Eat-Write-Travel No. 2 - Poland

Last month was Armenia. This month is Poland.

Being situated in Wrocław, we could have picked just about any old Polish place for our Eat-Write-Travel series, but we went with a choice suggested by Alan Townend, our expert local restaurant patron who gives it a thumbs-up.

According to the Wielkopolska Chronicle, Poles are descended from Lech, one of three brothers who founded the Slavs. Legend has it that Lech, and his brothers Czech and Rus, went hunting but as each were chasing different prey, they went different ways. Czech went west, Rus went east, and Lech went north. While retrieving an arrow, Lech found himself face-to-face with a huge white eagle that defended its nest from him. Outstreched against the red sunset, Lech decided that the bird of prey was a good omen and he founded his capital below its tree, naming it Gniezo (meaning "Nest"). He also adopted a red and white banner to honor the white eagle that today serves as the state coat of arms.

Cuisine a la polonaise tends to be rich and heavy, and traditionally takes a lot of time to prepare, particularly both Christmas and Easter feasts, which have special traditions all their own. The menu for our venue features such favorites as pierogi, soups served in a breaded dish, gołąbki, and other Polish favorites. While eating, we'll discuss ideas for events we might want to organize in coming months, or possibly even other cuisines we'll want to try here in Wroclaw.

If you are in town, we hope you'll join us.