smalec (lard and pork bits, yummy!)
Becksi is being sarcastic i think, smalec is definitely an acquired taste also theres lots of crap about. Theres a restaurant called Chata on the 66 entering Katowice from the north and they have the most amazing smalec on local bread that ive ever tasted. They also have out of this world pierogi but i dont want to think about that to much, its almost worth the three hour drive just for those.
Theres some great pics on the home page of typical Polish fair, check it out. chatazzalipia.pl
Although im not a cake/sweet lover most Polish ladies (wife excluded) seem to have an amazing ability to knock up the most complex cakes, multi layered, multi flavoured master pieces. Most Brits struggle with a basic victoria sponge but here well.... the proof is in the pudding.
For me the most appealing aspect of Polish food is the basic principal behind it, fresh organic produce with the concentration on utilising local in season ingredients not artificial flavour enhancers. For the most part its simple and effective, this of course will be lost in time as the big supermarket chains kill off the local produce but for now enjoy it while it lasts.
Vegetables and fruit are still 90% seasonal here.
