By Roma Mandzyk:
Perhaps it’s the very discomfort of the climate that makes Ukrainians delight in the outdoors. There’s nothing like a walk down the banks of the icy Dnieper River to make one crave the comfort of delicate pierogi.
On Friday, February 18 grab your ration cards and head down to the Ukrainian Social Club for a ritual of late winter: Pierogi Love Night. Come eat the dumplings that are street foods in Ukraine and in the other countries of Eastern Europe. Resident chef, Mrs. H will have the windows of Buffalo’s oldest Ukrainian social club steamed up from 6pm to 11 pm, serving handmade Ukrainian food like pierogi with caramelized onions, stuffed cabbage, and peppery traditional borscht. DJ Taras will be playing his Perestroika favorites – a mix of psych rock, old and new.
Lounge around at the club’s chic full-service bar, which features an array of heady Ukrainian beers by Obolon, along with European and American beer and liquor. As if that wasn’t enough, you can pose for obligatory photos with patriotic symbols, by artist and former plastynka (Ukrainian girl scout), Lukia Costello.
Menu:
-Pierogi Dinner (six) – boiled dumplings with caramelized onion. Choice of stuffings: potato, sauerkraut, or farmer’s cheese filling. $6
-Holubtsi (cabbage rolls) – rice, meat & mushroom stuffed, with tomato sauce. Served with a classic Ukrainian lettuce salad, with onion (oil & vinegar) $4
-Combination Plate – Three pierogies and one cabbage roll $5
-Ukrainian borscht with dumplings and mushrooms (cup) $2
(pan-fried fish dinner and other dishes available too!)
Frozen pierogies to go (12) $8
To place your order for food at the Club, grab a menu from a table or the bar. You place your order at the door in the rear and somebody carries a tray to where you’re sitting or standing. Kitchen and bar is cash only.
Pierogi Love Night at the Ukrainian Social Club
Ukrainian-American Civic Center
205 Military Rd., Buffalo. 716-877-7200.
5:30 p.m. Friday, February 18
Special pub night celebrating pierogi heritage at Buffalo’s oldest Ukrainian social club.
Free admission.
No credit cards.
Family-friendly, but bar open to 21+ only with required ID.