Sokolowski's University Inn, April 16th

Smacznego! (bon appétit!)

I went in with an open mind, 'cause ain't nobody gonna compete with my Polish momma's cooking. Oh boy, the place did not disappoint. Serious stick-to-your ribs starch-fest butter-lovin' home-cooking. The place was hoppin' in this cafeteria-style restaurant with a line curling around the inviting bar from around 7-8. As I was walking in the door, I actually witnessed a catholic priest chatting with a local guy about some guy with a butchered polish last name. It was like they planted actors. The bar was a nice surprise to me, comfy and open, with a great view of downtown from Tremont. The polish vodka selection, and Okicim beer on draft made me proud.

I love it that the first things to choose are dessert, neat trick, my kinda joint. Well played, Sokolowski's. The crew went straight for the chocolate raspberry, chocolate cake and carrot cake from the start. No traditional Polish sweets, but that certainly didn't stop some of us from diggin in anyway. Next section...beers from around the world on ice...again, i love this joint! I've never seen the beer Bakalar from Czechoslovakia, and...since it's my last name in Czech...well, of course I had to get it. It was pretty tasty.

Last night's choices were the chicken paprikash, salisbury steak (a Sokolowski's favorite), breaded pork chops, schnitzel, and of course perogi! The salad bar is pretty standard, nothing out of the ordinary, but I was pretty geeked to see the traditional cucumber and sour cream salad, pickled beets, and FRESH horseradish. So, from this Polish girl, I'd say it's decent Polish-American cooking.

There were lots of happy noises coming from the table, and at one point, out of character, we were all quite, too busy eating. Whadya think table tenners?

Dervish in Avon, March 19th

Sorry for the delay folks, been slacking on the update! And I'm struggling to remember.

The gang met up at Dervish, which specializes in Mediterranean and Turkish food. The restaurant itself is nice enough, clean and comfortable. Not much of an ambiance and it's unfortunate it's in a strip mall. And..HORRORS! no booze. But, that was remedied real-quick-like by a jaunt to the wine shop 2 doors down. The host did recommend it to us, and was very happy to open the bottles for us. The red wine helped with the ambiance, and we got some looks from those that were jealous that they were not dining with the ultra-cool table ten supper club. (well, people could tell we are gonna be big, someday)

On to the vittles...the food was pretty darn good IMO. Fresh ingredients, good service. Curious to see what the other TTSC peeps say. I know the zucchini fritters were a big hit, I was a little sad we didn't order more. My lamb dish was crazy-good. I can't find it on the online menu to give you the exact name, the menu is a bit confusing with a bazillion kinds of kebobs. But, my dish had a lovely tomato sauce, the tomato and lamb combo was on top of a bed of yogurt and croutons. It was a tasty spicy, creamy, cool and tender crunchy dish.

Joey had the stuffed cabbage, which got mediocre reviews, and D had the sizzling dish below..but I can't remember what it was, chicken?! (i really need to post right away). Brian had the kebabs below, chicken I believe...which along with the lamb and zucchini fritters were the favorites that night. Nicole and Brad had the falafel, we ate a couple of plates of hummos (good, but I've had better). I can't remember what Ken had, but, the trooper he is, he shared a baklava dessert with me. (strictly for the good of the blog).

Overall, I think a better place for casual lunch, or a place to stop if your out shopping that way.