<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Otakoї Ukrainian Restaurant]]></title><description><![CDATA[New Ukrainian Restaurant on Chapel Street, Melbourne]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2026 10:24:01 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[You’re Invited: Celebrating One Year of Otakoï ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Menu | Reservations | Our Story One Year of Otakoi: A Dream That Became a Community One year ago, we welcomed our very first guests through the doors of Otakoi. We hoped to create a restaurant where people could experience authentic Ukrainian food, genuine hospitality and the feeling of gathering around a family table. What happened over the next twelve months exceeded every expectation. Today, Otakoi is more than a restaurant. It's a place where birthdays are celebrated, friendships begin,...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/you-re-invited-celebrating-one-year-of-otako%C3%AF</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4a2e9bf7b480551f11cdca</guid><pubDate>Sun, 05 Jul 2026 10:24:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f9061f_52453f11482547b7b72006ffda929c9e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[New Set Menu "Journey to Ukraine": Discover a Country Through Its Flavours]]></title><description><![CDATA[For many of our guests, Ukrainian cuisine is completely new. No familiar reference point. No expectations. Just curiosity. That’s exactly why we created Journey to Ukraine — a dining experience designed as a culinary route across the country, from west to east, where every dish tells a story. Ukraine is vast, diverse, and deeply regional. Food here isn’t just about ingredients — it’s about land, climate, history, and family traditions passed down through generations. At Otakoi, we wanted to...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/new-set-menu-journey-to-ukraine-discover-a-country-through-its-flavours</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1d174661de78e3b21415b3</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:39:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_c0fcf8cff9104ac187a90f7bf799bcba~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Winter has arrived - and at Otakoï, winter means comfort ]]></title><description><![CDATA[A winter trio, made for midweek Wednesday &#38; Thursday Dinner Special — $49 If you’re craving a proper warm-up, this is your midweek ritual: Borshch + Varenyky + Kompot = $49 Borshch isn’t just soup — it’s an icon. Families make it their own, passing recipes down like heirlooms. It’s rich, earthy, and deeply comforting, the kind of bowl that warms you from the inside out. Varenyky are Ukraine’s beloved dumplings - soft, generous, and made for sharing. They belong at celebrations, family...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/winter-has-arrived-and-at-otako%C3%AF-winter-means-comfort</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1cfa7dd87dcf57d545d9d8</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><category><![CDATA[Ukrainian Food]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:30:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_efdaac4fd1e947d98d991c8927629aad~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Time Out Social Club x Otakoï — a one-night Journey to Ukraine (Thu 18 June)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Some nights feel like dinner. This one is made to feel like a story you step into. On Thursday 18 June, Otakoï is hosting a special Time Out Social Club evening as part of the Time Out Food &#38; Drink Awards season — a celebration of the places locals love, the flavours that bring people together, and the venues that turn a meal into a memory. There is one sitting only - 6:00pm, a guided, set-menu experience inspired by our Journey to Ukraine, with a full entertainment program woven through the...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/time-out-social-club-x-otako%C3%AF-a-one-night-journey-to-ukraine-thu-18-june</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1cf60774254bcae083498d</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:06:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_1f40db06ebfd49a6a8b9a5a8f57e02f2~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Vyshyvanka Day at Otakoï — 21 May ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Wear your story. Come and celebrate together. A vyshyvanka is never “just” clothing. For centuries in Ukraine, embroidery was a language - a quiet way to carry identity when borders shifted, empires came and went, and history tried to rewrite who people were. In villages and cities, patterns were passed down like family recipes: stitched by mothers and grandmothers, saved for holidays, weddings etc - moments when you wanted protection, blessing, and beauty to walk with you. Different regions...