PINING FOR POLISH CUISINE IN SOUTH RENO (PART 2)

My “Ethnic Chicago Cookbook” states, “Chicago is a cultural crossroads. At last count, more than eighty different ethnic groups are represented in the city and its suburbs.”

Downtown Chicago as seen from Lake Michigan

That diversity has always made my hometown a magnet for international foodies.  In addition to vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown, Greektown and Little Italy, Chicago and its suburbs have countless other ethnic enclaves where you can find authentic cuisine from Ireland, Poland, Lithuania, India, Vietnam and more.

Even Chicago-area supermarkets stock special items imported from Eastern Europe.  I spotted this sign for Polska items at the Jewel-Osco store in southwest suburban Hickory Hills, Illinois.

Here in South Reno, there’s no shortage of Asian or Mexican food, but while recently craving Polish comfort food, I’ve found very slim pickings.

I can always make a batch of  my family’s famous golambki (Polish cabbage rolls, as seen here).

Homemade golambki (Polish cabbage rolls)

I also decided to take a good look at what sort of Polish menu items I might find in deli or freezer cases at South Reno supermarkets.  Of course, all of them stock national brands of  Polish sausage such as Johnsonville or Hillshire Farm.  But I rarely buy those, because they’re heavy on salt and preservatives.  I was searching for healthier options.

The South Reno Whole Foods Market at  6139 S. Virginia St. sells the Wellshire brand of All Natural Smoked Polska Kielbasa, made from pork raised without antibiotics.  Also at Whole Foods, I found hearty, whole-grain rye bread which isn’t labeled as Polish but is similar to what I’d find at Polish bakeries in Chicago.

Found at Whole Foods Market in South Reno

Trader Joe’s, 5035 S. McCarran Blvd. in South Reno, offers its own brand of Fat-Free Smoked Fresh Turkey Kielbasa which is all natural, with no artificial ingredients and is minimally processed.  Trader Joe’s also has frozen Potato Pancakes like those you might find at a Polish buffet, often served with sour cream or applesauce.

Found at Trader Joe's in South Reno

The Celebrity brand of Healthy Ham at Trader Joe’s is a product of  Canada but has a great flavor and lean texture reminiscent of the Krakus brand Polish ham which is readily available in Chicago, but not in South Reno.

A decent substitute for Polish ham, available at Trader Joe's

At the Walmart located at  155 Damonte Ranch Pkwy. in South Reno, I found Mrs. T’s frozen pierogi and Lean Cuisine stuffed cabbage with whipped potatoes. They're convenience food versions of Polish delights, yet surprisingly tasty.

Found at the Damonte Ranch Walmart

And I just received a new Tastes of Chicago flyer listing Bobak’s Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Kits (10 Maxwell Street smoked Polish sausages, 10 poppy seed buns and 8 oz. yellow mustard) which can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. for $59.99.  My family has often ordered pizzas from Tastes of Chicago and it’s a reliable company with quality products: 

http://www.tastesofchicago.com/?utm_source=loushome&utm_medium=headerlink&utm_campaign=locations-option

I know I can’t be the only native Chicagoan now residing in South Reno or the only one of Polish descent, so I hope my discoveries help others in the same boat.  

“Do zobaczenia!”  (“See you later!”)

UPDATE!  I was doing some errands around Reno this morning (July 19, 2013) and cruised by the newer location of House of Bread at 530 W. Plumb Ln., in the Plumgate shopping center.

The original Reno location of House of Bread is 1185 California Ave.  Two Christmas seasons ago, I stopped by that store to inquire about rye bread.  Polish rye was always a tradition for my family's Christmas Eve "Wigilia" celebrations and I'd heard some buzz about the rye bread at House of Bread.  On that visit, they were out of rye.  And today at the Plumb Lane location, I got the day's last loaf of rye bread.

Found at House of Bread on Plumb Lane:  "It is without."

Well, as much as I like to support and promote small, local businesses, in my opinion, the rye bread from House of Bread "is without."  That comment is inspired by Heath Ledger's character in the movie "10 Things I Hate About You."  Essentially, when he said "she is without" about the popular girl in the movie, he meant that she was over-rated, lacking any stellar, stand-out qualities.

The rye bread I purchased at House of Bread was dry, bland and ... "without."  At $5.75 a loaf (albeit a large, heavy loaf), it was also not a bargain.  I prefer the aforementioned rye bread from Whole Foods or even the common rye breads I've found at South Reno supermarkets.