Glorious pierogi. This delicious concoction of filling tucked into a tender dough pocket and pan fried to perfection is an essential component of ethnic Buffalo. Our city being settled by waves of immigrants has allowed for many diverse cultures and their cuisines to take root in the Queen City. Eastern European immigrants flooded the East Side of Buffalo in the late 1800’s, bringing with them their traditions, religion, and food.
By now, my admiration, adoration, and affinity for pierogi is probably clear. Indeed, BR in general appreciates pierogi as evidenced in Christa’s Slavic Bazzar post, Emilie Reister’s Easter piece, and my filled dough pocket piece in the latest issue of BR magazine. Let us rejoice in this perfect pairing of dough and filling. Head to Corpus Christi Church this weekend to celebrate pierogi and Buffalo’s ethnic heritage as they hold a pierogi party.
Last year, Buffalo showed its pierogi pride in the first ever Mrs. T’s Pierogy Pocket Capital of America contest. By flaunting our great love for the pierogi, we beat out cities like Garfield, NJ, Lancaster, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Providence, RI. Not only did we win the inceptive title of Pierogy Pocket Capital of America, but we also won $10,000 to support city programs!
This year Corpus Christi Parish intends to defend the title by hosting Buffalo’s biggest Pierogi Party this Sunday, immediately after 11:30AM mass. Four varieties of pierogi will be available for purchase: cheese, sauerkraut, meat, and potato. All of the pierogi are being handmade by Corpus Christi parishioners as we speak. There will also be music featuring a pierogi song written by Corpus Christi’s own Father Chalupka.
I don’t know a single person who doesn’t enjoy well made pierogi. This is as good an excuse as any to head to the East Side and celebrate this ethnic dish in the historic neighborhood. So come out and help retain Buffalo’s title as Pierogy Pocket Capital of America!
Corpus Christi Church
199 Clark Street
Sunday, September 9, 12:30-2:30PM
Editor’s Note: At BR, we spell the name of this delightful dish “pierogi”, the spelling most commonly used in our area. The official title of the contest, as determined by Mrs. T’s, uses the spelling that ends in a “y”- “pierogy”.