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/vyshyvanka-day-at-otako%C3%AF-21-may</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a055a5068a3e7adcb16f68f</guid><category><![CDATA[Events]]></category><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 05:19:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_b1e800128aae4eb38897e6080a01a043~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Locals voted - Otakoï is Melbourne’s Favourite Restaurant for 2026 ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Some news doesn’t just make you proud - it makes you quiet for a moment. Time Out Melbourne has named Otakoï as Melbourne’s Favourite Restaurant for 2026, voted by locals in the Food &#38; Drink Awards People’s Choice. More than 10,000 people took part in the vote, and somehow, our little corner of Windsor became a place you chose again and again. To everyone who’s come in for borshch on a cold night, shared varenyky with friends, or stayed for honey cake “just because”… thank you. This award...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/locals-voted-otako%C3%AF-is-melbourne-s-favourite-restaurant-for-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a03e33f618ba45174fe19a9</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><category><![CDATA[Ukrainian Food]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 02:41:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_0aaf52e8820d485f9f33728c916db99e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Mother’s Day at Otakoï: A Sweet Moment Made by Little Hands]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mother’s Day is about the simplest and most meaningful things — time together, small gestures, and moments that stay in the heart. This year at Otakoï, we wanted to create something a little different.Something not just to enjoy… but to make . On May 10 , we’re inviting our youngest guests to become little creators and make something special for the most important person in their lives — mum   We’ll prepare freshly baked cupcakes and a selection of decorations, colours, and toppings.And...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/mother-s-day-at-otako%C3%AF-a-sweet-moment-made-by-little-hands</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e097dc5ebb5a90196efb34</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><category><![CDATA[Events]]></category><category><![CDATA[Ukrainian Food]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:25:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_354951f6df3e4e1fac22243fd249b94a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_738,h_800,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[We’re Nominated - Vote for Otakoï in Time Out Food &#38; Drink Awards 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[We’re incredibly excited to share that Otakoï has been shortlisted in the Time Out Australia Food &#38; Drink Awards 2026   To be recognised alongside some of the most exciting venues across the country is a huge honour for our team — and for Ukrainian cuisine in Australia. From the very beginning, Otakoï has been about more than just food. It’s about sharing culture, creating a sense of home, and bringing people together around the table. And now, we need your support. ✨ This year includes the...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/we-re-nominated-vote-for-otako%C3%AF-in-time-out-food-drink-awards-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ddfd478946a7ddf471388b</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><category><![CDATA[Ukrainian Food]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:43:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_e8d629e1b2d14cf8baa1b3728cee8013~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Easter at Otakoï: A Taste of Tradition for Your Table]]></title><description><![CDATA[Easter is a time of warmth, family, and gathering around the table — and at Otakoï, it’s a tradition we hold especially close to our hearts  This year, we’re excited to share a selection of traditional Ukrainian Easter favourites , prepared with care and inspired by the recipes we grew up with. At the centre of every Easter table is Paska  — a soft, lightly sweet bread that symbolises celebration, renewal, and togetherness. Baked fresh and made with attention to detail, our paska is...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/easter-at-otako%C3%AF-a-taste-of-tradition-for-your-table</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c093216e2d81392490f18b</guid><category><![CDATA[Ukrainian Food]]></category><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 01:24:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_950be666f9f741269ba09a802cb03fe4~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[We Made the List! Our Varenyky Named One of the Delicious.100 Best Dishes of 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[We are incredibly proud to share some exciting news — our VARENYKY  have been chosen as one of the Delicious.100 Best Dishes and Drinks of 2026 . To see Ukrainian dumplings recognised among Australia’s must-try flavours for the year ahead is truly special for our entire team. The Delicious.100 celebrates the most memorable dishes across Australia - from iconic classics to bold new favourites. And this year, our handmade varenyky are part of that national conversation. Made fresh in-house...