WHAT MAKES THIS BUFFET SO DARN GOOD!?
There has got to be something about those Kluski Noodles. Or is it the Sweet and Sour Cabbage? Maybe the Polish Sausage. What does make our area one of the largest communities in the United States for the Polish Buffet? First, let’s do a little history lesson. According to Rev. Joseph Swastek, M.A., South Bend had the largest Polish settlement of any other city in Indiana. The reason was simple. There were good paying manufacturing jobs. These settlers once inhabited over one fifth of South Bend. Their strong heritage developed the West Side of South Bend where you may still see remnants of their existence. By the early 1900’s the Polish had acquired much of the mainstream business fronts, including many food related retail businesses, such as grocery stores, meat markets and bakeries. Of course, they also developed many other types of businesses such as real estate offices, cigar factories, shoe makers and tailors.

DIGGING INTO THE POLISH BUFFET
This history begins to shed light on why the Polish Buffet is so popular here today. It’s one of the bloodlines of South Bend’s heritage. Think about it. There is no other city in Indiana that celebrates Dyngus Day. You have heard of Dyngus Day, right? The Monday that follows Easter. This is part of the Polish heritage – “a day of new opportunities”. One in which young ladies would chase men around to show interest in them. If the lady chased the young man and hit him with a pussy willow, that showed that she had interest in him. But for South Bend, it’s simply a good reason to throw one of the largest celebrations of the year. It has also become a platform for our politicians to come out and ask for votes. Locally, it is also referred to as Solidarity Day – a day of people coming together.

ANSWER THE QUESTION! WHAT MAKES THE POLISH BUFFET SO SPECIAL?
Okay, great question. Unfortunately we can't be 100% certain. Maybe it's the Kurczak (Chicken). In Polish cooking, the chicken may be fried, baked or both. Is it the Kapusta (Cabbage)? Kapusta is different; almost consider it as a dialect of a European language. Some people like traditional white and green cabbage, while others prefer red. However, it is all about the cooking process and its ingredients. Many cook it with bacon or fat, and some will then cook it with sugars and vinegars. This is the tricky one. Polish families will remember when their babula, (grandmother) would add the ingredients and remember the flavors. It sticks with them for the rest of their lives.

MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENT FOR SUCCESS:When Looking For A Catering Partner Make Sure You Find One That Can Do Polish Properly... Which Translates Into Traditional

When most of us think of Polish, the first thing that comes to mind is the Polish Kielbasa. A tickle to the taste buds; made of pork, garlic, marjoram and a little salt and pepper. Of course for others it’s all about the kluski – one rich in flavor with the right amount of mirepoix (array of fresh vegetables) and chicken meats or flavorings. However to this writer, it is all about the color. It has to have the right shade of yellow (which is produced from the coloring of the eggs that are added to make a perfect dough). Tluczone ziemniaki i sos, (the homemade mashed potatoes and pan gravy) will celebrate the senses. Finally, let’s not forget the seasoned zielona fasolka, (green beans) and the chleb, (bread). Those are a few reasons why the Polish Buffet is likely the most catered meal in our area. It is also a reason to remember that when looking for a catering partner, make sure you find one that can do Polish properly... which translates into traditional.

MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE IS HAPPY...
Serve A Traditional Polish Buffet At Your Next Event!

The ever popular Polish Buffet continues to grow stronger here in our community. Why? Because this is one meal that works for every family - and for every celebration. Family members are able to choose from many different items to find what they enjoy most. Yet, all in all, it comes down to a delicious and rich celebration of the important Polish ancestry.

So, from our family to yours, when celebrating any occasion, remember this traditional favorite and celebrate this diverse community that we call home.

Event Tips Brought To You By:
David Vite, Dan Dudas & Deborah Dudas
Owners of The Legendary Skillet Catering

For Information on Catering: thelegendaryskillet.com

See The Skillet's Profile: Skillet Catering