Issue №28 15 December 2019 – 31 2020

The What’s On Holiday Issue

Make sure you take in one of the most iconic events of the season – The | Where to fi nd that crafty character – good ole St Nick – this holiday season in | Where to go, what to do, when to do it, and why – we’ll leave the with whom to you WIN with What‛s On Kyiv!

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www.whatson-kyiv.com FB: WhatsOnKyiv Insta: whatson_kyiv Contents | Issue 28 15 December 2019 – 31 January 2020

Issue №28 15 December 2019 – 31 January 2020

The What’s On Holiday Issue

Make sure you take in one of the most iconic events of the season – The Nutcracker | Where to fi nd that crafty character – good ole St Nick – this holiday season in Kyiv | Naughty or Where to go, what to do, when to do it, and why – we’ll leave the with whom to you nice? On the Cover Your essential holiday guide 4 WO Words from the Editor 20 What’s Ahead Photo credit: depositphotos.com / Have a very Merry Christmas and A few top events to put in your IgorVetushko an incredibly Happy New Year calendar from all of us at What’s On 22 St Nicholas is Coming to 6 Light it Up! Town The Chinese Zodiac has a lot to Whether you know him as tell us about the Year of the Metal Did Moroz, Svyatiy Mykolai, Rat. Don’t believe in that mumbo Siinterklaas, or , he’s Yana’s pick this month jumbo? Take in the Festival of coming to Kyiv and staying all Giant Lanterns and create your month long How long dan you go without own luck 24 What’s All the Fuss checking emails or Facebook 8 Getting Party Perfect A collection of bits and bobs notifications? If missing out The city is full of super salons for those on the run. Not to be to find your perfect look for missed: the holidays and all of another ‘important’ tweet feels like the holiday season. Want to try the antics you can look forward to a disaster, you might be due for a something new? Check out the in the upcoming months; some WO list of venues to get your top flicks if you want to stay in for digital detox. Together with expert, pretty on the holidays; where to find that perfect cup of hot cacao, and Nadya Pereviznyk, we look at the 10 After Party Retreat more phenomenon of Internet overuse and Brunch is becoming one of the best ways to spend Sundays after 28 What’s On the Menu discuss the ways to disconnect. Even a big night out, and Kyiv venues Baklazhan ensures an for a little while. are catching on to this little enchanting feast fit for a king, or secret. Not sure where to head? even just your average Joe Turn to page 10 for a start 28 What’s in Focus Illya’s pick this month 12 Unplug and Get your Life Everyone is in festive mode with Back events around the city, like the “Last Christmas I gave you my The end of the year is always a ladies at IWCK with their annual good opportunity for some self- bazaar; the ACC and BUCC with heart…” We all know those lyrics so reflection. And if you want to give events to keep us proud, awards well. This year will be no different, yourself time and space to think all around from fashion to before entering the new decade, furnishings, as well as a special as I set to making this Christmas WO has some advice for you: a day with a special embassy, and even more magically Ukrainian. digital detox an evening of frivolity with TBM, just because 14 What’s On this Month All you need to know, broken 34 Where to Find What’s On down by category, about what An extensive (though not you need to see and do in Kyiv complete!) list of where to find for the next 30 days, including a your favourite English-language brand-new Nutcracker you won’t culture and entertainment mag want to miss

The Team: Marianne Haryazha Contact details: Журнал «WHAT’S ON» №28 від 15 грудня 2019 © All materials published in What’s On Kyiv Originally founded in 1999, What’s On Kyiv is nity, both expatriate and local, and provides Lana Nicole Niland Roman Mykyta Засновник та видавець: ТОВ «ОУТПОСТ ПАБЛІШІНГ» For general enquiries, submissions, Адреса: 01001, м. Київ, пров. Рильський 4, поверх 6 are the unconditional intellectual property of an English language monthly magazine with brief news articles on events of relevance to Paul Niland Daria Isaeva Головний редактор/відповідальна за випуск: Кубін Лана Ніколь (Найленд) Jared Morgan Illya Ovchar complaints, or comments write to [email protected], Тел.: +380 95 168 2462 Outpost Publishing and as such are protect- a goal to inform residents and visitors to Kyiv Kyiv and and the wider region. Lee Reaney Natalya Jaddock [email protected] Журнал зареєстровано як засіб масової інформації в Міністерстві Юстиції Україні, ed by Ukrainian and international copyright of events in the entertainment and cultural свідоцтво 22834 – 12734P від 7 серпня 2017 року Alina Smolina Claire Little To advertise in What’s On Kyiv, contact Надруковано в типографії: «Аванпост-Прім», м. Київ, вул. Сурікова, 3 laws. No materials from this magazine, or life of the city. As well as providing advice, Natalia Kurtyak Igor Hodakov [email protected] Тираж: 13 000. Журнал розповсюджується безкоштовно. the associated website, may be reproduced guidance, and listings of live music, theatre, Tyoma Myronenko DoubleK LLC Team WHAT’S ON magazine №28 from 15.12.2019 without the express permission of Outpost nightlife, sporting events and more, What’s Anna Romanchuk Printsolution LLC Founder and publisher: OUTPOST PUBLISHING LLC Lera Zdanovych Address: 01001, Kyiv, Rylskyi lane 4, 6th floor Publishing. On also interacts with the business commu- State registration certificate 22834 – 12734P dated 7 August 2017 Tassy Klim Chief Editor: Lana Nicole Kubin (Niland), [email protected], Tel.: +380 95 168 2462 Yana Andyol Printed by: «Avanpost-Prim», Kyiv, Surikova 3 3 Print run: 13 000. Free distribution. From the Editor

Editor-in-Chief Lana Nicole Niland

While there is hardly a chill in the air, the holidays are indeed on their way, and Kyiv is getting into the spirit, with lights sparkling on most streets, holiday music playing overhead, and festive events planned this way and that. I have to admit, while the feeling is different in Ukraine, Christmas for me is indeed a most wonderful time of the year. Regardless of where some traditions were born, whether they are valid or not, and even if you don’t believe, the idea that so many people come together at this time to ‘celebrate peace on earth and goodwill to men’ is definitely valid. For those celebrating in Kyiv make sure you check out the coun- try’s and market on Sofiivska Pl, and then slide down Andriivskyi Uzviz to enjoy the Ukrainian-themed market on Kontraktova Pl (p 26). Not sure where to get gussied up for the hol- idays? Our small round-up of venues may help make the decision a little easier (p 8). May we suggest that you enjoy a cup of cocoa at some point in these next weeks (p 27) too: you’ll need the down- time amidst the shopping hustle and bustle, which sometimes puts people on edge (p 23). And after all is said and done, perhaps you can take time to slow the pace at a brunch or two this season (p 10). While Christmas is all about the kids, New Year for me is indeed a time to reflect on the year past and the next to come. In every sense, these last 12 months of 2019 have been intense. I am not averse to the path less travelled, and in fact, often take it. Though, for 2020, I “The idea that so many look forward to the trail being a little better kept, more visible, and less cumbersome. But then again, the paths we walk are those that people come together at this make us, and perhaps the gods think me well enough for a good hard hike. No matter what comes, I look forward to gearing up. time to ‘celebrate peace on In the meantime, let me take a moment to thank you dear readers for not just picking up our publication, but for your continued inter- earth and goodwill to men’ is est in our content. We love hearing from you, even when you think we might have been led astray… definitely valid” May the holidays bring blessed grace to one and all – those tucked up warm in their homes, and those who continue to fight for the sovereignty of a great nation; those with friends and families in all corners, and those without anyone to turn to. Our hands and hearts go out to you all, and we wish you the very best this holiday season no matter how you decide to celebrate.

4 What’s On Issue 28 15 December 2019 - 31 January 2020

Tassy Klim

LightCONGRATULATIONS, YOU’VE GOT THROUGH ANOTHER YEAR – TIME TO CELEBRATE! AND NO ONE DOES NEW YEAR it Up! CELEBRATIONS QUITE LIKE THE CHINESE Every culture has its own way of celebrat- (according to Chinese tradition), so don’t ing the New Year, but the one thing they be afraid to get out your wallet! all have in common is the practice of say- If you’ve been to the Giant Lanterns Fes- ing goodbye to the old year and hoping tival before, be prepared for a new expe- for good fortune in the year to come. In rience, as the lanterns have all been up- China, however, they take New Year to dated since last year. The organisers have a whole new level, with 15 days of cele- also introduced a family ticket this year, to bration, where each day has its own tra- help make the most of your precious fam- ditions that centre mostly around being ily time. Or, if you’d rather spend some with family and eating lavish feasts. But time away from the kids, you can drop not only. them off at the children’s zone to enjoy some activities while you sip some baijiu LIGHT IT UP (aka Chinese vodka) or sweet wine (be- Lanterns too have a huge amount of cause apparently even drinking can pro- cultural significance in China, where the tect you from bad luck at Chinese New New Year celebrations end with a festival Year!). Just don’t forget to pick the kids up of flying lights. This is not to be confused when you leave. with the Giant Lanterns Festival, which is an installation of more than 30 enormous WHITE… METAL… RAT? glowing lanterns that will light up the Symbolism is a big deal in China, in night and add some sparkle to your soul. everything from food to lanterns to gifts. Usually celebrated sometime between 21 Which brings us to the most famous as- January and 20 February, here in Kyiv, pect of the New Year celebrations – the the Giant Lanterns of China festival will Chinese Zodiac. Whether you believe kick things off early (from 13 December) in horoscopes or not, it’s still fun to fig- to help get everyone in a festive mood. As ure out what the year supposedly has well as the Giant Lanterns, there will be in store for you based on your Zodiac plenty more to check out if you want a animal. Housework-haters, taste of China – from delicious food stalls On January 25, the Chinese calendar and tea ceremonies to exciting master- will change from the Year of the Pig rejoice! It’s considered classes and workshops, and of course, to the Year of the Rat. The Rat is the a souvenir fair where you can do some first of the 12 Zodiac signs, which go unlucky to clean last-minute Christmas shopping. You’ll be through a 12-year cycle, but each year during Chinese New glad to know that giving gifts brings luck is also associated with one of five ‘Ce - Year – you might just sweep up some of your good luck.

6 What’s On Issue 28 15 December 2019 - 31 January 2020 Kytayskyi Pryvit Ivana Franka 7 lestial Signs’, creating a 60-year cycle. $$ Recent years of the Rat are 1924, 1936, hihichina 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, +380 95 556 9977 with 2020 being the year of the White Metal Rat. BAO Modern Chinese Cuisine 再见 SAY (ZÀIJIÀN – GOODBYE) Mechnykova 14/1 WHAT LIES AHEAD TO HUNGER $$$$ If luck hasn’t been on your side lately, Dinner habits stuck in a rut? Eager bao.ua maybe you just haven’t been following the to step outside of your comfort zone? zodiac correctly. If you were born in the There’s no better place to start than Harbin year of the Rat, your lucky colours are with the famously omnivorous Chinese Sichovykh Striltsiv 33a blue, gold, and green. Your lucky num- cuisine. You might have heard that $$ bers are 2 and 3, or any combinations of Chinese people will eat anything that harbin.kiev.ua them (23, 322, etc). You are most com- moves, and that’s not too much of an patible with those born in the Year of the exaggeration – it’s not unusual to see MeiWei Ox, Dragon, or Monkey, and least com- ingredients like insects and pigs’ ears on V 23 patible with Horses, Goats, and Rabbits. menus in China. Make sure you watch $$ Despite being considered pseudo-scientif- out for misleading names on Chinese meiwei.com.ua ic, following the Chinese zodiac, Western menus too. If you see a dish called zodiac, or any other kind of astrology has ‘Husband Wife Lung Slices’, it’s not been shown to have some benefits. As what you might think – it’s bovine cuts long as you don’t let this guilty pleasure with chili oil. And if you come across run your life, reading your horoscope can ‘field chicken’ – that’s actually frog! make you happier and motivate you to try Luckily, there are also more familiar new things. options for less adventurous eaters or Everyone wants a little extra dose of vegetarians. luck to start the New Year. Westerners As China has many diverse regional tend to believe that ‘you make your own cuisines, the Giant Lanterns Festival of- Giant Lanterns of China luck’, but if the Chinese believe you fers an opportunity to taste food from 13 December – 2 February can get a little extra from giving gifts, all over the country. If your tastebuds Spivoche Pole (Lavrska 31) visiting family, and eating and drinking can’t stop speaking Chinese following 160 UAH well, then it can’t hurt to try! So, let’s the festival, Kyiv has a number of great chinafest.com.ua all say it together – 新年快乐 (xīn nián options to check out. kuài lè) – Happy New Year!