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/we-made-the-list-our-varenyky-named-one-of-the-delicious-100-best-dishes-of-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a0e921ab2490cb67faee86</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><category><![CDATA[Ukrainian Food]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 01:03:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_35b10507bd4d4863a41b3936957cf024~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Varenyky: The Story of Ukraine in One Dumpling]]></title><description><![CDATA[There are dishes you eat — and there are dishes that carry a nation’s memory. In Ukraine, varenyky are not simply dumplings. They are ritual, symbolism, celebration, survival, and home. Long before they appeared on restaurant menus, they were shaped by hand in village kitchens, folded by grandmothers, and served at tables where generations gathered. Today, they remain one of the most iconic pillars of Ukraine’s  culinary identity — a dish that has travelled through centuries without losing...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/varenyky-the-story-of-ukraine-in-one-dumpling</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f9d0bbf1bf6f6a2a833fe</guid><category><![CDATA[Ukrainian Food]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 01:14:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_b38be6fd87f24b8b914a33bceeae2d0c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_769,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Four Years of War. Four Years of Resilience.]]></title><description><![CDATA[February marks four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine — four years of loss, courage, rebuilding, and unwavering resilience. This week, Hanna and Eugene Hawryszko (leader of the Association of Ukrainians in Victoria), were invited to appear on ABC News Morning Show to reflect on this anniversary. In the interview, they spoke about the realities of war, the refugee experience, and the journey of Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes but not their identity. They...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/four-years-of-war-four-years-of-resilience</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f9840bf1bf6f6a2a82a5b</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 01:02:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_b21a24cb351040bb916ca52692e0a402~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_564,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Unleash Your Inner Artist: Van Gogh Sunflower Masterclasses at Otakoi]]></title><description><![CDATA[There is a Ukrainian saying that "the heart of the people is in their art," and at Otakoi, we believe that culture is best shared through creativity and community. This April, we are thrilled to host two very special events: our Van Gogh Sunflower Art Classes . Inspired by the vibrant energy of Vincent van Gogh’s iconic sunflowers - the national flower of Ukraine - these sessions are designed to let your creative expression flow in a warm, welcoming environment. Whether you are a seasoned...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/unleash-your-inner-artist-van-gogh-sunflower-masterclasses-at-otakoi</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699915b4d0665d05ef55419d</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><category><![CDATA[Events]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 02:26:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_f2af23de68b749fb9ea52f0b790fed40~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Journey to Ukraine: Discover a Country Through Its Flavours]]></title><description><![CDATA[For many of our guests, Ukrainian cuisine is completely new. No familiar reference point. No expectations. Just curiosity. That’s exactly why we created Journey to Ukraine  — a dining experience designed as a culinary route across the country, from west to east, where every dish tells a story. Ukraine is vast, diverse, and deeply regional. Food here isn’t just about ingredients — it’s about land, climate, history, and family traditions passed down through generations. At Otakoi, we wanted to...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/journey-to-ukraine-discover-a-country-through-its-flavours</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6982f4c90b2d097f708a4f2a</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><category><![CDATA[Ukrainian Food]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 07:57:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_505f6c34cbf54093a987750893f45fbd~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Shisha Coming Soon Upstairs at OhTak Bar]]></title><description><![CDATA[We’re getting ready to introduce something new to our evening experience. Very soon , you’ll be able to enjoy shisha (hookah / kalyan)   upstairs at OhTak Bar , on our rooftop terrace , from 8:00 PM onwards . Whether you’re finishing dinner downstairs or joining us just for drinks, the night will soon continue upstairs with cocktails, conversation, open air — and shisha. A relaxed rooftop ritual Shisha at OhTak Bar is designed as a slow, social experience . Unhurried evenings, shared moments,...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/shisha-coming-soon-upstairs-at-ohtak-bar</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6982e34699fa9e70ea6402ab</guid><category><![CDATA[OhTak Bar]]></category><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:15:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_eaddc37477c7485ea3d14841cf6ffe25~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Night of Songs, Laughter &#38; Pure Joy — Live with Iryna Karanets]]></title><description><![CDATA[Last Saturday night at OhTak Bar  turned into something truly special. What started as a live set quickly became a room full of voices, smiles, and shared moments — the kind of night where strangers sing together, glasses clink, and time slows down just enough to enjoy it all. Iryna Karanets filled the bar with warmth, emotion, and joy. Familiar melodies, heartfelt singing, and that beautiful energy that only live music can bring. It wasn’t just a performance — it was a shared experience. And...