June – a time for savouring and anticipation

Every year, June teaches us that some things are worth waiting for.

We live at a fast pace; we want everything straight away. And then we realise that some things simply can’t be rushed, because nature follows its own calendar. 😉

When I think of June, I picture sweltering days that wore some people out, whilst for others – and I definitely count myself amongst them – they lifted our spirits right from the start of the day.

The first signs of summer brought many guests to Pierogarnia, all craving something delicious. We served our dishes to nearly 92,000 people. It’s as if we’d fed the entire population of Kalisz this month. 😮 It’s worth thinking not about the statistics, but about the people and the moments – 92,000 dates, family dinners, long-awaited get-togethers, a chance to relax whilst exploring the city, or celebrating special occasions with loved ones. 92,000 people spent time with us at the table, just to spend a moment with their loved ones. 😍

The first flavours of summer

In June, strawberries, Kamchatka berries and the first early raspberries appeared. Cherry tomatoes began to ripen slowly on the branches.

It also made us realise that we mustn’t let summer slip away from our plates. This is the season of the year richest in fruit and vegetables, and it’s worth squeezing every last drop out of it.

🍋🍓🫐🥒🫑🍆🍅 🍒🍑🍐🍎🍇

First we wait for strawberries, then for tomatoes, and finally for chanterelles – that’s what summer is like every year. But it’s always worth waiting for something. The very act of looking forward to something can bring joy and excitement, so we get to enjoy those positive emotions for longer.

Whilst we’re on the subject of looking forward to what’s to come, I’ve got a little preview of the flavours that will be on offer at Pierogarnia Stary Młyn this summer.

July = blueberries

There’s no doubt that this is an iconic symbol of summer – a blend of childhood nostalgia for fingers and faces stained with blueberries, rural folklore, where blueberries have become part of the backdrop to country holidays, and the sensual symbolism of summer.

We’ve seen the arrival of blueberry dumplings, ‘leniwe’ with blueberries, sour cream and a crumble topping made from browned butter, and blueberry ice cream with meringue.

August = plenty of fruit and vegetables, including tomatoes

This month is like a ‘holiday Sunday’ – a time of melancholy and the passing of summer, yet also a time to enjoy the peace and quiet. In August, it’s hard to say what reigns supreme in the gardens and orchards, but at Pierogarnia Stary Młyn, the stars of the show will be dumplings with pork cheek, tomatoes and mozzarella, a sauce made from yellow tomatoes and roasted cherry tomatoes, and a chilled beetroot soup with fresh cucumber and egg.

September = cosy times

September bridges the gap between summer and autumn; the dishes are often traditional, still fresh, but now warmer and more hearty.

To make the wait for the golden Polish autumn more enjoyable, we’ll be serving cauliflower soup with potato crisps, dumplings with chanterelles, pork and chestnuts, and Arkas – a traditional, milky lemon jelly with raspberries, raspberry sauce and meringue.

This is what the summer months will be like with the Stary Młyn Pierogarnia family.

The best things don’t last forever, and perhaps that’s precisely why we’re able to appreciate them all the more.

This summer, I hope that both you and I will take the time to appreciate what Poland’s fields, forests and orchards have to offer.

Before we know it, we’ll be longing for those flavours, the sunshine, the bustling restaurant gardens and the long evenings all over again.

And whilst they’re still here – let’s sit down at the table and enjoy them right down to the very last bite! 😎😁