Oscypek
17 Jan 2007
Oscypek
26 Jan 2007
Oscypek
26 Jan 2007
Food / What is your favorite Polish Vodka? [653]
Excellent! Żubrówka is my favorite, but there aren't too many types of Polish vodkas to chose from in US stores.
Luksusowa is usually easy to find.
I've noticed that the Żubrówka sold in the US doesn't taste as good as it does in Poland and I found out why.
"Żubrówka in the United States
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Żubrówka
Because bison grass contains the toxic compound coumarin, which is prohibited as a food additive by the Food and Drug Administration, imports of Żubrówka into the United States have been banned since 1978. When produced according to traditional methods (between one and two kilograms of grass per thousand liters of alcohol), Żubrówka contains approximately 12 milligrams of coumarin per liter. In 1999, Polish distilleries introduced reformulated US-export versions of the product, sometimes using artificial flavors and colors, always with the emblematic blade of grass in every bottle, but "neutralized" and coumarin-free."
Excellent! Żubrówka is my favorite, but there aren't too many types of Polish vodkas to chose from in US stores.
Luksusowa is usually easy to find.
I've noticed that the Żubrówka sold in the US doesn't taste as good as it does in Poland and I found out why.
"Żubrówka in the United States
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Żubrówka
Because bison grass contains the toxic compound coumarin, which is prohibited as a food additive by the Food and Drug Administration, imports of Żubrówka into the United States have been banned since 1978. When produced according to traditional methods (between one and two kilograms of grass per thousand liters of alcohol), Żubrówka contains approximately 12 milligrams of coumarin per liter. In 1999, Polish distilleries introduced reformulated US-export versions of the product, sometimes using artificial flavors and colors, always with the emblematic blade of grass in every bottle, but "neutralized" and coumarin-free."
Oscypek
26 Jan 2007
Food / What is your favorite Polish Vodka? [653]
I'm around DC.
A friend shared some Chopin with us... (actually, nevermind - they brought that back from Poland). It was Very good! I've seen it in the US - not cheap, nice bottle, probably very good--as long as no changes were made.
The US imported Żubrówka wasn't bad, but was expensive and really not the same (different brand of Bison Vodka too). We did find the same brand at a place in Baltimore, but haven't opened it yet.
It would be interesting to hear what you think of it.
I'm around DC.
A friend shared some Chopin with us... (actually, nevermind - they brought that back from Poland). It was Very good! I've seen it in the US - not cheap, nice bottle, probably very good--as long as no changes were made.
The US imported Żubrówka wasn't bad, but was expensive and really not the same (different brand of Bison Vodka too). We did find the same brand at a place in Baltimore, but haven't opened it yet.
It would be interesting to hear what you think of it.
Oscypek
26 Jan 2007
Food / What is your favorite Polish Vodka? [653]
Sounds good.
It was a green bottle (the one bought here).
I did a quick google image search and that one looked like this:
The other one bought here also, that looked like the ones from PL (almost a tan color), look like this:
Sounds good.
It was a green bottle (the one bought here).
I did a quick google image search and that one looked like this:
The other one bought here also, that looked like the ones from PL (almost a tan color), look like this:
Oscypek
30 Jan 2007
Food / What is your favorite Polish Vodka? [653]
Very interesting. I checked the cabinet and haven't opened the 2nd one bought in the US. There's still some left from PL, so I'll wait until that gets lower and try the two together then. That Bison grass looks like useful stuff with a lot of good flavors--the wiki said it's even used in pipe tobacco.
Very interesting. I checked the cabinet and haven't opened the 2nd one bought in the US. There's still some left from PL, so I'll wait until that gets lower and try the two together then. That Bison grass looks like useful stuff with a lot of good flavors--the wiki said it's even used in pipe tobacco.
Oscypek
31 Jan 2007
Oscypek
1 Feb 2007
Food / What is your favorite Polish Vodka? [653]
Looks classy! Haven't seen that one in any stores yet.
Looks classy! Haven't seen that one in any stores yet.
Oscypek
6 Feb 2007
Food / What is your favorite Polish Vodka? [653]
[Refer to Posts 182-183]
Well, we just tried the US version and the Polish version (a few sips of each straight). There's a definite difference. If you had it with apple juice you probably wouldn't know the difference.
The Polish version has a better flavor and is much smoother. It's worth noting that the Polish version has medals on the label that the American imported version doesn't. According to that wiki (quoted in an earlier post) there something in the bison grass that isn't allowed in the U.S. so it's eliminated and they use some flavoring to try and make up for the difference. The U.S. version (Chicago mentioned on label) is also greener in color.
