They'll serve six varieties from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the shop, 139 Second Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street.
And as we've seen, this event draws a crowd, so plan accordingly...
It is with great sadness that we write to inform you of the passing of our beloved founder/owner, Julian Baczynsky. His work and dedication to the Ukrainian community and the East Village will always be remembered.According to Village Preservation, Baczynsky emigrated here from Ukraine in 1949.
In 1955 he opened his first store on Avenue B and 10th Street, and later he and a partner opened a store on First Avenue. In 1970 he and his partner parted ways and he started his own store at 139 Second Avenue with the goal to have a store that would preserve Eastern European culture.Per the East Village Meat Market website: "It was his life-long dream to own a business and have a slice of the American Dream."
Mr. Baczynsky opened his shop on Second Avenue shortly after I came to Veselka in 1966 and we’ve been friends and neighbors ever since. He has supplied us with his excellent home-smoked kielbasa for over 50 years. We have at times struggled to survive and at times flourished together. We couldn't have asked for a better neighbor and collaborator. We are very thankful for his long and very productive life. He will be sorely missed.
We will be giving out FREE samples of some of the best Pierogies that the Ukrainian community has to offer. This Pierogi Party' will include 14 different kinds of Pierogies. The usual suspects like Potato, Cheese, and Sauerkraut will be making appearances, along side newcomers like Short rib and Pumpkin. Pierogies will be available for purchase as well!
We are all very excited about partnering with Veselka, a great East Village institution, but most important we can't wait to spread the "Pierogi Love" to our customers and East Village neighbors. Last year's event was a huge hit with lines wrapping half way down the block, so make sure to get here early before we sell out.
The event will take place all day (9am-6pm) ... Hope to see you all there!
We will be giving out FREE samples of some of the best pierogies that the Ukrainian community has to offer. We will be serving Potato, Cheese, Buckwheat, Sauerkraut, Short ribs, Pumpkin and many other varieties. Pierogies will be available for purchase as well!
We are all very excited about partnering with Veselka, but most important we can't wait to spread the "Pierogi Love" to our customers and East Village neighbors.
The event will take place all day (9 am-6 pm) at our store on 139 Second Ave.
The East Village Meat Market is joining forces with Veselka on Oct. 31 to host the first-ever Pierogi Tasting Day.
Time: 9 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Location: East Village Meat Market, 139 Second Ave. between St. Mark's Place and East Ninth Street.
• We will be serving pierogies from Veselka, Rosa-Ly Pierogi, Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen and Hunter Cultural Center
• We will be giving out free pierogies ranging from the usual potato-cheese to pumpkin and short ribs.
• All pierogies will also be available for sale
Opened in 1970 by Julian Baczynsky, the store boasts a dated red and blue sign out front and an un-remodeled interior. Store-length deli cases run the length of the shop to the left of the entrance, and numerous Ukrainian and Polish goods line the shelves to the right. The place contains none of the Greek-fraternal vibe now often found in the East Village.
You'll often spy long-time customers. "Do you remember us? We come all the way from Astoria," an elderly couple pushing a cart said to one of the many employees helping customers at the market. Quickly thereafter, Andrew Ilmicki, the longtime store manager, appeared to say hi to the hunched over couple, smiling and welcoming them back.
"The most important part of our business is the people," he told me later. "If you don't welcome them in, they maybe never come back."
The weeks before Easter are now the market’s busiest time of year, as this vestige of the old community continues to draw customers, many who once lived nearby, or who worshiped at St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church. Long departed from the neighborhood, they, or their families, now travel hours to shop for holiday fare they say is difficult to find elsewhere.