Ottawa Magazine
October 2005
BITE: Pierogies
It can be difficult to say what makes one pierogi better than another. When you're talking about little more than plain pasta dough stuffed with pureed potato, the distinction is subtle. Sure pierogies, those comforting eastern European moon-shaped dumplings, fall under the category 'fresh is best', but often times a frozen supermarket pierogi will be just as satisfying as one that was freshly made. At Saslove's Meat Market (1333 Wellington Street 722-0086), the big bowls of homemade pierogies displayed on the counter, come stuffed with mushrooms, potato and cheese or cheese and bacon. I've never met the woman who makes them, but the staff call her "Mamma". I am convinced that she's the X-factor that makes these pierogies better than any I've ever tasted. With a quick toss in some butter in a fry pan, and a big dollop of sour cream, these pierogies takes me back to the childhood kitchen I never had. Thanks Mamma.-- Shawna Wagman