Very interesting. I checked the cabinet and haven't opened the 2nd one bought in the US. There's still some left from PL, so I'll wait until that gets lower and try the two together then. That Bison grass looks like useful stuff with a lot of good flavors--the wiki said it's even used in pipe tobacco.
[Refer to Posts 182-183]
Well, we just tried the US version and the Polish version (a few sips of each straight). There's a definite difference. If you had it with apple juice you probably wouldn't know the difference.
The Polish version has a better flavor and is much smoother. It's worth noting that the Polish version has medals on the label that the American imported version doesn't. According to that wiki (quoted in an earlier post) there something in the bison grass that isn't allowed in the U.S. so it's eliminated and they use some flavoring to try and make up for the difference. The U.S. version (Chicago mentioned on label) is also greener in color.
Oscypek
9 Feb 2007
Food / What is your favorite Polish Vodka? [653]
We were surprised - didn't really expect much of a difference if any. Of course (for anyone) another factor is a matter of how much one consumes! :)
Hmmm.... it's the weekend now - might have to revisit this experiment. :)
Maybe your taste buds are better I couldn't tell the difference. Even if they did neutralize the grass..I think that the flavors from the grass would still remain. Who really knows....Coke and RC tastes the same to me
We were surprised - didn't really expect much of a difference if any. Of course (for anyone) another factor is a matter of how much one consumes! :)
Hmmm.... it's the weekend now - might have to revisit this experiment. :)
Oscypek
7 Mar 2007
History / Poles and Russians -- love-hate relationship? [209]
Have you heard the joke from the cold war that tells the story of a Frenchman and a Russian traveling in opposite directions on the Moscow-Paris train?
Along the way, both trains stop in Warsaw. The Frenchman gets off, looks around and asks: "Is this Moscow?" Stepping off the other train, the Russian asks: "Is this Paris?"
Have you heard the joke from the cold war that tells the story of a Frenchman and a Russian traveling in opposite directions on the Moscow-Paris train?
Along the way, both trains stop in Warsaw. The Frenchman gets off, looks around and asks: "Is this Moscow?" Stepping off the other train, the Russian asks: "Is this Paris?"
Oscypek
9 Mar 2007
Food / What is your favorite Polish Vodka? [653]
Quote: FISZ 'And? Did you come up with the same result?'
Yes indeed. I have to admit, after comparing the two, the US version is not pleasant to have--reminds me of cologne by comparison. It's hard to take now.
In an off topic comment, I did have some Kilbeggan Irish whiskey recently (bought in advance of St. Patrick's day--it was on sale and hadn't tried it). It was pretty good, worth it for the good price, but isn't considered one of the best. It will be held in stasis until March 17! :)
Quote: FISZ 'And? Did you come up with the same result?'
Yes indeed. I have to admit, after comparing the two, the US version is not pleasant to have--reminds me of cologne by comparison. It's hard to take now.
In an off topic comment, I did have some Kilbeggan Irish whiskey recently (bought in advance of St. Patrick's day--it was on sale and hadn't tried it). It was pretty good, worth it for the good price, but isn't considered one of the best. It will be held in stasis until March 17! :)
Oscypek
17 Apr 2007
Oscypek
7 May 2007
Love / Why are Polish women so sexy ? [390]
I suspect this must be the case. What countries are you suggesting are like that?
I suspect this must be the case. What countries are you suggesting are like that?
Oscypek
19 Sep 2007
USA, Canada / Polish restaurant in metro Washington DC area? [20]
These places carry Polish products in and around the DC area:
Taste of Europe, 630 Quince Orchard Rd, Gaithersburg MD, 301 590 9094
Phone: (301) 590-9094
(This is a store)
Russian Gourmet
russiangourmet.com/contactus.php
You can also get very authentic Polish foods at the Polish markets in Baltimore, MD. Here are some links and places:
Victor Ostrowski and Son -- 524 S. Washington Street, 410-327-8935
Polish garlic bologna, liver sausage, stuffed cabbage and horseradishes.
ostrowskifamous.homestead.com/index2.html
citypaper.com/eat/place.asp?id=5686
-----
Polish Broadway Meats and Deli -- Broadway Market, Fells Point, 410-732-0972
Specializes in fresh country, Italian and Polish sausages.
