Husband-and-wife restaurant team Art Wnorowski and Gosia Pieniazek are no strangers to showcasing the cuisine and culture of their native Poland. They took a leap of faith in January when they opened Pierogi Kitchen inside the Firewood space.
Now they turn their attention to a third Polish-inspired restaurant. Two styles of Polish sandwiches will be the focus. Traditionally, a sliced baguette is topped with onions, mushrooms, and melted cheese, which serves as the base. Ketchup and green onions are part of the handheld from which a variety of additional toppings are available.
Maczanka has a deeper history in Poland dating back to the 19th century when the grab-and-go pulled pork sandwich was popular with carriage drivers and students. A freshly baked baguette works well for his zapis, says Wnorowski β the soft insides absorb the juices and spices from the cooked mushrooms. The beverage program will focus on European and local beers. Like Wurst Behavior, Spoko features a patio space with a beer garden vibe.
At Pierogi Kitchen and Wurst Behavior, Wnorowski and Pieniazek have been pleased to see the third and fourth generations of Polish immigrants embrace their concepts. Nobody wanted to admit they were Polish because there was a bad reputation for the food, people, and culture. As we got along, our food got along as well. The popularity of their concepts got the couple thinking about creating a restaurant group that promotes Eastern European food, both traditional dishes and of-the-moment items that acknowledge global influences.
Spoko , W. Armitage Avenue, opening on Wednesday, February Filed under: Coming Attractions Restaurant News. Pocket Flipboard Email. Spoko is a new Polish sandwich shop coming to Lincoln Park. More From Eater Chicago. Sign up for the newsletter Eater Chicago Sign up for our newsletter. Thanks for signing up! Check your inbox for a welcome email. Email required. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice.