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/a-night-of-songs-laughter-pure-joy-live-with-iryna-karanets</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6982b0dd889819a51f087e76</guid><category><![CDATA[Events]]></category><category><![CDATA[OhTak Bar]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:45:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_7c76224d49b44cf096a2010d31f6caa4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Celebrating Birthdays at Otakoï: Where Food, Culture, and People Come Together]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every week, we see the same beautiful thing happen at Otakoï . A birthday table fills up. Someone brings flowers. Glasses clink. And very quickly, it feels like home. Birthdays at Otakoï are never just about the food — they’re about connection. About gathering people around one table and sharing something meaningful. A Special Place for Those with Ukrainian Roots For many of our guests with Ukrainian roots, celebrating a birthday here means reconnecting with flavours, traditions, and moments...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/celebrating-birthdays-at-otako%C3%AF-where-food-culture-and-people-come-together</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6982934f99fa9e70ea635c6c</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><category><![CDATA[Ukrainian Food]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:39:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_79980294b7064255b6025a30cc9f3d1e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_629,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pickled Tomatoes, Stories, and Brunch: A Ukrainian Masterclass at Otakoï]]></title><description><![CDATA[In Ukrainian homes, pickled tomatoes are never just a side dish. They sit right in the middle of the table — next to warm food, long chats, laughter, and stories that somehow always last longer than planned. Every family has their own recipe. Every jar has its own little history. At Otakoï , we’ve always believed that food is about more than what’s on the plate. It’s about moments, connection, and feeling like you belong at the table. That’s why we’re starting something new. Brunches with...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/pickled-tomatoes-stories-and-brunch-a-ukrainian-masterclass-at-otako%C3%AF</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69828a7299fa9e70ea634acd</guid><category><![CDATA[Events]]></category><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><category><![CDATA[Ukrainian Food]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 23:58:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_28744582d7e54b3db06232a7475ef248~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Live Ukrainian Music Upstairs at OhTak Bar]]></title><description><![CDATA[Some evenings are made to be unhurried. This Saturday, 31 January , we invite you to begin your night with dinner at Otakoï , then continue upstairs at OhTak Bar  for a special live music set by Iryna Karanets  from 7–8 PM . An intimate live set Iryna Karanets will perform a selection of Ukrainian songs and familiar melodies , filling the bar with warmth, emotion, and a sense of connection. It’s not a loud concert — it’s a moment. Music that sits comfortably alongside conversation, cocktails,...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/live-ukrainian-music-upstairs-at-ohtak-bar</link><guid isPermaLink="false">697ac34fb3cf8ba238470e84</guid><category><![CDATA[Events]]></category><category><![CDATA[OhTak Bar]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 02:23:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_14bb6c5b6f184e008ed7eb3120b1e062~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_686,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Smoke in the Air: Shashlyk Party on the Rooftop at OhTak Bar]]></title><description><![CDATA[Smoke in the air. Skewers on the grill. Cold drinks in hand. This is how summer evenings are meant to feel. Last week we hosted our first Shashlyk Party , and wow — it was a huge success . Great energy, smoky grills, shared tables and so many happy faces. Thank you to everyone who joined us  Because you loved it, we’re making it a Sunday tradition . Juicy meat sizzling over charcoal, fresh sides on the table, chilled drinks, and the sun slowly setting over the city. Shashlyk is more than...]]></description><link>https://mickstao.wixsite.com/otako/post/smoke-in-the-air-shashlyk-party-on-the-rooftop-at-ohtak-bar</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69707e1454e2da656249be5b</guid><category><![CDATA[Events]]></category><category><![CDATA[OhTak Bar]]></category><category><![CDATA[Ukrainian Food]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 07:24:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f2afc_0c58de393f56405fac804b87e92d2f15~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item></channel></rss>