1. What inspired you to create a restaurant guide in the first place?

When I arrived in Kyiv eight years ago, I was surprised that bookstores didn’t have any local restaurant guides. For me, gastronomy is an essential part of the travel experience — it is as important as visiting museums and other cultural landmarks. So it became an impetus to create my personal compilation. The main idea was to have a source which you can use to select a place for any given situation: a family outing, dinner with friends, work meeting or a date.

2. What are the key differences between Ukrainian and French dining out experiences?

In Ukraine people tend to put higher value on the decor of a restaurant, which isn’t the case in France. French venues are smaller in size, so you end up unwillingly eavesdropping on your neighbor’s conversation. In Kyiv and Odesa restaurants tend to be more spacious, so you have some privacy to yourself. Also, music plays a major part in the Ukrainian restaurant experience — live performances, DJ sets and jazz bands provide an entertainment aspect to dining, which I truly enjoy. 

3. What stereotypes about French cuisine are false?

That it’s a greasy and overall archaic cuisine. Nowadays French chefs opt for a seasonal menu with locally-sourced vegetables and other products, which are familiar to everyone.

4. Would you give your personal recommendation of five restaurants in Kyiv for different occasions?