7 Getting

Yana Andyol PartyPerfect

MVK THE PARTY SEASON CAN STYLE DE BEAUTÉ This ‘nail aesthetics workshop’ is the go- BE A TOUGH TIME FOR The old saying goes ‘you have to suffer BUSY CITY-DWELLERS, to be beautiful’, but the team at Style de to for those who want to ring in the new WHO OFTEN FACE ANAL- Beauté is here to reassure us that beauty re- year in classic style. MVK’s philosophy YSIS PARALYSIS WHEN quires no sacrifice – only care. This classic is to never follow trends, sticking instead TRYING TO CHOOSE A beauty salon is a one-stop shop for all your to minimalist design with clean lines and SALON OR BEAUTY BAR. New Year party needs, offering haircuts nude colours. The specialists here offer a BUT WO HAS DONE THE and styling, braiding, cosmetology proce- wide range of services to ensure your ex- RESEARCH SO YOU DON’T dures, massage, and nail care. The artists perience is a special one – you can keep HAVE TO — OUR SHORT- are always full of fresh ideas for innova- it simple with a classic manicure or go LIST OF KYIV’S FINEST tive hair colour, inventive nail designs, and all-out with nail art. MVK’s expert team WILL HELP GET YOU fancy braiding. Come here for the friend- speak basic English and focus on what PARTY-READY FOR 2020, ly atmosphere, cosy interior, and relaxing they do best. MINUS THE STRESS music, and leave with a new image. Nail design – 400 UAH ¾ Nail care – 250 UAH 09.00 – 21.00 Party make up – 1 200 UAH Marshala Malynovskoho 8 ¾ 10.00 – 20.00 Antonovycha 74  Heroiv Stalinhradu 24a mvk.ua   sbeaute.salon mvk.ua  sbeaute.salon +380 67 537 4032 +380 44 581 6272

VENUS CLINIC Make-up is like magic: its effects are only SAY NO MO temporary. But taking care of your skin Over the last decade, sustainability has means you won’t just look radiant at your become integral to the world of fashion New Year Party – you’ll keep on glowing and beauty. In December, this self-pro- well into 2020. And while staying forev- claimed ‘social nail bar’ will burst onto er young remains a fiction for now, this the scene to challenge Kyiv’s traditional JOY BAR modern laser rejuvenation salon is try- nail bars, just in time for the new decade. A cosy beauty studio for those who value ing to prove otherwise. Located in Podil, Their mission? Devotion to green princi- their time, JOY Bar will complete your VENUS Clinic offers a wide range of ples, offering vegan-friendly, cruelty-free festive look quickly and professionally. skincare services using state-of-the-art alternatives to the toxic, chemical-laden The studio offers beauty services for men, equipment, and the staff will recommend products often found in other salons. Say women, and children, so you can bring treatments based on your own personal- No Mo is an ideal blend of social venue the whole family along. Hairstyle, make- ised skin rejuvenation program. and retail boutique, creating the perfect up, brow design – the full set is available environment for a dose of holiday mood. to get you to the party as fast as possible! Forever Young BBL (skin rejuvenation) – 1 600 – 5 200 UAH, depending on the ¾ 09.00 – 17.00 Evening set (hair + make-up) – 700 UAH treatment area. Shota Rustaveli 36 ¾ 10.00 – 22.00 ¾ 10.00 – 20.00  saynomo.social.nail.bar Obolonskyi Pr 14a (Dream Town 1, 3rd floor) Yaroslavska 6 +380 50 722 1313  joybarkiev  VENUSclinicKiev  joybarkiev venus-clinic.com.ua +380 63 066 1000 +380 44 537 0806

8 What’s On Issue 28 15 December 2019 - 31 January 2020

Afterparty Retreat SNOOZE YOUR ALARMS AFTER THE NEW YEAR PARTY AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT. WE’VE COLLECTED THE BEST SPOTS FOR YOUR MIDDAY TREAT. BON APPÉTIT!

Marianna Hariazha LYUBIMY DYADYA Brunch, or as some might call it, late-late Lyubimy Dyadya, aka Favourite Uncle, breakfast, takes its roots from England’s is a place where cosiness and that hard- hunting breakfasts, which were multicourse to-find home-feel meet delicious Middle midday meals meant to stuff the belly. Eastern recipes. No wonder brunch here Meanwhile, there are those convinced that consists of spicy shakshuka of two fried Sex and the City the whole cultural phenome- eggs served with tahini, grilled challah for non of brunch. Regardless, this New Year’s TRÈS BRANCHÉ you, and lazy varenyky with berry sauce Day, or any Sunday for that matter, sleep as for your friend. What could be better? If long as you want and indulge yourself with Très Branché introduced a new format for the locals’ favourite place. Now it is a brunch that doesn’t float your boat, there is the op- lively talks about the previous evening’s an- tion of ordering the Big Lyubimy Break- tics at one of these top venues. café a la mode or, in other words, the first French-style brunch café in the city. When- fast for two with sparkling wine or orange ever you are hungry, just pop in and enjoy juice included. This proposal is available toast, waffles, Burgundy snails, sip a glass of from Monday to Sunday, and it’s yummy. Kir Royal, or choose an auteur-style Bloody Pankivska 20 ¾ Mary. French-inspired brunches for two will Weekdays 08.00 – 12.00 (late breakfast) ¾ surprise you with mini onion pie, vegetable Weekends 09.00 – 14.00 (brunch/late ratatouille, avocado toast on rye bread, and breakfast) potato a la maison. Très Branché is right +380 67 506 3198  next to the Golden Gates, so there’s no rea- lyubimydyadya son not to enjoy our marvellous Kyiv, great chats, and a savoury meal. RONIN Lysenko 4 On Sundays, Ronin welcomes guests for ¾ Every day 08.30 – 23.00 a special seafood brunch. It is more of a (brunch/late breakfast) family-targeted brunch with a wide variety +380 97 266 3223 of mouthwatering dishes like noodles with  TresBrancheKiev The Perfect mussels and clams, oysters, sushi Nikkei, and more than 20 other dishes to try. The brunch menu also includes unlimited wine and soft drinks. It comes to 799 UAH per adult and 399 UAH for kids aged 6 to 12. In-between Snack Reservations at Ronin are must, as the sea- WHILE GOD SUGGESTS THAT SUNDAY SHOULD BE A DAY OF REST, IT WAS food brunch buffet area fills up fast. THOSE CLEVER ENGLISH WHO FIGURED OUT THAT SIPPING ON SUNDAY, Zoolohichna 10 ALONG SIDE A PLETHORA OF FOODS NOT NECESSARILY SERVED AT BREAKFAST, ¾ Sunday 12.00 – 15.00 (brunch) AND NOT NECESSARILY SERVED AT LUNCH, MIGHT BE A GOOD THING +380 68 713 1414  RONIN.Kyiv Lana Nicole Niland in oysters, stay for sushi, you’ll crave the cav- A portmanteau of breakfast and lunch, iar. And for carnivores, a whole meat station brunch can be had in 5-star style in a couple is yours along a big and beautiful backdrop of different locations right here in Kyiv, and of busy kitchen staff. Saving room for des- the Park Kitchen at Hilton Kyiv is no ex- sert might be difficult, but worth it, with a ception. Bring the whole family and indulge plethora of options right at your fingertips. in what is sure to be an hours-long event. And don’t forget that various wine options, Each brunch at the Hilton features a new sparkling wine, and a variety of cocktails gastro focus, with French, Georgian, and come with your brunch ticket. Seafood themes taking pride of precedence The big holiday event has already come in recent months. Executive chef Shota Go- and gone, but there’s another to look for- derdzishvili ensures that every food station ward to after all the sparkle has settled. has been carefully prepared and presented, so that not only the mouth but the eyes too Sunday Brunch at the Hilton are treated to something special. Shevchenko Blvd 30 In addition to whatever theme that might ¾ 26 January at 12.30-16.30 be going on at any given brunch, there are 2 150 UAH mainstays that appear at each event: indulge +380 67 690 2353

10 What’s On Issue 28 15 December 2019 - 31 January 2020 GUILTY WINE BAR Guilty Wine Bar prides itself on offering wines from Italy, France, Portugal, Ger- many, Argentina, and New Zealand. On Saturdays and Sundays, the bar hosts hangover brunches with the Babentsovy sisters, which is usually announced on their GOOD GIRL Facebook page. The venue comes up with Good Girl is the perfect spot for those who BIGOLI a custom-curated menu each weekend crave a healthy, nutritious, sugar and lac- Bigoli is a renowned spot for truly Italian – chocolate pancakes, waffles with sweet tose-free brunch. The goal is to celebrate cuisine in Kyiv. Serving traditional Italian potato, eggs and prosciutto, cabbage pan- dishes made with locally-sourced ingredi- breakfast food, it will melt your brunch cakes with cheese and salmon, which is the ents, which add up to a balanced but yum- heart. Crunchy focaccia with roasted ultimate antidote for those who partied my palette for any taste. Good Girl’s brunch salmon and a fried egg or tomatoes and hard the night before. Enjoy and try a glass menu includes a range of smoothie bowls, a slightly spicy sauce. Which to choose? of Tuscany red wine to wash it down. gluten-free oat porridge, and mango salad, Maybe your heart goes the way of some- Vosdvyzhenska 38 and on the weekend, the chef comes up thing more traditional in the way of pasta ¾ Weekends 10.00 – 16.00 (brunch) with special treats for visitors. and a glass of wine? Be brave and pick +380 66 869 4851 Mechnykova 7 any dish that catches your eye.  guilty.winebar ¾ Every day 09.00 – 16.30 (brunch/late Klovskyi Uzviz 7a breakfast) ¾ Weekdays 08.00 – 11.00 (brunch/late +380 97 737 3838 breakfast)  goodgirlkiev ¾ Weekends 08.00 – 14.00 (brunch/late breakfast) +380 44 499 1441 The Perfect  Bigoli.Restaurant.Kyiv In-between Snack While wrapped in luxury afforded by the fresh ice-cream will keep even the Hyatt Regency Kyiv, you will enjoy hours oldest of kids happy. of gatro-indulgence at its best. The Hyatt The Hyatt too will have had only just returns to the brunch scene after a their festive Sunday brunch few years’ break, but don’t let the pause fool by the time this issue ap- you – with new general manager Domonik pears in your hands, so Strobil at the helm, change is afoot, and this make sure you put the best-loved practice of lazily sifting through January event in your cal- Sunday is back. endars now! Live music, a dedicated play area for chil- dren, and free parking are just the tip of the Sunday Brunch iceberg… Start the day with your choice of at the Hyatt white or red wine, or some bubbly, move on Alla Tarasova 5 to the fresh seafood stations and enjoy an ¾ 26 January at 12.30-17.00 oyster or two or 10! Sushi, salads, and Asian 2 200 UAH specialties will take you into your second +380 44 581 1234 and third courses, and then take a break or take to the carving station if you’re still not sated. Those with a lighter palette will enjoy chees- es from all around the world, and don’t for- get about dessert! An additional station for the younger gourmets with gummies and

11 Unplug and Official importer of world’s major brands Get your WE INVITE YOU TO TEST DRIVE NEW FORD, VOLVO, JAGUAR, LAND ROVER, PORSCHE AND BENTLEY IN OUR MODERN DEALERSHIPS

