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“Smacznego” may not be in your current vernacular, but after visiting the brand-new Pierogies Factory in Wheat Ridge, that could change. The Polish phrase for “bon appétit” befits chef-owner Cezary Grosfeld’s pierogies and fast-casual Polish fare.
Grosfeld has been in the Polish food business since opening Kinga’s Lounge in 2007. Four years later, he launched the Polished Tavern on the corner of 15th and Lawrence streets. In the meantime, he began selling the savory dumplings at farmers’ markets and started a food truck (the original Pierogies Factory). Now, with his week-old, brick-and-mortar in Wheat Ridge, Grosfeld’s dishes celebrate Polish street food that’s at turns traditional and modern.
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Topping the list of favorites is the golabki plate with a tomato sauce–doused cabbage roll filled with ground pork, spices, and rice. The entrée version allows you to customize the plate with four or six pierogies (choose boiled, sautéed, or deep-fried) with fillings that range from potato and cheese and a vegan-style potato and onion to sauerkraut and mushrooms. Blending traditional with modern, I rounded out the golabki and potato and cheese pierogies with a side of green chile (pictured above). Comforting but not overly filling, this is my new brand of comfort food.
Save room for a house-made dessert such as sugary Copenhagen cookies or flaky Spandauer pastries (a Danish-like treat filled with cherry or apple). Pierogie Factory’s treats extend to the morning hours; you can pick up Polish pastries and Dazbog coffee starting at 6:30 a.m.
Tip: Signage for the new spot is understated, so look carefully for the eatery on the southwest corner of 39th and Wadsworth.
3895 Wadsworth Blvd., Wheat Ridge, 720-251-3219