Krakus Deli -- 1737 Fleet Street, 410-732-7533
Smoked meats and Polish sausages, jams, pickles, breads and herbs.
Sophia's Place -- Broadway Market, Fells Point, 410-342-6105
Polish delights, sausages, dill pickles and homemade sauerkraut pirogies.
These places carry Polish products in and around the DC area:
Taste of Europe, 630 Quince Orchard Rd, Gaithersburg MD, 301 590 9094
Phone: (301) 590-9094
(This is a store)
Russian Gourmet
russiangourmet.com/contactus.php
You can also get very authentic Polish foods at the Polish markets in Baltimore, MD. Here are some links and places:
Victor Ostrowski and Son -- 524 S. Washington Street, 410-327-8935
Polish garlic bologna, liver sausage, stuffed cabbage and horseradishes.
ostrowskifamous.homestead.com/index2.html
citypaper.com/eat/place.asp?id=5686
-----
Polish Broadway Meats and Deli -- Broadway Market, Fells Point, 410-732-0972
Specializes in fresh country, Italian and Polish sausages.
Krakus Deli -- 1737 Fleet Street, 410-732-7533
Smoked meats and Polish sausages, jams, pickles, breads and herbs.
Sophia's Place -- Broadway Market, Fells Point, 410-342-6105
Polish delights, sausages, dill pickles and homemade sauerkraut pirogies.
Oscypek
25 Sep 2007
USA, Canada / American people attitude towards Poles in the USA [98]
I second this comment. Any Polish people that are unappreciated in the UK are welcome in the United States.
We have the biggest concentration of Polish people outside ofWarsaw here in Chicago, and I welcome my Polish friends.The British seem to have a huge problem because all I been reading over thethe last year is how bad it is now since the EU trade agreement.
I second this comment. Any Polish people that are unappreciated in the UK are welcome in the United States.
Oscypek
25 Sep 2007
USA, Canada / American people attitude towards Poles in the USA [98]
This is not correct. Perhaps you could say in recent times...
"From 1670 to 1710, between 40,000 and 50,000 (French) Huguenots moved to England." At the time the population of England was 5,240,000. See this site for more information.
oll.libertyfund.org/index.php?option=com_staticxt&staticfile=show.php%3Ftitle=1720&chapter=77639&layout=html
At this time it is thought that 400,000 Polish people have moved to the UK where the current population is about 60,587,000. See this site for confirmation:
statistics.gov.uk/CCI/nugget.asp?ID=6
It is also thought that one in every four English people have French Huguenot ancestry.
These sites have more information on this:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huguenot
The UK has never experienced such immigration in such a short period of time before.
This is not correct. Perhaps you could say in recent times...
"From 1670 to 1710, between 40,000 and 50,000 (French) Huguenots moved to England." At the time the population of England was 5,240,000. See this site for more information.
oll.libertyfund.org/index.php?option=com_staticxt&staticfile=show.php%3Ftitle=1720&chapter=77639&layout=html
At this time it is thought that 400,000 Polish people have moved to the UK where the current population is about 60,587,000. See this site for confirmation:
statistics.gov.uk/CCI/nugget.asp?ID=6
It is also thought that one in every four English people have French Huguenot ancestry.
These sites have more information on this:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huguenot
Oscypek
25 Sep 2007
USA, Canada / American people attitude towards Poles in the USA [98]
This has been my experience also.
It is interesting, and it's surprising that more people don't know about this.
I`m met some of the nicest people in my life from Poland
This has been my experience also.
Quoting: Oscypek It is also thought that one in every four English people have French Huguenot ancestry. Wow - thats freaking me out. I think we came over with the Normans which is even worse. 950 years of French ancestry, sacre bleu, zut alors. Aidez-moi, je vous prie!
It is interesting, and it's surprising that more people don't know about this.
Oscypek
25 Sep 2007
USA, Canada / American people attitude towards Poles in the USA [98]
True, there are too many differences in terms of geography and the time periods to do an appropriately proportional comparison.
Any attempt to compare Polish immigration to the US to that which has happened here would be fraught with difficulty I think.
True, there are too many differences in terms of geography and the time periods to do an appropriately proportional comparison.
Oscypek
25 Sep 2007
USA, Canada / American people attitude towards Poles in the USA [98]
It that case you'd really like to visit this place if you're ever in PA:
pennmac.com/page/34
History:
pennmac.com/page/4
everytime I see your avatar, it makes my mouth water....
