Introducing the Kobza Café – a boho ethno-chic Ukrainian café selling artisan coffee and traditional Ukrainian soul food.
The menu will be curated by some of Adelaide’s finest commercial and community chefs, who together with an army of volunteers will delight in presenting culinary treats that not only bring comfort, but will connect you with the soul of Ukraine.
Locally roasted coffee by Adelaide’s artisan roastery, Coffee in Common, using ethically sourced coffee beans will be a feature of the cafe. The artisans from Coffee in Common have trained a group of recent graduates from the Ukrainian Community Language School, and newly arrived Ukrainians who have sought refuge from the war in Ukraine, in the art of creating an exquisite coffee.
Creative pursuits are sometimes the best way to find meaning when your world has been turned upside down, and community installation artists, Kalyna Micenko and Bob Daly from SpinFX AustrAlia will be working with these newly arrived Ukrainians to create a set of large flags with motifs that reflect Ukrainian culture and traditions, and which will adorn the perimeter of the tent. Two large shady trees next to the tent will have eye catching musical chairs, garlands and ornate decorative installations.
Look out for the vinochky – Ukrainian dancers head wear gently swaying in an allure of colourful flowers and ribbons, a symbol of protection, freedom, and a spiritual return home, beckoning you inside.
Once inside, relax, feast on the soul food, linger with the coffee and take in the atmosphere.
And be enticed by Ukrainian souvenirs and merchandise that will be on sale. T-shirts, tote bags and aprons all designed by Tamara Jakovlev from Adelaide’s bespoke advertising studio Design Girl will feature in the merchandise stall.
Kobza Café is an initiative of the Association of Ukrainians in South Australia (AUSA) and has brought together a wide range of cultural, educational, welfare and spiritual communities that are aligned with AUSA with the primary motive of raising funds for the devastating humanitarian crisis that has emanated from the unlawful invasion of Ukraine. All money raised at the Kobza Café will go to the nationally coordinated Ukraine Crisis Appeal – a joint initiative of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations (CYOA), Rotary Australia World Community Service, and Caritas Ukraine.