Life Back www.winner.ua Yana Andyol

WINNER AUTOMOTIVE PORSCHE CENTRE KYIV AIRPORT Stepana Bandery ave. 24D, Chubynske village, 43 Kyivska street THE END OF THE YEAR development and function. As with any world. The problem only arises when Kyiv (Boryspil highway) IS ALWAYS A GOOD OP- other dependency disorder, internet internet overuse interferes with your PORTUNITY FOR SOME addiction affects the brain’s pleasure daily life. Take a short self-assessment SELF-REFLECTION. AND centre. Some evidence in neurologi- quiz online to see if your device use is a IF YOU WANT TO GIVE cal studies suggest similarities between cause for concern. If you are seriously YOURSELF TIME AND the brain chemistry of those that suffer worried about your screen time, consult SPACE TO THINK BEFORE from CIU and people with drug or alco- a therapist for a professional diagnosis. ENTERING THE NEW hol dependency. The good news is that Trick your brain. Keep yourself busy DECADE, WO HAS SOME excessive Internet use is easier to over- trying to develop positive habits and ADVICE FOR YOU: A DIGI- come than any chemical addiction.” turn your notifications off. It’s not easy, TAL DETOX but trying to focus all of your attention #FOMO on one specific task at a time is key to Researchers describe FOMO, or ‘Fear increasing your productivity and im- of Missing Out’, as “the uneasy and proving your mental and emotional With the constant information overload sometimes all-consuming feeling that health. of the modern age, many of us find it you’re somehow missing out – that your Keep tabs on your screen time. Dr Kim- hard to really switch off. We’ve been peers are doing, in the know about, or berly Young, PhD in Clinical Psychol- investigating the topic with the help in possession of more or something bet- ogy and expert on internet addiction of experts, and delving deep into the ter than you.” Although the term has disorder, suggests taking control of your reasons behind our internet addiction. been around since 1996 (introduced by time spent online. This takes a lot of Here’s our advice to help you kick the marketing strategist Dr Den Herman), self-discipline, but luckily there’s an app habit before the new year begins. the of social media acted as a for that. In fact, there are many great catalyst for the FOMO effect and accel- apps to help you reduce your use, while WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? erated discussion around the problem. Apple and Android also have built-in Way back in 1995, Dr Ivan Goldberg Pereviznyk explains the phenomenon features to keep track of screen time. coined the term ‘Internet Addiction in terms of the theory of evolutionary Finally, our guest expert advises that Disorder’ as a joke on a psychiatry fo- psychology — if FOMO is a particular the root of the problem should be ad- rum, all the while claiming that such type of fear associated with our amyg- dressed: “Give your life meaning. Social a disease could not exist. He was sur- dala (the part of our brain which pro - media channels become far less impor- prised when hundreds of self-described cesses emotions) it could be a result of tant if one sets up meaningful goals and addicts began posting about their symp- our instinct to survive: “Information expectations in career, family, health, toms. Fast forward to 2019 and Com- has been very valuable to humanity and relationships with people. Life pulsive Internet Use (or CIU) is one of since ancient times. Edible food, dan- management is the key, I think.” the biggest problems facing our society. gerous animals, weather changes – this Study after study shows that excessive knowledge was crucial for feeling safe use of our devices can interfere with and staying alive. FOMO is a result of The average user spends nearly 6 our career, relationships, and mental life-or-death information hunger that hours and 42 minutes online per day. health. triggers an uncontrolled consumption Though still not officially recognised mechanism. However, the ‘informa- 2 hours and 16 minutes is the as a disease, CIU has recently been at - tion obesity’ we experience today has amount of time per day that the av- JAGUAR LAND ROVER KYIV AIRPORT BENTLEY KYIV Chubynske village, 45 Kyivska street Chubynske village, 41 Kyivska street tracting serious attention from research- absolutely no impact on our survival,” erage user spends scrolling through ers and mental health counsellors. The she says. social media. (Boryspil highway) (Boryspil highway) topic of digital detox isn’t that popular in Ukraine, however – those looking for EXPERT ADVICE (Digital in 2019, report by We Are advice on how to break up with their Take a self-test. Just because you shop Social & Hootsuite) devices generally have to look to inter- online frequently or watch YouTube a national media. That’s why we chatted lot doesn’t necessarily mean you suffer Take a self-as- to Nadya Pereviznyk, Ukrainian PR from CIU. Of course, nowadays it’s sessment test specialist and digital detox advocate. nearly impossible to step away from “The rise of neuroscience and the wide- technology, and we’re not suggesting spread use of MRI scanning has pro- you unplug completely from the digital vided us with important data on brain

12 What’s On Issue 28 15 December 2019 - 31 January 2020 Official importer of world’s major brands

WE INVITE YOU TO TEST DRIVE NEW FORD, VOLVO, JAGUAR, LAND ROVER, PORSCHE AND BENTLEY IN OUR MODERN DEALERSHIPS

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WINNER AUTOMOTIVE PORSCHE CENTRE KYIV AIRPORT Stepana Bandery ave. 24D, Chubynske village, 43 Kyivska street Kyiv (Boryspil highway)

JAGUAR LAND ROVER KYIV AIRPORT BENTLEY KYIV Chubynske village, 45 Kyivska street Chubynske village, 41 Kyivska street (Boryspil highway) (Boryspil highway) Art & Family | 15 Dec 2019 – 31 Jan 2020

Paraska Plytka-Horytsvit. The Empty Spaces of Doors and Overcoming Gravity Windows Allow the Room to Be 17 October – 19 January Inhabited Mystetskyi Arsenal 4 December – 17 January (Lavrska 10 – 12) The Naked Room (Reitarska 21) 40 – 80 UAH Free artarsenal.in.ua thenakedroom.com MEREZHYVO PAMIATI Remont: Nadia Kaabi-Linke Flowers. Project by Alexandra 26 November – 10 January 21 November – 12 January Larsson-Jacobson and Maria National Museum of the Holodomor- IZONE (Naberezhno-Luhova 8) Kulikovska Genocide (Lavrska 3) Free 6 December – 1 February In this exhibition, world-renowned art- izone.ua Shcherbenko Art Centre (Mykhailivska 22v) Free ist Daria Alioshkina explores the story of shcherbenkoartcentre.com the Holodomor through vytynanka – the traditional Ukrainian art of papercutting. Through ten huge vytynankas (paper cuts) Iliustoriy over 3.5 metres across, the project uses tra- 10 December – 12 January Taras Shevchenko National Museum ditional symbolism to tell the story of the (Shevchenka Blv 12) genocide inflicted on Ukraine in the 1930s. 25 – 45 UAH Ukrainian folk crafts intertwine with histor- museumshevchenko.org.ua ical events, depicting trauma with delicate beauty. 15 – 30 UAH holodomormuseum.org.ua

Residence of Santa Claus Journey Through the 18 December at 11.30 Looking Glass VDNH (Akademika Hlushkova Pr 1) 22 December at 19.00 POLYSTYLISM 190 UAH National Circus of Ukraine (Peremohy Pl 2) 15 November – 28 February vdng.ua 100 UAH Tsekh Art Gallery (Kyrylivska 69) circus.kiev.ua ‘Polystylism’ is an ironic name for The Snow Queen: Sand Fairy Tale this exhibition, since Mykola Bilous 21 December at 12.00 Space Christmas paints everything in his singular, Budynok Kino (Saksahanskoho 6) 23 December at 16.00 distinctive style, using base tone 120 UAH Kyiv Planetarium (V Vasylkivska 57/3) and a mixture of the three prima- ukrkino.com.ua 300 UAH ry colours – yellow, red, and blue. planet.org.ua Bilous is a sophisticated colourist, Soap Bubbles Magic and his canvases are a real treat for 21 December at 17.00 Christmas Dreams the eye, like dreamlike cinematic Kinder Club (Hryhorenka Pr 23) 28 December at 16.00 freeze-frames. 200 UAH Premier Palace Hotel Free kinderclub.in.ua (Shevchenko Blv 5-7/29) tsekh.com.ua 150 UAH premier-palace.phnr.com The Khanenkos’ Antiquities. Seven Good Deeds of St. Nicholas The Archive Folder 29 December at 10.30 27 November – 22 December New Ukrainian Theatre Khanenko Art Museum (Mykhailivska 24zh) (Tereshchenkivska 15) 250 UAH 10 – 40 UAH nut.kiev.ua khanenkomuseum.kiev.ua DISNEY ON ICE: FROZEN 3 January at 10.30 Christmas Shadow Kingdom The Countries of My Dreams Palats Sportu (Sportyvna Pl 1) 6 January at 14.00 3 December – 19 January Brace yourself for Disney’s unforgettable ICCA (Heroyiv Nebesnoyi Sotni Al 1) Museum of Ukrainian Diaspora tale of love, friendship and icy-cold winter: 90 UAH (Moskovska 40b) the story of sisters Anna and Elsa is coming icca.kiev.ua 25 – 50 UAH to life on ice. You’ll find yourself immersed MuseumUkrainianDiaspora in the kingdom of Arendelle along with the The Nutcracker: Sand Animation two princesses, plus hilarious snowman Olaf, 11 January at 15.00 Domini Canis Kristoff and his faithful reindeer Sven, and House of Architect (Borysa Hrinchenka 7) 4 December – 27 December the mystical trolls. After their many adven- 150 UAH Institut Français of Ukraine tures, Frozen reveals the secret of the most arhite.com.ua (Honchara 84) powerful kind of magic there is – love. Free 299 – 1299 UAH institutfrancais-ukraine.com spalace.com.ua

14 What’s On Issue 28 15 December 2019 - 31 January 2020 Nightlife | 15 Dec 2019 – 31 Jan 2020

Wild Dance Party After Midnight Show 17 December at 22.00 28 December at 22.00 Caribbean Club (Symona Petlyury 4) Caribbean Club (Symona Petlyury 4) FREE Ladies 200 UAH CaribbeanClub Gents 400 UAH CaribbeanClub Reggaeton Party 18 December at 20.30 Crazy Dance Party Habana (Verkhniy Val 24) 29 December at 22.00 FREE Caribbean Club (Symona Petlyury 4) Habana Ladies FREE Gents 250 UAH NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE MUSEUM Cybernetic Event 14 with CaribbeanClub OF MEDICINE Prolix, Teddy Killerz, 31 December at 22.00 Agressor Bunx New Year’s Eve: Back to Museum of Medicine (Khmelnytskoho 37) 20 December at 23.00 the 80s/90s Dance away 2019 in a building where Volume Club (Harmatna 26/2) 31 December at 22.00 world-famous scientific discoveries From 500 UAH Docker Club (Bohatyrska 25) were made! Hosted by Anatoly volumeconcertclub From 750 UAH Tapolsky, better known as the Father DockerPub of Ukrainian Drum and Bass, this Low: Young Marco New Year’s party checks all the boxes (Dance/Electronic) Kyiv Kills: Rock the with its offbeat location and talented 20 December at 23.55 New Year Party DJ lineup. With previous party Closer (Nyzhnoiurkivska 31) 31 December at 19.00 locations including Zhytniy Rynok Price TBA Art-club Tepliy Lampoviy and the legendary Lieberman Estate, closerkiev (Mykhaila Omelianovycha-Pavlenka 4/6) you’ll want to keep an eye on Tapolsky From 150 UAH to find out what’s next. Don’t put Solar Fake (electro) tepliy.lampoviy off buying your tickets – Tapolsky’s 21 December at 22.30 events are known to sell out fast! Volume Club (Harmatna 26/2) Closer: NY Night From 599 UAH From 450 UAH 31 December at 23.00 djtapolsky volumeconcertclub Closer (Nyzhnoiurkivska 31) Price TBA closerkiev

Just Dance Party Osnova with Marthial, Clasps, (Swing Dance) Jana Woodstock, Nastya 4 January at 19.30 Muravyova (Techno) Patefon Dance Hall (Vyzvolyteliv 1) 17 January at 24.00 Price 50 UAH Otel’ (Nyzhnoiurkivska 31) swingdance.ua Price TBA otelleto Tusa with Overload (rock, alternative metal) Closer: Masquerade 5 January at 18.00 18 January at 23.55 Art-club Tepliy Lampoviy Closer (Nyzhnoiurkivska 31) (Mykhaila Omelianovycha-Pavlenka 4/6) Price TBA From 80 UAH closerkiev tepliy.lampoviy Heavy Culture 2020 CUBANOBOOM PARTY 2 Years with United: Vril 18 January at 23.00 3 January at 20.00 (Techno) Otel’ (Nyzhnoiurkivska 31) Aloft Hotel (Esplanadna 17) 6 January at 23.00 Price TBA Start the New Year strong by River Port (Nyzhniy Val 67) otelleto putting your dancing skills to the Price TBA test! The evening will feature a fiery riverportkyiv Winter Mass VII assortment of salsa, bachata, cha- 25 January at 16.30 cha-cha, and much more, played by Mayhem: Kyiv MonteRay Club (Prorizna 8) a selection of live DJs. Aloft Hotel (Black Metal) From 280 UAH boasts the best-quality sound and 12 January at 20.00 monterayclub a premium dance floor, so grab Bingo Club (Peremohy Pr 112) a partner and make your way to From 890 UAH Salsa Party with 4Kuatro this heated event in and amidst the clubbingo 31 January at 22.30 holidays. Habana (Verkhniy Val 24) From 100 UAH Free Admission ClubcubanoBoom Habana

