and run the kitchen nine years ago, announced on Instagram that Streecha had permanently closed and that the "property owner" had other plans for the basement space. (Kovalenko, meanwhile, found a backer and will be opening a pop-up space under a new name nearby offering a similar fare.) 

In a previous interview, Father Johan explained some of the misunderstandings. "I said to Dima to say, 'I am not working at Streecha, but Streecha continues to function.' This is misleading information that Streecha is closed." 

Father Johan said St. George hired Kovalenko to run Streecha, though he claims he had "turned it into a private business, and that is not what this space is for." 

Streecha will be open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, May 31, 2024

St. George Church reopens a refurbished Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen on 7th Street

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen reopens this morning in the basement space it has used for the past 50 years at 33 E. Seventh St. between Second Avenue and Cooper Square. 

The kitchen, which serves as a fundraising arm of St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church on the block, will now be run by a new team of parish volunteers. The space will continue to offer a variety of traditional Ukrainian cuisine as well as coffee and tea.
Yesterday, I met with Rev. Father Johan Lubiv, OSBM, the administrator of St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church for the past four years, to discuss Streecha and what has transpired here recently.

Last week, Dima Kovalenko, who the church hired to be its chef and run the kitchen nine years ago, announced on Instagram that Streecha had closed and that the "property owner" had other plans for the basement space. (Kovalenko, meanwhile, found a backer and will be opening a pop-up space under a new name nearby offering a similar fare.) 

Father Johan explained some of the misunderstandings. "I said to Dima to say, 'I am not working at Streecha, but Streecha continues to function.' This is misleading information that Streecha is closed," Father Johan said. "The name belongs to the parish and the community. Streecha means 'people's meeting place.'" 

He said St. George hired Kovalenko to run Streecha, though he claims he had "turned it into a private business, and that is not what this space is for."

Father Johan talked about his time in the East Village, where he made some changes to St. George Academy, also known as St. George's Ukrainian Catholic School. He also said he is especially interested in helping people from Ukraine who have psychological issues stemming from PTSD from the Russian invasion. 

As for Streecha, he said he wanted to refurbish the community spot on Seventh Street. 

"We received many propositions about how to renovate. We needed renovations," he said. "Last year, I started cleaning, and I have been thinking about these changes for more than a year. I am happy to see the space clean." 

The newly reopened Streecha will be run by three volunteers — women parishioners from the church. It will feature the same menu items and prices, with funds going to St. George.

Father Johan and Deacon Methodius Soroka provided a tour of Streecha yesterday. 

"It took 20 volunteers three days to clean the space," Father Johan said. There are new lights, paint, and equipment with newly arranged tables and chairs.

Streecha will be open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

As in the past 50 years in the East Village, Father Johan said, "We welcome all people."
You can follow Streecha on Instagram here ... or Facebook here.

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

[Updated] Former chef of Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen returning to a new East Village space as a pop up

Photo of Dima Kovalenko from 2018 
Reporting by Stacie Joy 

Updated 5/31: Streecha reopens today under new management. In this postRev. Father Johan Lubiv, the administrator of St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church for the past four years, discusses what has transpired here recently.

The post below was updated to reflect new information received from St. George.

-----

Dima Kovalenko, the former chef of Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen, plans to open a pop-up concept in the East Village.

Last week, Kovalenko, who has been there for nine years, learned that the nearby St. George Ukrainian Church, which Stretcha supported in its decades-long existence, had other plans for the basement space. (Public records list the Order of St. Basil the Great, Inc. as the property owner, though the church is the landlord.) 

While the church's announcement surprised Kovalenko, several potential investors came forward to help him after the news broke last week. 

Kovalenko, who said he is leaving on favorable terms, told us that visitors to the pop-up will enjoy the same menu featuring "good quality and affordable food using all my recipes." He said he'd announce the new location soon.

Kovalenko said his new space will contribute funds to Ukrainian organizations to help with the ongoing war relief efforts.

In addition, several church members who volunteered to help make the vareniki (Ukrainian dumplings) will continue working with Kovalenko in the new space.

"The vareniki team is the reason I'm doing this," he said in a phone call on Sunday. 

