NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Two Boots Pizza may be known for its thin crust Cajun-inspired pizza, but the New York City-based chain has expanded its culinary repertoire to include Ukrainian fare on its pizzas as it raises funds for Ukrainians affected by Russia's invasion of the country.
The Two Boots locations in the East Village and in the West Village have created two pizzas, of which proceeds will be donated to a Ukrainian charity: The "Mr. Ze" pizza, named after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and "The Lesya" pizza, named after Ukrainian poet Lesya Ukrainka.
Two Boots employee Michael Perry shows off a fresh-out-of-the-oven "Mr. Ze" pizza at the chain's East Village location.David Caplan/1010 WINS-WCBS 880
Thg highlight of the Mr. Ze pizza is kielbasa from the Ukrainian J. Baczynsky East Village Meat Market. The pizza is also topped with roasted peppers, onion and garlic.
The presidential pie "Mr. Ze" at Two Boots.David Caplan/1010 WINS-WCBS 880
Two Boots' East Village location, located on Avenue A.David Caplan/1010 WINS-WCBS 880
The Leysa pizza is simpler than the Mr. Ze, but also features a Ukrainian staple from a neighborhood haunt: borscht from Veselka restaurant.
"The Lesya" pizza is named after Ukrainian poet Lesya Ukrainka.David Caplan/1010 WINS-WCBS 880
"The Lesya" pizzaDavid Caplan/1010 WINS-WCBS 880
"They're popular," Michael Perry, an employee at the East Village Two Boots said. "A lot of people come to support Ukraine."
Proceeds from sales of the two pizzas will benefit Razom for Ukraine. According to its website, "the sovereign nation of Ukraine has to deal with the most horrendous and catastrophic emergency – a brutal invasion. Razom is responding to this by providing critical medical supplies and amplifying the voices of Ukrainians.
Aside from the West Village and East Village, Two Boots has locations in Williamsburg, Park Slope, Jersey City, and two in Tennessee.
