February 18, 2010

Student Center to host Pierogi Fest 2010

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Pierogi Fest 2010 is a two-day event coming soon to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Student Center. In celebration of Casimir Pulaski, the Polish and American Revolutionary War hero, there’s a pierogi-making workshop Feb. 25 and a Polish-inspired buffet March 1.

Visit the Craft Shop 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Feb. 25 to learn how to make the Polish/European half-moon shaped dumpling stuffed with cheeses, meats, vegetables and spices. The $10 workshop fee includes all the supplies you need to make pierogies.

Advance registration is required and the class is limited to the first 16 to sign up. For more information, or to register, call the Craft Shop at 618/453-3636 or look online at www.siucstudentcenter.org.

Then, pierogis are the featured cuisine for a special Polish-inspired buffet at the Student Center’s Old Main Restaurant from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on March 1, Casimir Pulaski Day in Illinois. Staff will create pierogies on site and you’re welcome to watch and then enjoy the entire “all you can eat” buffet for $7.29 plus tax.

The buffet menu for the day includes kielbasa and kraut, kotlet schabowy (fried pork cutlet), baked apples, pureed root vegetables, buttered cabbage and onion, roasted zucchini and squash, potato soup, and of course, Polish pierogies. Walk-ins are welcome but seating is limited so for reservations call 618/453-1130. Diners may also order from the grill menu or enjoy the soup and salad bar.