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Off the beaten path
Café makes Eggcredible pierogi dumplings By Clay Fong
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estled inside the Days Hotel (formerly Inn) off South Boulder Road, Boulder’s Eggcredible Café, which serves only breakfast and lunch, features a cozy log cabin interior suggesting wide open Western spaces. But look a little more closely, and you’ll also notice walls dotted with Eastern European folk art and scenic photographs of Polish cityscapes. This juxtaposition of East and West also carries over to the menu, which not only highlights omelets, pancakes and sandwiches, but also a unique assortment of pierogi dumplings. Visiting on a snowy day, friends Jackie
Florentine Omelet, filled with tomato, mushroom, cream cheese and namesake spinach. The eggs were tender and fluffy, complemented by vegetables that had been heated enough to maximize their flavor, but not to the point of overcooking. The side of seasoned fried potatoes, which also accompanied the Benedict, possessed a pleasantly thin crust and sensually soft interior. Wayne astutely observed that these tubers were not from the steam table and had obviously been cooked to order. I ordered the $9.89 Polish Pierogi Platter off the lunch menu. Bathed in a pungent garlic cream sauce and dusted with paprika, three varieties of homemade dumplings surrounded a scoop of potato salad. As a garlic lover, I was delighted by Eggcredible Café the sauce, and Jackie mused that it would have been a superior alternative to the 5397 South Boulder Road Hollandaise on her omelet. Boulder, 303-301-0005 The first of the dumplings was the zakopane, a tangy mix of sauerkraut and mushrooms that were surprisingly hefty and Wayne and I began brunch with n America, the most significant celebration of Polish dumplings without being overwhelming. Similarly, Silver Canyon coffee drinks, which occurs at the annual Whiting, Ind., Pierogi Fest. The 2010 edition the richly flavored potato and cheese variarrived at the table promptly, thanks to will run from July 23–25, and it features an International Polka ety was filling, while still retaining a light our exceedingly polite server. Jackie opted Parade, a pierogi toss, and a (gulp!) pierogi-eating contest. Mr. texture. The three-meat version was a for a $3.79 latte, while Wayne enjoyed a Pierogi is the mascot of this event, and this individual, dressed as subtly accomplished blend of pork, chick$2.49 double espresso. I ordered up a a dumpling, serves as the city’s goodwill ambassador, posing for en and beef with each flavor supporting $2.89 Colorado Kawa (Polish for “cofpictures and presumably keeping the Dancing Pieroguettes in the other. I would certainly return for fee”), which blended coffee with hot line. Accompanying him is Miss Paczki, the personification of a these dumplings, and I’m also eager to chocolate topped with whipped cream. traditional dessert resembling a jelly donut. As the fest’s website sample the sweet fruit and cheese breakWhile these beverages lacked the fullproclaims, “She’s the queen of jelly-filled bismarks!” fast pierogi. bore taste of specialty coffee shop drinks, As we concluded our meal, Wayne they held their own against those served observed that if he was a guest at the at other breakfast joints. One couldn’t The weak link in the chain was the Hollandaise sauce, hotel, he would be pleasantly surprised by fault the jumbo size of the beverages, and watching marred by a watery texture and consequently wanting in the quality and breadth of the Eggcredible’s menu. I Jackie grapple with her oversized mug resembled someflavor. On the plus side, the poached eggs were perfectconcurred, and it’s also clear this unpretentious eatery is thing straight out of Alice in Wonderland. ly prepared with silky whites and a touch of runniness a worthwhile destination for the local resident seeking a Wayne requested the $9.89 Benedict de Mare, a in the yolk. Chopped bits of smoked salmon felt velvety hearty breakfast or lunch prepared with considerable well-presented composition of all-natural eggs and in the mouth without being overly salty. care as well as memorable pierogi. smoked salmon atop the obligatory English muffin. Expert preparation also marked Jackie’s $8.29 Respond: letters@boulderweekly.com
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Clay’s Obscurity Corner Mr. Pierogi and Miss Paczki
44 November 26, 2009
Boulder Weekly
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Extensive menu, featuring fresh hand-made corn tortillas and vegetarian and gluten-free selections. Organic produce and all-natural products are custom in most of our dishes.
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