Pgh Pierogi Truck Rolls Out

Expert pierogi-maker Lynne Szarnicki, owner of Polish Pierogi in New Kensington, is taking her treats on the road with the Pgh Pierogi Truck.

BY PM STAFF

LYNNE SZARNICKI TAKES HER POLISH DUMPLINGS ON THE ROAD
Pittsburgh’s obsession with pierogies is hardly sudden — it’s been said that we consume roughly 11 times more of the Eastern-European delicacy than any other city. Plus, the Great Pierogi Race, held at the bottom of the fifth inning at Pirates games, gives locals even more reason to seek out the perfect dumplings. Now, expert pierogi-maker Lynne Szarnicki, owner of Polish Pierogi in New Kensington, is bringing these treats to you via the one and only Pgh Pierogi Truck.

Why create a pierogi truck?
Pittsburghers love pierogies! My family is Polish, and I learned how to make them in a church basement. I started Polish Pierogi eight years ago after college.

So, what’s on the menu?
There are 10 different kinds of pierogies [see polishpierogi.com for a full list], but the potato-cheese is everybody’s favorite. We also sell stuffed cabbage and haluski.

Do you have a personal favorite?
The saukerkraut-mushroom. I definitely recommend it.

Where does the truck stop?
We have four regular stops, all at farmers markets, during the week: Monday from 3-7 p.m. at Caste Village in White Hall, Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. in Tarentum, Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at Green Tree Park, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in Mt. Lebanon. We also do special events — so if anybody wants to book us, just call. We’ll bring the truck to you, with whatever you want!

(Find out where Polish Pierogi's Pierogi Truck will be next: twitter.com/pghpierogitruck)
—PM Editorial Intern Caitlyn Kronket

HUNT IS ON FOR 'BURGHERS' BEST BURGER RECIPES
Perhaps you're a whiz in the kitchen but don't like to show off. Well, River Restaurant, located in the DoubleTree by Hilton in Green Tree, is having a contest where you can display culinary prowess: Just submit your favorite burger recipe to be tested by some serious foodies.

The winning recipe will be selected after the Aug. 31 entry deadline, and the winner will receive some attention; not only will the burger be added to the eatery's new Champions Club menu, but the star chef will also be treated to an overnight weekend stay at the hotel and will have a chance to sample their own creation.

Sweet deal, huh? If you think you've got what it takes, submit your idea here.

(DoubleTree by Hilton, 500 Mansfield Ave., Green Tree; doubletree3.hilton.com)
—PM Editorial Intern Caitlin Restelli

GRAPEVINE: A HAPPY ROSE'
This week’s pick is a rosé from Portugal. Casal Garcia Vinho Verde Rosé is made in the “vinho verde” style, which literally means green wine, and is know for its fresh, fruity character. The Casal Garcia vineyard is more than 70 years old and touts itself as the “true flagship of the Portuguese happy way of life.”

“It is slightly effervescent, amazingly fresh and invigorating, and just a hint of residual sugar balances out the red fruit tannin, acidity and fizz,” says Megan Painter, a retail wine specialist for the PLCB. “Chill this one and drink it while enjoying the last of the warm weather.” 

(Casal Garcia Vinho Verde Rosé, Portugal, is a current Chairman’s Selection that's available at local Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores and online; product code: 38607; $8.99; finewineandgoodspirits.com)