London - September 25, 2007

First Class

Divo Restaurant Opens

A short lesson in Ukrainian:
Khura = book
Yaytse = egg
Cherevyk = shoe

To end your cultural tour? A trip to Divo (Ukrainian for ‘amazing’), which opens in St. James’s tomorrow.

If you thought the grub from this area of the world was dreary, think again: this Ukrainian restaurant (apparently London’s first) is far from bland. Design-wise, the premises have lavish gilt and duck-egg blue walls adorned with grand portraits, and a bar whose painted mural depicts the lives of princes.

And the cuisine? You may be familiar with borscht (hot beetroot soup), but take it a step further with vareniki (also known as pierogies): boiled dumplings filled with a combination of potato, cheese, cabbage or fruit, and best served with dollops of sour cream. Stuffed chicken is also a highlight; and the layered herring salad with beetroot, apple and onion — is another super-smachnyy (tasty) side dish.

There’s a copious selection (might be London’s largest) of vodka to wash it all down with.

Ready to study?

Bud’mo = cheers.

Divo, 12 Waterloo Place, SW1Y 4AU (020 7484 1355).