15 Theatre and Classical Music | 15 Dec 2019 – 31 Jan 2020

Weekend with the Orchestra: Vivaldi – The Secret Portraits of the Baroque Epoch 27 December at 19.00 Bach & Handel Metropolis Music Hall (Druzhby Narodiv 7) 15 December at 12.00 TBA ONE-ACT National Philharmonic of Ukraine metropolisorchestra.com.ua BALLET EVENING (Volodymyrskyi Uzviz 2) 19 December at 19.00 From 60 UAH Haydn’s Symphony No. 45 Suzirya Theatre (Yaroslaviv Val 14b) filarmonia.com.ua “Farewell” Two unique cross-sectoral performances Kyiv Chamber Orchestra uniting modern ballet with opera, deep house Holos Skrypky: Voice of the Violin 29 December at 19.00 music, sculpture, and painting will inspire this 18 December at 19.00 National Philharmonic of Ukraine season with Kyiv’s own OSDC. The first of Kozlovskyi Art Centre (Khreschatyk 50b) (Volodymyrskyi Uzviz 2) two ballets performed in one act each, Cate- TBA From 100 UAH chism is a unique colour-kinetic performance KozlovskyiArtCenter filarmonia.com.ua on the border of theatre, art, music, and bal- let, combining three dimensions of art – col- Roman Hrynkiv and Friends The Wizard of the Emerald City our, movement, and sound. Alien Letters, on 19 December at 19.00 Family – The Wizard of Oz (in Russian) the other hand, is a spectacle an experiment; Kozlovskyi Art Centre (Khreschatyk 50b) 29 December – 8 January a true drama in choreography, and a sensual TBA Lesia Ukrainka National Academic story of love and betrayal. KozlovskyiArtCenter Theatre (Khmelnytskoho 5) balletosdc From 30 UAH Santa’s Factory rusdram.com.ua Fun Holiday Musical for Families Shchedryk: Oleh Skrypka and 19 – 29 December New Year’s Variety Show NAONI Orchestra Kyiv Municipal Theatre of Opera and 31 December at 22.00 Traditional Christmas Concert Ballet for Children (Mezhyhirska 2) Caribbean Club (Symona Petlyury 4) 7 January at 19.00 From 50 UAH From 4 600 UAH Palats Ukraina (V Vasylkivska 103) musictheatre.kiev.ua caribbean.com.ua From 200 UAH palace-ukraine.com New Year’s Concert: Kyiv Municipal Santa 2: Global Warming Academy of Dance Named After Fun Holiday Musical for Families Sarah Chen Serge Lifar 31 December – 10 January American Pianist; Debussy, Ravel, Falla, 21 December at 12.00 Kyiv Municipal Theatre of Opera and Chopin National Opera of Ukraine (Volodymyrska 50) Ballet for Children (Mezhyhirska 2) 11 January at 19.00 From 20 UAH From 50 UAH National Philharmonic of Ukraine opera.com.ua musictheatre.kiev.ua (Volodymyrskyi Uzviz 2) From 70 UAH White Christmas filarmonia.com.ua Concert of International Christmas Songs 22 December at 19.00 LORDS OF THE SOUND – New Melodies of Freedom Event Hall (Kyrylivska 134) GRAND CHRISTMAS 2020 Concert of Ukrainian Christmas Carols From 650 UAH 28 December at 19.00 11 – 12 January at 19.00 freedomhall.kiev.ua Palace of Ukraine (V Vasylkivska 103) Kyiv Municipal Theatre of Opera and You are invited to a magnificent evening Ballet for Children (Mezhyhirska 2) A Knight of Goodness and Light of music, uniting an orchestra, choir, From 50 UAH 22 December at 19.00 stars of vocal talent shows, dancers, and Musictheatre.kiev.ua Kozlovskyi Art Centre (Khreschatyk 50b) of course special guests. The music that TBA accompanies Christmas is enough to put KozlovskyiArtCenter Music by the name of Strauss even the most stringent of Scrooges in a 12 January at 19.00 good mood, and this show, featuring Eu- Seventh New Year’s Strauss Concert National Philharmonic of Ukraine ropean holiday favourites as well as the (Volodymyrskyi Uzviz 2) 24 – 25 December at 19.00 carols of Ukraine, will do just that! Join National Opera of Ukraine (Volodymyrska 50) TBA those on stage and ring in the new year filarmonia.com.ua From 100 UAH with their spectacular Grand Christmas opera.com.ua programme. The Snow Queen From 400 UAH Winter Evening with Classics Original Ballet by A. Rekhviashvili based on palace-ukraine.com Brichaldi, Strauss, Tchaikovsky the fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen 25 – 29 December at 19.00 18 January at 19.00 (Horodetskoho 1-3/11) National Opera of Ukraine (Volodymyrska 50) From 150 UAH From 50 UAH opera.com.ua New Year’s Christmas Concert Gala Concert Kyiv Modern Ballet: Two for the 26 December – 7 January Seesaw; 1984 National Opera of Ukraine (Volodymyrska 50) 21 January at 19.00 From 50 UAH Kyiv Municipal Theatre of Opera and opera.com.ua Ballet for Children (Mezhyhirska 2)

16 What’s On Issue 28 15 December 2019 - 31 January 2020 Theatre and Classical Music | 15 Dec 2019 – 31 Jan 2020

FOR MANY, TAKING IN THE NUTCRACKER IS PART OF THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY TRADITION. THIS YEAR, A BRAND-NEW PERFORMANCE IS TAKING TO THE STAGE

Roman Mykyta The New Nutcracker Choreographed by Victor Ishchuk and Michel Fokine for creating dramatic nar- pect to look for during castings. Elizaveta produced by Alyona Matviyenko, this new ratives. Unlike in his previous projects, Ish- Cheprasova and Francesco Piccinin will holiday favourite is sure to please. The pair chuk plans to keep the choreographic lan- dance the principal roles. Cheprasova have created several productions, includ- guage classic, adding fresh, authentic notes. trained in Kyiv and St Petersburg, for- ing the daring and post-modern favourite The second act of The Nutcracker features the merly dancing in the Mariinsky Thea- The Great Gatsby. However, their latest cre- suite of divertissements performed in hon- tre, and currently in Budapest. Piccinin, ation, The Nutcracker, promises to be a nos- our of the principal couple. Ishchuk says, “I from Italy, dances in Estonia at present, talgic ride. Ishchuk wants “the audience to don’t like when these national dances are and Matviyenko describes him as “a return to their childhood during the two- distilled to classical variations.” That being real Prince.” With their first meeting set hour show”. said, the Chinese dance is not a pointe var- for 23 December, the two learned their iation. It is choreographed in theatrical-na- roles remotely with videos from Ishchuk. tional style and employs an air dragon. The They’ll have just a few extra days to re- Trepak uses all of the robust virtuosity that hearse before the premiere. Ishchuk says Ukraine’s hopak has to offer. The Veryovka the principal dancers will have to work and Virsky Ensembles will be the key na- hard, but Matviyenko insists they will be tional dance performers on the stage. Ish- the quintessential young and beautiful chuk states: “No one can dance the Trepak fairytale couple. better than the artists of Virsky.” Modern technology allows connection to It seems the whole team is a union of real happen rapidly, even in a realm such as pros. An experienced magician has the role ballet, and the performance is still facing a of Drosselmeyer – Clara’s mysterious god- new frontier. How will it work? According father, who gifts her the for to Ishchuk through professionalism. On protection. The dances of the Party Scene the date of the premiere, the audience will prove the choreographer studied Tchaik- see the result for themselves – the magic of ovsky’s score in detail to deliver forgotten The Nutcracker, paradoxically traditional yet nuances. fresh and new.

THE THREADS OF THE NUTCRACKER While pushing for authenticity, Ishchuk’s The Nutcracker – Nutcracker features his signature use of A New Old Fairytale irony, humour, and sometimes irreverence. 29 – 30 December Designer Angela Lysytsya also influenced at 20.00 RETURNING A CLASSIC the performance. The Nutcracker is her ICCA (Heroyiv Nebesnoyi Reflecting on the work done, Ishchuk first ballet project, filled with fresh ideas Sotni Al 1) transforms the performance by returning from Australia. For example, Drosselmey- Viktor Ishchuk’s brand-new details from Hoffman and Tchaikovsky, er’s steampunk costume style reflects the production, tinted with nostal- which are usually glossed over. The li- character’s whimsical and timeless nature. gia, is bound to reawaken the bretto proves that Ishchuk stays true to Steampunk captures this idea while giving child in all of us. Freshened up Hoffman by developing the story as the it a 21st century update. Listening to the with new style and innovation, melancholic farewell to childhood. Ish- playful French dance in Act II, Lysytsya this well-loved ballet remains chuk explains: “Clara meets Drosselmey- designed the women’s costumes as lingerie. classic at its core. Attend the er’s nephew as a love interest during the These designs inspired Ishchuk to make the most famous Christmas party party, but after the toy battle, during their dance ‘cheeky’. Such collaborations make of all time, battle the King of pas de deux in the snow, love hits them ballet beautiful, going back to the glorious the Mice, and journey to the at once and childhood is over; the tone is days of Diaghilev. Land of Sweets, where peace both tragic and beautiful.” reigns and dreams come true. Ishchuk says his inspirations for chore- A TRUE FAIRYTALE From 100 UAH ographic innovation include Jiri Kilian Dance is not dance until dancers dance icca.kiev.ua and George Balanchine. He also includes it, and professionalism was the core as-

17 Live Music | 15 Dec 2019 – 31 Jan 2020

United People (a cappella) Christmas JAZZ style 23 December at 19.00 6 January at 20.00 Caribbean Club (Symona Petlyury 4) House of Architect From 150 UAH (Borysa Hrinchenka 7) caribbean.com.ua From 340 UAH +380 50 386 7410 Jazz Age Celebration of Music from the Oleh Skrypka and NAOFI 20s, 30s, 40s (rock, orchestral) 24 December at 19.00 7 January at 19.00 THE BEST OF HANS ZIMMER Caribbean Club (Symona Petlyury 4) Palats Ukraina (V Vasylkivska 103) (DE, FILM MUSIC) From 290 UAH TBA caribbean.com.ua +380 44 247 2476 18 January at 19.00 palace-ukraine.com Central House of Officers (Hrushevskoho 30/1) Diezel50 (rock) Hans Zimmer is one of Hollywood’s 25 December at 19.50 Mayhem (NOR, black metal) 12 January at 20.00 finest and most prolific composers: Atlas (Sichovykh Striltsiv 37-41) BingoClub Kyiv (Peremohy Pr 112) since the 1980s, he has composed From 550 UAH From 890 UAH music for over 150 films. Zimmer Atlas37 bingo.ua is the man behind the soundtracks to Pearl Harbor, Inception, The Dark New Year Jazz Jacob Banks (UK, soul, R&B, Knight and Interstellar, to name but 27 December at 19.00 hip-hop) a few. His music makes any scene Dim Kino (Saksahanskoho 6) 22 January at 19.00 feel epic, and if it already gives you TBA Atlas (Sichovykh Striltsiv 37-41) goosebumps in the cinema, just im- SvitloConcert From 890 UAH agine this effect multiplied by hear- Atlas37 ing it played live. Shubin Band (rock covers) From 200 UAH 28 December at 19.30 Ingested (UK, extreme metal) cbo.org.ua Porter Pub (Ivana Mazepy St 3) TBA 24 January at 19.00 044 280 1996 Art-club Tepliy Lampoviy Liapis-98 (BY/UA, rock) (Mykhaila Omelianovycha-Pavlenka 4/6) 15 December at 19.00 TBA Stereo Plaza (Lobanovskoho 119) tepliy.lampoviy From 599 UAH stereoplaza Emergenza Festival Kyiv (battle of the bands) Vahonovozhatyie (dance, electronic) 25 January at 18.00 15 December at 19.00 Art-club Tepliy Lampoviy Bel Etage Music Hall (Shota Rustaveli 16a) (Mykhaila Omelianovycha-Pavlenka 4/6) TBA TBA beletage.musichall tepliy.lampoviy

