Tetyana with hot Ukrainian food beside Cossack soldier and child at Barrel House Korchma. Photos by Tom Godfrey.
The tense situation in Ukraine has been a big topic of conversation at Mimico’s Barrel House Korchma family-owned restaurant.
Barrel House Korchma, at 2385 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Superior Avenue, has been opened for about a year and prides itself in serving traditional and authentic Ukrainian dishes with high-quality ingredients.
Tetyana with food at Barrel House Korchma, the first dine-in Ukrainian restaurant in Toronto.
“People love the food,” says Tetyana Barylko, whose parents own the business. “Visitors will experience the culture of our ancestors and what makes Ukraine special.”
The rustic restaurant, which features many pieces of cultural artwork, was founded by Mykhaylo Barylko and wife, Nadiya, after they arrived here in 2002 from the village of Verkhnia Lypytsia, Ukraine, to start a better life for their family.
“We are proud of our heritage and want to continue serving our history to our customers,” Barylko says. “Most of the recipes from our menu have been passed down in our family for many generations.”
THE FOOD is hot, tasty and just right for this weather.
A ‘Korchma’ is a Ukrainian tavern or pub where food, beer or ale can be consumed by travellers, many who were Cossacks, or soldiers who fought for Ukraine’s freedom.
She said the bright and comfortable eatery has ‘played a pivotal role in solidifying their Ukrainian roots in Canada.’
“We believe this is the first dine-in Ukrainian restaurant in Toronto,” Barylko says. “A large section of people in this area of Ukrainian, Polish or European descent.”
She says customers are concerned about the Russian military buildup on the borders of Ukraine since many have family members back at home.
“It is something that people are very concerned about and they talk about it,” Barylko agrees.
Their menu includes homemade pierogis, pelmeni, palushky, varenyky, cabbage rolls, dumpling filled with either chicken, pork or beef and topped with sour cream; along with potato pancakes and chicken and pork schnitzels.
“It warms my heart seeing people enjoy the food that I grew up with,” she explains. “I grew up with almost all the food on our menu, so to me, that’s what authentic Ukrainian food is.”
The Barrel House Korchma features a nice private patio and can be reached by phone at 647-797-5625 or visit them on Facebook @barrelhousekorchma.