Rolling in Dough – Pierogies!
In the vein of doughy snacks reaching a fever pitch, pierogies are falling in line nicely right alongside doughnuts, bagels, and empanadas. Considering Chicago’s enormous Polish population, it’s only appropriate that Poland’s contribution to the dumpling world would eventually arise in Chicago’s culinary landscape. And boy is it doing so.
Pierogies are the perfect carb fuel for a night on the dance floor. Hence, the new partnership between the Pierogi Wagon food truck and Slippery Slope is apropos. Originated by Jessica Whitney and Damian Warzecha, the Pierogi Wagon is slinging their dumplings from Slippery Slope’s concession window on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
In addition to nourishing dance crowds in Logan Square, the Pierogi Wagon also just opened its own storefront in Humboldt Park dubbed Polak Eatery. More offbeat than the dumpling-focused truck, Polak fuses Polish fare with contemporary American, accenting their pierogi arsenal with coffee, paczki, borscht, schnitzel burgers, and more.
In River North, one cuisine left untouched was Eastern European. Until now. Bohemian House ventures into Eastern European territory with a slick menu of modern Polish, Czech, German, and Austrian fare crafted by chef Jimmy Papadopoulos. One of the standout examples of his contemporary and refined ethos are the pierogies, here stuffed with beef and immersed in roasted carrots, sour cream, and pickled shallots. Retaining that hearty comfort factor while upgrading the template and polishing the Polish norm, Bohemian House stands out strong.
Still to come, Iliana Regan of Lincoln Square’s Elizabeth recently announced plans to open a new casual restaurant focused on one of her most popular creations over the years; you guessed it, pierogi. Details are still scant, but expect pierogies aplenty along with an ample toast selection, and presumably plenty of other thoughtful tricks and twists from the dexterous chef.
Slippery Slope
2357 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
(773) 799-8504
Website
Polak Eatery
1043 N. California Avenue, Chicago
(312) 291-1902
Website
Bohemian House
11 W. Illinois Street, Chicago
(312) 955-0439
Website