Christmas Jazz Songs – Sinatra Winter Mass VII 20 December at 20.00 25 January at 16.30 House of Architect (Borysa Hrinchenka 7) MonteRay Club (Prorizna 8) From 240 UAH From 280 UAH +380 50 386 7410 067 223 0644 GAPOCHKA (INDIE, POP-ROCK) monteray.kiev.ua Solar Flake 17 December at 19.30 21 December at 18.00 Caribbean Club (Symona Petlyury 4) Volume Club (Harmatna 26/2) Award-winning Ukrainian duo Ga- From 500 UAH pochka are back with their uncom- volumeconcertclub promising spirit and unique blend of old-school and post-punk. Singer The Josers – Lie Katia Gapochka is one of the most 21 December at 19.00 powerful voices on the contempo- Mezzanine (Nyzhnoiurkivska 31) rary Ukrainian music scene, comple- 230 UAH mented musically and artistically by mezzaninekyiv Yevhen’s bold guitar parts. According to Katia, their new album Neobkhidna The Best Ukrainian Metal Act 2019 is all about self-expression and the 21 December at 17.00 need to embrace all your facets, both Bingo (Peremohy Pr 112) negative and positive. From 250 UAH From 290 UAH Bingo.ua caribbean.com.ua

18 What’s On Issue 28 15 December 2019 - 31 January 2020 Sport/Festivals | 15 Dec 2019 – 31 Jan 2020

Dynamo Kyiv – Ukrainian Premier KYIV BASKET ADVANCES League Football IN EUROPE CUP 15 December at 14.00 vs Desna Chernihiv 18 December, 22 January & Olympiyskyi Stadium (V Vasylkivska 55) 5 February 50 – 500 UAH Palats Sportu (Sportyvna Pl 1) fcdynamo.kiev.ua Kyiv’s pro team Kyiv Basket took a big leap in European club bas- Kyiv Basket – Ukraine Cup ketball by making the second round Basketball (Quarterfinal) of the FIBA Europe Cup after beating 27-29 December vs MBC Mykolaiv Belarussian champion Tsomski Minsk Folk Ukraine New year Festival Palats Sportu (Sportyvna Pl 1) away in overtime of an entertaining fi- 14 December – 20 January 75 – 300 UAH nal group stage match. Just in its second Sofiivska Pl, Volodymyrskyi Uzviz, kyiv-basket.com.ua season, Kyiv proved that its appearance Kontraktova Pl Kyiv Basket – Ukrainian in the Ukrainian SuperLeague final last FREE SuperLeague Basketball season was no coincidence by topping folkukraine 26 December at 19.00 vs BC a group that also featured Bulgaria’s 10 January at 18.00 vs Mykolaiv Levski Lukoil and Ukrainian qualifier Borjomi New Year Parade 16 January at 18.00 vs BC Dnipro BC Dnipro, who finished fourth. The 21 December at 14.00 18 January at 18.00 vs Kharkivskiy Sokoly team returns to action this month when Sofiivska Pl Meridian Sports Complex they host Hungary’s Egis Kormend at FREE (Heroiv Sevastopolya 11b) Palats Sportu on 18 December. The Borjomi Parade 75 – 300 UAH group also features Latvia’s Ventspils kyiv-basket.com.ua and Holland’s Landstede Hammers Giant Chinese Lantern Festival Zwole, with the top two teams advanc- 15 December – 1 February Kyiv Ice Wolves – Ukrainian Hockey ing to the quarterfinals. Spivoche Pole (Lavrska 33) League 75 – 300 UAH 160 – 200 UAH 21 December at 18.00 vs Bila Tserkva kyiv-basket.com.ua 1chinafest White Leopards 5 January at 18.00 vs Dnipro Kherson New Year’s Eve at Kyivan Rus Park 8 January at 18.00 vs Dynamo Kharkiv Marathon 22 December at 11.30 – 15.00 31 December 11 January at 18.00 vs HC Kremenchuk Kyivan Rus Park (Kopachiv, Kyiv region) 16 January at 18.00 vs Donbas Donetsk Vyshhorod Embankment (near the Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant) 150 – 395 UAH Shallett Arena (Mista Shallett 6) parkkyivrus.com 30 – 60 UAH 500 – 700 UAH vovki.in.ua yule.gonka.com.ua

19 What’s Ahead

VIRSKY UKRAINIAN FOLK DANCE ENSEMBLE SHOW 18 February at 19.00 Palats Ukraina (Vasylkivska 103) Without a doubt, this Ukrainian ensemble is the most precise, skilled, and talented. The upcoming February performance is the chance to feel the dancers` agility, en- joy the miraculous choreography, and res- onate with diverse characters. Currently directed by Myroslav Vantukh, the ensem- UKRAINIAN SUPERLEAGUE ble continues the legacy of the founder, BASKETBALL ALL-STAR GAME KRYHITKA Pavlo Virsky. Another portion of winter 14 February at 19.00 1 February at 13.30 performances throughout Ukraine is the Bel Etage Music Hall (Shota Rustaveli 16a) Palats Sportu (Sportyvna Pl 1) chance to watch the true professionals who Did you miss them? Kryhitka, fronted by Since entering the league last season, work hard to preserve the national culture Kasha Saltseva, are back after three years Kyiv’s pro basketball team has taken the and share the 150 — 750 UAH spent in self-development and reflection. league by storm. The team is now march- experience globally ing again in the Ukraine Cup as it looks They are here, renewed and better than to move forward on last season’s success- ever. “When the social changes are so es. This February, you can see some of powerful, we want to be with our people”, Kyiv-Basket’s stars, like the USA’s Kasey the frontwoman says. And it’s true – we Shepard and 2018’s Big Sky Conference can’t wait for her to come and remind us (USA) Player of the Year Bohdan Bliznyuk about the experience we get while hearing go up against the finest talent in Ukrainian her original lyrics live. On St. Valentine’s basketball. The SuperLeague brings its all- Day, this reunion after a three-year break star game back to Kyiv’s Palats Sportu for is going to be special. the first time in 10 years. You won’t want From 500 UAH to miss out as all of Ukraine’s biggest stars beletage.musichall will put on a show to remember. Lots of surprises are in store, so be sure to pick up your ticket today! 150 UAH (Early Bird special) KUKLACHEV CAT THEATRE. fbu.ua I AM A CLOWN 14 March at 15.00 KPI House of Culture (Peremohy Pr 37) This performance is dedicated to the world-famous comic actors. Char- lie Chaplin, Leonid Yengibarov, and Charles Adrien Vettah. I’m a Clown is a stylistic interpretation of these prom- inent personalities through the prism of modernity mixed with the authen- tic acting adopted by Cat Theatre. Performing pieces of the outstanding clowns, Dmitriy Kuklachev compli- cates his show by adding numerous tricks with cats. FRIENDSHIP COLLECTIVE X 150 UAH CELESTIAL ckm.kpi.ua WOMAN JAZZ 1 February at 22.00 8 March at 19.00 Otel’ (Nyzhnoiurkivska 31) Budynok Kino (Saksahanskoho 6) Do you love techno? Do you love art? Pre- The best way to celebrate 8 March is to pare to be blown away on February 1 as celebrate female empowerment. The Friendship Collective and Celestial com- golden voice of Ukrainian jazz, Olha bine to bring their audience both at the Lukachova, together with Rodion Iva- same time. Up-and-coming Berlin-based nov`s quartet, will perform world-fa- artists Beat Movement and T-Kode mous ballads by Ella Fitzgerald, Billie promise to provide rave-worthy techno Holiday, and Aretha Franklin. Power- beats with local support featuring Dmit- ful sounds and emotional live music ry Danilenko. The art exhibition will be will make International Women’s Day sure to lead you to another dimension by even more inspiring. The lyrics will “mixing reality with the digital future”. make your heart skip a beat, and you’ll Come for the music and stay for the art be sure to leave the hall with sense of – or vice versa! warmth and pride. From 200 UAH From 140 UAH otelleto SvitloConcert

20 What’s On Issue 28 15 December 2019 - 31 January 2020

(or Siinterklaas in Dutch) traditions with to visit St. Nicholas). On request, you can St Nicholas them when they immigrated to the US, even order weaving lessons, workshops, or a which eventually turned into the character theatrical performance. we now know as Santa Claus. Sofiivska Ploshcha will have a European is Coming theme this year, with a souvenir market, REPLACING DID MOROZ children’s fair, food area, and photo zone. As elsewhere in Europe, St. Nicholas was On St. Nicholas Day, kids can travel with to Town popular in Ukraine even before the Sovi- Einar the Elf to Lapland to see Santa’s ets arrived. But as the communists moved modern residence in a state-of-the-art, in- O Lee Reaney to destroy religion, they actively moved to teractive 360 show (190 UAH). replace its traditions. This is where Did Kontraktova Ploshcha will also feature the IT WASN’T LONG AGO THAT Moroz comes in. Originally the pagan Slav- man himself, with a traditional Oposhnia ONE FATHER FROST, OR “DID ic wizard of winter, the Soviets revived the ceramics theme, skating rink, slide, and MOROZ” IN UKRAINE, WAS THIS character for their New Year holiday cele- . COUNTRY’S MOST CHERISHED brations. Alongside his Snow Maiden (or VDNH (Hlushkova 1) is once again host- HOLIDAY CHARACTER. BUT AS Snihuronka in Ukrainian), the pair became ing its Winter Country celebrations (free UKRAINE MOVES TO DEFINE ITS immensely popular and remain that way entrance), with an amusement park, food MODERN CULTURE AS SEPARATE in Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus today. In fair featuring the Bavarian Courtyard, Ky- AND DISTINCT FROM ITS SOVI- this way, Did Moroz has become not just a iv’s largest ice rink, the ice sculpture castle, ET PAST, THE MORE TRADITION- Russian character, but a secular, Soviet one and the Christmas Dream Factory, where AL ST NICHOLAS (OR SVYATYI as well. This could explain the appeal of you can discover elves making Christmas MYKOLAI IN UKRAINIAN) HAS returning to the more religious, traditional decorations and meet Santa Claus himself! MADE A COMEBACK. BUT WHO Svyatyi Mykolai traditions. For those of you who are a bit more intrep- EXACTLY IS ST NICHOLAS IN id, why not head to the official St. Nicholas UKRAINE? AND WHY IS HE MAK- CELEBRATING DAY Manor in Hutsulshchyna National Park? ING A COMEBACK NOW? So, how do you celebrate? It’s all about the Your kids will have a season to remember gift-giving! Like in the West, children write after getting gifts from ole’ St Nick himself letters to St. Nicholas explaining how good right in his own home! There’s plenty more they’ve been and what they want. They ei- to see and do there, including performanc- ther leave these on their windowsills for his es, light shows, and contests. helpers to pick up or they mail them to his No matter what you do this season, Happy St. Nicholas Day! Be St. Nicholas This Year! Churches collect letters to St. Nicholas from orphanages MANY THEATRES HAVE SPECIAL before St. Nicholas Day. Stop in ahead of ST. NICHOLAS DAY SHOWS ON time and pick up the gift a child wants – 19 DECEMBER you’ll make their St. Nicholas Day this year one to remember! Kyiv Municipal Academic Puppet Manor in Hutsulshchyna National Park. Theatre They’ll leave special ‘mykolaychky’ cook- Myropilska 1 ies under their pillows in the hopes that St. ¾ 17.00 Nicholas brings what they’ve asked for. But 80 UAH if they’ve been bad this year – he’ll leave puppet-theater.kiev.ua a stick to beat you with instead! Ukraini- WHERE’D HE COME FROM? ans take extra care to make sure that St. House of Architect Like elsewhere, St. Nicholas is derived Nicholas visits every child – especially if Hrinchenko 7 from a popular 3rd century bishop known they don’t have parents. Nowadays many ¾ 10.00 for secretly giving gifts to children, the churches collect gifts that are distributed on 220-270 UAH sick, and the poor. His legendary deeds 19 December to orphanages and children arhite.com.ua included saving women from prostitu- of soldiers killed in ATO. tion, condemnend men from the tip of Antonov Aviation Museum an executioner’s sword, as well as guiding WHAT’S GOING ON IN KYIV? Medova 1 lost sailors through inclement weather. There’s plenty of ways to meet St Nick ¾ 13.00 Europeans in the Middle Ages regularly yourself. You can head on over to the Pech- 350 UAH celebrated the man in December, and he ersk Lavra (Lavrska 15) where you can visit aviamuseum.com.ua developed a special following in the Neth- his official residence in Kyiv. There’s a toy erlands, where he would leave children exhibition, a games room, a place to write New Ukrainian Theatre coins in their shoes on St. Nicholas Day. letters and, of course, you can meet the Mykhailivska 24 zh Dutch settlers brought their St. Nicholas man himself (60 UAH entrance + 20 UAH ¾ 17.00 250 UAH nut.kiev.ua

St. Nicholas Goes Digital! Too busy to be bothered to send mail like it was the Mid- dle Ages? Send St. Nicholas an email at [email protected] instead!

