In Chicago's Wicker Park, a taste of Poland arrives with the opening of Pierogi Kitchen, as owners Artur Wnorowski and Gosia Pieniazek revamp their barbecue eatery into a haven for Polish fare. The couple, already known for their barbecue joints around the city, has decided to shift gears from their previous venture, Firewood BBQ, toward a menu rich in pierogi and traditional dishes.
The restaurant, which graced the palate of Chicagoans with barbecue since last March, transformed, according to Block Club Chicago. It's the smoked brisket pierogi, a crowd-pleaser during its brunch service, that inspired a menu now boasting savory and sweet pierogi, along with hunter’s stew and pickled herring. The culinary duo didn't completely ditch their barbeque roots; diners can still indulge in smoked meats, including brisket and Angus steak.
Every pierogi at Pierogi Kitchen is a testament to the handmade tradition Wnorowski's family has cherished for generations, with a smoked kielbasa sausage recipe that's been passed down through the ages. "I have all the recipes. The sausage recipe is just written on a piece of paper from my family," Wnorowski recollected in a statement obtained by Block club Chicago.
Combining their Polish heritage with years of experience in Wicker Park – Pieniazek serving at the Busy Bee diner and Wnorowski frequenting the local music scene – the restaurateurs bring not only food to the table but a slice of personal history. With plans to serve daily brunch and an array of Polish vodkas and liqueurs, Pierogi Kitchen is set to become a community hotspot. Moreover, the couple aims to connect with their patrons through pierogi-making classes, with Pieniazek saying to Block Club Chicago, "These are daily made, handmade pierogi. So this is how we are different from many other places."
The spirit of Poland is alive and well at 1856 W. North Ave., where Pierogi Kitchen doors are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, an hour later on Fridays and Saturdays, and starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays. This is more than a restaurant; it's where the Wicker Park neighborhood can indulge in the truly Polish soul food, recreated and served with love.
