A taste of what's coming at Asheville's new Ukrainian café, Slava

Chef Svitlana Eadie is set to open Slava, Asheville’s first Ukrainian café and bakery, in late July to early August at 37 Wall St. downtown. The café will serve breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, featuring traditional Ukrainian dishes like cabbage rolls (stuffed with beef, rice, and vegetables, simmered in tomato sauce) and vegan versions, alongside Ukrainian-style pancakes called Deruny. Eadie, who has lived in Asheville for 20 years, has long shared recipes from her grandmother and mother through her catering company, Svitlana’s Kitchen, launched in 2017. Slava’s name, meaning 'glory' in Ukrainian, reflects Eadie’s gratitude for her journey and the support she’s received. The café will join a revitalizing food scene on Wall Street, neighboring longstanding restaurants like The Market Place and Early Girl Eatery, as well as the recently opened Asheville Forager grocery store. Eadie chose the location for its walkability and charm, noting the cobblestone street and autumn foliage evoke a sense of Ukraine. The menu will blend authentic Ukrainian flavors with Eadie’s original creations, including her grandmother’s cabbage roll recipe, which she describes as perfect without alteration. Breakfast will feature Deruny, made using her great-grandmother’s recipe. The café’s opening marks a milestone for Eadie, who has spent years building her business while balancing immigration, family, and career challenges. Slava’s launch coincides with a wave of new businesses in the area, including El Tesoro’s recent move into the former Cucina 24 space and Flour Café’s upcoming relocation. Eadie hopes the café will become a hub for community, sharing Ukrainian culture through food and creating connections among guests.