22 What’s On Issue 28 15 December 2019 - 31 January 2020 Zara Home sure your loved ones are ready for the Sportyvna Pl 1a temperature drop with a set of lotions gullivercenter.com and potions.

4. A BOOK BY YOUR FAVORITE Kiehl’s AUTHOR Sportyvna Pl 1a A book is always a great gift. World classics kiehls.ua or contemporary, contemporary fiction, self-development or psychology. And the Kosmo fact that it’s something you have enjoyed Biloruska 2 makes it all the more special. kosmo.ua

Bookstore Ye 9. JEWELRY AND ACCESSORIES 46 No woman we know would ever turn The Spirit of  knyharniaye down a piece of jewellery, and whoever came up with the idea that giving a man Bukva a watch is a bad sign is now long gone. (B Khmelnytskoho 3b) Go, splurge. bukva.ua St. Nic Sova Jewelry House 5. TECHNOLOGY Khreshchatyk 38 Natalia Kurtiak There is no one we know who doesn’t like sovajewels.com a fun gadget, so pick something that re- Celebrated on 19 December, a best-loved ally connects. Anything from a portable Timeshop holiday for children – St. Nicholas Day, is charger to a brand-new laptop – whatev- Nyzhnii Val 33b fast approaching, where good little girls and er your budget will allow. timeshop.com.ua boys traditionally wake up to gifts laid under their pillows. So as to help you make your Citrus list and check it twice, here’s a selection of Khreshchatyk 52 our favourite gifts to wake up to and where citrus.ua Gift ideas to find them. Rozetka 1. SWEETS S Bandery Pr 6 Candies and baked goods are always a hit, rozetka.com.ua Girls though maybe best not left under the pillow. Chocolates, eclairs, and vegan desserts are 6. PERFUME AND COLOGNE the hottest thing right now! Fragrances are always at the top of the list in UA. And we have nothing against that, B12 Candy Bar because who doesn’t like to smell good? Mezhyhirska 24  candybar.b12 Brocard Peremohy Pl 3 Tonka brocard.ua Revutskoho 9  tonka.desserts Bomond Khreschatyk 38 2. UNFORGETTABLE IMPRESSIONS bomond.com.ua Tired of the tie? Make an impression in- stead. For example, an evening spa for two, 7. CLOTHING a photo session, or tickets to a concert. Regardless of whether you’re buying for a man or woman, with so many fab- Bodo ulous local designers you are spoiled for Malevycha 86h choice. Not sure about size? Go more bodo.ua for ‘homewear’ – cosy slippers, cute py- Guys jamas, or a bathrobe. Donum Khoryva 11a Vsi. Svoi donum.kiev.ua Khreshchatyk 27  vsi.svoi 3. ITEMS FOR THE HOME Blankets, scented candles, photo frames, Balcony Garment sleep masks, teacups, garlands, and more Zhylianska 45 are fun to give and receive! balconygarment.com

Vsi. Svoi. Home and Décor 8. SKINCARE Khreshchatyk 34 The skin becomes more sensitive to  vsi.svoi.home.decor weather conditions in the winter so make

23 What’s All the Fuss

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP joy a mix of traditional and modern goods Deck the Halls Think Christmas shopping is stressful and and entertainment. With special events and time-consuming? You just have to go to the Natalya Jaddock entertainment planned for 25 December, right places... Kurazh Bazar is a great place to 31 December, and 7 January, these markets soak up the festive atmosphere and buy gifts It’s that time of year again: on are the perfect place to celebrate if you’re on from a curated selection of Ukrainian vendors. every street corner, Christmas classics on re- your own for the holidays. From restored Soviet Christmas ornaments peat, and excitement in the air! With Christ- to handmade soaps and beautifully printed THE MORE THE MERRIER mas and New Year quickly approaching, Ukrainian books, there’s something for every- there’s no better place to be to take it all in Whether you’re celebrating solo or with one. Performances by local artists, photo zones, than the capital of Ukraine. friends and family, Kyiv will be sure to en- a live DJ and prize giveaways are just a few of chant you. With two official dates for Christ- the extra attractions on offer. Plus, VDNH’s THE UKRAINIAN WILLY WONKA mas, we can safely say that nobody does Winter World is conveniently located nearby. What with shopping, travel plans, and the Christmas like Ukraine! This is a great place to go with the little ones: mad rush to finish your work before the you’ll find a skating rink, a slide, sweet treats, Roshen Winter Village year’s end, ‘tis the season to be frantic. Until 8 March light shows and a little train chugging around However, getting into the Christmas spir- Nauky Pr 1 the event grounds. For adults, there’s also a great it is easier than you think. If you’re not ¾ 10.00 – 22.00 selection of mulled wine, served by cheery-eyed feeling festive yet, Roshen has the perfect 120 UAH wo outlander wo Christmas-sweater-wearing servers! antidote: an evening visit to the Roshen  roshenwintervillage Winter Village will take you straight into FAN FAVOURITE Kurazh Bazar the world of Charlie and the Choco- Be it the monthly market, or their two flag- Akademika Hlushkova 1 late Factory, and you’ll feel its magic ship locations on the famous Khreschatyk, we ¾ Keep an eye out on Facebook for their no matter what year you were born. know we can rely on Vsi Svoi. With a massive next event. Light shows to blow your mind, dreamy selection of Ukrainian-designed-and-made 150 UAH , festive food and drink, goods, you’re not only supporting the local  kurazhbazar and a state-of-the-art skating rink could economy but purchasing high-quality goods. turn any ‘Bah, Humbug!’ day around. Winter World at VDNH Conveniently, their Christmas market is open 7 December – 1 March every weekend until the end of December. Akademika Hlushkova 1 Come to find the perfect gifts and stay to re- FREE lax and enjoy the atmosphere.  vdngkyiv MARKET MADNESS Vsi Svoi Christmas Market Be sure to visit Kyiv’s annual Christmas mar- 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 December kets on Kontraktova Ploshcha and Sofiivska Desyatynna 12 Ploshcha, running for over a month, from 14 FREE December to 19 January. Here you can en-  vsi.svoi

city, creating a fairytale wonderland. For a pile of documents, while Owen can’t find Christmas some, however, this is not enough, as they inspiration even in his beloved hobby. So, wait for something incredible, magical even, the two friends decide to experiment, swap- Movie Night to escape from everyday hardship and worry. ping for the holidays to change up their Daria Isaieva environment and distract themselves from NEW YEAR’S RATE PLAN (2008, RU) their gloomy thoughts. Decorate the tree, play , and A young Andrey buys a new phone and gets watch a few of these forgotten classics filled a strange offer on a “New Year’s” rate plan CHERRY ON THE CAKE (2012, ITALY) with holiday cheer for a splendid festive immediately. Though unaware of the con- Amanda knows relationships are compli- night in. sequences, Andrey agrees. On New Year’s cated. While her friend believes it’s time Eve, he dials a random number to wish a for Amanda to settle down and finally find A (2009, US) stranger “Happy New Year!” Watch to see ‘the one’, her therapist surprises with a dis- Scrooge, once an ordinary kid, then a ro- what happens next. appointing diagnosis, calling her “Madame mantic teenager, and finally a man in love Catastrophe”. But even the woman who with Christmas. The animated 3D adap- LOST CHRISTMAS (2011, UK) stubbornly refuses to become happy is not tation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel is On Christmas Eve, Anthony comes to immune to fate. about the tragedy of a Victorian-era mon- Manchester with no memory of his name eylender. Taken on a journey of self-re- or past. With one touch, he discovers a BAD SANTA (2003, US) demption, Ebenezer Scrooge finds the real unique superpower: to locate the lost. Who Willie is an unusual Santa Claus. A di- value of life. The new cartoon features roles might this strange ability help? How will vorce and ex-prisoner, Willie continues voiced by Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Anthony get his memory back? on his life journey as a malicious wom- Firth, and other legendary actors. aniser and drunkard. But there is a little FINDING CHRISTMAS (2013, US) boy who has a strong belief in the holiday NOEL (2004, US/CANADA) Owen and Sean are two best friends, nei- fairytale, and Willie will have to come up New Yorkers love the winter holidays, where ther of whom enjoys the Christmas holi- with a real miracle this time to bring his thousands of Christmas trees illuminate the days. Sean unsuccessfully buries his head in plan to fruition!

24 What’s On Issue 27 15 November - 15 December 2019 What’s All the Fuss

Behind the

THE MAGIC BEHIND THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR IN UKRAINE Ilya Ovchar

Nothing reminds us of the upcoming holi- authenticity of the much-anticipated cele- Falafel. This small treat made with the well- days like Christmas carols occupying the air- bration in Ukraine. loved chickpea doesn’t only taste great, but it waves of supermarkets and malls from No- is also a source of energy to get you through vember up until the end of the year. Jingle THE 12-DISH MARATHON the other 11 dishes. bells, , jingle all the way… It’s like Kutya. Our Christmas special made of that every day. Every. Single. Day. It’s a great wheat, raisins, poppy, honey, and nuts. Kut- Dorado fish. Fish can be often been a sym- song, but even something as genius as Rach- ya is the first meal to be served at Christmas bol of , which makes it a must on maninov’s piano concerto can be annoying Eve supper (Svyata Vecherya), and everyone your dinner table. after hearing it everywhere for a month non- at the table should have at least a spoonful stop. Regardless, I still love Christmas for its of the dish. Some families leave a plate full Stewed cabbage with mushrooms. vibes. It brings magic in winter and makes of kutya out overnight in homage to those Cabbage dishes represent the simplicity and me warmer too. Of course, the glühwein gone before us. strength around this religious foundation. doesn’t play any part in that whatsoever. With Ukraine’s wonderful geographic loca- Varenyky with potatoes or cabbage. Uzvar. Made of dried fruit, this has to be tion, one can experience both the Catholic Those lovely bites represent wealth in the the most popular drink at Christmas time, and the Orthodox Christmas. Each brings family. NB: Ihor Kolomoiskyi, a Ukrainian and is the symbol of life given by God. diversity, and, well, a few extra days off. billionaire oligarch, loves his varenyky. These are, of course, homemade for those of us THE HOLY NIGHT IN KYIV CATHOLIC VS ORTHODOX lucky enough to have mamas so inclined, Not sure how to put this spread together Just like two siblings arguing, the Catholic though they can also be bought frozen from yourself ? No problem! These few local ven- tradition keeps 25 December, while Ortho- the supermarket. Not to be confused with ues are sure to help so that you can continue dox Christmas is on the eve of 7 January. pelmeni. to spread goodwill and cheer. Coincidentally, one is 13 days earlier than the other. This difference dates back to 1582 Grybna Yushka z vushkamy – your Kanapa when Pope Gregory of Rome decided to basic broth-based mushroom soup with little Andriyivskyi Uzviz 19 switch to the , which dumplings. Representing the two natures of ¾ 12.00 – 00.00 was, simply, 13 days earlier. And because the (divine and human), and also a must- Price: $$ church back in the day dictated what to do, have on the table. +380 68 044 3050 everyone else switched too. From my experience in the western world Borshch. Well, this goes without saying – Ostannya Barykada (I sound like Borat now, don’t I?), I got the good old borshch. Should be served with 1 impression that Catholic Christmas is kind garlic, thin slices of salo or pampushkas (little ¾ 10.00 – 00.00 of like a much bigger version of Thanksgiv- buns). Price: $$$ ing – heck, they even eat turkey on both, but +380 68 907 1991 that spreading goodwill and joy is at its core. Holubtsi. The secret is in the name. The Whereas Orthodox Christmas is a much holub (pigeon) is a renowned symbol of the Taras Bulba more religious event and is more about the holy spirit. Now seriously – cooked cabbage Pushkinska 2-4/7 idea of universal salvation. leaves wrapped around various fillings is the ¾ 09.00 – 11.00 Orthodox Christmas is celebrated slightly true Ukrainian speciality. No wonder it is on Price: $$ more modestly way than New Year, contra- the list. +380 44 270 7248 ry to Catholic Christmas in the west. This is because most of the areas that practiced Or- Stewed beans. Dishes with beans repre- Sho thodoxy were under Soviet rule – a regime sent the spring, which is reborn in all people Mechnikova 18 not terribly fond of religion. The idea of following the passing of winter. ¾ 09.00 – 00.00 ‘Did Moroz’ being a New Year’s personage Price: $$$ only came about in the 30s, and even the Pampuhy – fried or baked pastry served +380 44 466 0305 Christmas tree was banned for a few years with some kind of filling. Wonderfully sweet, according to some sources. these play an essential part in shaping Christ- But we love traditions for their diversity, mas Eve, and embody all the saints. uniqueness, and sometimes controversy. Merry Christmas and a very Christmas in Ukraine usually turns out to Potatoes. Boiled potatoes are served often, Happy New Year to you all be a lot of merry-making for a memorable though the cook who serves them with lem- holiday. These tips will help you enjoy the on gets extra points. from the What’s On team!

