Olexandr Yourz

Nobody can say that chef Olexandr Yourz has not paid his dues.

From working as a food packer in a supermarket to pot washing to cleaning fish, he’s climbed up the culinary ladder to his current lofty position.

His Odessa based bistro is at the heart of the community and he is a man with a big heart – evident by the many fund raising activities he’s organised and the free lunches he made for those in need when the conflict began.

From the youngest age he has had a passion for food, never satisfied and always wanting to learn more, to improve his knowledge and his skill.

In the early days job offers came from overseas and the chef is really grateful for all the people who have helped and supported him along his journey.

 “I can’t name just one person since there are several of them, and everyone of them has helped me in some manner throughout my life and continues to do so today,” he said.

When it comes to favourite ingredients then the simple egg has been a firm favourite, but now he’s added more names to the list.

Odessa tomatoes – either the Mikado or Bull’s Heart varieties – are much loved, as is mildly salted Kilka – a freshwater fish.

“How come I adore them? because the flavour is reminiscent of my youth and the proportions of these two ingredients are ideal for me,” he said.

Just because he’s achieved so much doesn’t mean it’s time to stop. Future ambitions include “to enter TOP50 Best, to receive a Michelin star, and to open many cool projects in Ukraine.”

“ I view it as light, vibrant, tasty, juicy, rock and roll... I believe that Ukrainian gastronomy will be recognised around the world, appreciated... and we will inspire”.