Oleksiy Krakowsky

 The combination of Israeli and Ukrainian cuisine may seem an unusual fusion, but it is what has successfully inspired chef Oleksiy Krakowsky .

Now brand chef at the Residence and Forest restaurants in Cherkasy, it was a change in career to a boy who grew up wanting to be a lawyer or to work in public relations. Born in Ukraine, at 14 he and his father moved to Israel where he was eventually required to do his army service. When he left the military it was time to focus on what to do going forward and the answer was easy – cooking.

His career was almost over before it began, having being sacked two days after starting his first job because he cut his finger. Luckily however that early setback didn’t deter him and he went on to work in many kitchens, building up his skills and his reputation. He continues to study virtually every day – reading books and keeping up with what his peers are doing. He’s also inspired by what’s around him.

"I try to go to the market every week, see what's there. I can just see the product, buy it, taste it, and a new dish will be born from it,” he said.

When asked what his favourite combination of ingredients are, he replies with a smile.

“Bread and butter. I can’t imagine life without delicious bread.”

Now with so many years of experience under his belt, he is working towards opening his own establishment. "I was supposed to open a restaurant before the start of the war... I prepared two establishments with my partners,” he said. “But we obviously had to put the plans on hold temporarily.”

Until those plans can be reinvigorated he will be doing what he loves best – working with local produce and using his vast knowledge and skills to create mouthwatering dishes.