25 What’s All the Fuss

cha, a non-stop concert schedule, and of er than any in previous years, has been course, Santa Claus! promised. It all comes together to form “The square is going to be illuminated the perfect way to celebrate this month. with lots of red, green, and gold,” says Make your plans to enjoy the holiday Ihor Dobrutskyi, curator of Folk Ukraine. here in Kyiv! “We are installing large shining arches and art objects and we’ve planned a lot of Kyiv’s Christmas markets are a great fabulous photo zones based on German place to go and have street food, glüh- fairytales too! Sofiivska Ploshcha will have wein, or medovukha. Take in folk perfor- never been decorated so beautifully.” mances in the evenings, where the stage The Christmas tree is promised to be lush will be showcasing some kind of enter- as those in Germany, where the origi- tainment nearly every night from 19.00. ‘Tis the nal tradition was born, with decorations based on German fairytales. A European Santa Claus will brighten up the square Sofiivska Pl 1 too, where a whole pavilion devoted to 19 December — Ukraine’s Main SeasonNatalia Kurtiak the story of this fabulous character will Christmas Tree lights up be set up. 25 December — Christmas Fair Christmas is coming, the goose is getting In previous years, the concerts on Sofiivs- 31 December — New Year party fat, and there is no better time to get into ka Ploshcha lasted for a meagre 15 days. 7 January — Starkeepers Parade the long-awaited festive mood, watching However, this year, you can expect non- Coca-Cola ads for the 100th time, step- stop entertainment from 19 December, Kontraktova Pl 1 ping out to mulled wine tastings, and en- the official opening of the country’s main 19 December — Podil Christmas gaging in other pre-holiday pursuits. So Christmas square, right up until the end Tree lights up what’s in store this year? Lots! – 19 January. 25 December — Catholic Christ- Another holiday location is going to be on mas Holiday In anticipation of the holiday season, Kontraktova Ploshcha. Here, the festive 7 January — Orthodox the organisers of the city-wide festivities theme moves closer to , Christmas Fair have divulged a few secrets: Kyiv will with décor inspired by the pottery cul- celebrate Christmas and see the New ture of the Opishnya and Poltava regions Kyiv Holiday Market Year in German style with the city’s and will include ceramics and toys. In 14 December – 19 January biggest and best tree on Sofiivska Plosh- addition, a giant skating rink, much larg-  folkukraine

Union: a toiletry gift set was the gift to give forty times a month, the third, well, that’s back in the day. The industry will have to a matter of perspective. Let us just say that come up with more eye-catching promos for those who are waiting for the right time or continue to face challenges in the 21st to start that new hobby or sport – it nev- century). Nope. Those early Christmas er comes. You need to create it yourself. shoppers - the 10% - had all picked wholly Starting whatever you promise yourself original, personalised gifts. I bet 90% of “tomorrow”, or “after the weekend”, has the late starters would be thrilled to receive never been an effective strategy. So just get such a thoughtful gift. out there! Funnily enough, one of our respondents Oh, and Happy Holidays! Present or Promise promised themselves last year to start buy- ing presents earlier this year. But they still Tassy Klim haven’t started. Which takes us to (failed) If your resolution is to read more next year, resolutions… check out our website whatson-kyiv.com or New Year is on its way, as are Saint Nich- grab a copy in print at the venues listed in olas Day and Christmas. It’s time to see RESOLUTION AS THE SOLUTION? the back of this magazine. We promise not who’s been naughty or nice and sum up When I chatted to Ukrainians about their to disappoint in 2020! the previous year, with resolutions in tow. resolutions, many said that this was THE Is there anyone in Ukraine who has it all year to stick to the resolutions they had figured out? made at the beginning of 2019. Guess how many had actually stuck to them? An ARE YOU ON SANTA’S LIST? overwhelming 27%! Most researchers say As it turns out, most Ukrainians haven’t there are three main reasons people don`t even made it to the mall yet for gift shop- follow through on their personal commit- ping and have no idea what to buy, with ments around the new year: unrealistic ex- more than 90% of those questioned still pectations, the fact that some are all talk Wanna make stuck at the choosing stage. To our sur- and no action, and waiting for that perfect holiday gift-giving prise, none of the respondents who had right moment. If the first two are easily more fun? Try the actually taken the time to make their list accomplished with proper planning and/ Secret Santa game had picked a set of soaps as a gift! (A note or not lying to yourself or your friends by to readers who didn’t grow up in the Soviet saying that you are going to visit the gym

26 What’s On Issue 27 15 November - 15 December 2019 Cocoa Loco

Daria Isaieva

Here’s a riddle for you: which popular hot not allowed. At the royal court in Madrid, drink was originally a sacred substance chocolate was a symbol of prestige and forbidden to women, before becoming an status. Since it was the Spaniards who Druzi exclusive treat for royals and aristocrats? began importing it from Mexico in the Andriyivskyi Uzviz 2d Let WO take you on a journey through- early 1700s, chocolate was considered a Prorizna 3/5 out the surprising history of cocoa, fol- Spanish drink. druzicafe.com.ua lowed by our suggestions for some of the Chocolate entered the French court in Cocoa with peanut butter 65 UAH best places to try it in Kyiv. 1615, when Anna of Austria (who grew Cocoa with coconut milk 69 UAH up in Madrid) married Louis XIII of Hot chocolate with marshmallows 69 UAH DRINK OF THE GODS France. Chocolate thus ceased its asso- Almond hot chocolate 79 UAH If you could travel back in time to the ciation with gloomy Jesuitism and the American tropics, before the arrival of Spanish Inquisition, and became part The Cake Christopher Columbus, you might not of French rococo style. While bourgeois Arena City, V Vasylkivska 5 even recognise the granddaddy of mod- families started the working day with a  TheCakeKiev ern cocoa: a foamy, fermented drink cup of coffee, aristocrats chose to begin Cocoa with marshmallows 60 UAH that was consumed cold and often un- their day of refined idleness by lying back Cocoa with oat milk 80 UAH sweetened. Cocoa beans were mixed and sipping hot chocolate. with maize beans and chilli pepper, then From the late 18th century onwards, so- Milk Bar ground with water into a paste. The word called ‘chocolate rooms’ began to appear Shota Rustaveli 16 ‘chocolate’ probably derives from the in London; these were frequented by a milkbar.com.ua Aztec word ‘chocolatl’, meaning ‘foam peculiar cross-section of society, from the Cocoa with lavender 69 UAH water’ (hardly the most appetising ety- aristocracy to the demi-monde. However, mology). with the dawn of the Industrial Revolu- Honey Forbidden to women and children, choc- tion and the ousting of the Ancien Ré- Nyzhnіy Val 19/21 olate was reserved for men of noble ori- gime in France, the popularity of choco- Yaroslaviv Val 20 gin, warriors and shamans, as well as vic- late went into rapid decline. TSUM Kyiv, 6th floor tims awaiting sacrifice. When the Spanish honeycafe.com.ua General Hernan Cortes landed on the POWDER POWER Classic red cocoa 69 UAH coast of Mexico in 1519, the Aztec chief In 1820, Dutch chocolate maker Coen- Cocoa with spices or marshmallows 72 UAH Montezuma II treated the Spaniards to a raad Johannes van Houten developed a CocoCocoa 97 UAH thick whipped beverage made of cocoa new method of cocoa production, which beans, vanilla, chilli pepper, and spices, extracted almost all the oil from the beans Good Girl served cold in bowls of pure gold. On his and produced a powder as the finished Mechnykova 7 return to Spain in 1527, Cortes brought product. Chocolate and cocoa ceased to  goodgirlkiev with him not only cocoa beans, but also belong to the category of pleasures re- Raw Cocoa with hazelnut milk, coconut milk, the recipe for hot chocolate. served for adults, like coffee or tobacco, sea salt, and Jerusalem artichoke 125 UAH and became a drink mostly enjoyed by FROM AUSTERITY TO ROCOCO children. Now, in the early 21st centu- Call me Cacao In the 17th and 18th centuries, chocolate ry, hot chocolate (and its powder-based Nyzhnіy Val 35 consumption was centred on Spain and counterpart, cocoa) are cold-weather Pushkinska 11a Italy. Due to its capacity to satisfy hun- drinks for all to enjoy, regardless of gen-  chaocacao.kyiv ger, drinking chocolate really caught on der, age, or social class. Сlassic cocoa 48 UAH in these Catholic heartlands: according Undoubtedly, this will have whet your ap- Honey and pepper cocoa 66 UAH to the Catholic principle that liquids are petite for all things chocolate-based. In this Classic hot chocolate 62 UAH still permitted during religious fasts, hot case, let us offer some of the best places to Lavender hot chocolate 70 UAH chocolate replaced food when food was enjoy the ideal mug of cocoa in Kyiv: Fresh ginger hot chocolate 74 UAH

27 More than Trendy Natalia Kurtiak Caucasian Cuisine

WHILE THE FIRST SNOW IS FALLING, I AM WARMING UP AROUND THE FIREPLACE AT BAKLAZHAN, A RESTAURANT BELONGING TO THE WELL-KNOWN TARANTINO FAMILY CHAIN. SERVING UP MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE, THEIR MENU FEATURES SOME OF THE MOST ICONIC DISHES FROM UZBEKISTAN, GEORGIA, ARMENIA, AND AZERBAIJAN. LOCATED IN A CENTRAL PART OF KYIV, IT IS A PERFECT PLACE TO ESCAPE FROM THE CITY BUSTLE

WARM AND TRANQUIL But what makes my mouth water is when it actually appears The first thing you think on entering is: wow, how peaceful on the table. it is. Greeted by a friendly coatroom attendant, the hostess The chicken is so juicy, and the tender meat served with takes us to our table. We are seated in the main hall and can’t pomegranate sauce, while unusual, is delicious. The sour hints help but look up. Charmed by the glass ceiling, I may have to combined with the fruity flavour completely hit me. Next are return during the day to look up at the sky in broad daylight. the veal khinkali. I have tried this dish before, many times, and While waiting for our food to arrive, I take a look around. It so I think I know what to expect. They are scrumptious – some is now clear what makes the general atmosphere so relaing– of the best I have ever had. warm colours and lighting plus relaxing music. With a ma- To quench our thirst this evening we have basil compote, jestic Christmas tree and decorations everywhere, it’s obvious which reminds me of the basil lemonade my mother used the venue is ready for the holidays. The restaurant is spacious to make. Nostalgia turns to satisfaction, and mulled wine is enough: a main hall, two banquet halls, a children’s room, and served later. Served without sugar, it’s a great beverage option on open kitchen, so the distance between the tables allows you so that I can control how much sugar I add. to share your innermost thoughts. Every Friday, so I’m told, the venue features live music. It is a GETTING READY TO CELEBRATE nice touch, holiday season or otherwise, and one you will no With the holidays almost upon us, people muss and fuss trying doubt get caught up in. Just don’t forget to call a cab when it’s to decide where to celebrate the New Year. Baklazhan can time to leave. solve this small challenge. With two banquet halls (one for 10 – 14, the other for 20 – 30 people) and the spacious main DELVE INTO TRADITIONAL CUISINE hall, you’ll find no problem trying to arrange an exception- We start with eggplant rolls with tomatoes and walnuts. al celebration. Where whether you’re celebrating with family, The taste is very gentle, the rolls almost melt in my mouth. friends, or colleagues, there is something for everyone among Everything is well-balanced: not too spicy, not too bland. My the broad selection of snacks and large portions of Caucasian guest this evening does not disagree. As we enjoy this first national specialities. In addition, guests celebrating the New course, we observe the process of skewered meat and fresh Year will receive a pleasant gift from the Baklazhan team – a vegetables being prepared: everything is cooked on the grill, culinary master class in khinkali cuisine. Now there’s a gift in the open kitchen. you’ll have likely never thought to give or receive.