After a brief renovation, St. George will continue to use the space at 33 E. Seventh St. between Second Avenue and Cooper Square as Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen, which open Fridays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Aside from the Streecha pop-up, Kovalenko hopes to open a restaurant in the neighborhood.

Previously on EV Grieve

Friday, May 24, 2024

Hopes for a new East Village home for Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen's former chef

Photo and reporting by Stacie Joy
Photo from May 18 

Updated 5/31: Streecha reopens today under new management. In this postRev. Father Johan Lubiv, the administrator of St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church for the past four years, discusses what has transpired here recently.

--

Yesterday, the closure of Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen, a favorite no-frills spot for many residents over the years, was met with shock and sadness. 

According to the operators, the unnamed landlord of the building at 33 E. Seventh St. between Second Avenue and Cooper Square "decided to go in a different direction." 

The news hit several days after the annual Saint George Ukrainian Festival on the block, where the subterranean space remained busy during the weekend.

The news of their departure was a complete surprise to Dima Kovalenko, the chef overseeing the kitchen for the past 10 years. 

"The owner wants to do some renovations ... and then use it for their needs," he said. 

Despite the sudden closure, there is a ray of hope. After our post yesterday afternoon, Kovalenko said several community members stepped up with potential storefronts in the neighborhood so that Streecha could continue serving their traditional Ukrainian cuisine. 

However, this remains in the exploratory phase.

While he's heartened by the response from regulars and the potential new space, he said that it will not be the same. 

Streecha has been helping generate income for the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church on the block since the 1970s. Many church members also serve as volunteers, and they gather here on Fridays to help make the vareniki (Ukrainian dumplings).

Public records list Order of St. Basil the Great, Inc. as the property owner.

Thursday, May 23, 2024

East Village staple Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen has closed on 7th Street; operators hope to find a new space

Photo from 2022 by Stacie Joy 

Updated 5/31: Streecha reopens today under new management. In this postRev. Father Johan Lubiv, the administrator of St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church for the past four years, discusses what has transpired here recently.

----

The operators of the Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen on Seventh Street announced this afternoon that the basement cafe is now permanently closed. 

The no-frills space between Second Avenue and Cooper Square has been generating income for the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church since the 1970s. It offered inexpensive lunch specials and various Ukrainian potato dumplings (varenyky). 

Volunteers, primarily parishioners from St. George's, usually helped prep Streecha's offerings on Friday. 

Here's part of the closing announcement: 
We are incredibly grateful for your unwavering love and support over the years. It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce that we've left our current location permanently. 

The property owner decided to go in a different direction. Our team is searching for a new partner and location to keep a traditional Ukrainian restaurant alive. 

We welcome input from our Streecha community. 

Thank you for the wonderful memories. We hope to see you all again one day. 
This has always been one of our favorite places in the neighborhood to visit. Hopefully, they can secure a new home soon.

Public records list Order of St Basil the Great, Inc. as the property owner.

Previously on EV Grieve:

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Another visit to Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen on Seventh Street has long been one of our favorite places to visit for an inexpensive lunch special as well as to pick up some Ukrainian potato dumplings (varenyky). 

Yesterday, EVG contributor Stacie Joy stopped by the no-frills basement cafe, which generates income for the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church up the block on Seventh Street.
It was crowded for this time in the afternoon with people out to show their support of Ukraine. While the diners seemed pleased with their meals and enjoying the moment, the mood in the kitchen was tense with the steady stream of news coming from Ukraine as Russian forces continued to use heavy weaponry in their unprovoked invasion.
Volunteers — parishioners from St. George's — usually help prep on Fridays. But given the uptick in business, they were also on-hand yesterday... and keeping a watchful eye on the TV. 

One of the volunteers was face-timing with her husband in Western Ukraine. He is said to be safe, but there is worry. 
The cafe is also collecting donations to support the Ukrainian Army ...
Streecha is at 33 E. Seventh St. between Second Avenue and Cooper Square. They are open 9-5 Wednesday through Sunday. 

Check out the Streecha Instagram account for more information. (They are on TikTok as well.) 

Previously on EV Grieve

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Hidden 7th Street treasure Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen reopens for the fall

Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen on Seventh Street reopens today after its customary summer break. 

