My Story in the Netherlands: Built from Scratch, Served with Heart

When I arrived in the Netherlands because of the war, I had to rebuild my life from zero — new country, new language, new reality. My friends were suddenly spread across the world, and the hardest part was feeling completely alone.

But I grew up in Odessa, in a family where BBQ is a core value.
For us, BBQ isn’t just food — it’s how we celebrate, connect, and share warmth with people we care about.
So when I found myself alone here, I turned back to what I knew best:
fire, meat, people, and hospitality.

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From charity BBQs to real celebrations

I began organizing charity BBQ events for Ukrainians in Amsterdam, Westerpark — cooking for people who felt exactly like I did. These events became a small piece of home, a place where people smiled again.

Soon, I started getting invited to birthdays and private celebrations.
I invested in better equipment, improved my marinades, built processes, and gained a lot of real experience.

Add video: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zywAA27dsQfMbbQ2A

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That’s when I understood:
This is more than just BBQ. This is my new direction.

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The birth of Vasiliadi BBQ

After researching the Dutch catering market, I made the decision to create something real:
Vasiliadi BBQ Events — a project built entirely from scratch, with the heart of Odessa and the hospitality of home.

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About weddings — the funny part

I grill at weddings quite often.
But one day I realized something simple:

I am always working at weddings.
My chance to actually party at a wedding is almost zero.

And since most people in my age group are already married, I couldn’t expect to be invited as a guest anytime soon.

So my Odessa creativity kicked in.

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The idea: Fake Wedding

If life doesn’t offer new weddings — I’ll create one myself.

No bride.
No groom.
Just the full celebration:

💍 traditions
🎤 host
💃 dancing
🍰 cake
🥂 toasts
🔥 and, of course, BBQ

People loved it so much that I’ve already organized:

• ‍2 Fake Weddings
• 1 Fake Bachelor Party‍

Each event earned amazing feedback, respect, and real community energy.

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What’s next: January 2026

We’re preparing the next big event:

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Fake Corporate New Year Eve — “B.V. Amsterdamtje”

A mix of celebration, humor, community, music, and my signature BBQ.

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Why I do this

Because my values are simple:
fun, drink, dance, people, community, and really good food.

If these values match yours — you should experience at least one of our events.
I’m sure you’ll want to come back.

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Built from scratch, served with heart.

And yes —
🎥 You can watch a highlights video from one of these events below: https://photos.app.goo.gl/5thioEu2cDkF1x4CA