It that case you'd really like to visit this place if you're ever in PA:
pennmac.com/page/34
History:
pennmac.com/page/4
Oscypek
25 Sep 2007
USA, Canada / American people attitude towards Poles in the USA [98]
Not as far as I've been able to discover. I've 'heard' that some people... have put it in the mail in vacuum sealed plastic from PL and sent it to the U.S. That would still be better than could be purchased in the U.S., but certainly not fresh.
Hand made perogies at Polish markets are about the most authentic foods I can get here.
Let's not get too far off topic...
Not as far as I've been able to discover. I've 'heard' that some people... have put it in the mail in vacuum sealed plastic from PL and sent it to the U.S. That would still be better than could be purchased in the U.S., but certainly not fresh.
Hand made perogies at Polish markets are about the most authentic foods I can get here.
Let's not get too far off topic...
Oscypek
10 Oct 2007
USA, Canada / What do Polish people think of the USA [287]
NY City isn't so bad with the obesity problem--everyone walks everywhere because most people don't own cars. There is a nationwide problem though. The obesity maps are interesting. They show that the biggest problem is in the Midwest and mostly in the South.
cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/trend/maps
edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/fit.nation/obesity.map
She was also wondering where all of the obese people were. She heard that there's an enormous obesity problem, but only saw a few here and there and didn't see it as big of a problem that everyone makes it appear to be. Maybe it's just where we were visiting. NY-NJ-NC.
NY City isn't so bad with the obesity problem--everyone walks everywhere because most people don't own cars. There is a nationwide problem though. The obesity maps are interesting. They show that the biggest problem is in the Midwest and mostly in the South.
cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/trend/maps
edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/fit.nation/obesity.map
Oscypek
18 Oct 2007
USA, Canada / What do Polish people think of the USA [287]
Yep...
not much of a choice I'm afraid, face it America's healthcare system is morally bankrupt and it only serves the insurance companies
Yep...
Oscypek
30 Oct 2007
History / POLAND: EASTERN or CENTRAL European country? [1080]
Don't forget about the massive U.S. aid that the USSR received from the U.S....
'Complete List of Lend Lease to Russia including atomic materials'
geocities.com/mark_willey/lend.html
U.S. Sherman Tanks given to Russia (there were a huge number of trucks also donated)
ww2incolor.com/gallery/Russian/russian_tanks
That is why in 1945, Europe was saved by the Russians, almost single handedly.
Don't forget about the massive U.S. aid that the USSR received from the U.S....
'Complete List of Lend Lease to Russia including atomic materials'
geocities.com/mark_willey/lend.html
U.S. Sherman Tanks given to Russia (there were a huge number of trucks also donated)
ww2incolor.com/gallery/Russian/russian_tanks
Oscypek
20 Nov 2007
Oscypek
28 Nov 2007
Oscypek
28 Nov 2007
Food / What is your favorite Polish Vodka? [653]
I enjoy Żubrówka too (can't get the real thing in the US w/the true grass even though it has the same name). Anyone ever try Soplica?
I enjoy Żubrówka too (can't get the real thing in the US w/the true grass even though it has the same name). Anyone ever try Soplica?
Oscypek
13 Dec 2007
Food / Why carp for Polish Christmas? [157]
"Catching and Eating Carp
Common carp are extremely popular with anglers in many parts of Europe, and their popularity as quarry is slowly increasing among anglers in the United States. Very specialized baits and tackle have been developed for common carp angling.It is also popular with spear and bow fisherman.
Carp is also eaten in many parts of the world both when caught from the wild and raised in aquaculture. In Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia and Poland, a carp is a traditional part of a Christmas Eve dinner."
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_carp
"Catching and Eating Carp
Common carp are extremely popular with anglers in many parts of Europe, and their popularity as quarry is slowly increasing among anglers in the United States. Very specialized baits and tackle have been developed for common carp angling.It is also popular with spear and bow fisherman.
Carp is also eaten in many parts of the world both when caught from the wild and raised in aquaculture. In Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia and Poland, a carp is a traditional part of a Christmas Eve dinner."
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_carp
Oscypek
3 Jan 2008
Love / The age of consent in Poland is only 15 [147]
Yeah, you both better just stay inside where it's safe and keep playing with your keyboard...
so how do I know if she
Yeah, you both better just stay inside where it's safe and keep playing with your keyboard...
Oscypek
3 Jan 2008
UK, Ireland / What do Polish people think about Wales and Welsh people? [191]
They've got wonderful mountains there -
Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowdon
They've got wonderful mountains there -
Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowdon