Recently, a number of episodes of the well-known Ukrainian program “Grandma’s Pies” were filmed.
The founder and host of the program is Yana Menshova, a cultural figure, activist, mother of two and wife of a military officer.
Yana has a law degree (specialist) and is in the second year of her master’s degree in psychology and higher education. Her experience includes work in various fields, including administration of mass charity events and college teaching. She is actively developing as an opinion leader and cultural figure.
“We are pleased to announce the launch of new episodes of our favorite program ”Grandma’s Pies“, which, after rebranding and format update, will be released in a new, even brighter form!” says Yana Menshova.
This time, the program got a new atmosphere and style, and the filming took place in the unique space of Art Pizza, a place that perfectly emphasizes the spirit of Ukrainian culture and traditions.
Yana is not only the producer and host of the program “Grandma’s Pies”, but also the owner of TM “Grandma’s Pies”, a brand that combines the traditions of Ukrainian cuisine with modern culinary trends.
Yana is actively working to promote Ukrainian culture and heritage through cooking, food, memories and traditions, particularly in the context of dishes passed down from generation to generation from our grandmothers. Her initiatives include charity events, speaking at marathons and participating in television projects. She is also the owner and designer of the Bitanga brand, which creates clothing, textiles and toys with a Ukrainian accent. The brand was presented at a charity show with Eurovision stars in 2024.
In the program “Grandma’s Pies”, viewers have the opportunity to share their favorite recipes that have been passed down in their families from generation to generation.
“We prepare these dishes according to original recipes, and then the celebrity guests taste them in an interesting conversation, discussing not only the flavors but also the stories associated with each dish. It’s a real culinary journey, where each dish is a part of our cultural heritage,” says Yana.
In particular, this time the guests of the program were famous personalities and cultural figures.
Svitlana Golovchuk is a designer, founder of the Passarinho brand, poet, and winner of the Brand of the Country award. Svitlana was born in the Carpathians and has been fascinated by Ukrainian traditions and culture since childhood. Her jewelry collections, such as “Heritage of Generations” and “Heritage of the Nation,” reflect the richness of Ukrainian traditions and are true artistic masterpieces that popularize Ukrainian style far beyond the country’s borders.
Zoya Holovatyuk is a woman warrior, writer, and artist. She was the first woman to sign a three-year contract to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Zoya is the author of a collection of poems and is actively engaged in artistic work, including beadwork. Her incredible courage and creativity have made her a true icon of strength and inspiration. She was present at the program with her daughter, Anna Naklyutska, who is studying to become a psychologist.
Yuriy Tarasenko is a landscape architect, interior and graphic designer, member of the National Union of Architects of Ukraine. Yuriy is an expert in the field of preservation of folk architecture and design, as well as the author of numerous projects for the restoration of cultural monuments. His contribution to the development of Ukrainian architecture and landscape design is invaluable.
Yulia Savchenko is the owner of Art Pizza, formerly a marketing manager at Radio Rocks. Yulia actively promotes the development of Ukrainian gastronomy and culture through her restaurant, which has become not only a place for delicious food, but also a center for cultural initiatives.
Olena Zinchenko is a producer of TAVR Media’s morning shows and a cultural activist who works on projects to promote Ukrainian culture through the media. Her experience in the media industry helped create a new concept for the program, which now combines not only culinary traditions but also deep cultural stories.
“These people have become not only participants in the filming, but also a living example of how our culture develops and changes with the times. Their contribution to the development of Ukrainian culture is invaluable, and their stories and creativity are becoming an integral part of our modern heritage,” says Yana.
It is noticeable that all the guests were dressed in Renaissance costumes, because our grandmothers used to be nobility too, which is something that history is silent about.
“We want to pass on, first and foremost, Ukrainian recipes, traditions, and the culture that our grandparents passed on to their grandchildren. We also emphasize the fact that grandmothers are also different,” emphasizes Yana.
These are the noble Cossack balls, where ancient Ukrainian cuisine was prepared. And also modern ones, which are also passed down by modern grandparents. This includes proper nutrition for the health of grandchildren, children, and simply delicious dishes that we create ourselves and pass on to our children. Ukrainian culture is diverse, versatile, rich, and we have something to pass on.
Someday we will be grandparents and pass on our knowledge to the next generations.
So, Grandma’s Pies is more than just a cooking program. It is a project that revives Ukrainian traditions, emphasizes healthy eating and preserving the cultural heritage passed down from generation to generation.
