The 2025 Slavic "Plus" Food Fest at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church was an absolute October…read morehighlight! A perfect fall Saturday + amazing food = one very happy festival-goer.
Yes, the line was LONG (about 45 minutes for me), but volunteers helped by handing out menus so you could plan your feast while you waited. Once you got inside, the process was smooth: grab a tray, pick your drinks and bakery treats, get your order form started, then move along to the hot food ordering station before paying at the cashier. After that, it was just waiting for your number to be called and collecting your hot food at the counter.
And what a menu! Halupki (stuffed cabbage), pierogi, halushki, Macedonian pub burgers, kielbasa, Eritrean tsebi derho (spicy chicken stew), alicha wot (veggie stew), spanakopita, strudel, baklava, nut and poppy seed rolls...the list went on and on.
My order: Kielbasa with sauerkraut on a rye roll ($6.50): juicy, flavorful, and the rye roll pairing was genius. First time having it this way, and I'm sold! Spanakopita ($4): huge portion, flaky layers, buttery and delicious. Walnut kifli ($2 for 4 cookies): brought these home for later, but they looked fantastic. Lemonade ($2). And because I couldn't resist: an ice cream sundae with baklava crumble ($4) -- and wow. The crunch + cream combo was perfection. Total damage for the day...$18.50 with 4 cookies and most of the spanakopita in the fridge for late-night snackies.
I ate picnic-style in the grass, then strolled the beautiful church grounds with my sundae in hand, soaking it all in.
Pro tips:
Don't be intimidated by the line--the food is worth it.
Restrooms are available inside, just ask a volunteer (I found two with zero wait despite the big crowd).
Go on Saturday if you can--food sells fast and you'll have the best selection early.
This was my first time attending, and it's officially earned a spot on my annual must-go festival list. The later-in-the-season timing is perfect, and the food was outstanding. Already looking forward to 2026!