The no-frills basement cafe, which generates income for the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church on Seventh Street, offers inexpensive lunch specials and various Ukrainian potato dumplings (varenyky!). Or you can just get a $1 cup of coffee and pull up a folding chair and take it all in.
Streecha is at 33 E. Seventh St. between Second Avenue and Cooper Square. They are open 9-5 Wednesday through Sunday. Check out the Streecha Instagram account for info on specials.

Photos from 2018 by Stacie Joy!

Sunday, May 30, 2021

Today is the last day for Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen before summer break

Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen on Seventh Street will close after today for its customary summer break. (They broke tradition and stayed open last June, July and August.)

The basement cafe, which generates income for the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church on Seventh Street, is open today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for takeout. 

Stock up your freezer!
Streecha is at 33 E. Seventh St. between Second Avenue and Cooper Square. Look for their return in late August.

Previously on EV Grieve:
A visit to the Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen on 7th Street

Top photo from 2018 by Stacie Joy!

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen is open this summer


[File photo by Stacie Joy]

With all the attention on the Phase 2 outdoor dining at the moment... a quick note about Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen.

The no-frills (in a good way!) basement cafe, which generates income for the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church on Seventh Street, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for takeout.

Check out Streecha's Instagram account for ordering details...


Streecha is at 33 E. Seventh St. between Second Avenue and Cooper Square.

Previously on EV Grieve:
A visit to the Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen on 7th Street

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen is back open for the fall (and winter and spring)


[Image via Instagram]

Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen opens today for the season after its customary summer break.

The rustic basement cafe, which generates income for the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church on Seventh Street, is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Check out Streecha's Instagram account for daily specials. You can always find traditional Ukrainian fare such as borscht and vareniki here. Not to mention homemade desserts and coffee.

Visit Streecha at 33 E. Seventh St. between Second Avenue and Cooper Square.

Previously on EV Grieve:
A visit to the Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen on 7th Street

Friday, August 23, 2019

Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen will be open on Sunday


[Photo by Stacie Joy]

Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen is getting ready to reopen after its customary summer break here on 33 E. Seventh St. between Second Avenue and Cooper Square.

To that end, the basement cafe that helps generate income for the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church up the block on Seventh Street, will be serving on Sunday (Aug. 25) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Regular hours will be announced shortly. Until then, it's a good time to stock up on items like vareniki (Ukrainian dumplings) that are made with the help of volunteers every Friday (including today!) ...



Visit Streecha's Instagram account for daily specials and reopening details.

Previously on EV Grieve:
A visit to the Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen on 7th Street

Friday, June 7, 2019

Last weekend for Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen before the summer break



This is the last weekend until mid-August for the Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen before their customary summer break.

Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen, 33 E. Seventh St. between Second Avenue and Cooper Square, is the basement cafe that helps generate income for the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church up the block.

The photos here are from EVG contributor Stacie Joy's visit to the space last September...





Anyway, three more days to hit them up for some inexpensive and hearty fare. The cafe is open today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a 9 a.m. start time on Saturday and Sunday. Visit Streecha's Instagram account for the daily specials and reopening updates.

Previously on EV Grieve:
A visit to the Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen on 7th Street

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

A visit to the Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen on 7th Street



This past Friday morning, EVG contributor Stacie Joy stopped by Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen, the basement cafe that helps generate income for the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church up the block on Seventh Street.

On this day, as with previous Fridays spanning nearly four decades, volunteers — parishioners from St. George's — gathered in the subterranean space at 33 E. Seventh St. between Second Avenue and Cooper Square to help prep the cafe's specialities, such as vareniki (Ukrainian dumplings).




[Volunteer Daria Rekucha]




[Rekucha and Anastazia Baran]

Dima Kovalenko, here in the orange shirt, is the chef and oversees the kitchen...






[Volunteer Anna Sinchuk]






[Volunteer Tetiona Grygorash]

Streecha, which is an old Ukrainian word for meeting, is a perfect place for doing so. The decor is, well — church basement, but the food is hearty and inexpensive...





Streecha reopened last Wednesday after the usual summer hiatus. The cafe is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a 9 a.m. start time on Saturday and Sunday. Visit Streecha's Instagram account for daily specials.