First Taste: Apteka. Pittsburgh, PA.
Former Pierogi Night pop-up aficionados have “softly” opened their own permanent space: Apteka. This humbled eatery celebrates Central and Eastern European fare in a minimalistic, yet oh-so-cozy space. White painted brick illuminated by beams of light, fabric draped from floor to ceiling separating spaces, and simple wooden fixtures throughout a relatively small footprint create a beautiful contrast with an unadulterated warmth.
Hopes were styled like an urban legend; the creation of this establishment was anticipated by many. Pop-up after pop-up, you would hear pierogi goers share heard stories with other pierogi goers. “I hear they just signed a lease”,“I think this is going to be the last Pierogi Night before they announce the restaurant,” were common. The stories would slightly differ dependent on who you were standing next to, but each story carried the same anticipation.
A flood of joyous panic erupted online when word got out that, “the Pierogi Night place” was open. Anxious as a child, I was eager to visit. On Apteka’s 15th day of life, I introduced myself.
It’s adorable how humbled these restauranteurs are. With the vibe, service, food experienced, "Soft” is far from reality. Pierogi stuffed with sauerkraut and mushrooms, others filled smoked potatoes, parsnip, and turnip greens, cabbage rolls filled with buckwheat, roasted tomato, and bay boletes, it was clear: Apteka hit the ground running.
Between each blissful bite, I sipped on bourbon with pickled prune and sage then later enjoyed several bites of spiced gingerbread with prune preserves and poached pears, then an apple tart with dried fruit compote. It was love at first, second, third, forth, and then fifth bite. The experience of that night has stayed with me like the conclusion of successful novel. I can’t wait to return.
“This is a vegetable restaurant. Everything is vegan”
- http://aptekapgh.com
It’s amazing what owners Tomasz and Kate have created. To feel so welcomed, and such excitement at an establishment that is only an infant (newborn to be exact) is incredibly rare. It has to be the passion and genuine kindness that radiate from their being, there is no other explanation.
