Traditional Polish delicacies, live highlander music and colorful Kraków folk costumes marked the 11th edition of Taste of Poland, held Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Jewel-Osco store at 6430 W. Irving Park Road in Chicago. The event once again drew crowds of shoppers, representatives of Polish and international brands, and local business owners celebrating Polish culture, traditions and flavors.
Interest in this year’s event was huge. Finding an open parking space was quite a challenge, and shopping carts disappeared in no time. For several hours, the store turned into a gathering place for the Polish-American community, a spot for sampling favorite products and enjoying the festivities together.
“When I arrived, I had trouble finding a parking spot. It was wonderful to see such a large turnout at Taste of Poland,” said Jim Seidler, Grocery Sales Manager at Jewel-Osco. “Chicago is home to one of the largest Polish communities in the United States. We are proud to support such an important part of our customers by celebrating Polish cuisine, culture and traditions.”
Polish Flavors Take Center Stage
The biggest attraction of the event was, of course, the tastings. At specially prepared stands, visitors could try both well-known Polish specialties and discover new products.
There was no shortage of the iconic Krakus ham, Kasia’s pierogi, and traditional sausages and cold cuts from Alex’s Deli and Old Style Butcher.
Brands including Czaniecki, Kucharek, Orzech, Prymat, Musztarda Kościuszko, 7 Days, Mokate, Loyd Tea, Crispies, Gullón, Heilo Chips, Mattoni, Kretschmar and Eckrich also presented their products. Pepsi and Lay’s took part as well, underscoring their commitment to supporting Chicago’s Polish-American community.
Among the beverages on display were Chopin and Belvedere vodkas and Tyskie beer. The Chopin Szarlotka cocktail, inspired by the flavor of a traditional Polish apple pie dessert, drew particular interest.
Shoppers could also look forward to giveaways, prize drawings and special discount coupons that saved $5 on purchases of at least $50.
“We are proud that for eleven years now we have been able to host Taste of Poland and share this special tradition with our customers,” said Phil Pogorzelski, Store Manager at Jewel-Osco. “Our store offers an exceptionally rich selection of Polish products, and events like this let customers discover new flavors, return to familiar ones and celebrate the rich heritage of our community together.”
Highlander Rhythms, Kraków Dances and Polski FM
Taste of Poland, however, is much more than tastings. The band Zespół Smreki created a truly Polish atmosphere, filling the store with lively highlander music that evoked the feel of Poland’s Tatra Mountains.
Traditional folk dances were also part of the program. A pair of dancers from the Wici Song and Dance Ensemble, directed by Magdalena Stolarz, performed in colorful Kraków costumes, drawing interest and applause from shoppers.
JoJo, the friendly Jewel-Osco mascot, joined in the fun, dancing, posing for photos and happily greeting the youngest guests.
The event was accompanied by Polski FM 92.7, which broadcast live on the radio, reporting on the atmosphere of the event and sharing it with listeners across the Chicago area.
Eleven Years of Promoting Polish Heritage
For more than a decade, Taste of Poland has become a well-known fixture on the calendar of Chicago’s Polish community. It is not only an opportunity to showcase Polish products, but also a space for gathering, preserving traditions and introducing Polish culture to people of other nationalities.
This year’s edition again showed that Polish flavors, music and folklore hold a special place in Chicago, and that interest in them extends far beyond the Polish-American community itself.
About Jewel-Osco
Jewel-Osco is one of the most recognizable supermarket chains in the Chicago area, serving the local community since 1899. The company is part of Albertsons Companies and operates 189 stores in Illinois, northwest Indiana and Iowa, employing more than 31,000 people. It offers a wide selection of groceries, fresh products, pharmacy services and international foods, including a rich assortment of Polish products.
More information: www.jewelosco.com.
