Wherewithall to aid Ukraine with weekend pop-up

Parachute and Wherewithall co-chef Johnny Clark has launched Anelya, a weekend pop-up within his Avondale restaurant to honor his late Ukrainian grandmother and support her home country.

Why it matters: "Cooking Ukrainian food has been an ardent rediscovery of myself and where I come from," Clark tells Axios.

• "I have found a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment introducing others to Ukrainian cuisine."

How it works: For $225 a ticket, Clark will present a rotating menu of regional Ukrainian fare on Fridays and Saturdays through December at a 12-seat communal table in a private dining room at Wherewithall.

• The five-course meal will also include a cocktail and appetizer, followed by tea and discussion for those who stay.
• Clark is collaborating on the menu with Marina Yakush, a Ukrainian chef and refugee who recently arrived in Chicago.

The intrigue: Proceeds benefit BlueCheck Ukraine, a charity run by actor/director Liev Schreiber funding NGO projects in Ukraine.

• "I see America as a nation of grandchildren. There aren’t many people here who haven’t come from someplace else. Who didn’t fight a war or push a cart somewhere so their grandchildren could have the freedoms and liberties we enjoy," Schreiber tells Axios.
• "I think that’s exactly what chef Johnny Clark is demonstrating so beautifully with his pop up, Anelya. I’m super proud to be part of it."