My mother and I were on a trip to Chicopee to hear a talk about finding our Polish ancestors. We wanted to enjoy some authentic Polish food while we were in the area, and after looking online, we decided that the restaurant at Pulaski Hall was the place to try.
When we arrived, we were disappointed to find out that the restaurant was closed (only open Wed-Friday - I never saw this on any of the reviews, or the web page, etc.). However, the bartender said that we could still get food! I wish I knew her name, she was very nice. I will admit that we were not sure what we were in for - the bartender was our waitress, and apparently cooking the food too?
I can't speak of the restaurant, but in the bar we were seated on the other side of a partition, so we were in our own space. The tables and chairs appeared to be newer. There was a smell of varnish, and it looked like maybe the wood had recently been refinished. The floors were clean. I don't think they allow smoking inside, so we did not have to contend with cigarette smell while we ate.
When the food came out, it was piping hot, and everything was soooo good. We both had ordered the Polish combination plate - kapusta, galumpki, pierogi, kielbasa, and some fresh rye bread. It was all delicious. Extra points for serving it on a porcelain plate (we thought we were going to get paper or plastic). The flavors were all so fabulous. I wish I could get the recipe for the kapusta - or maybe more of a technique. The cabbage was chopped up fine, and I think there was some carrots, maybe onion? Not sure if there was pork because it was so fine. We both chose the potato and cheese pierogi, and the filling was light and fluffy. Only disappointment was that there was only one! The galumpki was cooked perfectly, and the stuffing had a very subtle seasoning. The kielbasa was probably commercial, but it was also very good. The bread was also store bought, but it was very fresh and flavorful. I joke about another pierogi, but I wouldn't have been able to eat another bite. I finished all my food, but my mother was more moderate and took some of hers home. It was an excellent value.
I would go back to Pulaski Hall in a minute - if it didn't take us 90 minutes to get there. We'll have to plan another trip, maybe this time on a Wednesday so that we can enjoy the buffet.
Thanks again for letting us have our dinner in the bar, you made our night. read more