Veselka

Split Pea Soup

The morning after Egg, Darien, Shann, and I met Matt for breakfast at Veselka. Matt just moved to NY for med school, and because he a very local boy, super local boy (shorts & slippahs all the way, 60 degrees = "freezing!"), I am worried how he will fare winter, and this very non-Hawai'i lifestyle. I confessed to Shann the other day while gravely shaking my head, "I am scared for Matt." We've all been close friends since the Punahou years, and some for even longer. So you must understand my fear for him on the east coast is purely one out of love.

Stuffed cabbage, meat and potato pierogies

A particularly hungry Darien, declared that she was going to have the Meat Combination Plate. For breakfast, of all things! ;) She kept true to word, polishing her plates, the largest order at the table (lentil soup, salad, stuffed cabbage, and pierogis), clean before anyone else.

Fried meat pierogies

For Matt who zeros in on fried foods at every restaurant, meat pierogies were in order. The nice thing about ordering pierogies at Veselka is the freedom of choice. There are seven to an order, and you can get all different ones or seven of the same. But with choices like sweet potato (yam, if you'd rather ;), spinach & cheese, and sauerkraut & mushroom on the menu, it would be silly not to try them all.

Buckwheat waffles with fresh berries

In a constant battle between settling for sweet or savoury at breakfast, I enjoy eating with someone with the same issue (so we can get both and share)�or at the very least, someone who will opt for savoury as I have an unusual penchant for falling into the clutches of sweet. Hence, Veselka's waffles, splendid little numbers, both to the eyes and taste buds. Good waffle are rare in the city - but when you do come across one, there's nothing left but to rejoice and devour. Such is the single buckwheat waffle, made from scratch, and served crisp with a bounty of fresh berries. Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries - that's quite a generous touch. Did I mention it comes along with a little glass of real maple syrup?

Shann stuck with the ever reliable basics, kielbasa, scrambled eggs, and home fries with a side of challah toast. It's far from spectacular, but sometimes knowing exactly what you want, and getting exactly that, is all you need.

P.S.
I spotted fresh mini blueberry pies in the dessert case - note to self: must indulge in one this week :)

Hope all is well!

Veselka
144 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10003
(212) 228-9682