28 What’s On Issue 28 15 December 2019 - 31 January 2020 Can’t get in to this location? Visit the one near metro Olimpiiska (V Vasylkivska 57/3). It’s the best place to grab a quick business lunch. In addition, Baklazhan offers free delivery service, so you can enjoy Caucasian delights at home any night of the week!

MAKE SURE YOU TRY: Lamb luleh-kebab 195 UAH Baked eggplant rolls with veal and suluguni cheese 152 UAH Chaikaneh pilaf with lamb and barberry 215 UAH

WO EDIBLE INVENTORY Eggplant rolls with tomatoes and walnuts 148 UAH Chicken skewers 170 UAH Grilled vegetables 105 UAH Veal khinkali 125 UAH Pomegranate sauce 45 UAH Basil compote 45 UAH Red mulled wine 85 UAH TOTAL: 723 UAH

WHAT’S ON CHECKLIST English menu ü English-speaking staff ü Wifi ü Price $$ WO Rating

Baklazhan Shevchenko Blvd 35 ¾ 12.00 – 00.00 baklazhan.tf 29 What’s In Focus

THE ACC AGM Since 1992, the Chamber has been organising their year-end General Membership Meeting, gathering members, partners, representatives of the diplomatic community and state offi- cials to meet and catch up on the latest devel- opments. This year, with the event taking place on 5 December at the illustrious Fairmont ho- tel, featured remarks from Ambassador Wil- liam B. Taylor, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, an announcement of the Chamber 2020 Board of Directors, a presentation of the Chamber Annual Report, and, of course, a cocktail reception to round out the evening. Everyone at WO wishes the ACC a wonderful year ahead!

A GOLDEN EVENING Much fun was had on Friday 6 Decem- ber as international business profes- sionals waved goodbye to the working week and welcomed in the weekend with drinks aplenty at GOL’DAbar on Shota Rustaveli, recently opened by the owners of Alchemist. Guests at the event organised by BigMeetUkraine networked in good company while enjoying delicious Middle Eastern cuisine and a great selection of wine & cocktails! The Big Meet will return in January 2020.

30 What’s On Issue 28 15 December 2019 - 31 January 2020 BEST THREADS On 19 November, the annual Best Fashion Awards was held at Fairmont Grand Hotel in the Ukrainian capi- tal, bringing together and identifying leaders in Ukrainian fashion and high- lighting their achievements. Kateryna Osadcha and Yuriy Gorbunov steered the event, with designers taking home an award in the categories for best women’s designer, best men’s designer, best accessories, discovery of the year, breakthrough of the year, best fash- ion performance, with awards given out for those featuring sustain- able fashion and cruel- ty-free fashion.

RADISSON BLU – WINNER! Radisson Blu Hotel has been announced winner of the B2B Interior of the year in the prestigious V Eastern Europe Real Estate Awards 2019 on 26 November. This is quite the hon- our for the city centre hotel as the venue recently underwent some major renovations so that stylish design could coexist with the highest technical standards, a timeless interior, a his- toric atmosphere and comfortable zoning which answers the needs of modern business and leisure travellers. “It’s such a pleasure and honour to accept this award and continue to grow our destination with this title,’’ said Yana Kozhekina, Assistant of Marketing and Communications Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Kyiv City Centre.

31 What’s In Focus

A THOUSAND MILES You won’t have to go that far to enjoy a good time, as Kyiv’s Mille Miglia is located in the Radisson on Yaroslaviv Val, which is where TUCC met on 15 November for a one-of-a- kind Italian dining event. Gathering more than 10 nation- alities to enjoy a truly gastronomic tour through the Italian countryside, the six selections were complemented with a tasty selection of wines. The gastro club’s next event will happen in the new year – see you in 2020 TUCC!

IN CELEBRATION OF EASTERN SUCCESS On 21 November, The British Ukrainian Chamber of Com- merce (BUCC), the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and In- dustry, along with the John Hughes Business Club held the John Hughes Memorial Dinner at the Opera Hotel in celebration of the achievements of the esteemed Welsh engineer, founder of Donetsk, and entrepreneur in steel and coal in Ukraine. Attend- ed by 80 leaders from business, including agriculture, energy, fi- nance, heavy industry and IT, the event was a success with Ty- mofiy Mylovanov, Minister of Economic Development, Trade, and Agriculture of Ukraine, as the guest speaker.

32 What’s On Issue 28 15 December 2019 - 31 January 2020 PEOPLE TO PEOPLE The IWCK Charity Bazaar is known as one of the biggest charity fundrais- ing platforms in the capital, and this year, the 27th annual Bazaar brought together the international communi- ty and Ukrainian charity organisa- tions in one place on 30 November at Olimpiyskyi Stadium. With 47 embassies participating, IWCK beat their previous record, while guests enjoyed dancing master-classes, and music and theatre performances from Spain, UAE, France, Argen- tina, South Africa, Germany, etc. The event raised 3 205 742 UAH in support of charity programs for chil- dren, women, and the elderly.

A CELEBRATION FIT FOR A KING The Embassy of Belgium in Kyiv celebrated King’s Day on 18 November with a fabulous concert at the National Philharmonic. A few of the country’s top jazz and pop artists were in attendance, and guests enjoyed an incredible evening of music followed by a reception in the main hall. The King’s Feast has been celebrated in Belgium since 1866 following a decree by Leopold II, and since 2001, Belgium recognises the day (officially 15 November) as the official birthday of the King.

33 Sector H Sector K Sector M Kyiv Paris (Sichovykh Striltsiv 10) Shlyapa (Antonovycha 14) Frat Social Club (Evgena Konovaltsya 36d) Like A Local Wine Bar (Sichovykh Striltsiv 26) Perfe (Antonovycha 14а) La Casa Del Habano (Klovskiy Descent 13) Reni (Sichovykh Striltsiv 60) Holiday Inn hotel (Antonovycha 79 ) Almondo Night Party Bar (Lesi Ukrainky Normal (Antonovycha 81 ) bulv. 34) Sector J Kyiv President (Hospitalna 12) O' cafe (Mechnykova 9) Alphavito (Predslavynska 35d) Rus (Hospitalna 4) Si (Mechnykova 9) Lounge bar Mantry (V Vasylkivska 5 ) Belle Vue Belgian Beer Cafe (Saksahanskogo 7) Lucky Pub (V Vasylkivska 13) Yabloko (Saksaganskoho 39/41) Sector N Under Wonder (V Vasylkivska 21 ) Dos Amigos (Saksaganskoho 51/87) LKafa (Chokolivskiy bulvar 11) Tolstoy (V Vasylkivska 19) Sam’s Steak House (Zhylyanska 37) Cosmopolite hotel (Vadyma Getmana 6) Bierstube (V Vasylkivska 20 ) Steak House Goodman (Zhylyanska 75) IQ Hotel (Vadyma Getmana 6) Mama Manana (V Vasylkivska 44) Alfaro (V Vasylkivska 49) Sector L Druzi Cafe (V Vasylkivska 49а) Guramma (Dniprovskiy Descent 1) Rooster Grill Bar (V Vasylkivska 68) Park Cafe (Mazepy 11а) Manu (V Vasylkivska 94) Shooters (Moskovska 22) Amster Damster (V Vasylkivska 111/113) Veranda na Dnipri (Naberezhne shose 11a) 17.804 (V Vasylkivska 82)

Sector E Sector G Fairmont (Naberezhno Hreshchatytska 1а) Outpub (Dmytrivska 18/24) Druzi Café (Andriivskiy Descent 2d) Savazh Closer cafe (Nyzhnioyurkivska 31) Belmondo (Hogolivska 17) Kanapa (Andriivskiy Descent 19а) Barcode (Nyzhniy Val 17) Varva (Saksaganskoho 108/16) Kanapka Bar (Andriivskiy Descent 30а) Call Me Cacao (Nyzhniy Val 35) Caribbean Club (Symona Petlyury 4) De Pari (Andriivskiy Descent 34v) To be (Verhniy Val 2а) La Vaca Tapas (Symona Petlyury 6) Radisson Blu (Bratska 17/19 ) Habana (Verhniy Val 24) Ibis (Polzunova 6) Piano Café (Kontraktova Ploshcha 4) Lubchik (Vozdvyzhenska 10b) Freedom Club Event Hall (Kyrylivska 134) Ohota Na Ovets (Vozdvyzhenska 10b) Sector F Lumberjack barbershop (Nyzhniy Val 15) RybaLove (Vozdvyzhenska 21-23) O’Brien’s Irish Pub (Myhailivska 17) Bar Dom (Sagaidachnoho 10/5а) Vozdnyzhensky (Vozdvyzhenska 60) Hyatt (Tarasovoyi 5) Riviera (Sagaidachnoho 15) Deficit (Yaroslaviv Val 9) Pauz Cafe (Sofiivska 5) Impresa (Sagaidachnoho 21) Radisson (Yaroslaviv Val 24) Whisky Corner (Sofiivska 16/16) Tike (Sagaidachnoho 31) Paul (Yaroslaviv Val 26) Knyazhyi Grad (V 2) Tarantino Grill & Wine Bar Golden Gate (Yaroslaviv Val 33v) InterContinental (V Zhytomyrska 2а) (Sagaidachnoho 35) Ptaha (Ihorivska 5) Urban Grill (Horyva 25/12) Art of Shkolnyi the Map: Dmytro Where to find What’s On

Sector A Sector B Sector C Smorrebrod (Horodetskogo 4) Biancoro (Baseina 4) Ikra (Honchara 67) Vatra (Horodetskogo 4b) Porto Franco (Baseina 4 ) Naturlikh (Hmelnytskoho 3) Fellini (Horodetskogo 5) Traktyr na Baseyniy (Baseina 2) Ink (Hmelnytskoho 17/52 ) Chaikof (Horodetskogo 8/4) Beer House (Baseina 2а) 7 pyatnyc’ (Hmelnytskoho 29/2) Public Cafe (Khreshchatyk 1/2) Bar Sklad (Besarabska Ploshcha 2) Opera (Hmelnytskoho 53 ) Dnipro (Khreshchatyk 1/2) Aloft (Esplanadna 17) City Hotel (Hmelnytskoho 56) Chiken Kyiv (Khreshchatyk 15) Babai Bar (Pushkinska 2) Pantagruel (Lysenka 1) Mocco (Khreshchatyk 15) Gastro Bar #7 (Pushkinska 9а) Spotykach (Volodymyrska 16) Dom Kofe Passage (Khreshchatyk 15) Ko & Ko bar (Pushkinska 11) Fish market (Volodymyrska 24a) La Forchetta (Khreshchatyk 16) ProRock (Pushkinska 32) Lemonade (Volodymyrska 29) Bochka (Khreshchatyk 19а) Antwerpen (Pushkinska 38) Le Cosmopolite (Volodymyrska 47) Moon Lounge Bar (Khreshchatyk 24) Podshoffe Brasserie (Pushkinska 45/2) Barkas (Volodymyrska 49а) Shato (Khreshchatyk 24a) Terracotta (Shevchenka bulv. 57/29) Golden Gate (Zolotovoritska 15) Hangover (Hrushevskogo 3) Premiere Palace (Shevchenka bulv. 57/29) Pache (Kostyolna 3) Hinkalli (Shota Rustaveli 4) Sector D Tres Francais (Kostyolna 3) Beef (Shota Rustaveli 11) Hedonist bar & kitchen (Antonovycha 4) Druzi Cafe (Prorizna 3/5) Alchemist Bar (Shota Rustaveli 12) Ibis (Shevchenka bulv. 25) Baraban (Prorizna 4а) De Bosch (Shota Rustaveli 12) Hilton (Shevchenka bulv. 30) Sunduk Pub (Prorizna 22) Maral bar (Shota Rustaveli 15а) Chachapuri (Shevchenka bulv. 36а) Senator Maidan (Shevchenka ave 8v) Cafe L’ etage (Shota Rustaveli 16) Mario (Lva Tolstoho 14) Like A Local Wine Bar (Lva Tolstoho 5) Dusha Espresso Bar (Lva Tolstoho 39) Velur (Lva Tolstoho 41)